Viltrox 85mm F/1.8 STM Lens for Canon RF Cameras Released

Lens News

by Jeff LochNovember 19^th, 2021

Viltrox has just released a new lens for Canon RF-mount cameras: the Viltrox 85mm F/1.8 STM. This lens covers Full-Frame sensors. In addition, it features an STM motor for fast and silent autofocus, and with a retail price of $399, it is one of the most affordable 85mm RF-Mount autofocus lenses on the market!

Suppose you are shooting with a Canon RF mirrorless or cinema camera. In that case, chances are you’re still using Canon EF lenses with an adapter, or you went all-in and invested in native Canon RF lenses that are still very expensive. Indeed, over the last couple of years, we did not see many third-party lenses, especially from some of the “big names” like Sigma or Tamron. Why manufacturers are taking so much time to release Canon RF lenses is another topic.

Viltrox – the Chinese company specializing in affordable lenses and lens mount adapters – has just released an 85mm F/1.8 STM lens to broaden your vision.

Viltrox 85mm F/1.8 STM features

The Viltrox 85mm F/1.8 STM is a medium telephoto mainly made out of metal that is pretty compact at only 10cm/3.93in for a weight of 530g/1.16lbs. As its name suggests, the lens features a built-in STM autofocus motor for fast and silent focusing performances.

According to the company, the 85mm F/1.8 STM is compatible with EyeAF, continuous AF in video mode, and it supports five-axis in-body image stabilization. On the lens itself, you’ll find an AF/MF switch to toggle between both manual and autofocus modes.

The Viltrox 85mm F/1.8 STM features a native Canon RF lens mount, compatible with every Canon mirrorless or cinema camera. On the lens barrel, you’ll find a USB Type-C port for future firmware updates if a new camera comes out and is not supported.

Lens design

The lens design of this 85mm F/1.8 STM consists of ten elements in seven groups, including one ED low-dispersion element and four “short wavelength and high transparent” lenses. In addition, the front element features a waterproof and anti-fouling coating.

The aperture diaphragm consists of 9 aperture blades for smooth bokeh results. The front filter thread is 72mm, and the minimum focus distance is 80cm/31.5in.

Price and availability

The Viltrox 85mm F/1.8 STM is available now for $399/€350. It comes with a removable sun hood, a pouch, and front/rear lens caps.

As a direct comparison, the Yongnuo YN 85mm F/1.8R DF DSN is the same price, the Samyang/Rokinon AF 85mm F/1.4 Lens for Canon RF is $699, and the Canon RF 85mm F/2 Macro IS STM lens is $599.

For more information, please visit Viltrox’s website here.

What do you think about this new 85mm lens for Canon RF cameras? Are you patiently waiting for other manufacturers to come up with RF lenses? Did you already invest in RF lenses, or are you still using Canon EF glass with an adapter? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!