NOTE: I purposely did not test nor provide examples of Astrophotography with this lens. Reason: Astrophotography is not my strong point and I didn't want to make a final recommendation regarding lens optics for this. However, I'm sure you can find other 13mm info/reviews online from talented Fujifilm astrophotographers that can point you in the general direction if that is your area of expertise. If there are any astrophotographers using the Viltrox 13mm, feel free to comment here and I'll keep this pinned at the top of this video's comments. 👍
Futzing with it for astrophotography but NYC skies not particularly congenial. I think there is significant coma in the corners but I will need to futz more
@@JT-rq7nt Matthew Storer Photography has a video out with the 13mm used for astro work. He also has a link to download his raw files, in which he has done an aperture test. I looked them over. There are some imperfect stars in the corners at f/1.4 - 2.0 I'd say comparable to the Samyang 12mm at 2.0 but at f/2.8 the viltrox stars are perfect across the frame. ruclips.net/video/kUMjaLQAyjs/видео.html
I’ve had my Viltrox 13mm for a few weeks now and I absolutely love it. Image quality, build quality and focus are superb. I agree with every single word that Chris shares with us about this wonderful lens. Truly the best Viltrox lens ever made.
Chris!! This video was a great compliment to this spring-ish weather Friday up here in Canada. VERY satisfying to hear your opinions and see your testing of this amazing lens. I received mine this week and am very impressed/happy with it. I've put my rokinon 12mm F2.0 up for sale.. no need to have both! I have been using the viltrox 13mm for my work video calls all this week and have found that on the X-t4 if you "force" the 1.39x crop it ends up being around an 18mm perspective which is GREAT. Thank you very much for this, and all of the great videos you create for us fuji users!
Well... I received my copy. At 1.4 it's INSANELY sharp. However, for an unknown reason, the moment I start to close it, it loses contrast and the focus seems to be shifting a little bit. I try to shoot a relatively close subject (no more than 30cm away). It feels like that at 1.4 the center sharpness is like 5.6 or 8, and the moment I start to close the lens down, it's getting worse. The firmware was 1.0.1 and I upgraded it to 1.0.2 - no change. I tried to disable in camera lens optimizer - no change. I tried to disable the stabilizer (Fuji X-S10) - no change. I tried to nail focus in manual focus mode with AF-ON button - no change. I tried to nail focus in AF-S mode - no change. I repeat - at 1.4 it seems to be the sharpest lens I ever put on my X-S10, it's really that good. F/2 and closer - it seems to be loosing contrast and focus. Defective lens? Focus shifting? field curvature? What's going on?
I had this lens as well as the 33 and the 56. This one worked well, but suffered the same issue as the other Viltrox lens where sun plays havoc with the lenses. The imagine quality, given the right evironment and lighting is great, but try and use these lens in anything less than adequate they really struggle.
Great review as always, even the sponsored part was interesting. You really know how to do this. Seems like this is the best Wide Angle option for Fuji, I think I'm set with lenses for a few years, this 13mm, sigma 18-35 and viltrox 56 are all I would ever need.
Just purchased.. hope it doesn't get stolen from my front porch! Was trying to decide between this and the 23mm f2. Love the weather sealing on the f2 for hiking/camping, but I have yet to see or read a bad review of the 13mm, and I'm super excited to do some wide/close photography, as well as landscape, architecture, and low light. Very versatile! I also already own 67mm filters and that was a big selling point too.
I appreciate the video and the image samples, but it seems like the Fuji 14mm would have been a better comparison for folks looking for an UWA lens. That's a more comparable focal length than the 16. I get that you are trying to compare fast lenses, but you also brought in the 10-24, which is obviously not fast at all.
I like the fact that there are sponsorship in your video -- it helps support the channel, and I get a chance to check out new products or services. Case-in-point, I've never heard of eufy Security, but after seeing the sponsored content, I'm going to check out an unboxing and review by some other RUclipsr's. Thanks for the content!
I was just about to grab Fuji’s new 18 1.4 when this was released. I decided to go with the 33 1.4 and grab this new Viltrox. I’m so glad the 13mm is getting great reviews.
This lens looks perfect for my needs on my X-T5! Great video. I always enjoy your videos and appreciate the work you put into them. Your Channel is one of the best on RUclips! 🙂
So glad to finally see your review of this lens. It’s been a while since you first said it was in the works. Thanks for waiting until you received official notice from Viltrox to release this video. Your integrity is truly appreciated.
Thanks for this review and for sharing your (almost) long-term thoughts on this lens. It sure looks like a winner, and I'm looking forward to the arrival of mine. Good luck catching the Jawa that stole your X-H2(s?) - now you'll have to request another one... Cheers!
I like this lens but don't love it. I thought I might use it instead of the 10-24 for landscape but the flare is a problem for me. I often shoot in bright sun and find this a problem for the Viltrox. If I reduce exposure to keep the highs in line, I end up with too dark of shadows. Maybe I'll see if a polarizer can help that out. I also feel that the color rendering is not as nice as a native Fuji lens, cooler and a little clinical. Low light performance and detail are great. But I'm not sure I will use it much since I rarely need low light performance for landscape work. As a walk around lens, it seems less versatile that the XF18f1.4 or the Xf16-80.
Awesome review. Really surprised by this lens. Also, got interested in the doorbell security camera. Not having to depend on cloud functionality is a huge plus for me.
Great job, Chris. Well worth the wait. Glad Viltrox finally gave you the OK to review this lens. Note to self, don't mess with Chris' wife especially if she has a welding torch in her hand!! Have a get weekend!
85mm was so outstanding in color that when i shoot with sony i drooled in the lab while retouching sony's color casting hyper sharp photos. Fuji's color and 13mm will be something i would like use together to point upward while hunting the illusive milkyway.
As usual, an informative review. Frequently, when listening to reviews of "fast lens", the reviewer states the lens needs to be stopped down to f4, 5.6, for best results. Cleary, the majority of purchases would be largely attracted to the because of the 1.4 aperture. If the lens does not really deliver at 1.4, does this not negate ,what for many, is its primary appeal?
Not really just like this lens doesn't perform at its best at F1.4, neither does a F4 lens at F4 for instance. Because this lens starts at a lower F-stop, it will still be sharper sooner along the range than a lens starting at a higher F-stop. It's still more than usable at F1.4 though
@@robertmarx7901 Good to hear. However, I still maintain my point that if, for example, a purchaser outlays a significant amount of money for, say, a 85mm 1.2 lens, compared to a much less expensive 1.4 version, it would be extended frustrating if that lens had to be stopped down, at all, for the reasons under discussion. My useage (& budget) are not particularly relevant, however I am not able, and don't really need to purchase glass faster than 1.4.
Quick tip for everybody that has this precise lens and others from Viltrox. Do not try to mount a K&F UV filter together with the different lenses' hoods since they're not compatible in size being the Alu rim of the filter a bit bigger than the hood's inner diameter. Do yourself a favour and attach an Hoya Pro1 one. They seem to be done one for the other.
Amazing review as always! And also I actually bought the Eufy doorbell for my Mom as she had been wanting one and surprised her for Xmas. She loves it and has come in handy esp with packages and just this week with a neighbor who was banging on her door and others in the early 3am and she was able to show management. She said, she was so grateful to have the camera and to know who it was and also management also now knows who has been doing it in the complex. All the best to you, and thanks for all the Fuji informations always always....great videos and just an all around warmth - and esp the video also when you took time to share something personal and real! Keep shining and all the best to you, your family and those you love and surround you! my Fuji: X-H1, 16mm f1.4, kit lens 18 - 55 f2.8 - 4, Super Takumar 50mm f 1.4
Great review video...as always. Thank you for all of your honest reviews. While I don't know you personally, you evoke a trusting quality...and that's a rare thing. Keep the great work and thanks for your time in doing these videos.
I have been waiting for this lens to drop for ages! I'm really happy with my other Viltrox products and have been lacking a wide angle since my 16 f1.4 got stolen.
This quite well might be the best a lens manufacturer has done to get out lens reviews. Let the content creators use it for a few months versus a few weeks and then you'll get an even clearer opinion versus new product bias. Certainly your channel strives to be honest always but I feel there's no substitute to passage of time and no substitute for someone like you who actually waited out of pure integrity. Thank you!
I LOVE shooting wide angle, and the idea of a fast prime was too much to resist, so took a gamble and ordered one from the factory a few days ago. From your review I'm happy and relieved to hear my instincts appear to be correct! Thank you for the excellent review -- I can't wait to start shooting with this lens.
First of all, thank you for taking your time to review this lens for all of us. I was leaning toward it for two reasons: price and all the reviews saying wonders about this lens. I can't understand why no one talks about the distracting blue dot(s) from light flare(???) that appears in almost all reviews (in this one from 9:50 to 9:55), and I can't believe no one has seen it. Isn't this a "flaw"?! Though in comparison to other quality glass it's very cheap, it's still lots of money, at least to me, and I'm having a hard time justifying the investment and having to spend time thinking my shots to avoid this (I shoot mainly video) or learn to live with a blue dot(s) that looks like a dead pixel(s). I trully don't know what to do... Am I being too picky?
Thank you for this video Chris, I received my 13mm last week and I'm very happy with it for the same reasons you give in this review. Unlike the Viltrox 56mm which disappointed me a lot, this 13mm is really good.
FYI video AF is greatly affected by your f-stop, you had the f-stop at F8, you want to be wider open for better results, f2.8-4 will give you much better results
Ooo… I like the new notes that come up with the comments! That’s cool (seeing it for the first time on the iOS app)! Also, I am so glad this review is finally out!!! I have high anticipation with this lens, and I am so glad that was justified after watching this! Thanks!!!
Awesome video dude! I recently purchased the Viltrox 85mm for my XT-3 to use with automotive photography and its fantastic, now I just want to get something with a lot less focal length to do landscape photography with cars. Watching this video has made me want to go bankrupt and get this lens 😂👍
Congratulations for the review, one of the best fuji channel out there. Viltrox are doing an amazing job and this lens looks awesome, im looking for a wide lens for internal shoot and video and i cant chose between this lens and the sigma 16mm, what you racommande?
I have ordered this one last week and can't wait to have it. I have the 18mm f1.4 but when it comes to architecture stuff, I need a wider one and I believe this is the answer. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
The neat part about his lens is you get f1.4 for low light situations where you can't use a tripod, something that you'll always run into in architecture photography, ie interiors. Corners might look soft when you're looking at it taking a photo of a chart, and would normally be worse in real life where whatever is in the corners won't be on the same point plane as the focal point, but 1. Based on what I've seen so far the corners seem to still be rather usable, more so compared to dealing with motion blur or even having to compensate too much in post. 2. If the corners are usable for interior architecture (or landscapes, like in a cave, although that has as much in common with architecture as it does landscapes), then landscapes including wide angle astrophotography should be fine. In short, I never thought I'd even consider getting anything over my Samyang 12/2 - not even the 8-16/2.8, given the 8 isn't always compensated for by the 2.8 when it comes to avoiding star streaks and won't necessarily help indoors either - but I can give up 1mm on the wide end for a 1.4 aperture. Even if that also means having to focus with or through a motor.
Fuji ecosystem is pretty much great now. Because of the Sigma trinity I got myself 3 lenses instead of one fujinon lens as my starter kit and this Viltrox 13mm and their 85mm will be my next lens.
I'm so afraid that 13mm is too much wide for my purpose. I'm used to shooting with the classic 28mm FF eq. that's why I'm tempted to buy the 18mm f2. Great the Fujifilm x-h2 package!
It's quite a bit from 13 to 18. You're losing a lot of resolution that way. If you really want 18mm end result I don't think I would go wider than 16mm. The new (to Fuji) Sigma could be a good contender. Personally I am also considering the 18mm f2, I just find it hard to justify the price especially since it's not really any better than the 18-55 from what I've seen and read.
Thanks for the great review Chris, no surprise there as you have a consistent quality and expertise that keeps me subscribed. I have the XH1 and was glad to see the XH2 package labelling, not sure I need to upgrade but I am looking forward to your take on the new one. Question for you, I am just starting to work with Fujifilm's Webcam integration. I am using the Fuji 23mm f1.4 lens. It seems to do OK but is not wide enough and seemed to refocus a lot. (could be my settings) Would you suggest this Viltrox 13mm as a Webcam?
great video, seems to be a banger lens! as a little tip for the next time when you test for image quality, maybe print a siemens star or a test chart to put at the image center. it'll make for more consistant results. i know you're not trying to be christopher frost but i think using charts will improve the value of your IQ tests.
Awesome video...I've never done astro but I wonder if this would be a good option to dip a toe into that water...and something good for indoor shots while traveling. Also ... awesome add...looking forward to the review on the x-H2. Also...probably going to buy that doorbell. Been wanting one and idea of remote storage and service fees turned me off.
Knowing who the reviewer is, their methods, and their standards is important. One review from a reliable source is worth a dozen random reviews. I've been specifically waiting for this Viltrox review from Pal2Tech! Thanks 👍
New Fuji user here! Looking to get into traveling with a new XT4 and would LOVE your recommendation for a great travel lens/lenses that will do video, landscape/street photography, and portraits well! Which lens/2 lenses would fill these needs well? Open to Fuji and third party suggestions!
Actually based on your example, I cannot tell much difference in the image quality between the Viltrox 13mm and Fujifilm's 10-24mm at 13mm. Their sharpness is similar but the Viltrox has slightly better contrast. Fast wide angle lenses make sense for astrophotography. But how is it useful for taking landscape pictures with foreground and background details? If you are in a low light situation, I suppose you'd still want to use a relatively small aperture such as f/3.5-f/5.6 and bump up the ISO to get more things in focus. So is the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 only useful for astrophotography and cases where you wish to capture people and close-up subjects? I see limited usage in landscapes. A wide-angle zoom could suffice. Please discuss further! Thanks.
So, if you had to decide on a wide angle lens, and were torn between the 10-24mm and this one, I take it that you'd pick this one in a heartbeat? I think I might be fine without that slight zoom functionality, but I'm wondering about the difference between 10mm and 13mm and whether it really is meaningful...
I just bought the new Sigma 16 1.4 for fuji that came out last week. It is a wonderful lens and I think you should consider reviewing it. I saw you compare the viltrox 13 vs fuji for $1000. The Sigma is in line with the Viltrox price so I think it would be a good head to head video despite the 3mm difference. I also bought the new sigma 56 1.4 and that too is an awesome lens.
This honestly makes me want to swap my 10-24mm for this lens. Don't get me wrong. The 10-24 is great for those wide expansive shots. But if I'm being real with myself I don't really need a zoom option like that. I've got the Fujifilm 16mm 1.4 already. Which is nearly my go-to for walking around. Glad this lens came out!
Thank you. Great video. They seem to have worked hard to get the best out of this lense main usage narrow depth of field. Probably need tome filters for outdoor videos but that is to be expected.
NOTE: I purposely did not test nor provide examples of Astrophotography with this lens. Reason: Astrophotography is not my strong point and I didn't want to make a final recommendation regarding lens optics for this. However, I'm sure you can find other 13mm info/reviews online from talented Fujifilm astrophotographers that can point you in the general direction if that is your area of expertise. If there are any astrophotographers using the Viltrox 13mm, feel free to comment here and I'll keep this pinned at the top of this video's comments. 👍
I was wondering about that. It's the main thing I use my 12mm Rokinon for. Thanks for the videos!
Futzing with it for astrophotography but NYC skies not particularly congenial. I think there is significant coma in the corners but I will need to futz more
@@JT-rq7nt Matthew Storer Photography has a video out with the 13mm used for astro work. He also has a link to download his raw files, in which he has done an aperture test. I looked them over. There are some imperfect stars in the corners at f/1.4 - 2.0 I'd say comparable to the Samyang 12mm at 2.0 but at f/2.8 the viltrox stars are perfect across the frame.
ruclips.net/video/kUMjaLQAyjs/видео.html
13mm 1.4.... that's gonna suck up light like a black hole. I need to try one on an Astrophotox trip.
curious what that smoke bomb was in the stock footage
I’ve had my Viltrox 13mm for a few weeks now and I absolutely love it. Image quality, build quality and focus are superb. I agree with every single word that Chris shares with us about this wonderful lens. Truly the best Viltrox lens ever made.
Nice! Have you tried it out on videos?
Got my Viltrox on the weekend because of your recommendation - hasn’t disappointed yet.
That sponsor segment was amazing
Chris!! This video was a great compliment to this spring-ish weather Friday up here in Canada. VERY satisfying to hear your opinions and see your testing of this amazing lens. I received mine this week and am very impressed/happy with it. I've put my rokinon 12mm F2.0 up for sale.. no need to have both! I have been using the viltrox 13mm for my work video calls all this week and have found that on the X-t4 if you "force" the 1.39x crop it ends up being around an 18mm perspective which is GREAT. Thank you very much for this, and all of the great videos you create for us fuji users!
That’s so awesome!!!! Thank you so much!!!!! 👍
Well... I received my copy.
At 1.4 it's INSANELY sharp. However, for an unknown reason, the moment I start to close it, it loses contrast and the focus seems to be shifting a little bit. I try to shoot a relatively close subject (no more than 30cm away).
It feels like that at 1.4 the center sharpness is like 5.6 or 8, and the moment I start to close the lens down, it's getting worse.
The firmware was 1.0.1 and I upgraded it to 1.0.2 - no change.
I tried to disable in camera lens optimizer - no change.
I tried to disable the stabilizer (Fuji X-S10) - no change.
I tried to nail focus in manual focus mode with AF-ON button - no change.
I tried to nail focus in AF-S mode - no change.
I repeat - at 1.4 it seems to be the sharpest lens I ever put on my X-S10, it's really that good. F/2 and closer - it seems to be loosing contrast and focus.
Defective lens? Focus shifting? field curvature?
What's going on?
I had this lens as well as the 33 and the 56. This one worked well, but suffered the same issue as the other Viltrox lens where sun plays havoc with the lenses. The imagine quality, given the right evironment and lighting is great, but try and use these lens in anything less than adequate they really struggle.
What about low-light photography around sunset? Would it just be a nightmare?
@@alexlindstrom9971 there no good in low light either.
Great review as always, even the sponsored part was interesting. You really know how to do this. Seems like this is the best Wide Angle option for Fuji, I think I'm set with lenses for a few years, this 13mm, sigma 18-35 and viltrox 56 are all I would ever need.
That's a great kit!
Just purchased.. hope it doesn't get stolen from my front porch!
Was trying to decide between this and the 23mm f2. Love the weather sealing on the f2 for hiking/camping, but I have yet to see or read a bad review of the 13mm, and I'm super excited to do some wide/close photography, as well as landscape, architecture, and low light. Very versatile! I also already own 67mm filters and that was a big selling point too.
I appreciate the video and the image samples, but it seems like the Fuji 14mm would have been a better comparison for folks looking for an UWA lens. That's a more comparable focal length than the 16. I get that you are trying to compare fast lenses, but you also brought in the 10-24, which is obviously not fast at all.
I had you on my car’s audio system and when you started arc welding at the end, I thought my speakers were on fire. Phew.
Great video! Thank you!
I like the fact that there are sponsorship in your video -- it helps support the channel, and I get a chance to check out new products or services. Case-in-point, I've never heard of eufy Security, but after seeing the sponsored content, I'm going to check out an unboxing and review by some other RUclipsr's. Thanks for the content!
Hey Brent!! Thanks man, I really appreciate the support!! 🙏
Love everything about this video impressive lens. 👌🏽 the Eufy ad. I know quite a few home owners looking for something like this. Thanks!
I was just about to grab Fuji’s new 18 1.4 when this was released. I decided to go with the 33 1.4 and grab this new Viltrox. I’m so glad the 13mm is getting great reviews.
This lens looks perfect for my needs on my X-T5! Great video. I always enjoy your videos and appreciate the work you put into them. Your Channel is one of the best on RUclips!
🙂
It’s never boring to watch your educational videos Chris.
So glad to finally see your review of this lens. It’s been a while since you first said it was in the works. Thanks for waiting until you received official notice from Viltrox to release this video. Your integrity is truly appreciated.
Thank you! 🙏
Thanks for this review and for sharing your (almost) long-term thoughts on this lens. It sure looks like a winner, and I'm looking forward to the arrival of mine. Good luck catching the Jawa that stole your X-H2(s?) - now you'll have to request another one... Cheers!
At least Chris has proof of the theft when he asks for a replacement.
Thanks Chris . was waiting for this to seal the deal . Treated myself and ordered . Appreciate all your effort and great reviews
AMAZİNG video. I’ve been waiting for such long time for this review and it worth it. Thanks 😊
Thanks Chris. With your seal of approval I ordered one today!🙂
Although I already owned the Fujinon 14mm f/2.8, I think the Vitrox 13mm f/1.4 is quite tempting to me. Would really love to compare the 2 lenses
I've got the 14mm ATM but curious how they compare
I love the concluding scene with your wife firing up the welder.
Thanks. I'm glad you finally got to review this lens.
I like this lens but don't love it. I thought I might use it instead of the 10-24 for landscape but the flare is a problem for me. I often shoot in bright sun and find this a problem for the Viltrox. If I reduce exposure to keep the highs in line, I end up with too dark of shadows. Maybe I'll see if a polarizer can help that out. I also feel that the color rendering is not as nice as a native Fuji lens, cooler and a little clinical. Low light performance and detail are great. But I'm not sure I will use it much since I rarely need low light performance for landscape work. As a walk around lens, it seems less versatile that the XF18f1.4 or the Xf16-80.
if you don't need the low light performance get an xf 14mm 2.8
Awesome review. Really surprised by this lens.
Also, got interested in the doorbell security camera. Not having to depend on cloud functionality is a huge plus for me.
Great job, Chris. Well worth the wait. Glad Viltrox finally gave you the OK to review this lens. Note to self, don't mess with Chris' wife especially if she has a welding torch in her hand!! Have a get weekend!
LOL, exactly. You too Florian, thank you!!!!! Cheers!!! 👍
Thanks so much for a great review! It looks so promising, but it also looks so HUGE.
85mm was so outstanding in color that when i shoot with sony i drooled in the lab while retouching sony's color casting hyper sharp photos. Fuji's color and 13mm will be something i would like use together to point upward while hunting the illusive milkyway.
As usual, an informative review.
Frequently, when listening to reviews of "fast lens", the reviewer states the lens needs to be stopped down to f4, 5.6, for best results.
Cleary, the majority of purchases would be largely attracted to the because of the 1.4 aperture.
If the lens does not really deliver at 1.4, does this not negate ,what for many, is its primary appeal?
The wide aperture is there if you need it, and you can fix any issues in post. Looks to be a great lens for a good price.
Not really just like this lens doesn't perform at its best at F1.4, neither does a F4 lens at F4 for instance. Because this lens starts at a lower F-stop, it will still be sharper sooner along the range than a lens starting at a higher F-stop. It's still more than usable at F1.4 though
@@robertmarx7901 Good to hear. However, I still maintain my point that if, for example, a purchaser outlays a significant amount of money for, say, a 85mm 1.2 lens, compared to a much less expensive 1.4 version, it would be extended frustrating if that lens had to be stopped down, at all, for the reasons under discussion. My useage (& budget) are not particularly relevant, however I am not able, and don't really need to purchase glass faster than 1.4.
Quick tip for everybody that has this precise lens and others from Viltrox.
Do not try to mount a K&F UV filter together with the different lenses' hoods since they're not compatible in size being the Alu rim of the filter a bit bigger than the hood's inner diameter.
Do yourself a favour and attach an Hoya Pro1 one. They seem to be done one for the other.
Love the Manitoba reference at 5:25 🙂 Thanks for the great review... Very helpful
Amazing review as always! And also I actually bought the Eufy doorbell for my Mom as she had been wanting one and surprised her for Xmas. She loves it and has come in handy esp with packages and just this week with a neighbor who was banging on her door and others in the early 3am and she was able to show management. She said, she was so grateful to have the camera and to know who it was and also management also now knows who has been doing it in the complex.
All the best to you, and thanks for all the Fuji informations always always....great videos and just an all around warmth - and esp the video also when you took time to share something personal and real!
Keep shining and all the best to you, your family and those you love and surround you!
my Fuji:
X-H1, 16mm f1.4, kit lens 18 - 55 f2.8 - 4, Super Takumar 50mm f 1.4
Great review video...as always. Thank you for all of your honest reviews. While I don't know you personally, you evoke a trusting quality...and that's a rare thing. Keep the great work and thanks for your time in doing these videos.
Thanks Bob!
93.7K subs! That checkmark is almost there, Chris, keep it on!
I have been waiting for this lens to drop for ages! I'm really happy with my other Viltrox products and have been lacking a wide angle since my 16 f1.4 got stolen.
I have the 13mm, too. And I love it! Great performance for a low price!
How's the video?
@@jazzampa The video is great as usual!
thank you for this review, I am sold, that Viltrox should arrive home in a few days!
This quite well might be the best a lens manufacturer has done to get out lens reviews. Let the content creators use it for a few months versus a few weeks and then you'll get an even clearer opinion versus new product bias. Certainly your channel strives to be honest always but I feel there's no substitute to passage of time and no substitute for someone like you who actually waited out of pure integrity. Thank you!
I didn't receive an NDA, date or anything when I did it.
Been waiting for this one! Thanks for confirming this will be my next lens purchase!
I LOVE shooting wide angle, and the idea of a fast prime was too much to resist, so took a gamble and ordered one from the factory a few days ago. From your review I'm happy and relieved to hear my instincts appear to be correct! Thank you for the excellent review -- I can't wait to start shooting with this lens.
First of all, thank you for taking your time to review this lens for all of us.
I was leaning toward it for two reasons: price and all the reviews saying wonders about this lens.
I can't understand why no one talks about the distracting blue dot(s) from light flare(???) that appears in almost all reviews (in this one from 9:50 to 9:55), and I can't believe no one has seen it.
Isn't this a "flaw"?!
Though in comparison to other quality glass it's very cheap, it's still lots of money, at least to me, and I'm having a hard time justifying the investment and having to spend time thinking my shots to avoid this (I shoot mainly video) or learn to live with a blue dot(s) that looks like a dead pixel(s).
I trully don't know what to do...
Am I being too picky?
Thanks Chris. So helpful. It's still not available in the UK. I am eagerly waiting!
Hey Chris! And finally, the review is here 😊😎🙌 Great lens, I'll bought it! Thanks ❤️🙏
Thank you for this video Chris, I received my 13mm last week and I'm very happy with it for the same reasons you give in this review. Unlike the Viltrox 56mm which disappointed me a lot, this 13mm is really good.
Why did the 56mm disappoint you. I was thinking of getting it for portraits.
FYI video AF is greatly affected by your f-stop, you had the f-stop at F8, you want to be wider open for better results, f2.8-4 will give you much better results
Ooo… I like the new notes that come up with the comments! That’s cool (seeing it for the first time on the iOS app)! Also, I am so glad this review is finally out!!! I have high anticipation with this lens, and I am so glad that was justified after watching this! Thanks!!!
Definitely my next lens purchase. I've been using the rokinon f2 manual.
I've been looking at wide angles since I bought my camera, I'm glad I waited! I think I just found my lens! Thanks for a great review! :)
Awesome video dude! I recently purchased the Viltrox 85mm for my XT-3 to use with automotive photography and its fantastic, now I just want to get something with a lot less focal length to do landscape photography with cars. Watching this video has made me want to go bankrupt and get this lens 😂👍
Currently trying to decide between this and the sigma 16mm f1.4 for a similar price.
Same here. I'd love to see a comparison.
Thanks for the - as always - convincing review. 👍👍👍 Kind regards from Bangkok 🇹🇭.
Congratulations for the review, one of the best fuji channel out there. Viltrox are doing an amazing job and this lens looks awesome, im looking for a wide lens for internal shoot and video and i cant chose between this lens and the sigma 16mm, what you racommande?
I have ordered this one last week and can't wait to have it. I have the 18mm f1.4 but when it comes to architecture stuff, I need a wider one and I believe this is the answer. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
The neat part about his lens is you get f1.4 for low light situations where you can't use a tripod, something that you'll always run into in architecture photography, ie interiors. Corners might look soft when you're looking at it taking a photo of a chart, and would normally be worse in real life where whatever is in the corners won't be on the same point plane as the focal point, but
1. Based on what I've seen so far the corners seem to still be rather usable, more so compared to dealing with motion blur or even having to compensate too much in post.
2. If the corners are usable for interior architecture (or landscapes, like in a cave, although that has as much in common with architecture as it does landscapes), then landscapes including wide angle astrophotography should be fine.
In short, I never thought I'd even consider getting anything over my Samyang 12/2 - not even the 8-16/2.8, given the 8 isn't always compensated for by the 2.8 when it comes to avoiding star streaks and won't necessarily help indoors either - but I can give up 1mm on the wide end for a 1.4 aperture. Even if that also means having to focus with or through a motor.
Fantastic review! This will most likely end up replacing my Fujifilm XC 15-45mm lens for video.
Thank you so much sir! Great review, as always. Watched with a huge joy and got very precious information!
Thank you Ulugbek!! 🙏
@pal2tech. Will this Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 lens perform well with the old Fujifilm X-T1 camera?
Fuji ecosystem is pretty much great now. Because of the Sigma trinity I got myself 3 lenses instead of one fujinon lens as my starter kit and this Viltrox 13mm and their 85mm will be my next lens.
I'm so afraid that 13mm is too much wide for my purpose. I'm used to shooting with the classic 28mm FF eq. that's why I'm tempted to buy the 18mm f2.
Great the Fujifilm x-h2 package!
you can always zoom in a bit
It's quite a bit from 13 to 18. You're losing a lot of resolution that way. If you really want 18mm end result I don't think I would go wider than 16mm. The new (to Fuji) Sigma could be a good contender. Personally I am also considering the 18mm f2, I just find it hard to justify the price especially since it's not really any better than the 18-55 from what I've seen and read.
This lens got very high on my wishlist. I am sure this is a great lens for night/ astro photography.
The video doorbell seems amazing.
Maybe more so than this Viltrox lens.
Thanks for the great review Chris, no surprise there as you have a consistent quality and expertise that keeps me subscribed. I have the XH1 and was glad to see the XH2 package labelling, not sure I need to upgrade but I am looking forward to your take on the new one. Question for you, I am just starting to work with Fujifilm's Webcam integration. I am using the Fuji 23mm f1.4 lens. It seems to do OK but is not wide enough and seemed to refocus a lot. (could be my settings) Would you suggest this Viltrox 13mm as a Webcam?
Just got mine yesterday. Hope to get out with it after work today to see what I think.
Let me know how it does with videos
... probably reflected in some other comments and apologies if it already exists but a round-up of the wide lenses in one place would be great.
Thanks for the review!
What’s your take on the video quality? I saw a few reviews and looks so wobly especially in the corners. Is it true?
Just ordered mine! I'm excited to get it!
Great review, Chris. Long time coming and it was worth it. I already have the Fuji 16mm. Now, I gotta justify getting this lens. Lol
thaanks for the review, watching other reviews I was expenting something even better, but it's certainly an interesting option......
great video, seems to be a banger lens!
as a little tip for the next time when you test for image quality, maybe print a siemens star or a test chart to put at the image center. it'll make for more consistant results. i know you're not trying to be christopher frost but i think using charts will improve the value of your IQ tests.
Thanks my friend! You`re the best! Regards from Brazil
And to SIGMA 16mm F1.4 ??
That FedEx delivery person looked familiar....
Love the XH2 package at your door
I agree...Got mine a few weeks ago!
Thanks Chris! Great review 👏🏻
Awesome video...I've never done astro but I wonder if this would be a good option to dip a toe into that water...and something good for indoor shots while traveling. Also ... awesome add...looking forward to the review on the x-H2. Also...probably going to buy that doorbell. Been wanting one and idea of remote storage and service fees turned me off.
Knowing who the reviewer is, their methods, and their standards is important. One review from a reliable source is worth a dozen random reviews.
I've been specifically waiting for this Viltrox review from Pal2Tech! Thanks 👍
Now $429 Amazon and Viltrox store* Great review! I can't wait to get one soon.
Amazon has bad reviews
Finally! Thank you for your review!
Wonderful review.. Wonderful lens.. Thank you very much..
Hi Chris great video as always! Do you think this lens can be good for portraits? thanks for all your help in this new fuji world for me.
Finally
Viltrox 13mm review by Pal2tech
Nice lens, but I find myself leaving a comment for the sponsor (perhaps you can forward it): make your doorbell cameras HomeKit compatible!
Great combo! new lens and welding... love it... I know its a lot of money but.... the 10-24?
New Fuji user here! Looking to get into traveling with a new XT4 and would LOVE your recommendation for a great travel lens/lenses that will do video, landscape/street photography, and portraits well!
Which lens/2 lenses would fill these needs well? Open to Fuji and third party suggestions!
Actually based on your example, I cannot tell much difference in the image quality between the Viltrox 13mm and Fujifilm's 10-24mm at 13mm. Their sharpness is similar but the Viltrox has slightly better contrast.
Fast wide angle lenses make sense for astrophotography. But how is it useful for taking landscape pictures with foreground and background details?
If you are in a low light situation, I suppose you'd still want to use a relatively small aperture such as f/3.5-f/5.6 and bump up the ISO to get more things in focus.
So is the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 only useful for astrophotography and cases where you wish to capture people and close-up subjects? I see limited usage in landscapes. A wide-angle zoom could suffice.
Please discuss further! Thanks.
And... the wife welds ! I love it. Great review
Fantastic thorough review. Hope you're getting some rest now.
pal2tech,u are doing soo well,will love a comparing between the sigma 16mm f1.4 vs the viltrox 13mm f1.4 sharpness and color fringing......thank u
I hope they update their other lenses with this build quality!
So, if you had to decide on a wide angle lens, and were torn between the 10-24mm and this one, I take it that you'd pick this one in a heartbeat?
I think I might be fine without that slight zoom functionality, but I'm wondering about the difference between 10mm and 13mm and whether it really is meaningful...
I just bought the new Sigma 16 1.4 for fuji that came out last week. It is a wonderful lens and I think you should consider reviewing it. I saw you compare the viltrox 13 vs fuji for $1000. The Sigma is in line with the Viltrox price so I think it would be a good head to head video despite the 3mm difference. I also bought the new sigma 56 1.4 and that too is an awesome lens.
Any issues with the autofocus or image quality/colors on the Sigma lenses? Curious to know your thoughts.
My Sigma 30mm f1.4 is on the way.
This honestly makes me want to swap my 10-24mm for this lens. Don't get me wrong. The 10-24 is great for those wide expansive shots. But if I'm being real with myself I don't really need a zoom option like that. I've got the Fujifilm 16mm 1.4 already. Which is nearly my go-to for walking around. Glad this lens came out!
Thank you. Great video. They seem to have worked hard to get the best out of this lense main usage narrow depth of field. Probably need tome filters for outdoor videos but that is to be expected.
Wife the welder - hot stuff😁. Open bottle here - nice.
Is it good for videos or not?
Brilliant review well worth the wait
Finally that wait is over! Yeah! Love that XH2 package, too bad it was stolen right off your front door. Lol
Hi>>
I want to thank you
Thank you very much
I have learned a lot from you, sincerely following
From the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Off subject, is your wife learning to weld? I've always wanted to do that, to create stuff.
Great video.
Chris' wife here: Yep, I am learning to weld! I am building a robot, so it comes with the territory. Welding is more fun than I expected. 😁
@@Studio_Cricket that's awesome! Always wanted to try it, just never have.