Vistilen AF 85mm F1.8 SE

The Vistilen AF 85mm F1.8 SE is a full-frame portrait prime with autofocus for Sony E, Nikon Z and Fujifilm X mount. At 85mm and F1.8 it targets the classic medium-telephoto portrait class, and on APS-C bodies it frames like a roughly 128mm lens. According to Vistilen, the lens is built for portraits, product shots and low-light work. The Fujifilm X version has a metal body, the Sony E and Nikon Z versions use a polymer shell.

Optical design

Vistilen specifies 11 elements in 7 groups, an 11-blade diaphragm and a smallest aperture of F16. The minimum focus distance is 0.65 m for all three mounts. The company does not name special glass types such as ED or aspherical elements, and the product page describes the optics only in general terms like stay sharp wide open. On full frame the diagonal angle of view is 27.8 degrees.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is driven by an STM stepping motor, and Vistilen states support for eye and face tracking. A USB-C port on the lens allows wired firmware updates through the Vistilen website. Vistilen also describes a cylindrical hood design that, according to the company, blocks stray light and keeps fingers off the glass. The product pages show no aperture ring.

Build and size

The filter thread is 62 mm. Weight and length depend on the mount: 369 g and 101 mm for Sony E, 379 g and 102 mm for Nikon Z, and 397 g and 100.55 mm for Fujifilm X. The diameter is about 76 mm, 75.7 mm on the X version.

Where it fits

Comparable 85mm F1.8 lenses in the database include the Sony FE 85mm F1.8, the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S and the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 II, as well as the Meike AF 85mm f1.8 Pro STM. For Sony, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II and the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE offer more light at a higher weight. Within Vistilen's range this is the 85mm lens with the lower aperture speed, below the 85mm F1.4.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 11 aperture blades for round out-of-focus highlights
• Moderate weight of 369 to 397 g depending on mount
• USB-C port for firmware updates
• Cylindrical hood design described by Vistilen, Fujifilm X version with metal body

Cons

• Minimum focus distance of 0.65 m
• No image stabilization in the lens
• No aperture ring or customizable button shown
• No special glass types named by Vistilen

Verdict

The AF 85mm F1.8 SE is a straightforward portrait lens for Sony E, Nikon Z and Fujifilm X users that mainly competes on size and weight. It leaves out stabilization and special controls, which keeps the construction simple.