Is This the Best Value Lens That Money Can Buy?

In a world where high-end portrait glass usually means a serious investment, this lens is turning heads—and not just because of the cost.

In his latest video, photographer Manny Ortiz discusses the newly announced Viltrox 85mm f/1.4, a lens that stunned him with its $600 price point. Having relied on the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 for years, Ortiz was skeptical. After all, the Sigma retails for over twice the price. And yet, in an extensive comparison, the Viltrox matched—and in some ways outperformed—his long-time favorite.

I remember reviewing one of Viltrox’s earliest lenses for Sony, the 85mm f/1.8. That lens was also exceptional value for money, and I still use it for portraits when I want to isolate the subject; sure, the autofocus is a little slow, but it’s rare that I need the snappiest performance, so it’s a lens that more than does the job.

With this new f/1.4, it looks like Viltrox has done it again, and if you’re pondering your first 85 mm lens, this could be an excellent option. The f/1.8 version is $400, and if you can stretch to $600, there seems little reason not to get the faster lens.

I was initially going to ask if this is the best-value lens for Sony, but is this actually the best-value lens on the market today? What other lens comes close? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.