An 85mm F1.4 at only € 699, Viltrox breaks prices against Sony and Sigma

Viltrox continues to develop its range of ultra-light fixed focal lengths for Full Frame hybrids. After the Viltrox 135mm F1.8 Lab and the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 Labhere is the Viltrox 85mm F1.4 Pro declined in Sony E mount. This is the first model of a series entitled Pro from the Chinese manufacturer that multiplies the ranges with the Lab series, the Air series.

This new 85 mm therefore covers the 24×36 mm sensor format, but it can also be used on Sony hybrids equipped with APS-C sensors. In this case, a 1.5x conversion coefficient must be applied to obtain the equivalent focal length, a 127.5 mm therefore! A focal point of 85 mm is a reference for portrait practice. It makes it possible to envisage tight framing while keeping a sufficient distance with the subject. In addition, this small long focal length makes it possible to crush the perspectives a little to further bring out a main subject of its background with low depths of field.

With regard to the depth of field and the bokeh, we can count on a very bright maximum opening of F1.4 associated with a diaphragm with 11 strips. It is therefore possible to easily minimize the sharpness area in the image and play with the Bokeh and the Flou-Net and Net-Flou transitions. It is therefore particularly effective for the exercise of the portrait. In addition, this very large opening also ensures good skills to work in low highlighting -free light conditions.

The Viltrox 85mm F1.4 PRO relies on a complex optical formula composed of 15 elements divided into 11 groups with 9 elements with high refraction index, 3 ED glasses and 1 high precision aspherical lens. The manufacturer announces, through the publication of MTF curves, excellent optical performance with a strong and homogeneous bit.

Autofocus is ensured by a double hypervcm engine, signed Viltrox, which ensures precision, speed and discretion for video use. This autofocus is compatible with the detection of Faces and Sony eyes as well as monitoring the subject. The minimum development distance of 79 cm ensures a maximum magnification ratio of 0.13x.

The quality of construction is also there with a metal body and protection against bad weather with 9 seals. The lens is about 11 cm long, 8.5 cm in diameter and weighs 800 g. There is a declining manual diaphragm adjustment ring and a customizable button. Of course, a USB-C socket installed on the frame allows the firmware update.

Availability and price

The new Viltrox 85mm F1.4 Pro is offered at the very aggressive price of 699 euros. By comparison, the model Sony G Master II is offered around 2100 euros and the Sigma Art model around 1100 euros. Once again, Viltrox pulverizes prices and opens the door to this type of objectives to photographers and videographers who have a limited budget. This new model is more to be positioned in front of the recent SIRUI AF 85mm F1.4 FFwhich is still a little cheaper (650 euros)!

Want to save even more? Discover Our promo codes Selected for you.