VILTROX 85mm F/1.8 Mark II STM Full-Frame Auto Focus Lens Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the proper use, setup, operation, and maintenance of your VILTROX 85mm F/1.8 Mark II STM Full-Frame Auto Focus Lens. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

2. Product Overview

The VILTROX 85mm F/1.8 Mark II STM is a full-frame portrait lens designed for Sony E-Mount cameras. It features a stepping motor (STM) for quiet and precise autofocus, a large F1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field, and an optical design that minimizes aberrations and improves color rendering.

Figure 2.1: VILTROX 85mm F/1.8 Mark II STM lens with attached lens hood.

3. Key Features

• Stepping Motor (STM): Utilizes an STM for smooth, quiet, and fast autofocus performance.
• Large F/1.8 Aperture: Provides excellent light-gathering capabilities for low-light conditions and allows for a shallow depth of field with pleasing background blur (bokeh).
• Full-Frame Coverage: Designed for full-frame Sony E-Mount cameras, also compatible with APS-C cameras (providing a 127.5mm equivalent focal length).
• Advanced Optical Design: Constructed with 10 elements in 7 groups, including one extra-low dispersion element and four specialty elements made from highly transparent glass to reduce aberrations and improve color accuracy.
• HD Nano Multi-Layer Coating: Applied to individual elements to minimize ghosting and flare, enhancing image clarity and contrast.
• Integrated MicroUSB Port: Located on the rear metal mount for convenient firmware updates.
• Electronic Contacts: Powers the aperture mechanism and transmits EXIF data to compatible Sony cameras.

4. Package Contents

Upon unpacking, please ensure all the following items are present:

• VILTROX 85mm F/1.8 Mark II STM Lens
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Lens Hood
• Instruction Manual (this document)

5. Setup and Installation

5.1 Attaching the Lens

1. Ensure your camera is powered off.
2. Remove the rear lens cap from the VILTROX lens and the body cap from your camera.
3. Align the white index mark on the lens barrel with the corresponding index mark on your camera's lens mount.
4. Gently insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.
5. Attach the lens hood by aligning its mark with the mark on the front of the lens and twisting until it locks.

Figure 5.1: The VILTROX 85mm F/1.8 Mark II STM lens correctly mounted on a Sony E-Mount camera body.

5.2 Firmware Update

The lens features an integrated microUSB port for firmware updates. This ensures compatibility with future camera models and allows for performance enhancements.

1. Visit the official VILTROX website to download the latest firmware for your lens model.
2. Connect the lens to your computer using a microUSB cable.
3. Follow the instructions provided with the firmware download for the update process.

Figure 5.2: The rear of the lens, highlighting the electronic contacts for camera communication and the microUSB port for firmware updates.

6. Operation

6.1 Autofocus (AF) and Manual Focus (MF)

The VILTROX 85mm F/1.8 Mark II STM lens supports both autofocus and manual focus modes. The focus mode is typically controlled via your camera's settings. The STM ensures quick and quiet autofocus operation, which is beneficial for both photography and video recording.

6.2 Aperture Control

The lens features an aperture range of F1.8 to F16. The aperture is controlled electronically through your camera body. The large F1.8 aperture allows for significant background blur, ideal for isolating subjects in portraits.

Figure 6.1: The aperture scale of the lens, illustrating the range from F1.8 to F16 and the corresponding aperture blade shapes.

6.3 Compatibility

This lens is compatible with Sony E-Mount full-frame cameras (e.g., A7III, A7RIII, A7SII, A7II) and APS-C cameras (e.g., a6500, a6400, a6300). When used on an APS-C camera, the effective focal length becomes approximately 127.5mm.

7. Media Integration Examples

7.1 Image Examples

Figure 7.1: A portrait image showcasing the lens's ability to achieve precise eye focus, resulting in sharp subject rendition and a blurred background.

Figure 7.2: The VILTROX 85mm F/1.8 Mark II STM lens, with its included lens hood, mounted on a camera in an outdoor setting, ready for use.

7.2 Video Examples

8. Care and Maintenance

• Cleaning the Lens: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a lens brush to remove dust. For smudges, use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Avoid touching the lens elements directly.
• Storage: Store the lens in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use the front and rear lens caps to protect the elements when not in use.
• Handling: Avoid dropping or subjecting the lens to strong impacts.

9. Troubleshooting

• Lens not recognized by camera: Ensure the lens is securely mounted and the camera is powered on. Check for any available firmware updates for both the lens and your camera.
• Autofocus is slow or inaccurate: Ensure sufficient lighting conditions. Check camera settings for focus mode and area. Clean the lens contacts on both the lens and camera body.
• Image quality issues (e.g., soft images, chromatic aberration): Ensure the lens elements are clean. Check camera settings for aperture and shutter speed. For chromatic aberration, minor corrections can often be made in post-processing software.

10. Specifications

11. Warranty Information

VILTROX products are covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Please refer to the warranty card included in your package or visit the official VILTROX website for detailed warranty terms and conditions.

12. Customer Support

For further assistance, technical support, or inquiries regarding your VILTROX 85mm F/1.8 Mark II STM lens, please contact VILTROX customer service through their official website or the contact information provided on your warranty card.