Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II STM
Announced May 22, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II STM is a budget-friendly portrait lens that delivers impressive sharpness and reliable autofocus performance for both stills and video. While it exhibits some optical compromises like chromatic aberration and corner softness, it remains a highly capable and well-built option for photographers on a budget.
Weighted from 8 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Strong autofocus speed and subject tracking
- Sharp optical performance at wide apertures
- Smooth and pleasing bokeh
- High-quality metal construction
Cons
- Presence of chromatic aberrations and color fringing
- Visible pincushion distortion
- Softness in corners and edges
- Susceptibility to flare and glare
- Lack of weather sealing and image stabilization
- Launch price $379 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 85mm f/1.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 80 cm (0.13x)
- Filter thread 72mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 484g (1 lb 1.1 oz) · 80 x 92 mm (3.15 x 3.62 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 8 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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With this caveat in mind I can still recommend the Viltrox AF 85mm f1.8 II.
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Really, this remains an excellent value portrait lens.
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You have a lot of options, but for $399 to get an 85mm lens that's autofocus and that does a great job for Sony, whether it's for stills or it's for video, I don't think you can go wrong with something like this.
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Having lenses to get excited about is one thing, and is fun, but having lenses that just reliably work to take objectively good photos is another altogether.
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[T]he Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II lens is a really good lens for the money in my opinion.
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If you're looking for a cheap mid-range telephoto lens, then buy this, just buy this. We've got price, great build quality like a house brick, AF performance super good, image quality not perfect but definitely not bad.
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The bokeh is nice, the overall autofocus performance is also good, especially in video with the Sony A7S III, and I don't see any reason not to recommend the Viltrox lens for you guys that are using the Sony cameras and are a little tight on the budget.
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I have to say, yeah, I do recommend it. If you're looking for a portrait lens or anything like that for your film stuff, definitely consider the Viltrox.
