About the Samsung EX-T85NB/US 85mm f/1.4 ED SSA Lens
The Samsung EX-T85NB/US is a premium, large-aperture telephoto prime lens designed for use with the company's NX-series mirrorless cameras, representing a flagship optical product within that ecosystem. With a focal length of 85mm and a remarkably wide maximum aperture of f/1.4, this lens is engineered specifically for professional-caliber portrait photography, low-light work, and applications requiring exceptional subject isolation. The 85mm focal length on the APS-C sensor format provides an effective field of view similar to a 130mm lens on a full-frame camera, making it ideal for flattering headshots, half-length portraits, and detail-oriented work where maintaining a comfortable working distance from the subject is beneficial. The f/1.4 aperture enables the creation of an extremely shallow depth of field, producing that highly sought-after creamy bokeh that seamlessly separates the subject from the background, while also gathering a tremendous amount of light for shooting in challenging ambient conditions.
Optical construction is where this lens truly excels, incorporating advanced elements to correct aberrations and ensure edge-to-edge sharpness even at its widest aperture. It features Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to meticulously control chromatic aberration and color fringing, maintaining high contrast and color fidelity. Furthermore, the lens utilizes Samsung's proprietary Super Sonic Actuator (SSA) for autofocus, a ring-type ultrasonic motor system that provides fast, nearly silent, and precise focusing—a critical feature for both still photography and video recording where AF noise can be intrusive. The internal focusing design ensures the lens barrel does not extend during operation, and the front filter thread does not rotate, which is advantageous when using polarizing or graduated neutral density filters.
Build quality is robust, with a metal lens mount and a generally solid construction that conveys durability. The lens includes customizable focus hold buttons and a dedicated switch for transitioning between autofocus and manual focus modes, offering tactile control for advanced users. While designed for the now-discontinued Samsung NX camera mount, this lens remains a notable piece of optical engineering for owners of that system, offering performance characteristics that rival similar lenses from other major manufacturers. It delivers a rendering style prized by portrait artists: sharp, detail-resolving focus on the subject combined with a beautifully smooth and defocused background, making it a specialized tool for creating images with profound visual impact and professional polish.