Viltrox Introduces the Budget-Friendly AF 85mm F/2 Evo Lens for Sony E-Mount

Darryl Lara Administrator

Darryl Lara is a portrait and concert photographer based in the Philippines. Since 2010, he has captured performances of some of the biggest local and international artists and built a strong presence in the concert scene. In 2022, he shifted to full-time writing and editing, where he now covers photography, technology, and gaming with the same passion for storytelling that defines his photography.

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By Darryl Lara

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Last updated 10/20/2025

Viltrox has officially launched a new lineup of affordable prime lenses called the Evo series, starting with the AF 85mm F/2 Evo. Designed for creators who want a lightweight yet capable portrait lens, this new model blends sharp optical performance with an accessible price point.

A New Affordable Prime Series

Marketed under the tagline “The Essential Lens, Redefined,” Viltrox describes the AF 85mm F/2 Evo as a compact and versatile tool for portrait and lifestyle photography. The company says the lens is made to “capture portraits, stories, and everyday moments with stunning clarity and depth, where every frame feels effortless, and every detail, alive.”

Despite its entry-level price, the AF 85mm F/2 Evo boasts a solid optical design with 10 elements in 8 groups, including two high-refractive and two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. This construction helps suppress chromatic aberrations and delivers crisp, clean images even when shooting wide open.

Autofocus performance is handled by an STM stepping motor, providing quick, accurate, and nearly silent focusing. The lens supports eye and face detection AF, and its internal focusing system ensures smooth operation with gimbals and tripods. Minimum focusing distance is 0.74 meters, giving photographers room to work comfortably while maintaining sharp detail.

Compact, Lightweight, and Well-Built

Weighing just 340 grams, the AF 85mm F/2 Evo is less than half the weight of Viltrox’s premium 85mm F/1.4 Pro lens, making it a portable choice for on-the-go shooting. The lens also features a rubber-sealed mount for dust and light weather resistance, and a fluorine-coated front element that repels water and fingerprints.

The bright F/2.0 maximum aperture produces smooth, dreamy bokeh — perfect for isolating subjects and achieving cinematic background blur in portraits.

Viltrox equipped the lens with several physical controls, including an aperture ring, focus ring, AF/MF mode switch, click switch, and a customizable Fn button. It uses a 58mm filter thread and includes a USB-C port for firmware updates.

Price and Availability

The Viltrox AF 85mm F/2 Evo is now available for Sony E-mount cameras for $275. It can be purchased directly from the Viltrox online store, as well as from major retailers like B&H Photo.