New 85mm f/1.4 From Kase Changes the Portrait Lens Game

The 85mm f/1.4 lens market just got more interesting with Kase's entry. This represents a significant shift for a company traditionally known for filters, and it could reshape your options in the portrait focal length space.

Coming to you from Matt Irwin Photography, this comprehensive video puts the new Kase 85mm f/1.4 through real-world testing across various shooting scenarios. Irwin examines the lens on Sony's a7 IV, revealing both impressive optical performance and some unexpected ergonomic challenges that Sony users should know about. The review covers autofocus speed, image quality at wide apertures, and how this lens handles everything from street photography to portraits. What makes this particularly valuable is Irwin's honest assessment of where this lens fits in an increasingly crowded market segment.

The video reveals some surprising findings about the lens's performance characteristics that separate it from typical modern designs. Irwin notes the lens produces a distinctive look that bridges DSLR and mirrorless aesthetics, offering something different from the clinical sharpness many expect. His testing shows strong corner performance even at f/1.4, though he uncovers some interesting color fringing behavior that varies between shots. The chromatic aberration performance gets put under scrutiny at 200% magnification, giving you a clear picture of what to expect in challenging lighting conditions.

Key Specs

• STM Auto Focus Motor for fast and quiet autofocus, plus manual focus override
• Aperture range: f/1.4 to f/16, with a metal aperture ring featuring distinct click stops
• 72mm filter ring, compatible with magnetic filters
• Lens construction: 13 elements in 10 groups (5 low-dispersion and 2 high-refractive-index elements)
• 580 g weight
• 13-blade aperture
• USB firmware upgrade port
• Mount compatibility: Sony E, Nikon Z

One particularly important revelation concerns ergonomics with Sony bodies. Irwin demonstrates a specific issue where the lens design creates finger contact with textured surfaces during extended use, something that doesn't affect Nikon users due to different grip positioning. This real-world detail could influence your purchase decision if you have larger hands. The video also showcases the magnetic filter system that comes standard, including a two-stop ND filter that mounts directly over the rear element.

The pricing strategy puts this lens in the middle ground between budget options and premium offerings, but Irwin's testing suggests the optical quality might punch above its price point. His low-light testing pushes the combination to ISO 12,800 with surprisingly usable results, while the bokeh characteristics get thorough examination across different distances and lighting conditions. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Irwin.