Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 II Sony E
Review
The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 II is a noteworthy addition to the growing range of autofocus lenses available for the Sony E mount, especially for portrait photographers. This lens offers a combination of sharpness, bokeh, and fast autofocus that has made it a popular choice among both amateur and professional photographers.
Build Quality and Design
The build quality of the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 II is impressive for its price point. The lens is constructed using a solid metal mount and high-quality plastic, giving it a sturdy but lightweight feel. Weighing in at around 500 grams, it is relatively easy to handle during longer shooting sessions. The lens is also weather-sealed, which adds a layer of protection against the elements and enhances its durability.
The design follows a classic 85mm portrait lens aesthetic, with a sleek, unobtrusive profile that fits well with Sony mirrorless camera bodies. The focus ring is smooth and provides a good tactile feel, making manual focus adjustments easy when necessary.
Optical Performance
One of the standout features of the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 II is its optical performance. With a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, this lens excels in low-light situations and produces beautiful depth of field, allowing for stunning portraits with creamy bokeh. The lens consists of 9 elements in 7 groups, including a high refractive index element and an extra-low dispersion element, which work together to minimize chromatic aberrations and enhance image quality.
Images taken with this lens are sharp from the center to the edges, even when shooting wide open. This sharpness is maintained throughout the aperture range, but stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 will yield the best results in terms of overall image clarity. Furthermore, the out-of-focus areas are rendered smoothly, which is essential for portrait photography where the subject's skin tones need to be flattering.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus system in the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 II is fast and reliable, featuring a linear motor that provides quick and accurate focusing. It performs well in both bright and dim lighting conditions, making it a versatile option for various shooting environments. The lens also offers a decent amount of focus breathing, which can be an important factor for videographers.
However, some users have reported occasional hunting in low-light situations, which can be an inconvenience when trying to capture fast-moving subjects. Despite this, the overall autofocus accuracy and speed make it a competitive choice for portrait and event photography.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent optical performance with great sharpness and bokeh
- Fast and reliable autofocus system
- Weather-sealed construction
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Affordable price point for the quality offered
Cons
- Occasional focus hunting in low light
- Some users may prefer a slightly heavier build for added stability
Verdict
The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 II is an impressive lens that delivers outstanding image quality, fast autofocus, and a solid build, all at a reasonable price for Sony E mount users. Its performance in various lighting conditions makes it a versatile tool for portrait photographers and those looking to create stunning images with beautiful bokeh. While it does have minor limitations, such as occasional focus hunting in challenging lighting, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Whether you are a professional or an enthusiast, this lens is certainly worth considering for your next portrait lens.