Reasonably priced lenses with professional-level high quality can appear too good to be true, particularly for portraits. Choosing the proper lens can elevate your photographs, but it surely’s essential to be sure you’re spending correctly and getting one thing that matches your pictures type.
Coming to you from Laura BC, this insightful video explores the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Professional FE lens, highlighting why it may be a formidable different to pricier choices from Sony, Canon, or Sigma. Laura emphasizes that regardless of its decrease value, this lens offers distinctive picture sharpness, particularly at its widest aperture of f/1.4. The autofocus is persistently dependable, capturing exact, sharp photographs even in difficult eventualities. When you’re on the lookout for a lens with skilled options equivalent to weather-sealing, an aperture ring, and customizable buttons, Laura suggests the Viltrox is a standout possibility.
Laura additionally shares uncooked photographs as an instance simply how a lot element the lens captures, even zoomed in at 300%. The lens additionally impresses with its clean, creamy background blur, enhancing topics by separating them clearly from backgrounds.
Key Specs
Focal Size: 85mm
Aperture: f/1.4 (max), f/16 (min)
Lens Mount: Sony E
Format: Full Body
Minimal Focus Distance: 2.6′ (79 cm)
Optical Design: 15 Parts in 11 Teams
Aperture Blades: 11
Autofocus: Sure
Climate-Sealed: Sure
Filter Measurement: 77mm
Dimensions: ø 3.3 x L 4.3″ (ø 84.5 x L 108.5 mm)
Weight: 1.8 lb (800 g)
The lens is constructed solidly, weighing in at 800 grams, which is typical for premium primes however could also be heavy for some. Laura notes that related lenses from manufacturers like Sigma usually weigh the identical or extra, so this isn’t uncommon. Nonetheless, she advises contemplating your capturing type and whether or not you journey usually, shoot portraits, or want versatile avenue pictures gear. Laura herself enjoys touring, and whereas the lens is heavy, its compact dimension in comparison with bigger prime lenses like her Sigma 105mm makes it extra sensible to hold round.
Laura is candid about potential downsides, noting primarily its weight. She additionally mentions noticing slight inner motion, probably from the autofocus motor, however assures viewers this isn’t a sign of low high quality or future issues. In her expertise, these minor quirks don’t detract considerably from the lens’s glorious efficiency.
An essential takeaway is Laura’s emphasis on practicality: simply because a lens is spectacular would not essentially imply it is important to your particular pictures wants. She offers sensible recommendation on whether or not the 85mm f/1.4 matches completely different pictures kinds and conditions. Take a look at the video above for the complete rundown from Laura.