Two new 85mm f/1.4 lenses for Sony have hit the market, each promising sharp optics and fast performance. One comes from a brand known for solid, affordable glass. The other is a newcomer to the lens world, entering with a smaller, lighter design and a few unique touches that stand out.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this thorough video compares the Viltrox Pro AF 85mm f/1.4 and the Kase AF 85mm f/1.4 in detail. Both share the same focal length and aperture, similar build quality, weather-sealing, and features like de-clickable apertures, AF/MF switches, and customizable function buttons. Autofocus speed is close, and both can rack apertures smoothly without stepping artifacts. Minor neutral differences include the Kase being slightly tighter in framing and the Viltrox using floating elements for consistent performance across the focus range.
The Kase’s advantages begin with size and weight. At 580 g and 99 mm long, it’s more compact than the 800 g, 108.5 mm Viltrox. Its built-in magnetic filter system allows filters to snap on and rotate easily, speeding up workflow for those who use polarizers or variable NDs. It shows less fringing in high-contrast areas, less vignetting, and a higher 0.14x magnification ratio for closer shooting. A second function button adds fast access to minimum focus or a stored focus distance, something the Viltrox doesn’t offer.
Viltrox strikes back with a clear price advantage. It delivers better overall contrast, especially visible in side-by-side real-world shots, and maintains more consistent round bokeh shapes when stopping down. Color rendering is more neutral compared to Kase’s slightly warmer tone. Abbott also finds its bokeh smoother toward frame edges, lessening distracting outlines. For video, the Viltrox’s autofocus pulls feel more confident and steady. While both lenses are sharp, Viltrox maintains a small but consistent edge, particularly when stopped down and in corner performance.
Extended optical comparisons show more give-and-take. Kase wins for reduced chromatic aberration, cleaner highlights, and closer minimum focus distance. Viltrox counters with less distortion, smoother edge rendering, and better up-close sharpness despite the Kase’s higher magnification. In some shots, Kase’s background blur appears bigger and softer, but Viltrox’s geometry stays more consistent. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.
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