Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 review: a portrait lens that’s pretty as a picture in its own right

The Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 is a portrait lens that is as visually striking as its name suggests. Initially reviewing the Sirui tripod over two decades ago, the brand has since gained a reputation for producing high-quality anamorphic and cine lenses. This 85mm prime lens is part of a pair of "Aurora" lenses designed for mirrorless cameras, suitable for stills and video shooting. The companion lens, the Aurora 35mm f/1.4, shares similar features and handling.

Both lenses are available in a variety of mount options, including Sony E (FE), Nikon Z (FX), L-mount, and Fujifilm X. They are full-frame compatible but can also be used on APS-C format cameras, where the 85mm lens has an effective focal length of approximately 127.5mm. The lens is weather-sealed and features a stylish, high-quality finish.

The Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 boasts impressive specifications, including a versatile mount, full-frame compatibility, autofocus, and no image stabilization. Its lens construction includes 14 elements in 9 groups, providing a 28.6-degree angle of view. The lens uses 15 diaphragm blades, has a minimum aperture of f/16, a minimum focus distance of 0.85m, a maximum magnification of 0.12x, and a filter size of 67mm. Measuring 80x102mm and weighing 540g, it is compact and lightweight for its class.

The lens is housed in a luxurious soft case and features a fluorine-coated front element to repel moisture and grease. The autofocus relies on a stepping motor system, providing rapid and quiet performance. The lens offers both autofocus and manual focus, with an electronically coupled manual focus ring. A customizable function button on the side of the barrel allows quick mode switching.

Considering its price, the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 offers excellent value compared to Japanese competitors and is more competitively priced than some Chinese alternatives.