SIRUI’s New Aurora 35mm f/1.4 Brings Big Performance in a Small Package

Fresh off the success of its Aurora 85mm f/1.4, SIRUI has just revealed the Aurora 35mm f/1.4 Full-Frame Autofocus Lens. Announced at IBC 2025, this compact wide-angle option promises the same winning mix of portability, sharp optics, and fast autofocus that made the 85mm such a hit, but now in a focal length that’s far more versatile for everyday shooting.

The lens weighs just 490 grams for the E-mount version, so it’s light enough to throw into any camera bag but sturdy thanks to its all-metal construction. John took a closer look.

Lightweight, But Built to Last

John’s first impression was that this lens is built for creators on the move. At 35mm, it’s wide enough for street photography, travel, and vlogging, yet still flattering for environmental portraits. The fast f/1.4 aperture means it doesn’t shy away from dimly lit cafés or golden-hour cityscapes. Sonny from SIRUI confirmed that this series was designed with content creators in mind, who shoot run-and-gun style, constantly moving between stills and video.

For low-light shooters, John couldn’t help but think about night city scenes or even a casual astrophotography session. While Sonny hinted that an even wider Aurora lens may arrive next year (perfect for astro), this 35mm already opens the door for nighttime creativity.

Optics and Autofocus

The lens uses 1 SED element, 2 ED elements, one high refractive index element, and three aspherical elements, along with nano multi-coating. This setup helps reduce distortion, flare, and chromatic aberration while keeping the image sharp across the frame. Autofocus is driven by a stepping motor, which is quiet and supports modern subject and eye tracking and is handy for both stills and video.

Mounts and Compatibility

The 35mm F1.4 is available in E, X, Z, and L mounts, supporting Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Leica systems. With SIRUI joining the L-Mount Alliance, the lens also works across compatible L-mount cameras, giving shooters more flexibility if they use multiple systems.

Practical Tips

Based on what he’s seen and tried, John has a few tips for making the most of the 35mm f/1.4:

• For vlogging: Keep it at arm’s length on a lightweight gimbal. The 35mm field of view captures both you and your environment without heavy distortion.
• For portraits: Shoot around f/2–f/2.8. It keeps subjects sharp while adding just enough background separation to tell a story.
• For travel: Pack a 62mm variable ND filter to manage exposure on bright days without losing that shallow depth of field.
• For night shooting: Push it wide open at F1.4, bump ISO modestly, and let the autofocus track moving subjects. It’s great for candid nightlife shots.

A Growing Ecosystem

With the 85mm and now the 35mm, SIRUI is building a series of lightweight, autofocus lenses that prioritise usability and consistent optical performance. Additional focal lengths are expected in the coming year, along with other offerings like the IronStar anamorphic series for filmmakers.

In short, the Aurora 35mm f/1.4 is a practical tool for creators who want a wide-angle lens that’s easy to carry, reliable for both photo and video, and capable of handling a range of everyday shooting situations. Check out the interview below from IBC 2025:

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