An 85mm lens with reliable autofocus and decent optics can make a noticeable difference in your portrait work. But with costs often in the thousands, getting great portraits often means balancing price, functionality, and performance carefully.
Coming to you from Wes Perry, this detailed video takes a no-nonsense look at the new Brightin Star 85mm f/1.8 lens designed for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount mirrorless systems. Perry immediately highlights its build quality, which is impressive considering the price. The lens features weather-sealing, sturdy construction, and a smooth manual focus ring that feels professional. On the downside, Perry finds one noticeable weakness: the autofocus/manual focus switch feels cheap and less reliable than the rest of the lens. That's something to consider if durability and long-term reliability are high on your checklist.
In terms of performance, Perry carefully compares the Brightin Star 85mm f/1.8 with competitors like the Yongnuo 85mm and Meike lenses. He appreciates its compact size, though it's slightly bulkier than the Yongnuo but considerably smaller and easier to handle than a bigger f/1.4 lens. He points out how features like autofocus consistency, minimal focus breathing, and click-less aperture transitions for video give this lens real versatility. It also comes equipped with a custom function button and USB-C port for painless firmware updates. Perry does note, however, that the lens hood provided isn't particularly impressive.
Key Specs
- Aperture Range: f/1.8–f/16
- Mount Fit: Sony E, Nikon Z (mirrorless cameras)
- Optical Structure: 10 elements in 7 groups
- Aperture Blades: 11
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.8 m
- Autofocus: Yes, focus by wire
- Filter Size: 62mm
- Dimensions: 79 mm diameter × 89 mm length
- Weight: 510 grams
While the lens isn’t clinical in sharpness wide open, chromatic aberration clears noticeably by f/2.8. Out-of-focus areas have an appealing swirl, which Perry found makes portrait backgrounds more engaging and less sterile. Compared to Yongnuo, he favors this lens' rendering and character. Interestingly, despite its affordable price, the lens handles flare and contrast surprisingly well even when pushed in tricky lighting situations.
Autofocus is a crucial element Perry addresses, pointing out that autofocus speed falls short compared to the latest generation Sony lenses but is still quicker than older models like the original Sony 85mm G Master. For typical portrait work, he finds the autofocus fast enough, reliable, and accurate, even for eye detection in video and still photography modes. The performance won't blow your mind if you’re accustomed to Sony’s latest top-tier lenses but is perfectly workable in normal shooting scenarios.
Perry emphasizes the lens' excellent value at roughly $300, comparing it favorably against costlier options like Sony’s 85mm lenses or pricier third-party offerings. Considering the blend of relatively few optical compromises, robust build, handy features, and appealing pricing, it stands out as a sensible option for anyone wanting to step up their portraits without overspending. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Perry.
