Whether you’re looking for sharpness, smooth bokeh, or reliable autofocus, the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 competes well with much more expensive lenses.
Coming to you from Wes Perry, this thorough video walks you through the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4's key features, starting with its excellent build quality. The Aurora boasts a metal focus ring and aperture ring, both of which feel solid and responsive. It includes practical touches like a USB-C port for firmware updates and an aperture click switch. Perry notes that the build quality isn’t quite on par with Sony’s G Master lenses, but at this price point, it comes impressively close. Another standout feature is the compact size, making it a great match for smaller camera bodies. The lightweight design, paired with a 67 mm filter thread, offers convenience without sacrificing performance.
Perry gives high marks for handling and usability. The lens includes all the buttons and switches you need for seamless operation, including a custom function button and autofocus/manual focus switch. Focus breathing is present but minimal, and while it lacks image stabilization, its lightweight construction keeps it easy to handle during long shoots. Perry highlights its versatility, noting that the lens is equally suited to portraits, street photography, and general-purpose work.
Key Specs
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Lens Mount: Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X
- Minimum Focus Distance: 2.79' (85.04 cm)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.12x
- Optical Design: 14 elements in 9 groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 15
- Filter Size: 67 mm
- Dimensions: 3.2 x 4 in (80.3 x 102 mm)
- Weight: 1.2 lb (540 g)
When it comes to image quality, Perry finds the Aurora sharper than Sony’s older G Master 85mm f/1.4 lens, especially in controlling chromatic aberration. Flare resistance is decent, and the bokeh is smooth, though some onion-ring effects are noticeable. While not as sharp as Sigma’s DN Art series or Sony’s G Master Mark II, it holds its own, particularly given its price point.
Autofocus performance is a pleasant surprise. Perry describes it as quieter and faster than expected for a lens from a newer autofocus manufacturer. It isn’t as snappy as Sony’s direct drive motors but works well even in challenging lighting. Perry gives it a 7.5 out of 10 for autofocus, highlighting its reliability over sheer speed.
For value, the Sirui Aurora earns high praise, although newer budget options, like the Meike 85mm f/1.4 at $470, provide tough competition. Perry notes that Sirui’s reputation for build quality and consistent performance makes this lens a safer bet than some lower-cost alternatives. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Perry.
