Rollei Introduces AF 85mm f/1.8: First Autofocus Lens for Mirrorless Systems
German company Rollei has entered the mirrorless lens market with the release of its first autofocus lens, the AF 85mm f/1.8. Although branded as a Rollei product, several sources suggest the lens may share its design with existing models from Chinese manufacturers, notably the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.8, raising the possibility of a rebadged version produced under license by DJ Optical, a large Chinese state-owned enterprise known for designing optics for multiple brands.
The Rollei name carries historical significance in photography, particularly for its medium format Rolleiflex cameras. Founded in 1920 in Germany, the original Rollei company underwent numerous ownership changes, ultimately dissolving in its original form. The current rights to the Rollei brand are held by Rollei GmbH & Co. KG, based in Norderstedt, Germany. Today, the company largely focuses on digital accessories, tripods and consumer imaging equipment. This new lens marks an expansion into optical products under its VAF (Full-Frame Autofocus) series.
Technically, the Rollei AF 85mm f/1.8 is a full-frame lens featuring an optical construction of 10 elements in 7 groups, including two ED (extra-low dispersion) and two HR (high refractive) elements. It uses an 11-blade aperture diaphragm and supports a maximum aperture of f/1.8. The minimum focus distance is 0.85 meters, with a magnification ratio of 0.12x, making it suitable for close-up shots such as portraits. The lens body is made of metal, weighing 477 grams and measuring 9.6 x 8 cm, with a 62 mm filter thread and a USB-C port for firmware updates. It is compatible with EXIF data and supports STM autofocus with face and eye tracking.
While not confirmed by Rollei, the lens shares many specifications with the 7Artisans AF 85mm f/1.8, including optical formula, aperture blade count, autofocus mechanism; physical dimensions, MTF charts and internal architecture also appear identical, although exterior design differs slightly. The Rollei lens adopts a more vintage-inspired look, with pronounced knurling and an orange ring near the front element. Only the Sony E-mount version of the Rollei lens includes a physical aperture ring, while the Nikon Z version does not.
This launch follows a pattern similar to the release of the Rollei 35AF film camera by Mint Camera in 2024, where the Rollei branding was licensed independently. In the case of the AF 85mm f/1.8, the link to Chinese manufacturing and design is further supported by Rollei’s known collaboration with Viltrox, another Chinese optics company offering a comparable 85mm lens.
The lens is already available available in Sony E and Nikon Z mounts at a launch price of €299.
Despite its likely Asian manufacturing origins, the lens is being marketed through European retailers, with preorders available in Germany. There is currently no indication of distribution in the United States.
