Sirui’s new Aurora series of full frame lenses has kicked off with the well received Aurora 85mm F1.4. I was interested in doing some direct comparisons with existing options.  The most logical comparison is the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 Series II lens, but since I don’t have that one on hand, I’m doing a comparison to what has become my standard in this class – the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DN | ART. You can find out my full thoughts by watching the video review below…or reading on.

Follow Me @ YouTube | Patreon |  Instagram | Facebook | DA Merchandise | Flickr | 500px | X

Thanks to Sirui for sending me a review sample of this lens. As always, this is a completely independent review. *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with my Sony a7RV or Sony Alpha 1 cameras.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Aurora Reviews: Video Review | Text Review

Sigma Reviews: Video Review | Text Review

Similarities

• Same focal length and aperture
• Mostly similar feature set (click, declick, function, AF | MF)
• Both weather sealed
• Both come with lens hood and case
• Same rated magnification (0.12x)

Reasons to Choose Sigma:

1. Extra feature – iris lock
2. Higher contrast
3. Sharper
4. Faster autofocus
5. Better up close performance (>magnification, contrast)
6. Richer color
7. Less fringing
8. Better centering
9. Winner if you like a higher contrast, more deeply saturated result.

Reasons to Choose Sirui

1. Price | MSRP $599 vs 1199 | Current $499 vs 949
2. Weight | 540g vs 625g
3. 15 rounded blades vs 11
4. Smaller filter threads 67mm vs 77mm
5. Faster video focus pulls
6. Comes with two filters (if you buy from Sirui)
7. Lower distortion and vignette
8. Rounder specular highlights wide open
9. Winner if you like a lower contrast, more cinematic looking result (almost looks like Cinetone is on).

Conclusion

The Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 is a lot of lens for the money.  I personally prefer the results from the Sigma, but I could live with the Sirui.  I still think the Sigma strikes the best balance between high end performance and price, but the fact that it costs twice as much as the Sirui could be a serious factor for people.

_________________________________________________________________________

GEAR USED:

Purchase the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 @ Sirui (use code DustinA5 for 5% off) | B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

Purchase the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DN ART @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

___________________________________________________________________

Purchase the Sony a7RV @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Sony Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany 

__________________________________________________________________

Purchase the Sony a6600 @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

Purchase the Sony a6400 @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

_________________________________________________________________

Want to support this channel? Use these affiliate links to shop at: B&H Photo | Amazon | Adorama | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Ebay | Make a donation via Paypal

Buy DA Merchandise https://bit.ly/TWIMerch

Keywords: Sirui Aurora F1.4 GM II, Aurora, Sirui, F1.4, 85mm, Sigma, DN, Sigma 85mm F1.4, ART, DG, Comparison, Versus, VS, Full Frame, Review, Sony Alpha 1, Sony a7RV, Review, Hands On, Dustin Abbott, Real World, Comparison, Sharpness, Bokeh, Flare Resistance, Autofocus, Image Quality, Sample Images, Video, Photography, let the light in, weathersealing, #letthelightin, DA