Viltrox has launched a brand new 85mm autofocus lens for full-frame Sony cameras. The AF 85mm f/2.0 Evo is the primary of a brand new sequence of ‘Evo’ lenses that goal to ship up-market dealing with in a comparatively compact, light-weight and simply manageable construct. ‘Evo’ lenses are designed to fill the hole between Viltrox’s featherweight ‘Air’ lenses and its chunky ‘Professional’- and ‘Lab’-series optics. Consequently, the 85mm f/2.0 Evo measures a compact 69x76mm (2.7×3.0″) and weighs simply 340g – that is underneath half the burden of Viltrox’s present AF 85mm f/1.4 Professional lens.
Regardless of the crash weight loss plan, the 85mm f/2.0 Evo nonetheless encompasses a sturdy construct, together with weather-seals and a fluorine coating on the entrance ingredient. There’s an AF/MF focus mode change, plus a perform button which could be customised to function as an AF-hold, or to carry out different duties relying on the digital camera physique. A bodily aperture management ring can be current, and there is a de-click change to allow stepless adjustment of the 9-blade diaphragm when capturing video. Autofocussing is achieved by a linear stepping motor – a step down on the unique VCM (Voice Coil Motor) system present in higher-spec Viltrox fashions – however it ought to nonetheless be quick and quiet. The options are rounded out by a USB-C port situated within the metallic lens mount which is used for making use of firmware updates.
The optical stack consists of 10 components organized in 8 teams, together with two ED (Further-low Dispersion) components and two HR (Excessive Refractive index) components. These are used to extend sharpness and readability whereas lowering chromatic aberrations. Up entrance is a 58mm filter thread, and the lens is equipped with a round profile hood.
The Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 Evo is offered now, priced at $275 / £265 / AU$TBA. For context, that is round half the worth of the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Professional, which is already good worth, although in fact the Evo is an f/cease slower.