Viltrox AF 85mm F2.0 EVO

The Viltrox AF 85mm F2.0 EVO is a compact full-frame portrait prime with autofocus for Sony E and Nikon Z mount. It is the first lens of Viltrox's EVO line, which the company markets as "the essential lens, redefined" with compact bodies and a full set of physical controls. At 340 g (E mount) it is far lighter than the AF 85mm F1.4 Pro.

Optical design

Viltrox lists 10 elements in 8 groups with 2 ED and 2 HR elements. The ED elements are meant to correct axial chromatic aberration, and the HR elements help keep the design compact. The diaphragm has 9 blades and stops down to F16. The minimum focus distance is 0.74 m at a maximum magnification of 0.13x. Viltrox says resolution peaks between F4 and F5.6.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing uses an STM motor with a lead screw, in contrast to the VCM motor of the Pro lens. Viltrox says it supports face and eye detection autofocus for stills and video. The lens has a focus ring, an aperture ring with CLICK switch, an Fn button and an AF/MF switch. The front element has a water and smudge resistant coating, and the mount is rubber sealed. A USB-C port provides firmware updates.

Build and size

The filter thread is 58 mm. The E-mount version weighs about 340 g with a diameter of 69 mm and a length of 76 mm. The Z-mount version weighs about 360 g and is 78 mm long. Viltrox's own comparison table lists the AF 85mm F1.8 II at about 484 g and the AF 85mm F1.4 Pro at about 800 g.

Where it fits

Within the Viltrox range, Viltrox places it next to the AF 85mm F1.8 II (STM, 0.8 m close focus) and the AF 85mm F1.4 Pro (VCM, 15 elements in 11 groups). It trades a full stop against the F1.4 Pro for much less weight and a smaller filter size. On Sony E, other 85mm options include the Sony FE 85mm F1.8 and the Meike AF 85mm f1.8 Pro STM. On Nikon Z, the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S is a direct comparison.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Light and compact at 340 to 360 g
• Aperture ring with CLICK switch, Fn button and AF/MF switch
• 58 mm filter thread
• Rubber-sealed mount and coated front element

Cons

• F2.0 is slower than the F1.8 and F1.4 options in the Viltrox range
• Minimum focus distance of 0.74 m is not very close for an 85mm
• STM autofocus rather than VCM
• No image stabilization in the lens

Verdict

The AF 85mm F2.0 EVO suits photographers who want a light, well-equipped 85mm for portraits and travel and are willing to give up some aperture. For shallower depth of field, the F1.8 II or the F1.4 Pro are the options within the Viltrox range.