Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro

The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro is a full-frame autofocus portrait lens for Sony E and Nikon Z. It belongs to Viltrox's Pro series and offers the classic 85mm perspective with an F1.4 maximum aperture. It is aimed at portrait, wedding and event photographers who want a fast short telephoto from a third-party maker.

Optical design

Viltrox specifies 15 elements in 11 groups. According to the company, this includes 9 high-refractive-index elements, 3 ED elements and 1 UA (ultra-precision aspherical) element, plus an HD nano multi-coating against ghosting and flare. The aperture has 11 blades and stops down to F16. The minimum focusing distance is 0.79 m with a maximum magnification of 0.13x. The viewing angle is listed as 28 degrees.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus uses Viltrox's patented Dual HyperVCM motors, described by the maker as fast, with eye and face detection support. Controls include an AF/MF switch, a click switch to move between clicked and declicked aperture, and customizable Fn buttons that can be set up in the Viltrox Lens App. The focusing system is internal, according to the specifications.

Build and size

The body is full metal with dust seals and a splash-resistant design, and Viltrox mentions water and smudge-resistant coatings. The Sony E version weighs about 800 g (bare lens) and measures 84.5 mm by 108.5 mm. The Nikon Z version weighs about 835 g and is 110.6 mm long. Both use 77 mm filters.

Where it fits

The database lists several alternatives at 85mm F1.4 on Sony E: the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II at 642 g, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE and the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4. On Nikon Z, the Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S is a lighter and slower option at 470 g, and the Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S is much heavier at 1160 g. Within Viltrox, the AF 85mm F1.8 II is the smaller and slower sibling.

Pros and cons

Pros

• F1.4 aperture in a weather-sealed metal body
• Dual HyperVCM autofocus with eye detection according to Viltrox
• Click and declick aperture switch
• Customizable Fn buttons

Cons

• 800 g to 835 g, heavier than the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 II and the Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S
• 0.79 m minimum focusing distance
• 77 mm filter size
• No optical stabilizer

Verdict

The Viltrox 85mm F1.4 Pro offers an F1.4 portrait focal length with eye autofocus and weather sealing in a metal body. It is a third-party option for those who want a fast 85mm without moving to a first-party lens.