Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4

This 2024 portrait prime from Sirui is in production. It comes in Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L versions for full-frame bodies, plus a Fujifilm X version for APS-C sensors. All four versions share the same optical design. On the Fujifilm X version, the smaller sensor gives a tighter, more telephoto framing.

An 85mm focal length suits head-and-shoulders portraits, indoor events and candid work at a polite distance. That distance also keeps faces looking natural. The bright f/1.4 aperture makes the lens usable in dim venues. The trade-off is the fixed focal length: you frame by moving yourself rather than turning a ring.

It weighs 1 lb 3 oz (540 g) and measures 3.16 in (80.3 mm) wide by 4.02 in (102 mm) long. The weight suits long handheld portrait sessions. The 67mm filter thread takes ordinary screw-in filters, so a protective filter or polariser fits directly.

The f/1.4 aperture is the main reason to choose this prime over a zoom. It admits much more light than a typical f/2.8 standard zoom, so you can photograph dim reception rooms and theatres at lower ISO. Lower ISO in turn means less noise. The extra light also permits faster shutter speeds, which helps when a dancer or speaker moves. Wide open, the viewfinder stays bright, which makes focus easier to confirm.

At 85mm and f/1.4, depth of field is very shallow. A portrait subject separates cleanly from clutter behind, and background detail melts into soft blur. Eyes stay sharp while ears and hair soften. When you stop down, the 15 blades keep the opening round, so out-of-focus highlights stay smooth rather than edged.

The 85mm reach keeps a comfortable distance from your subject. The same reach works for stage shows and indoor sport from spectator distance. Closest focus is 2.8 ft (85 cm), enough for tight head shots without crowding the sitter.

It scores 88 out of 100 in our optics specification scoring.

The lens carries weather sealing, which suits outdoor portrait work in dust and damp. A fluorine coating on the front glass helps water and fingerprints wipe away. That combination matters for location sessions away from shelter.

There is no built-in stabilisation. At f/1.4 your shutter speed is often fast enough for steady handheld work, but static subjects in weak light may need support. A tripod or monopod steadies the camera; it does not stop subject movement. Check whether your camera body stabilises, since the lens does not.

It scores 52 out of 100 in our features specification scoring.

The optical formula uses 14 elements in 9 groups. One aspherical element helps correct distortion and spherical aberration, faults that can bend straight edges and soften detail. Two low-dispersion elements help reduce chromatic aberration, which shows as colour fringes along high-contrast edges such as rim light on hair. The Sony E version focuses internally, so the barrel does not extend while you focus.