CameraReview
Brightin Star AF 35mm f/1.8 ASPH
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Brightin Star · 35 mm · f/1.8 · Nikon Z, Sony E mount

Brightin Star AF 35mm f/1.8 ASPH

From $279.99 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandBrightin Star
Announcement dateAug 2025
Released2025
Production started2025
Production statusIn Production
What We Like
+Exceptional value at $250, costing less than one-third the price of competing 35mm f/1.8 lenses from Nikon and Sony
+High-quality optical design with aspherical elements and ED glass for edge-to-edge sharpness even at f/1.8
+Compact, lightweight design (420-430g) with solid metal construction and smooth focus ring
+Minimal focus breathing and optional stepless aperture (Sony E-mount) make it ideal for video work
+Fast, silent STM autofocus with micron-level precision and support for eye-detect AF
+Weather-sealed mount with USB-C firmware updating capability and 2-year warranty
Worth Knowing
No optical image stabilization; requires in-body stabilization (IBIS)
Nikon Z-mount version lacks aperture ring and stepless operation for video
Not compatible with DSLR cameras; designed for mirrorless only
Firmware updates currently available on Windows only

General

Brand
Brightin Star
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Aug 2025
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2025
Production started
2025
Production status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
The Brightin Star AF 35mm f/1.8 ASPH is a budget-friendly full-frame prime lens that delivers optical performance comparable to much more expensive alternatives from Nikon and Sony. With its advanced optical formula featuring aspherical and ED glass elements, STM autofocus system, and minimal focus breathing, it serves photographers and videographers equally well. The compact, weather-sealed design and generous 2-year warranty make this an outstanding value for street, portrait, and everyday photography.

Optics

Minimum Aperture
f/16
Optical Formula
11 elements in 8 groups
Aspherical Elements
2 ASPH
Special Elements
2 high-refractive Hoya lenses, 1 ED low-dispersion element
Min focal length
35 mm
Max focal length
35 mm
Focal range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
35 mm
Zoom lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
No
Max aperture wide
1.8
Max aperture zoom
1.8
Closest focusing distance
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
40 cm01500
Autofocus mode
Yes

Autofocus

Focus Motor
STM (stepping motor)
AF Type
Autofocus with AF/MF switch
Focus Characteristics
High-speed, silent, micron-level precision
Focus Breathing
Minimal focus breathing for video

Build

Length (E mount)
88mm
Length (Z mount)
90mm
Weight (E mount)
420g (14.8 oz)
Weight (Z mount)
430g (15.2 oz)
Aperture Ring
De-clicked (Sony E-mount); Fixed (Nikon Z-mount)
Firmware Update
USB-C port

Imaging

Image Stabilization
None
Bokeh
11-blade iris for smooth, rounded bokeh
Aberration Control
Exceptional control over chromatic aberrations and minimal ghosting

Video

Focus Breathing
Minimal
Aperture Control
Stepless aperture (Sony E-mount only)

Physical

Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Nikon Z, Sony E
Front filter size
Diameter of attachable filters.
62 mm

Features

Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes