Viltrox Releases AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro Lens for Sony E-Mount
Viltrox has released the AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE, a new autofocus portrait lens designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. This is the company’s first f/1.4 aperture lens in the 85mm focal length range and marks its initial full-frame entry into the Pro Series lineup, which sits below its flagship Lab Series.
The lens incorporates a complex optical construction of 15 elements in 11 groups, including three extra-low dispersion (ED), nine high-refractive (HR) and one ultra-aspherical (UA) element. An 11-blade aperture diaphragm is used to support smooth out-of-focus rendering, while Viltrox’s proprietary nano coating helps suppressing flare and ghosting in backlit scenarios.
With a minimum focus distance of 0.79 meters and a maximum magnification of 0.13x, the lens offers modest close-up capabilities. Autofocus is driven by dual HyperVCM motors—an internal focusing system that Viltrox claims delivers fast, accurate and quiet performance. The lens supports real-time eye and face detection autofocus functions when paired with compatible camera bodies. Manual override is available via a dedicated AF/MF switch.
Here are some sample pictures, courtesy of Viltrox:
Physically, the lens features a fully metal construction and is sealed against dust and moisture. It weighs 800 grams, making it larger and heavier than Sony’s comparable 85mm f/1.4 GM II, which weighs 642 grams. Both lenses share a 77mm filter thread and are nearly identical in length.
The AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE includes several usability features often associated with higher-end lenses: a customizable function button, a declickable aperture ring and a USB-C port for firmware updates. Users can also configure the lens via the Viltrox Lens app.
This is Viltrox’s fourth 85mm lens for Sony full-frame cameras. Previous iterations included manual and autofocus versions at f/1.8, but this is the first to feature an f/1.4 aperture and Pro designation. Despite incorporating many high-spec features, the lens is priced at $598—significantly lower than Sony’s $1,800 GM counterpart and also undercutting Sigma’s 85mm f/1.4 Art lens. Although the lens is currently available only for Sony E-mount, Viltrox suggests broader compatibility may be added in the future.
