Rollei ushers in a new era with its first proprietary lens: the Rollei AF 85 mm F/1.8 for Sony FE and Nikon Z. With the new VAF (Full-Frame Autofocus) series, the long-established manufacturer is expanding its portfolio to include proprietary lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The series launches with an 85-millimeter portrait lens . It boasts an impressive F/1.8 aperture, precise STM autofocus , and a robust all-metal housing —developed for discerning photographers and videographers who expect the highest image quality at an attractive price.
Norderstedt, June 11, 2025. Rollei is writing a new chapter in its rich history and presenting its first proprietary lens: the Rollei AF 85 mm F/1.8 , available for Sony FE and Nikon Z mounts . With the introduction of the VAF (Full-Frame Autofocus) series, the company is expanding its product portfolio with its first proprietary lenses specifically developed for modern mirrorless full-frame cameras . The 85-millimeter portrait lens combines proven Rollei quality with state-of-the-art technology and sets new standards in image quality and user-friendliness.
The 85-millimeter focal length is ideal for portrait photography , delivering natural proportions without distortion. The Rollei AF 85 mm F/1.8 makes optimal use of this classic focal length and, thanks to its F/1.8 aperture, delivers razor-sharp results even at wide open aperture . The 11 aperture blades create a creamy, perfectly round bokeh that elegantly separates the main subject from the background and enables professional portraits with impressive depth of field.
The innovative HFT-X (High Fidelity Transfer) coating significantly reduces ghosting and flare while preserving natural contrast. Combined with the high-quality glass selection of 10 elements in 7 groups, including two ED and two HR lenses , the lens ensures high edge sharpness and minimizes chromatic aberrations for brilliant image quality right to the corners .
The precise STM (stepping motor) autofocus operates quickly and virtually silently , which is particularly beneficial for video recording. Face and eye tracking are fully supported , making the lens an ideal choice for both photography and videography. The minimum focusing distance of 0.85 meters at a maximum magnification of 0.12× also enables detailed close-up shots.
Despite its weight, the Rollei AF 85 mm F/1.8 weighs just 477 grams and sits perfectly balanced in the hand. Intuitive operation is ensured by a high-quality metal aperture ring (Sony FE version only), an AF/MF switch , and a freely assignable FN button . The linear aperture ring on the Sony version enables smooth, silent aperture adjustments for professional video recordings.
Both lenses feature a precise metal mount (E-mount and Z-mount, respectively) with full EXIF data transfer and a USB-C firmware port for fast updates in just 30 seconds. The 62mm filter thread is compatible with all common filters from the company.
The Rollei AF 85 mm F/1.8 for Sony FE and Nikon Z is now available for pre-order for €299 (RRP €349) at Foto Erhardt.