Viltrox recently announced its new AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE, which was the company’s first full-frame entry in its Pro Series. This lens was specifically engineered for Sony E-mount cameras, but they have now released the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro Z for Nikon users.
The lens features an advanced optical design including 15 elements and 11 groups, which is claimed to deliver exceptional sharpness and excellent control of coma aberration. It also has 11 aperture blades.
Key features
- Full-Frame | f/1.4 to f/16
- Fast Portrait-Length Lens
- Dual Hyper VCM Motors
- Customizable Fn Button & Switches
- 9 HR, 3 ED, 1 UA Lens Elements
- 2.6′ Minimum Focusing Distance
- HD Multilayer Nano Coating
- Weather-Sealed Metal Body
- Dust- and Splash-Resistant Construction
- USB Port for Firmware Updates
The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro Z leverages an ultra-large, precision aspherical lens. It is claimed to achieve peak aberration control and onion ring control even at F1.4, delivering consistent sharpness from center to edge.
The lens also includes three low-dispersion ED elements to minimize chromatic aberration, and nine high-refractive index elements that maintain clarity. Viltrox’s advanced nano-coating is claimed to minimize ghosting and flare, even in challenging lighting such as backlit scenes.
AF
The AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro Z utilizes Viltrox’s HyperVCM autofocus motor, and it is claimed to deliver exceptionally fast, quiet, and smooth focusing. The dual HyperVCM motor is also said to outperform traditional STM motors, offering significantly faster focus speed, lower focus noise, and superior precision. This is claimed to translate to a 150% boost in focusing speed, enabling near-to-far focus shifts in just 100ms.
The lens is also said to provide micrometer-level positioning accuracy, so that the lens can achieve reliable focus even when used at an extremely shallow depth of field. Real-time eye and face detection (compatible with a wide range of cameras) is claimed to maintain accurate focus on moving subjects. The motor’s quiet operation and smooth, precise focus transitions make it a good option for video use. When manual control is preferred, users can instantly switch via the dedicated AF/MF switch.
The AF performance is generally pretty good. I tried the lens out with the Nikon ZR, and for the most part, it performed well. It did struggle a bit in high contrast, backlit environments that were dark, but that is probably a camera limitation as well.
Size & Weight
The lens weighs in at 835g / 1.8 lb, and it has dimensions of ø: 3.3 x L: 4.4″ / ø: 84.5 x L: 110.6 mm.
| WEIGHT | |
| Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro Z | 835g / 1.8 lb |
| Kase 85mm f/1.4 AF | 580g / 1.3 lb |
| Meike 85mm f/1.4 AF | 750g / 1.65 lb |
| Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 | 570g / 1.3 lb |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S | 470g / 1 lb |
Above, you can see how its weight compares to some of the competition. The Viltrox is quite a bit heavier than the other lenses.
I personally didn’t feel like the lens was that heavy, and it was easy enough to use with small-sized cameras like the Nikon ZR.
Build Quality
The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro Z is dust and splash-resistant. It features a full metal construction, and as I just previously mentioned, it is heavier than other competing options.
It is certainly solidly made and well constructed. The only thing I noticed is that when you pick up the lens, you can feel the internals moving around.
Focus Breathing
The lens has very little focus breathing, which is nice to see. In the example footage down further in the review, you can see that even with quite large focus throws, there is very little evidence of breathing.
Other Features
There is a customizable focus function button; an aperture ring click switch, switchable between stepped and stepless, which is ideal for hybrid photo and video use.
The stepless aperture ring works well, and it has a nice amount of resistance to it.
You can also use the Viltrox App for firmware updates and function customization via the USB-C input on the lens.
The lens supports EXIF data transmission with compatible cameras and accepts a standard 77mm filter.
The included lens hood works without any issues.
Above, you can see that I have attached a VND to the lens.
Sharpness Tests
The Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro Z is pretty sharp even when used wide open at F1.4, but it does improve quite a lot once you hit F2.8. There is a little bit less contrast when it is used at F2 and below.
Lens Flare Tests
The flare from the lens at F1.4 produces quite a bit of halation, and it does have some character. At F5.6, the halation gets greatly reduced.
Focus Breathing Tests
The lens has very well-controlled breathing, which makes it suitable for video use.
Real World Use
The lens performs well. While it doesn’t have a lot of interesting optical characteristics, it’s very sharp and clean.
Having the ability to shoot at F1.4 and still capture sharp images can be very handy, especially in low-light environments.
Above, you can see some footage captured with the Nikon ZR.
As a comparison, above, you can see some quick footage that was taken by a colleague of mine who owns a Sony FX3 using the same lens in Sony E-mount. He liked using the lens and found it to be nice and sharp. He also thought the AF performance was pretty good for a non native Sony lens.
Price & Availability
The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro Z is now available for $598 USD.
| PRICE | |
| Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro Z | $598 USD |
| Kase 85mm f/1.4 AF | $649 USD |
| Meike 85mm f/1.4 AF | $399.99 USD |
| Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 | $440 USD |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S | $746.95 USD |
Above, you can see how that price compares to the competition.
Thoughts
The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro Z is a very solid offering, and it produces nice sharp images even when used wide open. The lack of focus breathing and the AF performance make it a good option if you are shooting video. At $598 USD, it is also affordably priced.
