The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE a New King of Portraits

When a pitch comes in claiming to be the new king of portraits, you are going to get my attention, especially when it comes from a manufacturer that has been absolutely dominating in a space where much higher-priced options seem to reign supreme. I hope the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE will bring that level of quality and affordability to Sony FE mount cameras.

Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE: What it Means to be Pro

The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro will bring a fast aperture as its name suggests, but also a myriad of other “pro” features, including a magnesium-aluminum alloy construction, dust and moisture resistance, and a fast and accurate autofocus VCM motor. The AF 85mm F1.4 Pro will also include a click/de-click aperture ring, AF/MF select switch, and a customizable function button to set up your most-used functions and keep them at the tip of your fingers without ever putting your camera down.

Viltrox has checked off all the necessary boxes to confidently bring to market a lens that can be considered a “pro” lens – fast aperture? Check. Good use of materials, i.e., not plastic? Check. The ability to take this lens into the elements without fear of failure? Also, a check. The last variable in this equation is whether it will deliver pro-quality images, meaning whether this lens can provide the goods in multiple professional settings and whether pros can submit these images to clients without fear of the quality they can deliver. In a future review, we hope to test this last bit in real-world applications.

Why it Matters

As a sum of its parts, the Viltrox AF85 Pro has a lot going for it. The large aperture promises excellent lowlight performance and creamy bokeh while its all-metal construction suggests the ability to keep working, even in less-than-ideal conditions. While these features are not inherently unique, we’re all trying to navigate the uncertainty of tariffs and political posturing in the context of trying to earn a living as professional creatives. In 2025, it seems clear that the Pro designation for camera gear is shorthand for sturdy build quality and faster aperture. If the Viltrox AF85 Pro can deliver on these promises at the sub $600 price, I would not be surprised to see the photography community truly crown this lens as the new king.

We’re truly living through a weird time. Tariffs are on everyone’s mind; if there’s one thing photographers already know, the price of our passion and doing business will undoubtedly increase. And while economic instability is an ever-present concern, working photographers will continue looking to expand or replace their gear.

Ultimately, it’s up to manufacturers to offer them a reason to choose their products over competitors. With Viltrox, they’ve made a name for themselves by developing high-quality optics at super affordable prices. The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro continues this legacy with a lens expected to retail for under $600. Although we haven’t been given a specific timeline for its release, we’re excited at the prospect of an affordable portrait lens for pros.