Brightin Star AF 35mm F1.8

Focal length: 35 mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Weight: 420 g
Filter diameter: 62 mm
Min. focus distance: 40 cm
Length: –

Overview

The Brightin Star AF 35mm F1.8 is an autofocus full frame prime for Sony E and Nikon Z. It was announced in August 2025 and covers the classic reportage focal length with a 63.9 degree angle of view. It sits between the brand's AF 24mm and AF 85mm, and it shares their 62 mm filter size.

Optical design

According to the manufacturer the lens has 11 elements in 8 groups and an aperture range of F1.8 to F16 with 11 blades. The design includes two aspherical, two high refraction and one ED element. The closest focusing distance is 0.4 m. Brightin Star promotes minimal focus breathing for video use.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is handled by an STM stepping motor. The lens has an AF/MF switch, a custom function button, a rubber mount seal and a USB-C port for firmware updates. Brightin Star describes the mount as weather sealed, which is not the same as a weather sealed lens, and the manual says the lens as a whole is not water resistant. A lens hood is included.

Build and size

The manual gives a weight of 420 g and a filter thread of 62 mm. The weight is on the heavier side for a 35mm F1.8 and in the range of many full frame autofocus lenses of this type.

Where it fits

For Sony E and Nikon Z the database lists the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.8 (both mounts), the 7Artisans AF 35mm F1.8 (E, Z and L), and for Sony the Sony FE 35mm F1.8 and the Samyang / Rokinon AF 35mm F1.8 FE. The Brightin Star is a third party option with the same focal length and aperture as these lenses. The brand also sells a manual 35mm F1.4 for several mounts.

Pros and cons

Pros

F1.8 aperture with 11 blades
STM autofocus with AF/MF switch
Custom function button and USB-C firmware updates
62 mm filter thread shared with other Brightin Star autofocus lenses
Rubber seal at the mount

Cons

420 g is heavy for a 35mm F1.8
No image stabilization in the lens
Only two mounts
0.4 m closest focusing distance, not a macro lens

Verdict

The AF 35mm F1.8 is a straightforward everyday prime for Sony E and Nikon Z photographers who want autofocus at a low price. It is best for street, travel and video, and it matches the other two Brightin Star autofocus lenses in filter size and handling.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 35 mm
max focal length: 35 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.8
max f (max zoom): f/1.8
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 11
Groups: 8
Weight: 420 g (0.93 lb)
Filter diameter: 62 mm
min focus distance: 40 cm (15.75 in)
Length: –
Diameter: –

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Brightin Star AF 35mm F1.8 fit?

The Brightin Star AF 35mm F1.8 is a full-frame lens for Nikon Z cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Nikon Z cameras its field of view equals 53 mm in full-frame terms.

Nikon Z cameras

Full frame:: Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5II, Nikon Z6III, Nikon Z8, Nikon Zf, Nikon Z9, Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6II, Nikon Z7II, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z7
APS-C:: Nikon Z50II, Nikon Z30, Nikon Z fc, Nikon Z50