Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO FE Review

Based on the review by Arthur R

Introduction

In his detailed hands-on review, creator Arthur R explores the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO, the first lens of Viltrox’s newly introduced EVO series for Sony full-frame E-mount. As Arthur puts it, the EVO line represents a “Goldilocks lens” concept—bridging the gap between the lightweight Air series and the professional Pro series, offering a balance of size, features, and price.

“With the EVO line, you get a smaller, lighter body with all of the buttons, switches, and aperture rings of the Pro line—and at a price closer to the Air line.”

🏞 Design and Handling

Arthur describes the new EVO 85mm as a refined, well-executed design that corrects earlier shortcomings from Viltrox’s other lens families.

The lens body combines plastic and glass construction with an orange-sealed metal mount and a USB-C firmware port. While not fully weather-sealed, the overall finish feels much more premium than the Air series. At 340 g, it’s compact for a full-frame 85mm prime, maintaining solid balance on smaller Sony mirrorless cameras such as the A7C.

One standout feature is the aperture control ring, which Arthur praises highly:

“It’s the second best clicky aperture that I’ve tested—only the new Sigma 12mm f/1.4 feels better.”

The ring can be switched between clicked and smooth rotation for video use, and the tactile response is said to surpass even some of Viltrox’s Pro lenses. The lens also includes an AF/MF switch, focus hold button, and a smooth electronic focus ring that provides responsive, natural control.

🎨 Optical Performance

Sharpness and Contrast

Arthur’s field results show the lens performing very well as a portrait optic.

“As a portrait lens, this 85mm does everything that you’d ever want a portrait lens to do.”

Sharpness is solid wide open in the center and mid-frame, though the corners remain soft until about f/5.6. Image clarity improves progressively through f/2.8 and f/4, reaching peak corner sharpness by f/5.6 and above.

Colors and contrast are described as excellent, with natural skin tones and pleasing color balance. Arthur notes that JPEGs straight from camera already look clean and well-saturated, requiring minimal adjustment.

Vignetting and Distortion

At f/2, the lens exhibits visible vignetting, which diminishes significantly by f/2.8. Arthur finds the effect acceptable—sometimes even beneficial—for portraits:

“The vignetting is nice at times; it helps draw attention to the subject.”

Distortion is minimal, with only a touch of pincushion that most photographers won’t find problematic.

Chromatic Aberration and Flare

Chromatic aberration control is generally good, though longitudinal CA (LoCA) is noticeable on high-contrast out-of-focus areas. Arthur points out:

“This performance isn’t as good as the lenses in the Pro lineup, but still pretty respectable.”

The one clear optical weakness is flare resistance.

“Flare control is not great. There’s significant loss of contrast, and the deep lens hood barely makes a difference.”

Despite that, in normal lighting conditions the lens retains good contrast and color integrity.

Bokeh and Rendering

The lens uses an STM stepper motor, providing fast, confident, and nearly silent autofocus. Arthur notes:

“It locked into the eyes confidently and quickly. There’s the tiniest noise if you put your ear right next to it, but it’s near silent.”

However, focus breathing is pronounced, making this lens less ideal for cinematic focus pulls. For stills, however, performance is stable and reliable.

Value and Price

At launch, the AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO was priced at $275 USD, with promotional discounts lowering it to around $260 USD. For a full-frame portrait lens with this optical and mechanical quality, Arthur calls the value “incredible.”

“If Viltrox can keep these prices around $250 to $300, I don’t know how anyone else can beat that type of performance for the money.”

⚙️ Limitations

While overall performance is impressive for the price, Arthur identifies a few areas for improvement:
  • Corner softness wide open until f/5.6
  • Noticeable vignetting at f/2
  • Longitudinal chromatic aberration in out-of-focus highlights
  • Pronounced focus breathing, limiting video versatility
  • Weak flare resistance, with loss of contrast against bright light sources

🔍Conclusion

The Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO marks a confident debut for the new EVO line—balancing the compactness of the Air series with the control and handling of the Pro lenses. Its excellent sharpness, natural color rendering, refined ergonomics, and remarkable value make it a highly appealing choice for portrait photographers and everyday creators.

Arthur concludes with enthusiasm:

“This lens is very good… As the first in the EVO line, it makes me very excited to see what else this new series will bring.”

For full-frame Sony shooters seeking a lightweight yet capable portrait prime at an unbeatable price, the 85mm f/2.0 EVO sets a promising tone for Viltrox’s next chapter.

Thank you to Arthur R for the in-depth field test. Explore the AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO FE on our website and discover the next level of portrait photography.

(The above opinions and content are quoted from Arthur R's channel, specifically from his review video of the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO FE)