SIRUI Aurora Series Announced – Starting with the Full-Frame 85mm F1.4 AF Lens

Lens News

by Alexandra ThompsonToday

SIRUI is releasing a new series of fast, autofocus lenses called Aurora for full-frame, mirrorless cameras. The first lens offered in the series (five more to be added in the future) is the 85mm F1.4, a classic portrait lens that’s small, fast, and weighs only 540g/1.2 lbs. With its autofocus capabilities, the lens should appeal to both beginners and experienced shooters, whether they are photographers or filmmakers. Let’s have a look at the first lens in the Aurora series!

Known for producing affordable filmmaking equipment, including the SQ75 and SQ100 Tripods and the 18-36° Projector Zoom Lens for COB lights that my colleague, Graham, reviewed in September, SIRUI is now releasing a new series of fast, small, and very light, full-frame, autofocus lenses. Starting with the 85mm F1.4, five more lenses are expected to be added to the SIRUI Aurora series.

Features – autofocus, fast, and lightweight

The lens weighs 540g/1.2 lbs, which is suitable for hand-held and run-and-gun shooting. The dimensions are 80.3mm x 102mm/3.2 x 4.0 inches, and at this size and weight, the lens should not only appeal to those who don’t want to lug around a lot of heavy equipment but also to portrait and low-light shooters who can take advantage of the F1.4 wide aperture. The lens also features autofocus that supports camera panning and eye autofocus.

Specs

• Maximum aperture: f/1.4
• Minimum aperture: f/16
• Lens Mounts: Sony E, FUJI X, Nikon Z, Leica L
• Lens Format Coverage: Full-frame
• Angle of view: 28.64°
• Minimum Focus Distance: 85 cm / 2.8 ft
• Maximum Magnification: 0.1152x (0.12x)
• Optical Design: 14 Elements in 9 Groups
• Special elements: ED X1 , ASH X1 , HR X3
• Diaphragm Blades: 15
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Image Stabilization: No
• Filter Size: M 67X0.75
• Dimensions: (ø x L): 80.3mm X 102mm / 3.2 x 4.0 inches
• Weight: 540g / 1.2 lbs

Optical design

The 85mm F1.4 is a metal lens that comprises 14 elements in 9 groups, including ED (extra-low dispersion) and three HR (high refractive index) glass elements, which should minimize chromatic aberration and improve image sharpness. The aspherical element should also reduce distortion for clearer, more detailed images. With its 15-blade diaphragm and an aperture of F1.4, the lens will produce smooth, circular bokeh with those coveted blurry backgrounds and shallow depth of field. The minimum focusing distance is 85cm / 2.8 ft, and maximum magnification is 0.1152x (0.12x). The filter size is 67mm.

Price and availability

The SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4 lens will be available on November 18th for $499 (Early Bird’s price). From December 31st, 2024, the lens will be priced at $599.

For more information, please see the SIRUI website here.

What do you think about SIRUI’s new Aurora series of lenses? Does this 85mm F1.4 sound like a lens you’d like to have in your kit? Let us know in the comments!