If you’re a Fujifilm photographer looking for a versatile and affordable portrait lens, the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 might be just what you need. Over the past three weeks, I’ve put this lens through its paces in various shooting scenarios, and here’s my take on its performance, build quality, and whether it deserves a spot in your camera bag.

Build Quality: Sturdy with Video-Friendly Features

The Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 is well-built with an aluminum alloy body that feels solid and premium. One of its standout features is the aperture ring, which includes a clickable on/off switch—perfect for videographers who want smooth aperture changes. The focus ring, while functional, feels slightly loose for my taste, though I haven’t used it much in manual focus mode.

Portability: Compact but Needs Balance

Weighing 500g, the lens is lightweight for its category and comparable to Fujifilm’s XF56mm f/1.2 WR (450g). However, its longer size makes it slightly front-heavy when paired with smaller Fujifilm bodies. I found that using a SmallRig cage provided the extra grip needed for better balance.

One minor inconvenience is the lens hood design. When attached, it blocks access to the AF/MF switch and the aperture ring click switch. Thankfully, the aperture ring itself remains accessible, so it’s not a major issue.

Autofocus: Fast, Silent, and Reliable

I was pleasantly surprised by the autofocus performance. Despite its size, the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 focuses quickly and silently, far outperforming Fujifilm’s XF56mm f/1.2 (even the MKII version). This makes it an excellent choice for capturing movement during portrait sessions or dynamic shots where speed is essential.

Image Quality: Sharpness and Unique Character

The Aurora 85mm f/1.4 delivers excellent image quality, especially for portraits. It’s sharp even wide open at f/1.4, and sharpness improves noticeably from f/2.8 onward. The lens produces creamy bokeh, giving your portraits a professional touch.

However, there are some quirks:

Warm Color Rendering: The lens has a warmer tone compared to Fujifilm’s native lenses. While this can add character, it might require color adjustments in post if you’re mixing it with Fuji glass.
Lens Flare: Shooting into the sun can introduce noticeable flare and patterns. While some may find this artistic, others might see it as a limitation.

A Key Consideration: Space to Use

Like Fujifilm’s XF90mm f/2, the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 requires enough working space to take full advantage of its focal length. The compression and background separation are stunning, but you need to ensure your environment can accommodate the distance needed to frame your shots effectively. If you frequently shoot in tight spaces, this lens might not be the most practical choice.

Who Should Buy This Lens?

If you’re a portrait photographer looking for a telephoto prime with excellent compression, the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 is a fantastic choice. At $599 (or $499 with the discount link below), it’s significantly more affordable than Fujifilm’s XF90mm f/2, which costs $949. This lens is ideal for photographers who want high performance on a budget without compromising on quality.

Get It for Less

Ready to add this lens to your collection? Use this link to get 17% off: https://bit.ly/3Dq0FqO. This discount brings the price down to just $499—a great deal for such a capable lens.

Final Thoughts

The Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 exceeded my expectations in almost every way. Its fast autofocus, solid build, and sharp image quality make it a compelling option for Fujifilm users. While it’s not without quirks, the combination of performance and affordability makes it an excellent choice for portrait enthusiasts or anyone seeking a reliable telephoto prime.

Just remember: like with any telephoto lens, you’ll need space to work effectively. If your environment suits its focal length, this lens is a winner. If you’re looking for a lens that balances quality and cost, the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 might be the perfect addition to your Fujifilm kit.

Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4: A Budget-Friendly Portrait Lens for Fujifilm Users