Kase’s entry into the autofocus lens market with the brand new Kase 85mm f/1.4 lens may shake issues up, particularly when you’re into portraits or low-light pictures. An organization’s first autofocus lens typically reveals lots about its potential, and Kase is making an bold assertion right here.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this sensible video explores the strengths and weaknesses of the Kase 85mm f/1.4 lens. Frost highlights the lens’ construct, noting a design paying homage to Sigma’s Artwork lenses, with a stable metallic backside part and weather-sealing across the mount. There is a USB-C port for firmware updates and an aperture ring that may change between clean rotation for video or click on stops for nonetheless pictures. Frost additionally mentions some caveats, such because the aperture ring simply slipping out of place and a barely noisy iris mechanism, which may have an effect on audio throughout filming.
One standout characteristic is the magnetic filter system, leveraging Kase’s experience in filter manufacturing. The lens helps a magnetic entrance cap and might rapidly connect magnetic filters, making adjustments quick and straightforward. One other intriguing characteristic is the built-in customizable perform buttons, permitting you to preset particular focus distances or lock focus immediately—a helpful addition you usually discover in costlier telephoto lenses. Frost’s testing revealed the lens performs effectively total, with autofocus accuracy adequate for many makes use of, although it is not exceptionally quick. He notes that it is not ultimate for motion pictures, however portraits and common pictures must be no downside.
Key Specs
STM Auto Focus Motor for quick and quiet autofocus, plus handbook focus override
Aperture vary: f/1.4 to f/16, with a metallic aperture ring that includes distinct click on stops
Multicoated optical glass to attenuate flare and ghosting
Two customizable perform buttons (FN2 preset for minimal focus distance)
72mm filter ring, appropriate with magnetic filters
Lens development: 13 parts in 10 teams (5 low-dispersion and 2 high-refractive-index parts)
Dimensions: 82mm diameter, 99mm size
580 g weight
13-blade aperture diaphragm
USB firmware improve port
Metallic and polycarbonate physique development
Features a bayonet lens hood, normal and magnetic lens caps, rear cap, and storage pouch
Mount compatibility: Sony E, Nikon Z
Frost’s checks on a demanding 61-megapixel Sony a7CR sensor revealed glorious sharpness, particularly when stopped all the way down to f/2. At f/1.4, the lens already delivers robust central sharpness however exhibits some softness in corners, a difficulty exaggerated by optical misalignment in his take a look at pattern. He advises checking alignment upon buy. Frost additionally discovered that close-up pictures at vast apertures wasn’t nice, with photographs wanting delicate till about f/4. Bokeh high quality, nonetheless, is spectacular, offering delicate, pleasing backgrounds good for portraits. There’s average distortion and noticeable vignetting at vast apertures, however these may be simply corrected in-camera or throughout enhancing.
In case you shoot portraits, get pleasure from experimenting with depth of subject, or are in search of an inexpensive but succesful prime lens, Frost’s thorough breakdown of the Kase 85mm f/1.4 lens is price watching. The lens affords shocking options for its value, regardless that it has clear limitations. Take a look at the video above for the total rundown from Frost.
