The following chart presents the basic parameters of different 1.4/85 class lenses equipped with autofocus and designed for full frame mirrorless cameras. It is clear that the new Viltrox definitely belongs to the group of heavier and bigger models. Only the older Sony model is heavier and the Meike is bigger. The Viltrox, along with the the Sigma, is optically the most complex; it also sticks out in a positive way with the shortest minimum focusing distance.
In the following photo the Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.4 Pro is positioned between the reflex camera Canon EF 85 mm f/1.8 USM and the Sony FE 50 mm f/1.4 GM.
The tested lens starts with a metal mount with an USB-C port that allows you a very quick software upgrade. The mount also features a rubber gasket and it surrounds contacts and an 33x27 mm frame. Right below that frame there is an immobile rear element, 34 mm in diameter, surrounded by dark, matte area. From this side everything looks very well.
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A black ring made of metal that increases its diameter is the first part of the proper barrel of the Viltrox 1.4/85. On this ring you can find a red dot, making an alignment with a camera easier, a serial number, information about the place of production, China this time, and the CLICK ON/OFF switch that is used to change the aperture ring mode from clicked to declicked.
Then you find the aforementioned aperture ring, ribbed and made of metal, that is 14 mm wide. On the ring there are aperture markings from f/1.4 to f/16 (every 1/3 EV step) and an automatic A value.
Further on there is an inscription 'AF 85/1.4 FE' surrounded by the Pro badge from one side and the logotype of the producer from the other. On the side you also find an AF/MF switch and a round function button.
A manual focus ring, as wide as 24 mm and almost completely covered by fine ribbing, is the next part. There are no distance or DOF markings on it. Its focus throw amounts to an angle of about 270-290 deg, a significant value, allowing you very precise settings.
Then you see a metal ring that increases its diameter and ends with a hood mount.
The front element of the lens doesn't move, is slightly convex, 59 mm in diameter. It is surrounded by a part of the casing with inscriptions and a non-rotating filter thread, 77 mm in diameter. Among inscriptions that run around the front element you find also one informing you about the filter diameter, minimum focusing distance, (0.79m/2.59ft), and the next one, stating the basic parameters of the lens and abbreviations concerning different technologies used in the construction. In this case it's VCM, meaning an voice coil motor, used in the lens's autofocus, ASPH and ED, concerning special glass elements inside, and IF, meaning focus is set internally. Additionally there is 'Full Frame' inscription, informing you that the lens was designed to cooperate with full frame cameras.
When it comes to optical construction you deal here with 15 elements positioned in 11 groups. The producers weren't skimpy when it comes to special elements: inside you can find one aspherical element, three made of low dispersion ED glass, and as many as nine elements made of high refraction index glass. Along all these elements there is also a round aperture with 11 diaphragm blades that can be closed to a value of f/16 at the maximum.
According to the producer the body of the lens is made of durable aluminum. The whole construction is also weather -sealed and protected against dust and humidity.
Buyers get in the box along the lens both caps, a hood and a case with hardened bottom.
