Brightin Star Introduces AF 35mm f/1.8 Lens for Sony and Nikon Mirrorless
Chinese lens manufacturer Brightin Star has introduced the AF 35mm f/1.8, an autofocus prime lens designed for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, trying to combine optical and mechanical features that place it between amateur and professional categories.
The optical construction consists of 11 elements in eight groups, including two aspherical lenses, two high-refractive elements supplied by Hoya and a low-dispersion ED element. The company states that this design suppresses chromatic aberrations, reduces ghosting and provides consistent sharpness across the frame even at its maximum aperture. A multi-layer coating process is also applied to control reflections and maintain contrast in challenging lighting.
With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, the lens is positioned as a versatile model capable of operating in low-light conditions while producing shallow depth of field and smooth background blur. The iris employs 11 blades, which are intended to preserve the circular form of out-of-focus highlights when stopped down. Brightin Star emphasizes that optical performance at wide apertures is a key characteristic distinguishing this lens from slower zoom alternatives.
Autofocus is driven by a stepping motor, which the manufacturer describes as fast, precise and silent, with micron-level accuracy. The system is compatible with face- and eye-detection features found in Sony and Nikon mirrorless cameras. Brightin Star also highlights the lens’s minimal focus breathing, a feature relevant for video production since it prevents shifts in field of view during refocusing.
The physical design differs slightly depending on the mount. The Sony E-mount version weighs 420 grams and measures 88 millimeters in length, while the Nikon Z-mount version is marginally heavier and longer at 430 grams and 90 millimeters. Both models feature a 62-millimeter filter thread, dust- and splash-resistant construction and a USB-C port for firmware updates, although software support is limited to Windows.
Aperture control also depends on the mount. The E-mount version includes a manual aperture ring that can be de-clicked for smooth adjustments during video recording, while the Z-mount version lacks this feature, a limitation attributed to Nikon’s system design. Both versions include a switch for selecting focus modes, while the E-mount version adds a customizable function button.
At a retail price of $249, the Brightin Star AF 35mm f/1.8 undercuts many competitors in the same category, such as Nikon’s Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S at around $900 or Sony’s FE 35mm f/1.8 at about $700.
