Kase Introduces Its First Autofocus 85mm f/1.4 Lens
Kase, a Chinese company primarily recognized for its photographic filters, has released its first autofocus lens, the Kase 85mm f/1.4 AF. The lens is available for full-frame mirrorless systems, including Nikon Z and Sony E mounts, with a Fujifilm X-mount version also announced, where it provides a roughly 128mm equivalent focal length.
The 85mm f/1.4 is positioned as a short telephoto prime targeted at portrait photographers and videographers who require strong subject separation and low-light performance. The optical design consists of 13 elements arranged in 10 groups, incorporating five low-dispersion and two high-refractive-index elements to control chromatic aberrations and maintain contrast. A 13-blade diaphragm is used to produce smooth, rounded out-of-focus highlights.
Autofocus is driven by a quiet STM stepping motor that makes the lens suitable for both still photography and video recording. The minimum focusing distance is 70 cm, resulting in a 0.16× magnification ratio—adequate for close portraits and detail shots but not intended for macro work. The lens includes an AF/MF switch and two customizable function buttons that can be assigned to operations such as focus lock or preset distance recall, depending on camera compatibility.
Physically, the 85mm f/1.4 measures 99 millimeters in length and weighs approximately 580 grams. The construction combines aluminum alloy and polycarbonate components, with a gasket around the mount for limited weather resistance. The manual aperture ring includes click stops and can be de-clicked for video applications, although it lacks a locking mechanism to prevent accidental shifts between manual and automatic aperture control.
An unusual feature for a lens in this class is the inclusion of a magnetic filter mount and front cap, allowing filters to be attached directly without an adapter. This design reflects Kase’s background in optical filters and provides a practical advantage for users who frequently change filters in the field. The lens also includes a USB-C port near the mount for firmware updates.
The Kase 85mm f/1.4 AF is now available for $738, thus remaining slightly cheaper than many first-party equivalents. Moreover, for Fujifilm users, the lens fills a gap in the lineup, offering an 85mm-equivalent f/1.4 autofocus option that has not been available natively.
