Rollei has announced the launch of its first mirrorless lens—the AF 85mm f/1.8—available for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts. However, much like the Rollei 35AF camera introduced by Mint Camera last year, this new product is likely a rebranded offering under the licensed Rollei name.
The Rollei brand is best known for iconic film cameras such as the Rolleiflex twin-lens reflex and the original Rollei 35. But the company that originally manufactured those legendary cameras no longer exists. Today, the Rollei trademark is owned by Germany-based Rollei GmbH & Co. KG, which now operates primarily through brand licensing, much like Kodak.
This new lens appears to share its complete technical specifications with the 7Artisans AF 85mm f/1.8. That includes an optical design of 10 elements in 7 groups, featuring two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and two HR (High Refractive) elements. It also offers an 11-blade aperture and a maximum aperture of f/1.8. Both lenses support autofocus via a stepping motor (STM) and feature eye and face detection tracking.
Interestingly, while 7Artisans lists a minimum focusing distance that is 5mm shorter than the Rollei’s 0.85m (2.7 ft), the MTF charts for the two lenses appear to be identical.
Physically, the Rollei and 7Artisans lenses also share several similarities. Both feature a 62mm filter thread, metal construction, and a USB-C port for firmware updates. Each lens also includes a customizable function button positioned similarly relative to the focus switch. However, the external designs diverge significantly—Rollei’s version appears more robust and classic in styling, lending it a more premium aesthetic.
As with many Chinese-made lenses, it’s believed this model was designed and manufactured by DJ Optical, the OEM behind brands such as 7Artisans, TTArtisan, and Viltrox, which primarily exist as marketing and distribution fronts.
The Rollei AF 85mm f/1.8 is now available for pre-order at €299 (introductory price; regular retail €349), with official availability set for July 9. Rollei says pre-ordered units will begin shipping on July 7.
