toolkit | Kit check
Specs that matter Quality zoom lenses may be the backbone of many kits, but adding a fast 35mm or 85mm prime can be a smart move Prime candidates What? Sirui Aurora 35mm and 85mm f/1.4 How much? £549/$549 and £549/$449 More info? sirui.com
What it is: A pair of fast, full-frame prime AF lenses that are affordable and offer very good image quality Mounts: Sony E, Nikon Z, Leica L and Fujifilm X Aperture: f/1.4-16, 15 rounded blades on the 85mm and 13 on the 35mm Construction: The 85mm has 14 elements in 9 groups, 1 aspherical, 2 ED and 3 HRI glass elements. The 35mm has 16 elements in 11 groups, 3 aspherical, 2 ED and 1 HRI glass elements Weight: 540g/1.2lb for the 85mm, 490g/1.08lb for the 35mm
f you’ve spent years relying on zooms and have been wondering whether it’s finally time to discover the magic
One tells the story, capturing environmental portraits, travel, documentary work and behind-the-scenes content. The other flatters facial features, compresses your perspective and creates the sort of creamy background blur that instantly lifts portraits and interviews above the ordinary. Rather than trying to compete across dozens of focal lengths, its Aurora range starts with these two useful primes. They are priced right, beautifully built and packed with features usually associated with much more expensive glass – a genuine attempt to move beyond budget optics. The first thing that stands out is the construction. Both lenses feature all-metal
of fast primes, Sirui has produced two compelling reasons to make the leap. As a first prime pair, these Sirui Aurora 35mm and 85mm lenses won’t break the bank and use the AF system many rely on. There is still something magical about a bright f⁄1.4 prime. The ability to shoot in lower light, create a beautifully shallow depth-of-field and produce images with character is why so many choose them. If you are going to own just two, they should probably be a 35mm and an 85mm.
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September/October 2026
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