posted Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 1:25 PM EDT
Viltrox is kicking off 2025 by introducing the AF 85mm F/1.4 PRO FE, a top-notch portrait lens engineered for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. Following their impressive releases like the 135mm F/1.8 LAB and 35mm F/1.2 LAB, this new lens aims to rival Sony’s high-end 85mm F/1.4 G Master II, but at a much lower cost.
Designed especially for portrait photographers, the Viltrox 85mm F/1.4 PRO FE combines exceptional image quality, rapid autofocus, and sturdy build quality—all for only $598, compared to Sony’s premium model priced at $1,798.
Currently, it’s only available for Sony E-mount, but there are expectations for Viltrox to roll out versions for other mounts in the future.
Perfectly Suited for Portraits and More
Thanks to its F/1.4 aperture, this lens performs admirably in low-light conditions, providing a shallow depth of field, making it perfect for portrait, wedding, and event photography. Viltrox claims it captures “intimate full-frame portraits, dynamic body shots, and subtle emotional expressions.”
The lens features an optical design with 15 elements arranged in 11 groups. This includes 3 extra-low dispersion, 9 high-refractive, and 1 ultra-aspherical element to guarantee sharpness and minimal distortion. Additionally, Viltrox has applied an HD Nano Multi-Coating to reduce ghosting and flare, ensuring high-contrast images even in tricky lighting.
With dual Hyper VCM motors, the autofocus system is swift, precise, and quiet, making it suitable for both still photography and video work. It also includes advanced eye and face detection for reliable tracking when used with compatible Sony cameras. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.79m and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.13x.
Part of Viltrox’s PRO series, the lens is constructed with a fully metal housing that is dust- and splash-resistant, ideal for outdoor use. However, the robust construction does make it somewhat heavier, as it weighs 800 grams.
Usability enhancements include a customizable Fn button (configurable through the Viltrox Lens app), an aperture click switch for smooth changes between still and video modes, and a USB-C port for firmware updates.
Pricing and Availability
The Viltrox AF 85mm F/1.4 PRO FE is priced at $598 and can be purchased through the Viltrox official store and authorized retailers. Currently, it’s exclusively offered in Sony E-mount, but Nikon Z-mount users can take advantage of the Viltrox E-Z adapter, which is confirmed to be fully compatible with this lens.
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Sample Images
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