“Das erste Objektiv von Rollei”. Rollei, the historic German brand, returns with an AF 85 mm f/1.8 lens. This luminous fixed focal length, its first for Sony and Nikon full-format hybrids, evokes similar models offered by Viltrox or 7Artisans.
Rollei had not been in the news for a long time. Once owned by Samsung in the 1990s, the company, famous for its “Rolleiflex” twin-lens cameras since the late 1920s, had subsequently passed from hand to hand, undergoing a series of restructurings.
As a result, many patents and licenses have been sold to foreign companies, notably Chinese. This led to products such as the Rollei 35AF, designed by MiNT Camera. But even when Rollei was divided into several subsidiaries, it retained its German roots.
There can be little doubt, however, that this Rollei AF 85 mm f/1.8 is not entirely the product of a Berlin design office, despite being marketed by a German subsidiary. This autofocus portrait lens is the company’s first to be used with full-frame hybrids from Sony or Nikon.
The Rollei AF 85 mm f/1.8 technical specifications are listed below:
- focal length: 85 mm (127 mm in APS-C)
- sensor lens: full format
- angle of view: 28
- maximum aperture: f/1.8
- minimum aperture: f/16
- optical formula: 10 elements divided into 7 groups (including 2 HR lenses and 2 ED lenses)
- diaphragm: circular, 11 lamellae
- minimum focusing distance: 85 cm
- image stabilization: no
- tropicalization: N. C.
- max. magnification: N. C.
- focusing: autofocus (STM)
- filter diameter: ø 62 mm
- dimensions: ø 92 x 80 mm
- weight: 477 g (without sun visor)
- compatible frames: Sony E, Nikon Z
- launch price: €349
Classic manufacturing
The Rollei AF 85 mm f/1.8 is offered in two versions ( Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount) with two different finishes. While dimensions remain similar (9.6 cm in length, 8 cm in diameter and a weight of 477 g), the Sony version features a diaphragm adjustment ring, absent on the Z-mount version.
This choice may come as a surprise, since even though many E-mount lenses are equipped with a ring of this type, some manufacturers, such as 7Artisans, Viltrox and TTArtisan, also equip their Z-mount pebbles with one. Only Nikon doesn’t do this natively.
In addition, both lenses offer a 62mm filter diameter, metal construction and a USB-C port. Each offers a customizable button and an AF / MF switch.
A simple optical formula we’ve seen before
The optical formula of this Rollei AF 85 mm f/1.8 is fairly classic, with 10 elements divided into 7 groups (including 2 HR and 2 ED lenses). A design strangely similar to that of the AF 7Artisans 85 mm f/1.8. It’s only a short step from there to saying that this is the same lens revisited, a step we’d be remiss not to take.
In fact, there’s a slight difference with the 7Artisans lens. The Rollei’s minimum focusing distance is 85 cm, compared with 80 cm for the Chinese lens.
The f/1.8 aperture is made possible by an 11-blade diaphragm, which should produce particularly soft bokeh, with smooth transitions between subject and background.
Autofocus is provided by a stepper motor (STM). According to the manufacturer, it offers fast, precise and silent focusing. It is also designed to work optimally with the subject detection and tracking systems of the latest hybrid cameras from Sony and Nikon.
Rollei AF 85 mm f/1.8 price and availability
The Rollei AF 85 mm f/1.8 is available in E and Z mount for €349. Deliveries are scheduled to start on July 9, 2025.
Our first review of the Rollei AF 85 mm f/1.8
Are we witnessing Rollei’s true comeback ? It’s hard to say, but this AF 85 mm f/1.8 looks like a promising portrait lens. Well built, it should offer decent image quality at a very attractive price.
Of course, there ‘ s no denying its technical (and price) similarity to the 7Artisans AF 85 mm f/1.8. And it would seem that German manufacturer Rollei has called on Asian expertise and production for this “comeback”. We’re curious to see whether Rollei will soon be offering other lenses for hybrids.
