Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4: Amazon / B&H Photo
The Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 is a fantastic value with clean creamy bokeh, according to PP’s latest review, which you can watch above or check out the summary of their review below:
Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 Lens Review: A Lightweight Contender with a Few Quirks
For photographers seeking a high-quality 85mm prime lens without the hefty price tag, the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 presents a compelling option. In a recent review, Chris Nichols took a deep dive into this lens, and we’ve summarized his findings for you.Lightweight Champion with Premium Features
One of the most significant advantages of the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 is its weight. At just 540g for the Sony E-mount version, it’s considerably lighter than its competitors like the Sony G Master version 2 and the Viltrox 85mm F1.4 Pro. But don’t let its lightweight design fool you; this lens is packed with features often found in more expensive models. These include:
- A plastic bayonet lens hood with a rubber ring
- 67mm filter threads
- A manual focus ring
- An autofocus/manual focus selector switch
- A customizable button
- A de-clickable aperture ring
- Full weather sealing
Performance: Where Does it Shine and Where Does it Stumble?
Autofocus: The lens utilizes a classic stepping motor, which means its autofocus is not as zippy as the Viltrox Pro or Sony G Master lenses.
Image Quality:
- Bokeh: The 15-blade aperture creates a beautifully clean and round bokeh with smooth transitions, reminiscent of the much pricier Sony G Master series.
- Chromatic Aberration: While there is a minor amount of longitudinal chromatic aberration, it’s not a significant issue in most shooting situations.
- Flare: This is the lens’s main weakness. When shooting wide open, you can expect a fair amount of washed-out flare and ghosting. Stopping down the aperture helps with the washed-out effect but can make the ghosting more pronounced.
- Sharpness: The lens delivers impressive sharpness, even at its widest aperture of F1.4, from the center to the corners of the frame.
Focus Breathing: For videographers, it’s worth noting that the lens does exhibit a noticeable amount of focus breathing.
The Verdict: Great Value with a Couple of Compromises
Overall, the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 offers exceptional value for its price, which is around $600. Its lightweight design, excellent build quality, and impressive image quality make it a strong contender for various camera systems. However, the slower autofocus and significant flare and ghosting are trade-offs to consider.If you’re a photographer who prioritizes portability and beautiful bokeh and can work around the lens’s few shortcomings, the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 is a fantastic and affordable alternative to its more expensive counterparts.
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