This lens is really good! I love the weight and AF works great. It's the second lens I decided to add to my x-t3 + 18-55 kit, so purchased. Happy. Can't wait for other 3 promised Viltrox lennses for x-mount!
I love this review - just the essential details with real-world examples. This is the second X-mount lens I bought and it's always been a regular go-to with both my X-T30 and X-T2 (with latest firmware).
I use a Viltrox 85mm f1.8 mk2 on the xt100 and I’m extremely happy with each and every shot taken with it. Yes it is a bit heavy compared to the camera but the results more than make up for it.
Judging by the reviews I've seen, I would have certainly given it a try had it come out before I picked up the Fuji 90mm. Sadly I also have the Fuji 56mm already as well and Viltrox has postponed their version until next year. Since I primarily shoot corporate headshots(never under F:4) either Viltrox would have been a good backup for my Fuji primes but that duty now falls on my 16-80.
Where did you see that their 50mm was delayed to next year? I saw their schedule to release a 50mm and 35mm this fall and have been waiting, but have not heard and cannot find anything more recent anywhere; as their original plan was released a year or two back I believe
@@JamminHyaku My comment was from very early 2020 and the info came from FujiRumors. The Viltrox 33 and 56mm lenses were originally scheduled to be released in late 2019, as was the 85mm. The 33 released later than scheduled and as of right now the 56 is still on pre-order only. There is, so far, no set date on its release that I am aware of.
Be happy lol as the fuji are still better lenses. The viltrox I find do render a little bit differently than the fuji. Most cases it won't show but does seem to show up in bad cases etc. for example magenta on faces in a portrait. i think of it as more a great budget option if you want autofocus. If autofocus is not really a necessity i usually tell people to use a nice vintage. I use a vivitar s1 90mm f2.5 i got with the macro extension for $150. It might be fun to do a comparison of the vivitar viltrox and fuji. Lol
jacques, i need your advice.. i'm a wedding photographer. now i'm thinking to purchase a new lens to accompany my 18-55 and 35 f1.4 3 lenses brought me into a difficult decision, those are 56mm f1.2, 90mm f2, and viltrox 85mm. if i say i'm looking for a lens that's good for tele candid, then which one is that in your opinion? thanks in advance
Stay away from the 56. As good as the optics are. Everything that surrounds that lens, casin, autofocus speed, build quality is sub par (for Fuji) It is a toss up between the Viltrox and the Fuji. But that Viltrox is crazy good. The 90mm is, to me, THE best aps-c lens out there though. I think that the majority of people, even pros, are best to save some money with the Viltrox 85mm. That being said. If you have a workflow that is portrait heavy, go with the 90 by fuji. It is also magical. Hope this helps.
@@JacquesGaines i think i'm gonna go for viltrox. it maybe not as good as the 90mm but the lower price will give me extra space to take breath haha thanks for your insights Jacques
How would this compare to Nikon 85 1.8, same price point or relative. I use the sanyang 85 1.4 at 1.8 and for $200 ++ its unbelievable, but I need a auto focus, being seen a lot of people reviews on this lens and all give it + recommendations..
It is nay shy from darned astounding. I never used the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 though. The Viltrox is quite soft totally opened up but, as this review showed, it really shines quite extensively from f/4 on. Color contrast and everything else is spectacular. For this price point, nothing touches it.
how is it for video? can i shoot apperature priority on fuji now finally without that utterly annoying flashing that happens ( that never happens on Sony Alpha ) every time the shutter speed changes even slightly? i do video sunsets that i speed up in post because i hate the inescapable jitter/choppiness of traditional time lapse ( its SOOOO much smoother when you shoot a sunset in video then speed it up...you cant get that level of smooth by shooting it picture by picture). but i digress.....so will i finally be able to escape that needless nuisance with this lens?
Viltrox has quality control issue and no tech support. My 85mm stopped being recognized as a USB Drive after the first firmware update. Only got a standard email response and nothing else afterwards.
Thanks for the great review! Often times I preview the photographers portfolio to just get an idea of what they shoot and how appealing I find their images....you did not disappoint that is for sure. I do have a quick question have you used it for video? Was hoping to get your impression in that respect. Thanks again!
At 5:55 I do show the continuous focus ability of the lens. But in the review I did not go into the detailed video performance. However, after noting the Continious focus performance, I used it on an interview with a customer and it did not disappoint. I hope that helps.
I really do not know a great deal about good speedboosters but it is one of the only places where I strongly recommend people to make sure they do research on the lens in those things. you might have to dish out for a Metabones. Cheap Chinese knockoff companies will save on the optics which absolutely distroys your picture quality. My two cents.
This lens is really good! I love the weight and AF works great. It's the second lens I decided to add to my x-t3 + 18-55 kit, so purchased. Happy. Can't wait for other 3 promised Viltrox lennses for x-mount!
Viltrox promised another 3? This is news. This company will soon be a major player. Some great stuff for sure
@@JacquesGaines ruclips.net/video/P1BGwaUOI_U/видео.html
Cool! Sounds promising
I love this review - just the essential details with real-world examples. This is the second X-mount lens I bought and it's always been a regular go-to with both my X-T30 and X-T2 (with latest firmware).
Yes it is. Do you have the mark 1 or mark 2? I tested the mark 1
I use a Viltrox 85mm f1.8 mk2 on the xt100 and I’m extremely happy with each and every shot taken with it. Yes it is a bit heavy compared to the camera but the results more than make up for it.
True dat!
Thanks for posting a stellar review; opinionated, detailed and super-relevant!
Hope it helps
Great video, this is certainly a lens i'd consider for portrait work. I already own the 23mm and 33mm viltrox lenses, they are such good value!
Unfortunately this is the V1 but the points are essentially the same
Judging by the reviews I've seen, I would have certainly given it a try had it come out before I picked up the Fuji 90mm. Sadly I also have the Fuji 56mm already as well and Viltrox has postponed their version until next year. Since I primarily shoot corporate headshots(never under F:4) either Viltrox would have been a good backup for my Fuji primes but that duty now falls on my 16-80.
Where did you see that their 50mm was delayed to next year? I saw their schedule to release a 50mm and 35mm this fall and have been waiting, but have not heard and cannot find anything more recent anywhere; as their original plan was released a year or two back I believe
@@JamminHyaku My comment was from very early 2020 and the info came from FujiRumors. The Viltrox 33 and 56mm lenses were originally scheduled to be released in late 2019, as was the 85mm. The 33 released later than scheduled and as of right now the 56 is still on pre-order only. There is, so far, no set date on its release that I am aware of.
Be happy lol as the fuji are still better lenses. The viltrox I find do render a little bit differently than the fuji. Most cases it won't show but does seem to show up in bad cases etc. for example magenta on faces in a portrait. i think of it as more a great budget option if you want autofocus.
If autofocus is not really a necessity i usually tell people to use a nice vintage. I use a vivitar s1 90mm f2.5 i got with the macro extension for $150. It might be fun to do a comparison of the vivitar viltrox and fuji. Lol
Great quality video from you yet again thanks, very tempted by this lens 🤔
Thanks. Glad to be of service
Zeiss is official supplier of Fujifilm mount lenses with AF and fully supported by Fujifilm.When buying Viltrox you hang up on a third party support.
Are you sure about this Zeiss thing?
@@JacquesGaines Very sure Zeiss Touit 12 f2.8, 32 f1.8 & 50 f2.8 macro..I use 12 f2.8 and had in past 32 f1.8.
jacques, i need your advice..
i'm a wedding photographer. now i'm thinking to purchase a new lens to accompany my 18-55 and 35 f1.4
3 lenses brought me into a difficult decision, those are 56mm f1.2, 90mm f2, and viltrox 85mm.
if i say i'm looking for a lens that's good for tele candid, then which one is that in your opinion?
thanks in advance
Stay away from the 56. As good as the optics are. Everything that surrounds that lens, casin, autofocus speed, build quality is sub par (for Fuji) It is a toss up between the Viltrox and the Fuji. But that Viltrox is crazy good. The 90mm is, to me, THE best aps-c lens out there though. I think that the majority of people, even pros, are best to save some money with the Viltrox 85mm. That being said. If you have a workflow that is portrait heavy, go with the 90 by fuji. It is also magical. Hope this helps.
@@JacquesGaines i think i'm gonna go for viltrox. it maybe not as good as the 90mm but the lower price will give me extra space to take breath haha
thanks for your insights Jacques
Hey Jacques, will this replace your 56mm Fujifilm?
Hehe. Yes. I am talking with Fujifilm right now. I am reviewing the 16-80 soon and might send it back with the 16-80 so that they can look at it.
How would this compare to Nikon 85 1.8, same price point or relative. I use the sanyang 85 1.4 at 1.8 and for $200 ++ its unbelievable, but I need a auto focus, being seen a lot of people reviews on this lens and all give it + recommendations..
It is nay shy from darned astounding. I never used the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 though. The Viltrox is quite soft totally opened up but, as this review showed, it really shines quite extensively from f/4 on. Color contrast and everything else is spectacular. For this price point, nothing touches it.
how is it for video? can i shoot apperature priority on fuji now finally without that utterly annoying flashing that happens ( that never happens on Sony Alpha ) every time the shutter speed changes even slightly? i do video sunsets that i speed up in post because i hate the inescapable jitter/choppiness of traditional time lapse ( its SOOOO much smoother when you shoot a sunset in video then speed it up...you cant get that level of smooth by shooting it picture by picture). but i digress.....so will i finally be able to escape that needless nuisance with this lens?
Good question. I am not sure
Great review thank you a lot 👍
Glad to have helped
Viltrox has quality control issue and no tech support. My 85mm stopped being recognized as a USB Drive after the first firmware update. Only got a standard email response and nothing else afterwards.
Yes I could imagine the support to be not stellar
hello sir hope you and family are safe thank you for the education 🙏
Much appreciated
How did you customized it with your X-T30?
Made tghe front scroll for aperture
So, can you control the F stops manually via the front or back wonder-wheel on a Xt2?
Yes. via FN configure
Thanks for the great review! Often times I preview the photographers portfolio to just get an idea of what they shoot and how appealing I find their images....you did not disappoint that is for sure. I do have a quick question have you used it for video? Was hoping to get your impression in that respect. Thanks again!
At 5:55 I do show the continuous focus ability of the lens. But in the review I did not go into the detailed video performance. However, after noting the Continious focus performance, I used it on an interview with a customer and it did not disappoint. I hope that helps.
Hi can you suggest a good speed booster for the fuji xt4?Your help is greatly appreciated.
I really do not know a great deal about good speedboosters but it is one of the only places where I strongly recommend people to make sure they do research on the lens in those things. you might have to dish out for a Metabones. Cheap Chinese knockoff companies will save on the optics which absolutely distroys your picture quality. My two cents.
Jacques Gaines Thank you
Great review!
Thanks!
This looks like the version 1 not 2?
It is version 1. I think that version 2 is a tad lighter
I just bought fuji x-a7. Can anyone tell if it can support this lens?
It does
What about rendering, micro contrast ?
It is excellent.
Awesome review!!
Thank you very much
in less than half of fuji lens price its outstanding
Since this review I believe they came out with a better version 2. It is an excellent lense