Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4

Fujifilm X

Review

The Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 is a portrait lens designed specifically for the Fujifilm X mount, offering photographers versatility, exceptional image quality, and a beautiful bokeh effect that enhances your subject’s features. This lens has quickly gained attention in the photography community due to its promising performance and affordability, making it a compelling option for both amateur and professional photographers.

Build and Design

The build quality of the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 is impressive. It features a robust metal construction that gives it a premium feel, which is a notable characteristic for lenses in this price range. The smooth focusing ring allows for precise adjustments, and the lens also provides an aesthetically pleasing design that complements Fujifilm cameras. The aesthetic and functional design elements make it a joy to use in various shooting conditions.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Sirui Aurora lens does not disappoint. It offers stunning sharpness even wide open at F1.4, making it excellent for low-light conditions and achieving that desirable shallow depth of field. The lens demonstrates minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, which are common issues in lenses. Contrast levels are also good, ensuring that images maintain a vibrant look.

Bokeh Quality

One of the key highlights of the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 is its creamy bokeh. The 12-bladed aperture design contributes beautifully to the out-of-focus areas, rendering a pleasant softness that enhances portrait photography. This bokeh quality allows photographers to isolate their subjects effectively while providing a pleasing backdrop, which adds an artistic touch to images.

Autofocus and Usability

While the Sirui Aurora series is known for its manual focus system, the precise focusing mechanism allows photographers to take full control over their composition. This is particularly suited for portrait photography, where finesse is often more beneficial than speed. However, it is worth noting that some users may find manual focusing less convenient than autofocus, especially when shooting moving subjects or in fast-paced environments.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent image quality with sharpness even at F1.4
• Beautiful bokeh that enhances the aesthetic of portraits
• Solid, durable build quality
• Minimal distortion and chromatic aberration

Cons

• Manual focus may not be suitable for all photographers
• No weather sealing, which could limit outdoor use in tough conditions

Verdict

The Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 for Fujifilm X mount is a fantastic lens for photographers who prioritize image quality and artistic expression in their portraits. Its combination of excellent sharpness, stunning bokeh, and robust build makes it a valuable addition to any photographer’s toolkit. While the lack of autofocus may be a drawback for some, those who enjoy manual photography will appreciate the control and precision that this lens offers. Overall, the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 is a worthy investment for anyone looking to elevate their portrait photography.