Sony E Autofocus

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 Sony E-Mount cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras its field of view equals 128 mm in full-frame terms.

Sony E-Mount cameras

Full frame:: Sony A7R VI, Sony A7 V, Sony FX2, Sony A1 II, Sony A9 III, Sony A7C II, Sony A7CR, Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V, Sony A7 IV, Sony A1, Sony FX3, Sony A7S III, Sony A7C, Sony FX6, Sony A7R IV, Sony A9 II, Sony FX9, Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Sony A9, Sony A7R II, Sony A7S II, Sony A7 II, Sony A7S, Sony A7, Sony A7R
APS-C:: Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700, Sony FX30, Sony ZV-E10, Sony A6600, Sony A6100, Sony A6400, Sony A6500, Sony A6300, Sony A6000, Sony A5100, Sony A5000, Sony A3000, Sony NEX-5T, Sony NEX-3N, Sony NEX-6, Sony NEX-5R, Sony NEX-F3