From October 2 to October 16, 2026 (EDT), the SIRUI Aurora 35mm F1.4 and Aurora 85mm F1.4 full-frame autofocus lenses are 15% off on store.sirui.com, across E, Z, L and X mounts. We first mentioned this Aurora discount in our SIRUI Shopping Week deals roundup, and it is now live. If you are planning to add one Aurora to your bag during the sale, the real question is which focal length fits the way you shoot. This guide compares the two lenses side by side and explains when each one makes more sense.
What Is Included in the SIRUI Aurora October Sale?
Both SIRUI Aurora F1.4 lenses are 15% off in all four mounts from October 2 to October 16, 2026 (EDT). The Aurora 85mm F1.4 drops from $449 to $381.65, and the Aurora 35mm F1.4 drops from $549 to $466.65.
| Lens | Mounts | Regular Price | Sale Price (15% Off) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4 | Sony E / Nikon Z / L-Mount / Fujifilm X | $449.00 | $381.65 |
| SIRUI Aurora 35mm F1.4 | Sony E / Nikon Z / L-Mount / Fujifilm X | $549.00 | $466.65 |
Here is how the offer works during the sale period:
- Sale period: October 2 – October 16, 2026 (EDT).
- Price already reduced: The 15% discount is built into the price shown on the product page, so no separate SIRUI discount code is needed.
- Stack with membership points: Discount benefits redeemed with SIRUI membership points can be applied on top of the sale price.
- Free shipping protection: Orders totaling $1,800 or more include free shipping protection.
What Is the Difference Between the Aurora 35mm and 85mm F1.4?
The 35mm F1.4 shows more of the scene and focuses closer, which suits storytelling, travel and video. The 85mm F1.4 compresses the background and isolates the subject, which suits portraits. Both share the same F1.4 aperture, autofocus system and controls.
| Aurora 35mm F1.4 | Aurora 85mm F1.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Perspective | Natural, wide-normal view with more environment in frame | Compressed background, tighter framing |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.35m (1.15 ft) | 0.85m (2.79 ft) |
| Max magnification | 0.14x | 0.1152x |
| Optical construction | 16 elements in 11 groups | 14 elements in 9 groups |
| Aperture blades | 13 | 15 |
| Filter thread | 62mm | 67mm |
| Weight (E mount) | 490g | 540g |
| Typical subjects | Street, travel, environmental portraits, interiors, vlogging | Headshots, half-body portraits, events, detail shots |
| Shared features | Fn button, clicked/declicked aperture switch, STM autofocus with eye AF, USB-C firmware updates, triple protection, E/Z/L/X mounts | Same |
Because the controls and handling are the same on both lenses, the decision comes down to focal length, working distance and the look you want in the frame.
When Should You Choose the SIRUI Aurora 35mm F1.4?
Choose the SIRUI Aurora 35mm F1.4 if you want one lens for daily shooting, travel, street photography or video. Its wider view keeps the setting in the story, and its 0.35m close focus lets you work at arm's length.
A 35mm F1.4 is a practical all-rounder. On a full-frame body it is wide enough for small rooms, café interiors and street scenes, yet still close enough to a normal view that faces do not stretch when you step in for an environmental portrait. For wedding and event coverage, it handles getting-ready moments and group shots in tight spaces.
For creators, the Aurora 35mm is a comfortable 35mm lens for video. At 490g it balances well on a gimbal, the declicked aperture setting allows smooth exposure changes during a take, and a front-facing vlog framing stays usable at arm's length. The F1.4 aperture also helps in dim interiors or evening street scenes, where you want to keep ISO down without giving up shutter speed.
When Should You Choose the SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4?
Choose the SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4 if portraits are your main subject. The 85mm focal length flatters facial proportions, and F1.4 separates the subject from a softened background at a comfortable working distance.
Portraits with an 85mm lens are a long-standing standard for a reason. You can stand a few metres from your subject, which keeps the session relaxed, and the tighter angle of view makes it easy to simplify a busy background. The 15 aperture blades help keep out-of-focus highlights rounded when shooting near wide open, and the lens is sharp wide open, so F1.4 is a working aperture rather than a setting you avoid.
The Aurora 85mm is also useful beyond classic headshots: stage and event coverage, candid moments at weddings, and product or detail shots where you want background compression. If you are weighing the F1.4 against faster options, our comparison of the Aurora 85mm F1.4 and 85mm F1.2 lenses looks at what the extra stop does and does not change in practice.
Is a 35mm and 85mm Two-Lens Kit Worth It?
For portrait, wedding and hybrid photo-video work, a 35mm and 85mm pair covers most situations with just two primes. The 35mm handles wide and environmental shots, and the 85mm handles close portraits and details.
The spacing between the two focal lengths is wide enough that each lens does a distinct job, which is why the pair is common among portrait and event shooters. Since both Aurora lenses use the same control layout, switching lenses mid-shoot does not change how you operate them, and both update through USB-C. If you already know you will want both, the October sale is a reasonable time to set up the pair on the same mount.
Final Thoughts
If you want one lens for everyday shooting, travel and video, the SIRUI Aurora 35mm F1.4 is the more flexible choice. If portraits are the focus of your work, the SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4 gives you the framing and background separation that portrait lenses are known for. Both are 15% off in E, Z, L and X mounts until October 16, 2026 (EDT), and membership point discounts can be applied on top of the sale price.
FAQ
When does the SIRUI Aurora sale end?
The sale runs from October 2 to October 16, 2026, Eastern Daylight Time. Sale prices apply to both the Aurora 35mm F1.4 and Aurora 85mm F1.4 during this period.
Do I need a SIRUI discount code for the Aurora sale?
No. The 15% discount is already reflected in the price shown on store.sirui.com, so you can check out at the listed price without a discount code.
Can I combine the Aurora sale with SIRUI membership points?
Yes. Discount benefits redeemed with SIRUI membership points can be used together with the 15% sale price. Orders totaling $1,800 or more also include free shipping protection.
Which camera mounts are included in the Aurora discount?
All four available mounts are included: Sony E, Nikon Z, L-Mount and Fujifilm X, for both the 35mm and 85mm lenses.
Is 35mm or 85mm better for portraits?
For headshots and half-body portraits, 85mm is the more common choice because it flatters facial features and separates the subject from the background. A 35mm lens is better for environmental portraits, where the location is part of the story.
Can I use the SIRUI Aurora 35mm on an APS-C camera?
Yes. The Aurora 35mm F1.4 is available in Fujifilm X mount, and the Sony E version can also be used on APS-C E-mount bodies. On APS-C, it gives a field of view similar to about 52.5mm on full frame.
SIRUI AURORA 35mm F1.4 Full-Frame Autofocus Lens
- Full-Frame | f/1.4 to f/16
- Versatile 35mm Prime for Photo and Video
- AFL Button, IRIS Button, AF/MF Switch, ON/OFF Button
- ASPH, ED, SED, and HRI Elements
- 13-Blade Diaphragm
