Kase AF 85mm F1.4 Review - DustinAbbott.net
Review of the Kase AF 85mm F1.4 lens for Sony, highlighting its magnetic filter system, build quality, optical performance, and autofocus.
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Strengths:
- Innovative magnetic filter system integrated into the lens design
- Compact, well-built, and weather-sealed construction
- Excellent optical rendering with smooth bokeh and balanced contrast
- Versatile features like customizable focus points and firmware updates via USB-C
- Autofocus speed is slower compared to some competitors
- Slightly decentered aperture blades affecting shape and contrast at F1.4
- Minimal flare control with some light leak issues
- Lack of an aperture lock feature which could improve handling in certain shooting conditions
Pros:
- Beautiful built lens
- Feature rich
- Very good weather sealing
- Compact and reasonably light
- Love the clever filter integrations
- USB port for firmware updates
- Clean and elegant design
- STM focus motor is quiet and accurate
- Good sharpness at F1.4 in center and midframe
- Great contrast by F2
- Higher magnification than competitors
- Little distortion
- Low vignette
- Solid control of fringing
- Colors look great
- Gorgeous bokeh
- Good price to performance ratio
- 3 year warranty gives some peace of mind
Cons:
- Bokeh geometry isn’t amazing
- Focus speed isn’t as good as some competitors
- Corner sharpness lags a bit
- Obvious focus breathing
