Vistilen AF 85mm F1.8 SE II

The Vistilen AF 85mm F1.8 SE II is the Canon RF version of the brand's 85mm F1.8 portrait prime. Vistilen calls the mount EFR and lists Canon EOS R bodies as compatible. It is a full-frame autofocus lens in the classic medium-telephoto portrait range, and on APS-C bodies it frames like a roughly 136mm lens.

Optical design

According to Vistilen, the optical construction has 11 elements in 7 groups, and the diaphragm has 11 blades with a smallest aperture of F16. Vistilen says that the coating suppresses flare and chromatic aberration and promises consistent resolution from the center to the edge, which is a manufacturer claim and not a measured result. The minimum focus distance is 0.65 m, and the full-frame diagonal angle of view is 27.8 degrees.

Autofocus and handling

An STM stepping motor drives the autofocus, and Vistilen states support for eye and face detection. The product page shows no aperture ring and no custom button. The optical data match the Vistilen 85mm F1.8 SE for Sony E, Nikon Z and Fujifilm X; the RF lens carries the addition II in its name on the Vistilen shop.

Build and size

The filter thread is 62 mm. Vistilen gives 379 g as the weight in the specification table, while the text of the same page says approximately 369 g. The diameter is 76 mm and the length 98.55 mm, shorter than the 101 mm of the E-mount version. The barrel is made from a high-strength polymer, which Vistilen credits for the low weight.

Where it fits

On RF the native alternatives are the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM, which adds a stabilizer and macro capability, and the Canon RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM at the premium end. The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF is another autofocus option. Within the Vistilen range the SE II sits below the AF 85mm F1.4 in aperture and size.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 11 aperture blades
• About 379 g, light for an 85mm full-frame lens
• Eye and face detection autofocus stated by Vistilen
• Compact at 98.55 mm length

Cons

• No image stabilization in the lens
• Minimum focus distance of 0.65 m
• No aperture ring or custom button shown
• Weight is given as 379 g in the table and 369 g in the text

Verdict

The AF 85mm F1.8 SE II is a light and simple 85mm portrait lens for Canon RF bodies. It lacks stabilization and a close-up capability, which the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM offers, but it keeps size and weight low.