Thanks for dressing up for us and for all the time you take to do your thorough reviews. Having played with, rented, or owning many of the Sony e-Mount lenses you named and awarded, I’d have to agree with your awards. Particularly when it comes to the Sony 70-200 F4 G2 Macro. When I look back at all my photos taken in 2023, the best ones came from that lens. I have not tried a Viltrox lens yet, but it sounds like it’s worth giving them a shot. Thanks again for all you do. All the best to you and your family in 2024.
It seems that they are already establishing themselves as productive with those results. With challenging specs too. I just wonder of they could develop the expertise to compete with larger, longer zooms and primes though. Tamron have never dared to try and manufacture a 300mm f2.8 since their old manual focus LD decades ago..
It was grear year for gear and I hope we could see more Nikon stuff in 2024. But in 2023 we got some great stuff and I am very happy for Viltrox (for their 16mm) and TTArtisan 500mm for example as they filled a void in that area. Happy new year, Dustin.
@@DustinAbbottTWImakes sense 😀 by the way, do you have any info about Tokina? They had quite a few good and great lenses in the past, but its been very quite in the last few years.
The I’ve owned almost all Canon and Sony cameras and I agree the A7rV is both the best and most inspiring camera I have used this year… The screen, evf, 61mp, 26mp crop & md raw. I just love it. It’s what the A1ii should be
@@DustinAbbottTWI I wander why you don’t cover Nikon? Even though they produce interesting cameras and lenses. And the new Plena the best 135 1.8 money can buy. I like your reviews but I don’t know why not Nikon.
viltrox 20 fe f2.8 is the budget lens you carry around.At f4 it stands out of every wide lens in the market.amazing introduction and reviews . happy new year for all
Thank you for all of your great reviews during the year. They are my go to when looking for a camera or lens. Thanks for dressing up for the occasion! Best wishes for 2024
Great video as always! Two points though: 1) I feel like Sigma 14mm f1.4 should at least get an honorable mention. 2) Please tell me you were wearing shorts under the table :D
I was actually underwhelmed by the performance of the 14mm F1.4. I found the 20mm F1.4 a much stronger lens optically. I’m not sure if I had a less than stellar copy, but it didn’t wow me. And no, it was December in Canada, I was NOT wearing shorts.
Great review of year, and I couldn't agree more. Great videos, as always! Love the tux¡😅 Great work. Happy new year to you and yours and the greatest of success
I loved your look !!! I wish you all the best for you you and your family , from distant Uruguay. Great video today! Santa got me the XH2 as new aquisition ! (I already have the xt4) I am glad that you considered that camera as a good one! I wish you a wondeful new Year!!! :)
Thanks a lot Dustin ! Well, I do have the 100-400, the 80mm, the 16-55 and the 150-600, I guess they are included on those lenses? I am relearning PSAM !!! which I haven't used for the past 5 years LOL@@DustinAbbottTWI
A very interesting insightful summary analysis award presentation & underlying optical & digital sensibility. I too concur with the camera award. I upgraded from the sony 7r4 to the 7r5 and found it to be one of the best hybrids along with AF + ibis etc. I found both the Fuji xh2 & Gf cameras evolving the sensor-camera line up but the lens eco system for sony has become so huge that I prefer to keep investments in one system. For me the sony a7r5 is the sweet spot. The plethora of zoom lenses and ranges is just so huge now. The sony 70-200f4 macro really impressed me & I will get it in the near future. However, for long range versatility I got the tamron 50-400. It pairs very well with the a7r5 and one can do a lot of handheld work - given the better ibis. Viltrox is coming into its own now - just like Samyang did some time ago. Just like many decades ago when the SLR transformation happened, and lens design evolved - now with the shift to the digital mirrorless the lens development has come into its own. We are certainly in a golden period! Meanwhile in gratitude for the continual sharing of this golden period & best wishes.
I have a Sony A7Cii camera and thinking about a portrait lens. The Viltrox 75/1.2 looks very good but it's a crop, so resolution will suffer. Another similar candidate is Samyang 135/1.8, which I'm not sure about, especially AF. Would you say Samyang is still a better option for FF camera than Viltrox?
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks, but I do really mean f 1.2 27mm and 75mm (with excellent 24x36mm coverage). (I do use dg dn f1.2 35mm, voight 40mm f1.2, gm 50 f1.2, Dg dn 85 f1.4 105 1.4, and it's not out of snobbish reasons at all. And I really feel I would use this pair of focals as EDC, even if only MF for the 27mm. Now it is the 40mm)
2023 winner is Nikon I think. I say this having switched to Sony from Nikon 1 month ago :). Z8 is industry disrupting body for its price performance. Nikon prooves they are not dead. The only issue is so many people have switched from Nikon to Sony or maybe Canon already. Some have gone the medium format route etc. In my country Sony is dominating but the industry needs a strong Nikon to push competition :)
Nikon is offering old rebranded Tarmon glass for the price of newer improved G2 models, the camera UI is full of annoying quirks, the body build quality is worse than their DSLRs, the lenses feel cheap and plasticky. They are already dead to me.
@@obrys5494 I switched to Sony after using Z7II for 2 years. Almost all my mirrorless lenses were FE mount because they were either better or not available for Nikon Z. Now I shoot Sony. Having said that, with Z8 Nikon prooved they can release something that can be cutting edge tech and also very competitive in price. Also Nikon still has the best long telephoto lenses and their superteles with integrated TC is one reason to switch from Sony for some fields. I can forgive Nikon for slow autofocus when they play catch up but if they don't allow DG DN sigma lenses natively for example, that's my biggest reason to switch. The other reason is Sony lenses are smaller usually and higher performing. Nikon caught up with bodies in 2023. Still a long way to go.
@@m11kan i disagree they are very competitive right now but it's a game of leap frog. If my lenses were Nikon Z, I would prefer Z8 today regardless of cost and it's also cheaper than an A1. Nikon is behind on an A7R equivalent but they are slightly ahead in video and even with high speed body a Z8 eill be cheaper and perform just as fast (I know I know no 30fps lossy raw I use an A1.)The issue is many have switched to Sony and switching back is expensive. I hope Nikon can keep ahead of the game for a year or two at least forcing Sony to lower costs or innovate faster.
Thank you for the wonderful reviews, as always. I have a question though, is viltrox 16mm compatible with a GFX system? The reason is there aren't many choices of wide angle lenses with large apertures. I tried the Tamron 15-30mm on a GFX 100s and the vignetting is unusable under 20mm. The aperture of GFX 20-35mm is seems not sufficient for astrophotography. Thank you again and wish you have a wonderful new year in 2024.
Dressed in a style to match your excellent reviews, I viewed your very interesting 2023 finale, in shorts and a short sleeved shirt- it was 38c at my time of viewing. Clearly, this will stand as the first global review signalling the clear arrival of Viltrox as a top tier lens manufacturer and, most importantly, at reasonable prices. Have ordered a 27 1.2 for my Fujifilm X series. Best Wishes to you and your Family for 2024 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Sony and Viltrox had a great year. Sony basically dominates with both camera bodies and lens designs and I say that as a mixed Canon and Fujifilm shooter. But ever company has had big hits. LUMIX finally got PDAF and released a solid S5ii camera. Big things coming from them in the future, I'm sure. Fujifilm had a breakthrough with the X-H2S and is starting to put a great recipe of AF performance, excellent industrial body design, performance specs, and film emulations together in future cameras. Fujifilm GF continues to carve out a digital MF market that doesn't require a substantially deep wallet to afford and use. Canon didn't have a good year. No 3rd party lenses, painfully slow lens releases, expensive and heavy lens designs (with a few exceptions), delayed flagship cameras, widening gaps in performance in their camera bodies compared to the competition.
I do like Canon products, but unfortunately Canon in Canada has been difficult to work with. I have to source loaners from a retailer, and they have limited loaners, so it often takes a while before I can get new cameras and lenses.
Thank you for all your detailed reviews in 2023. I look forward to more in 2024, with perhaps more Canon RF lenses, and we hope some third party lenses for Canon RF if the rumours prove true.
I’d love to cover more Canon, too, but Canon Canada has been difficult to work with. I end up getting Canon loaners from Camera Canada instead, but as a retailer they have limited loaners.
Thank you for your work. The past year I did not buy a single piece of gear without checking your videos or reading your articles. I hope you can expand your reviews a little next year, maybe improve some small aspects such as b-roll and sound just to cement yourself among the best camera/lens review channels on youtube.
Excellent video and observations Dustin, thank you! I am certainly eying the 16mm Viltrox. I almost jumped ship to an X-H2 purely for the Viltrox lenses coming out. After buying the Tamron 50-400 though, I’m thinking the A7RV will be the next flagship. I’m loving Sony’s colors now and the only drawback is the poor resolution of the A7iv back screen… and the lack of TC support for 3rd party E mount. I would love to see an X-H2 to Sony FF (A7iv) comparison. I think there are many that are comparing both systems with Fuji’s 40mp sensor. I still think Fuji is probably the best system for my family at large due to overall cost to performance and 3rd party glass now but I think I’d miss Sony’s low light performance. Thanks again, I don’t always comment but look forward to every video. Have a blessed New Year, and let His light in! :D.
My suggestion for a 40MP sensor, the top choice is a full-frame camera. The primary reason is not low-light performance but rather the issue of lens resolution. Currently, the Viltrox 27mm and 75mm lenses are the highest-resolution lenses in the Fujifilm system, and they just barely meet the requirements of a 40MP sensor. In contrast, full-frame lenses such as the Sony 35mm f1.8 can easily meet the demands of a 40MP sensor, and GM lenses have even higher resolution, seemingly capable of handling 80-90MP. This is due to the physical limitations imposed by the smaller format, making it challenging to achieve higher resolution with the Viltrox lenses, which already have high resolution. The difficulty would be much greater compared to full-frame lenses. I think 26MP is just right for a apsc camera. What do you think? @@DustinAbbottTWI
I’m not sure how you can say that when there are some quality lenses that I mentioned in this episode that are literally cheaper than just about every lens released in the past forty years. Relative to inflation in other areas, camera gear is actually getting cheaper in many cases.
Dustin ,for me you are the best of all youtubers ..but....you should regard also micro4/3 format .... You all persist not to take into consideration m4/3 ....but you are seriously mistaken !!!
I don’t cover more Canon because Canon Canada has been difficult to work with and I have to borrow loaners from a retailer instead. I’d love to look at those lenses.
Nice overview for the Sony and Fuji system. In 2024 may be you could dedicate some of your precious time towards gear from the Leica Panasonic Sigma L mount and Nikon Z mount system?
I don’t actually review L-mount; the Sigma lenses that also come in L mount I am reviewing on Sigma. I’m afraid I’m just not inclined to adding a whole new system, and in over ten years of reviewing Nikon has NEVER reached out to me once, so I don’t even have a source for loaners.
I have a7rv and also the nikon Z8, to be honest the Z8 is the better camera by some distance. Faster in all regards,better white balance,better balance in the hands. The sony wins in megapixel and has more buttons.
Funny No Nikon mentioned with all their Brilliant Cameras and top of the Pile Z Lenses ?? At least I bought the Camera of the Year 2023 The Nikon Z8 years ahead of the Competition >> I hope your Site starts to give Nikon the mentions and time it deserves to make your site Relevant
I own and love the Z8 but I'm not sure how it's years ahead of the competition. Certainly not when it comes to auto focus( its still a little behind canon and Sony), certainly not when it comes to Image quality, it's as good as Sony but no better). It is excellent in other ways, but I certainly would not say it's years ahead of the competition.
Dustin does not review or shoot Nikon. This video was covering the gear reviewed this year. Having also been a Nikon shooter in the past, I agree, the Z8 is an amazing platform. Glad Nikon has opened up to more 3rd party as well… that is the prime reason I switched to Sony (pun intended) :D.
There were multiple Canon products covered here (including a lens that I gave an honorable mention to). I don’t cover more Canon because Canon Canada has been difficult to work with and I have to borrow loaners from a retailer instead.
Being a Sony A7iv & Nikon Z8 user and having used Sony A7R5, the Nikon Z8 is a much better, way better overall camera than the Sony A7R5. Otherwise it must be mentioned no Nikon cameras is considered.
Agreed. I had a choice of buying a an A7RIV for $1700 used like new or a new Z8 for $3700. I would have never thought Id spend more than $1600 for a camera but I ended up getting the Z8. Absolutely love it and I’m coming from the Z6.
@@DustinAbbottTWI It's ok but when someone lands on this video looking for best camera of 2023 & he/she is not a subscriber of yours, then how would anyone know what camera you have reviewed or not ? It should be mentioned the following companies are not considered or the title should be more precise like Best of Fuji, Sony, Canon in 2023.
So you review canon, sony, fuji, panasonic,viltrox, pergear, sigma, tamron, samyang (pretty much everything) but you dont have time and money to do nikon :)).
I don’t cover Panasonic, actually. But no, I’ve never covered Nikon outside of a few pieces of gear loaned to me by someone in my area. Fun fact: I’ve been a professional reviewer for more than a decade and Nikon has never once contacted me. The reason I cover Fuji is because they came after me and made sure I had access to loaners. They’ve been great.
@@planetfun85 How I read Dustin's response is that he doesn't review Nikon gears because they didn't offer him any incentive (gears or monetary). I don't know if Dustin reached out to Nikon before requesting equipment for review and got rejected and therefore he vowed to never review Nikon.
I loaned a Nikon D850 for Dustin to review a few years ago. A little later, I got a Nikon Z6 - biggest disappointment ever - that quickly led to a total switch to Sony and I haven't looked back since. @@DustinAbbottTWI
@kaimunroe - no, that's not the case. I've never received free gear or monetary incentives from any of the camera manufacturers. They have never reached out to me to invite me to review their gear or to arrange loaners. Other companies have been much more proactive about that. Reviewers like myself can only do reviews if we actually have gear to review.
With all due respect, from the beginning I made it clear that these awards were out of the cameras and lenses that I reviewed in the year. I gave the pool of candidates for each category.
Thanks for dressing up for us and for all the time you take to do your thorough reviews. Having played with, rented, or owning many of the Sony e-Mount lenses you named and awarded, I’d have to agree with your awards. Particularly when it comes to the Sony 70-200 F4 G2 Macro. When I look back at all my photos taken in 2023, the best ones came from that lens. I have not tried a Viltrox lens yet, but it sounds like it’s worth giving them a shot. Thanks again for all you do. All the best to you and your family in 2024.
It is a really sweet lens
I hope that Viltrox will become a lens manufacturer comparable to Sigma and Tamron.
It seems that they are already establishing themselves as productive with those results. With challenging specs too. I just wonder of they could develop the expertise to compete with larger, longer zooms and primes though. Tamron have never dared to try and manufacture a 300mm f2.8 since their old manual focus LD decades ago..
Thank you for all your reviews sir! I appreciate the hands on general use photos and videos.
My pleasure!
It was a great year, thank you for your reviews! 🎉
Happy new year!
It was grear year for gear and I hope we could see more Nikon stuff in 2024. But in 2023 we got some great stuff and I am very happy for Viltrox (for their 16mm) and TTArtisan 500mm for example as they filled a void in that area. Happy new year, Dustin.
Happy New Year. I don’t cover Nikon (I’m already covering 3 brands in multiple platforms, so I don’t have time for more.)
@@DustinAbbottTWImakes sense 😀 by the way, do you have any info about Tokina? They had quite a few good and great lenses in the past, but its been very quite in the last few years.
I want to insert some applause at your winner announcements. Great to watch a genuine, trustworthy 2023 awards. Happy New Year!
I’ll have to import an audience next year :)
Nice one DA; Happy new year!
Same to you!
Happy new year, thank you for all the things you have done in 2023, it really helped people to make good choices.
I’m glad to have helped out.
The I’ve owned almost all Canon and Sony cameras and I agree the A7rV is both the best and most inspiring camera I have used this year… The screen, evf, 61mp, 26mp crop & md raw. I just love it. It’s what the A1ii should be
It is a great camera. I own the A1 and I still reach for the a7RV more often.
My product of the year camera is the Nikon Z8 and lens of the year the Nikkor 600 Pf!
I don’t cover Nikon, so that’s outside the area of my expertise
@@DustinAbbottTWI I wander why you don’t cover Nikon? Even though they produce interesting cameras and lenses. And the new Plena the best 135 1.8 money can buy. I like your reviews but I don’t know why not Nikon.
Many the big camera reviewers gave the Z8 the camera of the year.
Thanks for everything you shared with us this year Dustin. Happy New Year and looking forward to what have for us in 2024
Thank you, Sam!
Yeehah. I better not get carried away, but happy new year and l look forward to what 2024 brings in photography!
Me too!
I bought a Viltrox 16mm F1.8 in October and love it ! The first test was a trip to Cancun Mexico in November - travelling around it was perfect 👍
It is a beautiful lens.
Great presentation as always.
Dustin, thanks for the nice reviews. I wish you start adding Nikon cameras and lenses in 2024.
Thank you for another year of reviews.
You’re welcome
Love this type of video, Dustin! Hope you've had a merry Christmas. A happy and healthy 2024 for you and family.
Thank you!
viltrox 20 fe f2.8 is the budget lens you carry around.At f4 it stands out of every wide lens in the market.amazing introduction and reviews . happy new year for all
I can't process long verbal lists of lenses. Why not list them on the screen? A scroll on the left side, perhaps? Helps a person to keep track.
Thanks for the input.
Thank you for all of your great reviews during the year. They are my go to when looking for a camera or lens.
Thanks for dressing up for the occasion!
Best wishes for 2024
My pleasure!
Love that tuxedo!
Thanks :)
It would be crazy/amazing if Viltrox started making GFX lenses. I don't shoot X mount anymore but I do love my GFX.
That would be interesting. The question would be if there was enough sales potential to justify the development costs.
Great video as always! Two points though:
1) I feel like Sigma 14mm f1.4 should at least get an honorable mention.
2) Please tell me you were wearing shorts under the table :D
I was actually underwhelmed by the performance of the 14mm F1.4. I found the 20mm F1.4 a much stronger lens optically. I’m not sure if I had a less than stellar copy, but it didn’t wow me. And no, it was December in Canada, I was NOT wearing shorts.
Great review of year, and I couldn't agree more. Great videos, as always! Love the tux¡😅 Great work. Happy new year to you and yours and the greatest of success
Thank you very much.
Why no coverage of Nikon products?
It’s a matter of time. This isn’t my main job, and I already cover three primary camera brands as it is.
Maybe Nikon didn't send him gears to review
You left out the Nikon 85mm 1:2 and the Nikon 135 mm 1.8 these are amazing lens too
I’m sure they are, but these awards are based only on lenses and cameras that I reviewed myself.
@@DustinAbbottTWI if you get a chance the Nikon 85 1.2 and the 135 1.8 -- they are among the best portrait lens I have ever used.
Thanks!
Thank you, Dusitn!
You’re welcome.
I loved your look !!! I wish you all the best for you you and your family , from distant Uruguay. Great video today! Santa got me the XH2 as new aquisition ! (I already have the xt4) I am glad that you considered that camera as a good one! I wish you a wondeful new Year!!! :)
You’ll enjoy the the X-H2, though that resolution is punishing to all but the best lenses.
Thanks a lot Dustin ! Well, I do have the 100-400, the 80mm, the 16-55 and the 150-600, I guess they are included on those lenses? I am relearning PSAM !!! which I haven't used for the past 5 years LOL@@DustinAbbottTWI
Great video. Always watch your video, unbias and really enjoyed this.
I appreciate that!
Thank you and happy & successful 🎉new year 🎉 ✝️
A very interesting insightful summary analysis award presentation & underlying optical & digital sensibility. I too concur with the camera award. I upgraded from the sony 7r4 to the 7r5 and found it to be one of the best hybrids along with AF + ibis etc. I found both the Fuji xh2 & Gf cameras evolving the sensor-camera line up but the lens eco system for sony has become so huge that I prefer to keep investments in one system. For me the sony a7r5 is the sweet spot. The plethora of zoom lenses and ranges is just so huge now. The sony 70-200f4 macro really impressed me & I will get it in the near future. However, for long range versatility I got the tamron 50-400. It pairs very well with the a7r5 and one can do a lot of handheld work - given the better ibis. Viltrox is coming into its own now - just like Samyang did some time ago. Just like many decades ago when the SLR transformation happened, and lens design evolved - now with the shift to the digital mirrorless the lens development has come into its own. We are certainly in a golden period! Meanwhile in gratitude for the continual sharing of this golden period & best wishes.
Great feedback. Happy new year!
Nice outfit, Sir! Happy New Year!
Same to you!
It is a bit sad that if Canon Canada doesn't work for you or does it? What is going on there? Thanks for the review anyways and happy new year!
Some say the RV ist the most boring body because of its perfection. Happy new year 🎆
I would say I would be more interested in “personality” in a lens rather than a camera!
I have a Sony A7Cii camera and thinking about a portrait lens. The Viltrox 75/1.2 looks very good but it's a crop, so resolution will suffer. Another similar candidate is Samyang 135/1.8, which I'm not sure about, especially AF. Would you say Samyang is still a better option for FF camera than Viltrox?
I would say yes. It's much larger, but it is optically amazing.
If only the Viltrox 75 and 27mm where designed for fullframe. EXACTLY both what I have to still wait for.
Word is that they have high end 50mm and 85mm F1.4 lenses coming
@@DustinAbbottTWI
Thanks, but I do really mean
f 1.2 27mm and 75mm (with excellent 24x36mm coverage).
(I do use
dg dn f1.2 35mm,
voight 40mm f1.2,
gm 50 f1.2,
Dg dn 85 f1.4
105 1.4,
and it's not out of snobbish reasons at all. And I really feel I would use this pair of focals as EDC, even if only MF for the 27mm. Now it is the 40mm)
2023 winner is Nikon I think. I say this having switched to Sony from Nikon 1 month ago :). Z8 is industry disrupting body for its price performance. Nikon prooves they are not dead. The only issue is so many people have switched from Nikon to Sony or maybe Canon already. Some have gone the medium format route etc. In my country Sony is dominating but the industry needs a strong Nikon to push competition :)
I don’t cover Nikon, but I certainly want them to thrive. I want more competitors in the market, not less
Nikon is offering old rebranded Tarmon glass for the price of newer improved G2 models, the camera UI is full of annoying quirks, the body build quality is worse than their DSLRs, the lenses feel cheap and plasticky. They are already dead to me.
@@obrys5494 I switched to Sony after using Z7II for 2 years. Almost all my mirrorless lenses were FE mount because they were either better or not available for Nikon Z. Now I shoot Sony. Having said that, with Z8 Nikon prooved they can release something that can be cutting edge tech and also very competitive in price. Also Nikon still has the best long telephoto lenses and their superteles with integrated TC is one reason to switch from Sony for some fields. I can forgive Nikon for slow autofocus when they play catch up but if they don't allow DG DN sigma lenses natively for example, that's my biggest reason to switch. The other reason is Sony lenses are smaller usually and higher performing. Nikon caught up with bodies in 2023. Still a long way to go.
I don't think Nikon cant yet compete with Sony nor Canon. They are getting better but they have a lot to improve.
@@m11kan i disagree they are very competitive right now but it's a game of leap frog. If my lenses were Nikon Z, I would prefer Z8 today regardless of cost and it's also cheaper than an A1. Nikon is behind on an A7R equivalent but they are slightly ahead in video and even with high speed body a Z8 eill be cheaper and perform just as fast (I know I know no 30fps lossy raw I use an A1.)The issue is many have switched to Sony and switching back is expensive. I hope Nikon can keep ahead of the game for a year or two at least forcing Sony to lower costs or innovate faster.
Thank you for the wonderful reviews, as always. I have a question though, is viltrox 16mm compatible with a GFX system? The reason is there aren't many choices of wide angle lenses with large apertures. I tried the Tamron 15-30mm on a GFX 100s and the vignetting is unusable under 20mm. The aperture of GFX 20-35mm is seems not sufficient for astrophotography. Thank you again and wish you have a wonderful new year in 2024.
To be fair, then the Fuji GFX 100 II is the winner, because the Sony A7RV came in 2022 !
feel bad… watch this video in a t-shirt
LOL
Dressed in a style to match your excellent reviews, I viewed your very interesting 2023 finale, in shorts and a short sleeved shirt- it was 38c at my time of viewing.
Clearly, this will stand as the first global review signalling the clear arrival of Viltrox as a top tier lens manufacturer and, most importantly, at reasonable prices.
Have ordered a 27 1.2 for my Fujifilm X series.
Best Wishes to you and your Family for 2024
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thanks, Robert. And yes, Viltrox definitely arrived in 2023.
Love stuff like this good good
Thanks
Sony and Viltrox had a great year. Sony basically dominates with both camera bodies and lens designs and I say that as a mixed Canon and Fujifilm shooter. But ever company has had big hits. LUMIX finally got PDAF and released a solid S5ii camera. Big things coming from them in the future, I'm sure. Fujifilm had a breakthrough with the X-H2S and is starting to put a great recipe of AF performance, excellent industrial body design, performance specs, and film emulations together in future cameras. Fujifilm GF continues to carve out a digital MF market that doesn't require a substantially deep wallet to afford and use.
Canon didn't have a good year. No 3rd party lenses, painfully slow lens releases, expensive and heavy lens designs (with a few exceptions), delayed flagship cameras, widening gaps in performance in their camera bodies compared to the competition.
I do like Canon products, but unfortunately Canon in Canada has been difficult to work with. I have to source loaners from a retailer, and they have limited loaners, so it often takes a while before I can get new cameras and lenses.
Thank you for all your detailed reviews in 2023. I look forward to more in 2024, with perhaps more Canon RF lenses, and we hope some third party lenses for Canon RF if the rumours prove true.
I’d love to cover more Canon, too, but Canon Canada has been difficult to work with. I end up getting Canon loaners from Camera Canada instead, but as a retailer they have limited loaners.
So much Viltrox love. Much deserved
Thanks
Thank you for your work. The past year I did not buy a single piece of gear without checking your videos or reading your articles. I hope you can expand your reviews a little next year, maybe improve some small aspects such as b-roll and sound just to cement yourself among the best camera/lens review channels on youtube.
I’m always working to improve my product, though this isn’t my primary job so I only have so much time to give to it.
I bought the Sony A7v after your review
I’m sure you’ve enjoyed it.
I'm going to buy the Villtrox 16mm to replace my Nikon Z 14-30 F4 once it's released for the Z mount.
"Kudox to Viltrox!"
Well I have the Viltorx 27 1.2 glued on my Fuji
I don’t blame you. It’s a sweet lens.
Excellent video and observations Dustin, thank you! I am certainly eying the 16mm Viltrox. I almost jumped ship to an X-H2 purely for the Viltrox lenses coming out. After buying the Tamron 50-400 though, I’m thinking the A7RV will be the next flagship. I’m loving Sony’s colors now and the only drawback is the poor resolution of the A7iv back screen… and the lack of TC support for 3rd party E mount. I would love to see an X-H2 to Sony FF (A7iv) comparison. I think there are many that are comparing both systems with Fuji’s 40mp sensor. I still think Fuji is probably the best system for my family at large due to overall cost to performance and 3rd party glass now but I think I’d miss Sony’s low light performance. Thanks again, I don’t always comment but look forward to every video. Have a blessed New Year, and let His light in! :D.
I like the X-H2 a lot, but there are only a handful of lenses that actually perform well on it. It’s a very demanding platform.
My suggestion for a 40MP sensor, the top choice is a full-frame camera. The primary reason is not low-light performance but rather the issue of lens resolution. Currently, the Viltrox 27mm and 75mm lenses are the highest-resolution lenses in the Fujifilm system, and they just barely meet the requirements of a 40MP sensor. In contrast, full-frame lenses such as the Sony 35mm f1.8 can easily meet the demands of a 40MP sensor, and GM lenses have even higher resolution, seemingly capable of handling 80-90MP. This is due to the physical limitations imposed by the smaller format, making it challenging to achieve higher resolution with the Viltrox lenses, which already have high resolution. The difficulty would be much greater compared to full-frame lenses. I think 26MP is just right for a apsc camera. What do you think? @@DustinAbbottTWI
You are right. This is a golden era because prices are expensive for hobbyists.
I’m not sure how you can say that when there are some quality lenses that I mentioned in this episode that are literally cheaper than just about every lens released in the past forty years. Relative to inflation in other areas, camera gear is actually getting cheaper in many cases.
God bless you happy new year 🎊
God bless you, too.
@@DustinAbbottTWI when you pray will you hold my daughter up in prayer we are believing for a miracle!! (Holly)
I will
Too bad Canon didnt open its RF mount to thrd party lenses...
100%
Nice tux
Thanks
Dustin ,for me you are the best of all youtubers ..but....you should regard also micro4/3 format ....
You all persist not to take into consideration m4/3 ....but you are seriously mistaken !!!
I presume you didn't have a chance to review Canon zooms. I look forward to your reviews of the RF 10-20 F/4, RF 24-105 F/2.8L, and the RF 200-800.
I don’t cover more Canon because Canon Canada has been difficult to work with and I have to borrow loaners from a retailer instead. I’d love to look at those lenses.
Why not Nikon ?
This isn't my full time job and I'm already covering three different systems with both text and video reviews. There's only so much time!
ok indeed :)@@DustinAbbottTWI
Nice overview for the Sony and Fuji system. In 2024 may be you could dedicate some of your precious time towards gear from the Leica Panasonic Sigma L mount and Nikon Z mount system?
I don’t actually review L-mount; the Sigma lenses that also come in L mount I am reviewing on Sigma. I’m afraid I’m just not inclined to adding a whole new system, and in over ten years of reviewing Nikon has NEVER reached out to me once, so I don’t even have a source for loaners.
The Godfather or Lens Review - Dustin Abbott
LOL. Thanks
I have a7rv and also the nikon Z8, to be honest the Z8 is the better camera by some distance.
Faster in all regards,better white balance,better balance in the hands.
The sony wins in megapixel and has more buttons.
That may be true, but since I didn’t review the Z8, it wasn’t eligible for these rewards as it was only for gear that I’ve personally tested in 2023.
Sorry, was there a dress code, can I still watch?😊
It’s a little late now 😀
Is Nikon not worthy?
It's not that Nikon isn't worthy, but simply that I don't review Nikon. These awards are based on what I've actually reviewed in 2023.
I guess it comes down to the same result, you did not review Nikon, why? Is Nikon not worthy?@@DustinAbbottTWI
Funny No Nikon mentioned with all their Brilliant Cameras and top of the Pile Z Lenses ?? At least I bought the Camera of the Year 2023 The Nikon Z8 years ahead of the Competition >> I hope your Site starts to give Nikon the mentions and time it deserves to make your site Relevant
I own and love the Z8 but I'm not sure how it's years ahead of the competition. Certainly not when it comes to auto focus( its still a little behind canon and Sony), certainly not when it comes to Image quality, it's as good as Sony but no better). It is excellent in other ways, but I certainly would not say it's years ahead of the competition.
Dustin does not review or shoot Nikon. This video was covering the gear reviewed this year. Having also been a Nikon shooter in the past, I agree, the Z8 is an amazing platform. Glad Nikon has opened up to more 3rd party as well… that is the prime reason I switched to Sony (pun intended) :D.
These awards are based on what I’ve actually reviewed. I don’t have the time or resources to add a fourth brand to cover.
@@nickwilliams7867,then why did you give your precious money on it ? Makes no sense.
@@DustinAbbottTWIi have a feeling that its more that money and time, and people are starting to imagine things.
Why don't you review Canon?
There were multiple Canon products covered here (including a lens that I gave an honorable mention to). I don’t cover more Canon because Canon Canada has been difficult to work with and I have to borrow loaners from a retailer instead.
@@DustinAbbottTWI so Canon Canada doesn't support RUclipsrs?
I don't know how they operate with other RUclipsrs, but they haven't really supported me.
Being a Sony A7iv & Nikon Z8 user and having used Sony A7R5, the Nikon Z8 is a much better, way better overall camera than the Sony A7R5.
Otherwise it must be mentioned no Nikon cameras is considered.
Agreed. I had a choice of buying a an A7RIV for $1700 used like new or a new Z8 for $3700. I would have never thought Id spend more than $1600 for a camera but I ended up getting the Z8. Absolutely love it and I’m coming from the Z6.
Neither is Hasselblad, Panasonic etc.
I think it's pretty clear that it's about gear the channel has reviewed
As was made pretty clear, my awards are based on gear I’ve actually reviewed.
@@DustinAbbottTWI It's ok but when someone lands on this video looking for best camera of 2023 & he/she is not a subscriber of yours, then how would anyone know what camera you have reviewed or not ? It should be mentioned the following companies are not considered or the title should be more precise like Best of Fuji, Sony, Canon in 2023.
I clearly list each of the lenses or cameras that I reviewed in each category before announcing a winner. I think that's pretty clear.
I dont use canon. But best zoom lens i would say rf 24-105 f2.8 or 100-300 f2.8.
As for preimun prime. I would say nikon plena 135 and Sony 300 GM
Perhaps, but my awards are based on equipment I’ve actually reviewed.
Right. Make sense. I hope you would review the 300 GM. Interested to see your view on that.
So you review canon, sony, fuji, panasonic,viltrox, pergear, sigma, tamron, samyang (pretty much everything) but you dont have time and money to do nikon :)).
I don’t cover Panasonic, actually. But no, I’ve never covered Nikon outside of a few pieces of gear loaned to me by someone in my area. Fun fact: I’ve been a professional reviewer for more than a decade and Nikon has never once contacted me. The reason I cover Fuji is because they came after me and made sure I had access to loaners. They’ve been great.
@@DustinAbbottTWI ,why would nikon contact you when you public state (every time) that you dont have time for them ??
@@planetfun85 How I read Dustin's response is that he doesn't review Nikon gears because they didn't offer him any incentive (gears or monetary). I don't know if Dustin reached out to Nikon before requesting equipment for review and got rejected and therefore he vowed to never review Nikon.
I loaned a Nikon D850 for Dustin to review a few years ago. A little later, I got a Nikon Z6 - biggest disappointment ever - that quickly led to a total switch to Sony and I haven't looked back since. @@DustinAbbottTWI
@kaimunroe - no, that's not the case. I've never received free gear or monetary incentives from any of the camera manufacturers. They have never reached out to me to invite me to review their gear or to arrange loaners. Other companies have been much more proactive about that. Reviewers like myself can only do reviews if we actually have gear to review.
Without considering any Nikon products and few Canon, your awards are biased, a joke and irrelevant.
With all due respect, from the beginning I made it clear that these awards were out of the cameras and lenses that I reviewed in the year. I gave the pool of candidates for each category.
My man Dustin.. please change your thumbnail(s).
I’m assuming this is a critique, but since you’ve left no details I don’t even know what you’re criticizing