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| Brightin Star now offers a relatively affordable 35mm f/1.4 full-frame lens |
In an industry where premium fast-aperture lenses often command eye-watering prices, camera accessory manufacturer Brightin Star is making waves with a surprisingly simple proposition: what if you could get a classic, fast full-frame prime for less than many people spend on a camera bag?
The answer is their newly released Brightin Star 35mm f/1.4 full-frame manual focus lens. Tipping the scales at a featherlight 7.7 ounces and boasting a vintage-inspired design, this lens is a direct challenge to the notion that you need to spend big to get that coveted wide-aperture look.
Designed for Character, Not Complexity
Available for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and Leica SL mounts (with the L-mount version also compatible with Panasonic and Sigma fp cameras), the lens immediately stands out with its retro metal aesthetic. It’s a look that pairs perfectly with modern mirrorless cameras, offering a tactile, classic shooting experience.
A key feature for hybrid shooters is the switchable aperture ring. Photographers can engage satisfying click stops for precise stills work, while videographers can de-click it for smooth, silent exposure adjustments during filming. As a dedicated manual focus lens, it requires a hands-on approach, offering a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters (just under a foot) for creative close-ups.
The Price-Performance Equation: Where You Save, Where You Gain
So, how does Brightin Star hit that startling $159 price point? The secret is in a deliberate and transparent optical compromise. The lens uses a straightforward 7 elements in 6 groups design, foregoing expensive aspherical and apochromatic (APO) glass commonly used to combat distortions and color fringing in more expensive optics.
The result? A lens with a very distinct character. According to the manufacturer’s own MTF charts, the lens is sharp in the center wide open at f/1.4—perfect for isolating a subject’s eyes in a portrait—but becomes progressively softer toward the edges of the frame. For many creatives, this isn’t a bug; it’s a feature. This optical signature can produce dreamy, ethereal backgrounds (bokeh) and a vintage "look" that is often sought after for street photography, portraiture, and artistic projects. Stopping the lens down to f/2.8 or f/4 will naturally bring the entire frame into sharper relief.
Availability and Final Thoughts
The Brightin Star 35mm f/1.4 is available now in both sleek black and classic silver finishes directly from the manufacturer. You can check full specifications and order it here at Brightin Star's official store.
For those who prefer the convenience of Amazon, it is also listed on Amazon with current pricing and delivery options.
The lens itself is $159, though a lens hood, UV filter, and carrying case are optional extras.
This lens won’t be for everyone. If you need pin-sharp corner-to-corner performance at f/1.4 or reliable autofocus, you’ll need to look at options costing several times more. But for the budget-conscious photographer, the filmmaking hobbyist, or anyone wanting to experiment with a fast 35mm perspective without financial fear, the Brightin Star 35mm f/1.4 represents an incredibly accessible entry point. It’s a reminder that sometimes, in photography, character and capability can come in a very small, very affordable package.
