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Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II — Prime/Zoom
Samyang

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II

Prime/Zoom

88
/ 100
From $999
VS
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM wins by 3
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM — Prime/zoom
Canon

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Prime/zoom

91
/ 100
From $1,899
Specdex verdict

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II lands at 88 and Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM at 91. That puts Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)

Pick Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sharpness

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM leads on sharpness (91 vs 88).

Build

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM leads on build (90 vs 88).

Autofocus

Tie

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II more score per dollar ($999 vs $1,899).

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II 88
vs
91 Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Score breakdown

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II
88
sharpness 88
af 86
build 88
value 85
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
91
sharpness 91
af 87
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II versus Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM — full spec comparison
Spec Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II

Pros
  • +Fast aperture
  • +Quiet autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Weight varies
  • −Price scales with quality

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

FAQ: Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II vs Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Which is better, Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II or Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM? +

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II worth the price? +

At $999, Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM worth the price? +

At $1,899, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II or Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sharpness, Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II or Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM? +

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM — leads on sharpness (91 vs 88). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for build, Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II or Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM? +

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.