Sirui announces its Aurora 35mm F1.4, a lightweight, fast, weather-sealed prime lens rich in optical sophistication, equal to the general quality we expect from companies like Nikon, Canon, or Sony. The new lens is available for each of the major mirrorless full-frame mounts except Canon RF, with 16 elements in the optical design across 11 groups, including three (3!) aspherical elements, two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements, one SED (Special Extra Low Dispersion) element, and one HRI (high refractive index) element.

According to the MTF, resolution is outstanding, contrast is nearly perfect edge-to-edge, bokeh should be pleasing, and astigmatism aberrations are pretty much nonexistent.  To put it another way, it's likely the best I have ever seen in a 35mm MTF before.

Sirui does not specifically say what type of motor is used for autofocus, so I am going to assume the only possible downside is that it uses slower stepper motors like they did with the Aurora 85mm.

And the cost? Yeah, it's just $550, and you can preorder it now.

Details

With its bright f/1.4 aperture and "true to sight" focal length, the Nikon Z Aurora 35mm f/1.4 Lens from Sirui is a classic wide-angle prime lens with a compact and lightweight design. The versatile focal length suits everything from street shooting to landscape and documentary subjects, and the fast maximum aperture excels in low-light and for controlling depth of field.

Wide-Angle Versatility and f/1.4 Speed

• The 35mm focal length is a true all-rounder, serving as a reliable tool for capturing street scenes, landscapes, and reportage, while also being a strong creative contender for fashion and portrait photography.
• The fast f/1.4 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions; additionally, it helps to control depth of field and produce selective focus effects.
• The built-in STM motor provides accurate and stable focus tracking with minimal focus breathing, ideal for video production.

Optical Design

• Three Aspherical lenses correct spherical and edge color aberrations.
• Two ED lenses minimize chromatic dispersion and aberration for natural color.
• One HRI lens reduces glare, chromatic aberration, and purple fringing.
• 13-bladed diaphragm for creating a smooth, impressive bokeh effect.
• Features 16 lens elements in 11 groups.

Physical Attributes

• The Click On/Off button enables de-clicking the physical aperture ring for smooth, silent aperture switching to benefit video applications.
• The Iris Lock button locks the aperture at a specific manual setting or toggles between auto and manual control.
• The FN button enables focus lock when held down or can be set to a custom function.
• The AF/MF button enables toggling between autofocus and manual focus.
• The electronic contacts support Exif data transmission.
• The USB-C port built into the lens mount supports firmware upgrades.

Additional Lens Features

• This lens is distinguished by its sleek and lightweight form factor, measuring 2.99 x 4.13" and weighing 1.11 lb.
• The included lens hood reduces lens flare, protects from accidental impacts, and has a release button for easy removal.
• The lens's fluorine-coated front element resists dust, moisture, and fingerprints and is easy to clean.
• The lens is built to resist dust, dirt, and water, making it suitable for many different conditions.

Specifications