Head-to-head

SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4 vs Sniper 56mm F1.2: which budget portrait lens?

Both give an 85mm-equivalent portrait view, one on full frame, one on APS-C. The Aurora costs $449; the Sniper $279.

Updated October 30, 2026

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SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4

8.3

Best for Portrait photographers on a budget

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SIRUI

SIRUI Sniper 56mm F1.2

7.8

Best for APS-C portrait and video shooters who like a soft, cinematic look

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Which should you buy?

Pick the Aurora 85mm if you shoot full frame or want a sharp image wide open. Pick the Sniper 56mm if you shoot APS-C, love a soft, glowing f/1.2 look or film video, where its almost-zero focus breathing shines.

Full comparison

Comparison of SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4, SIRUI Sniper 56mm F1.2
Feature	SIRUI SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4 Top score	SIRUI SIRUI Sniper 56mm F1.2
Overall score	8.3	7.8
Autofocus	7.6	7.4
Image quality	8.6	7.3
Handling and build	8.5	7.8
Value	9.1	9.2
Price (USD)	$449	$279
Best for	Portrait photographers on a budget	APS-C portrait and video shooters who like a soft, cinematic look
Pros	Full-frame f/1.4 for $449 (list $599) Sharp in the centre wide open; peaks at f/2.8–f/4 15 aperture blades give round, smooth out-of-focus highlights	f/1.2 on APS-C (85mm equivalent) for $279 (list $349) Almost no focus breathing: great for video Smooth, reliable AF in good light with current firmware
Cons	Stepping-motor autofocus is slower than native and Sigma Art lenses Corners softer than expected until f/4 Fujifilm compatibility still maturing; one test copy needed calibration	Soft with strong halation at f/1.2; sharp only from about f/2.8 Noticeable chromatic aberration wide open, gone by f/4–f/5.6 AF hunts in low light and on some unsupported bodies
Specifications
Format	Full frame	APS-C (about 85mm full-frame equivalent)
Mounts	Sony E, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fujifilm X	Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z
Aperture	f/1.4–f/16, 15 blades	f/1.2–f/16, 11 blades
Optics	14 elements in 9 groups	12 elements, including ED glass
Autofocus	Stepping motor (STM)	Stepping motor (STM), eye AF supported
Minimum focus	0.85 m, 0.12× magnification	—
Filter	67 mm	58 mm
Size / weight	80.3 × 101.7 mm, about 550 g	—
Price	$449 (list $599)	$279 per lens (list $349)
Weight	—	About 420–460 g depending on mount and hood
Firmware	—	USB-C port on the mount
Links	Read review Check price at SIRUI	Read review Check price at SIRUI