Brightin Star AF 85mm F1.8

Focal length: 85 mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Weight: 500 g
Filter diameter: 62 mm
Min. focus distance: 80 cm
Length: –

Overview

The Brightin Star AF 85mm F1.8 is an autofocus full frame portrait prime for Sony E and Nikon Z. It appeared in May 2025 and was the brand's first autofocus lens for full frame mirrorless cameras. With a 28.5 degree angle of view it is aimed at portraits and general telephoto work.

Optical design

According to the manufacturer manual the lens has 10 elements in 7 groups, an aperture range of F1.8 to F16 and 11 aperture blades. The design includes three high refraction elements and a multilayer coating. The closest focusing distance is 0.8 m, which is typical for an 85mm lens but rules out close up work. The filter thread is 62 mm.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus is driven by an STM motor. The lens offers face and eye detection and AI subject tracking for video, and has an AF/MF switch, a custom function button and a USB-C port for firmware updates. The manual lists phase detection autofocus together with focus peaking. It also has a rubber seal at the mount, and the manual describes how to attach a lens hood. The manual says the lens as a whole is not water resistant.

Build and size

The manual gives a weight of 500 g. At 500 g it is in the same range as many full frame 85mm F1.8 lenses and adds weight at the front of a small mirrorless body.

Where it fits

In the database the direct competitors for E and Z include the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 II (E, Z and X), the Meike AF 85mm f1.8 Pro STM (E, Z and L) and the AstrHori AF 85mm f/1.8 II (E, Z and L). First party options are the Sony FE 85mm F1.8 and the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S. The Brightin Star is the third party choice with the same focal length and aperture and features such as the USB-C port.

Pros and cons

Pros

F1.8 aperture with 11 blades
STM autofocus with face and eye detection
AF/MF switch, custom button and USB-C updates
Rubber seal at the mount
62 mm filter thread

Cons

0.8 m closest focusing distance
No image stabilization in the lens
500 g
Only two mounts

Verdict

The AF 85mm F1.8 offers autofocus portrait capability for Sony E and Nikon Z at a low price. It suits portraits and events where an 85mm view with a bright aperture is wanted.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 85 mm
max focal length: 85 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.8
max f (max zoom): f/1.8
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 10
Groups: 7
Weight: 500 g (1.1 lb)
Filter diameter: 62 mm
min focus distance: 80 cm (31.5 in)
Length: –
Diameter: –

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Brightin Star AF 85mm F1.8 fit?

The Brightin Star AF 85mm 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 128 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