There have been 4 or 5 firmware updates for the Viltrox since your video release. I would like to see whether they fixed some issue like fringing, focus speed, and overall stability.
Latest firmware update for the Viltrox 56mm made a huge difference to the AF performance... and I mean huge. Plus fixed focus breathing on the Sony FX30 to the point where it's gone. Haven't noticed any fringing or CA. Only bought the lens as a backstop until I could decide on a "better" 50mm but now I love it and its my first choice for shooting interviews.
Actually with that trio you can have pro quality in small size. Yo don't really need FF with those sigmas. In Fuji you can get that quality but for much higher prices.
Everybody asked about this he has clearly stated its on the way, he obviously didn't get early access like some others. Let him make the videos he wants there's plenty of reviews out already. Imo doesn't even look like that amazing of a lens its just a newer 2.8 with a longer range than most boom thats what any review is gunna say. Its unique and thats it
@@turgayak2047 and we all have differences in needs and opinion. I think lots of entry level photographers are looking for "that one" lens that does it all but in reality there's usually a purpose built lens that does better. My Sony 18-105 is a great lens but truly I should have just gone with a couple sigma f1.4's instead
I've experimented with many lenses and decided on the 16-55 G & 70-350 G. Reason: autofocus or eye autofocus works most reliably with SONY lenses. The autofocus of SIGMA 30 1.4 drives me crazy .....
I prefer to have the sharpness when I need it. It is easy to soften an image if it is a bit too sharp but trying to sharpen an image can introduce artifacts. If you don't use a lens as a one trick pony for portraits only, the Sigma is clearly the better lens.
I use the Viltrox trio for videos. The lenses are of identical dimensions and the small differences in weight I compensate with couple step rings. This way I use all 3 lenses on my gimbal without rebalancing the gimbal which is very handy and speeds up the work a lot. Viltrox lenses have cinematic autofocus, beautiful colors and depth. I'm very happy with such a setup. Sigma lenses are of different dimensions and I couldn't change them on the gimbal without rebalancing the gimbal which would be very inconvenient and almost impossible.
I actually like more the color rendering of the Viltrox compare to Sigma. it has much more character like the vintage lenses. I dont prefer the too much sharpness cause it looks too digital in my eyes. the sigma colors looks Magenta . the skin tone on viltrox seems looks like a Fuji in my eyes and thats why I like it more
I recently purchased in 2022 and I have had NO issues with sharpness on my Z50 for portraits... I don't know if Viltrox made changes, but I would recommend the Viltrox.
Once again the Sigma 56 shows its superior performance. I have seven decent lenses including the Sigma trio. The 56 is by far the sharpest lens I've ever had. Thanks for the review.
I doubt it would kill Viltrox to improve the >F4 performance of the optics and add weather sealing, a properly dampened mechanism for both the aperture and the focusing rings and a USB-C (or magnetic interface) for firmware updates instead of micro-USB. As for Sigma, kudos to them on the 56mm F1.4's performance (especially at higher apertures)! It's high time for them to start producing standard and telephoto lenses with comparable performance on Fuji's X platform.
I own the Viltrox 56mm for Fuji, and I'm a little puzzled by the auto focus problems and the low sharpness you experienced. My copy nails focus every time on my X-T20, and is very sharp even at 1.4. I guess you _might_ have received a lemon with optical problems (unlikely), or there might be some AF calibration issues with this lens/body combo. Have you tried updating the firmware?
Mine too: Viltrox M mount is a lot sharper at 1.4. When I bought it, the dealer allowed me to test 2 copies. The first one was not sharp, but the second one that chose was much sharper. The boarder of the second copy was almost as sharp as the center of first copy.
The Sigma 56 f/1.4 is a fantastic lens, I absolutely love it. It's my favourite lens by far. It would be fantastic if Sigma would also release a 85mm 1.4 (or something in that range) for E-Mount. 56mm is sometimes a bit short for me when I'm shooting outside where I have enough space.
@@caltheme7889 Yeah, I've seen it. Unfortunately a bit expensive (1.100€). I bought the Sony 85mm 1.8 now for 470€ and will test it during the next days. If that focal length turns out well for me, maybe I switch to the Sigma sometime later.
@@imeprezime1069 yes I know! But the only downside you can't cover all the sensor so you have to crop but some lenses like sigma 18-35 1.8 I use sometimes in a7iv and that lens in 35mm in full frame you only have a bit of vignette
Most lenses are soft at 1.4 and wider. From the lens reviews I've seen, Sigma is one of the few companies that consistently manages to achieve sharpness at such wide apertures.
Did you know that the focus ring, even though being a focus-by-wire, is "mapped", which means that manually rack focusing between 2 points stay precise no matter how fast the ring is turned? That is a killer feature of the Viltrox lenses for videographers on a budget, because it makes manual focus / motorized follow solutions much more usable... ;)
Nice comparison. I'd have to say for portraits - I wouldn't want the lens to be as sharp as the Sigma. Personally I would remove sharpening from the Sigma files.
That viltrox had a better 3D effect then the Sigma in that final shot comparison of your wife. Sharpness isn't everything, 3- dimensionality to an image is everything, like many famous old school lenses. Modern lenses are too clinical and sterile and lack ambience nowadays. I'd be more inclined to the Viltrox. My family hate shrp lenses, it shows up all the imperfections in the face, some of them will hide if I take out the cameras.
I do notice that the Sigam seems a little closer on the subject. I know that all lens state the focal length but they could be off a tad. So besides the chromatic coloration of the Viltrox the last pic of your wife you can see that on the Viltrox she seems a little farther and thinner and the Sigma seems more cropped, closer. Great Review! Cheers!
After spending some time looking at all of the sample photos and reviews I could find, for both lenses, I just bought the Sigma. It really is a great lens. On the other hand, I did buy the Viltrox 23mm 1.4 as it was the best priced, fast lens I could find, in that focal range. The 23 is sharp but it does show a bit of color fringing in the out of focus background area. Still, for the price, a very good lens.
I have the Viltrox 56mm and it is not as soft as your copy. I know Sigma is should be bit sharper but your copy might be a lemon, or just didn't nail focus (have you updated to latest firmware?)
Hi Arthur, I need your suggestion on this. I'm planning to buy 56mm 1.4 lens for A5100. Am confused b/w Sigma & Viltrox. Viltrox is $100 cheaper than Sigma here in India. Which one do you suggest.
Reviewing a lens primarily on sharpness is like reviewing wine primarily on its alcohol content. Particularly when it comes to portraits. Clinical sharpness is not a feature I want in a portrait lens.
Have you tested either or both lenses, for HSS (High Speed Sync) compatibility? My new Sigma 56mm f/1.4 lens FAILS, when used with my Sony a6400 camera and Godox V860iii speedlight.
they wont, tamrons main shareholder is sony, they wont outcompete their own lenses, so unfortunately anything from tamron will always be crippled in a little way to not compete with the high end sony stuff, its basically sonys budget line at this point, but luckily we have sigma who arent afraid to make smaller cheaper and ahrper lenses than the sonys ^^
@@alexaudiovisuals Tamron has already released a bunch of lenses which rival Sony's high end lenses so I think it's very much possible for APS-C. Plus Sony doesn't has a huge gap in lenses for APS-C which Tamron can fill in without competing with Sony.
i have the sigma-trio on my α6400 too: the autofocus of 30 drives me crazy! (but they are the sharpest lenses that I have ever had on my α6xxx series - without a doubt)
@@leventinikmacofumi6335 yep, sigma 30mm even with 2.00 firmware is not perfect: even when the display render the green rectangle on the eye the actual focus is the nose or when people wear glasses is not precise. But I really love the focal length, 30mm (45mm on apc-s) is beautiful and when works correctly is something really special
I mean no doubt about how great the sigma is, but especially for fuji users the viltrox is a great option, at normal viewing / printing sizes it will do perfectly fine and CA is one click in lightroom, compared to what the original fujis cost its a no brainer, just not for sony users ^^
Beginner here -- would you say you say that's a "good problem" to have? I know what you mean by too sharp: wrinkles, blemishes, cracks, fuzz, and other imperfections are more apparent on sharper images. I assume it's better for the image to be too sharp and remove detail in post than to add detail by cranking the clarity and sharpness sliders in Lightroom. Does that sound about right?
@@hexelcolorado6275 I don't add clarity on portraits. Too sharp, too clear, the skin does not look good. Most of the time, the sharpness either just shot as is or slightly lower by 1 or 2 points. I do bring up contract a little though. It make she skin looks more smooth.
I would buy, ether viltrox 56mm 1.7 (because is cheap), or sigma 56mm. I miss my sony 50mm 1.8, not the best but it was fun to use, I have 18-50mm sigma but when I take significantly fewer photos since I bought it, it isn't bad lens it's just not exiting.
Hi there Arthur! can you make a comparison between Yongnuo 50mm and Sigma 56mm? I have a Yongnuo lens for me it’s quite sharp but I don’t know how it will compete against the Sigma. By the way I bought a Viltrox 33mm because of your wonderful review!
..and i have the sigma trio on my α6400: the autofocus of 30 drives me crazy! (but they are the sharpest lenses that I have ever had on my α6xxx series - without a doubt)
@@leventinikmacofumi6335 reading your comment about the 30mm ohh dear x.x... hahaha, Waiting for the 56mm (second time i buy it) and the 30mm to complete the trio with a6600, arriving tomorrow in Chile, wish me luck!
@@uncarrizo You don't need luck! The image quality of the SIGMA-Trio will satisfy you - no question about it. I had the α6000 & SEL10-18F4.0 & SEL35F18 & SEL50F18. Now I have the α6400 & SIGMA 16 F1.4 & SIGMA 30 F1.4 & SIGMA 56 F1.4. My experience: The SONY's have fantastic autofocus, but can't get close to SIGMA sharpness. The SIGMAS have a fantastic sharpness but the autofocus on SONY lenses are much better (especially the SEL35F18). All have their strengths and weaknesses. If you asked me which lenses I would recommend, I would answer "the SIGMA trio", with the note that the SIGMA 30 F1.4 does not have particularly reliable autofocus. The SIGMAs made me much more satisfied, but I miss the autofocus of the SONY lenses. And I'll buy the SEL35F18 again if I shouldn't have been able to sell it .. It has the best autofocus (super fast & the autofocus always hit as if it can read minds) and it has excellent video quality.
@@leventinikmacofumi6335 somehow I thought to have read or heard somewhere that this issue has been solved with an firmware update of the lens?! Did you ever check that possibility?
I am using sony zve10 with viltrox 56 mm 1.4 lens and when i take a video shoot. I had a problem with focus breathing issue. How can i fix this issue.please help me.
You definitely had a faulty Viltrox lens. I compared the viltrox to the Fuji f1.2 and it was just as sharp and definitely a lot sharper than your test images.
There's no way any of those were in focus - I have a viltrox 85mm mark 11 on my fuji and it is incredibly sharp. Yes wide open the DOF is very shallow but still, this does not represent viltrox lens quality at all.
@@peppaz I agree I have the 23mm and was looking into the 56 when I watched this video. The 23 is as sharp as my eyes can probably tell the difference of between two lenses. Something seems off about his copy of the 56mm there's no way it's that far off of the 23mm quality.
i have the viltrox for fuji. and its my favorite lens. tack sharp. i wonder if you had a really bad copy, the pics are way too far off compared to the sigma.
Sigma is a little too sharp for some portraits as it effectively shows imperfections of the face and that requires more work to fix in PP. I would tone down the sharpness. Viltrox’s sharpness seems just right for the job. Purple and green fringing is a little crazy although it should be a relative easier fix in PP.
I don't think so, they already announced that their research and development team capacity is at its max, and there is a bigger market on Nikon/Canon mirrorles than Fuji
I have the entire Viltrox set as they where the 1st cost effective but still great looking Fuji X prime set. I honestly prefer the slightly more swirly & painterly bokeh of the Viltrox but the CA & horrendous purple fringing is making me switch to Sigma. I shoot primarily automotive work & so in every crisp body line, backlit sunset, & LED light there is serious purple fringing. At some angles & lighting it even creates a wash of purple & green across most of the frame. Sorry Viltrox, release a better corrected Pro version like you did with the 75mm & I may come back.
Looks like it could be a quality control issue. I've seen other reviews where the image quality was much closer. Plus, as you say, firmware update. I have the sigma 16mm/1.4 on a fuji. I love the image quality, but deplore NOT having a physical aperture. The scroll wheel just misbehaves and the aperture setting is all over the place
Hi Arthur, nice video... I purchased 16mm sigma after watching your video... I'm planning to purchase Tamron 17-70, please make a comparision video with sony 16-55
i'm waiting for the comparison too. before i decide (16-55 / 17-70), i want to see Arthur's comparison.. ..but tend to sony. sony's lenses have the best autofocus (my experience)
Clearly the Viltrox was mis-focusing... maybe firmware issues had it front- or back-focusing. Had you try to nail a shot in manual focus, and then compare the sharpness with Sigma? No doubt, of you're on the Sony platform, the Sigma is the way to go.
Maybe someone already wrote this, but just in case... Viltrox lenses from this range/family can also be found under the Tokina label. Which is something a little concerning, for Tokina used to craft excellent optical gear for decades (superb souvenirs of my Nikon-mount Tokina wide-angle zoom !) when those current offerings rate poorly according to your tests (and many other ones around the Web). Things, they are a'changing !
We need Sigma for Fuji. However, I think Sigma is probably a bit scared to take a whack at Fuji lenses. Fuji's market share is not the highest, lots of R&D required, and they will have very tough competition in terms of sharpness since Fuji already makes tack sharp glass for their cameras. Here's to hoping though. I love Sigma glass.
The comparison on the sharpness of the face (6.31 minutes) is distorted because the focus of the viltrox is on the lock of hair at the top right of the face, therefore automatically the background is less noted, unlike the sigma.
Sigma is the sharper lens by far... but is it just me (my screen) or is the Viltrox a little brighter than the Sigma??? The skin tones seem brighter on the Viltrox, even though both lenses have the exact same settings. I thought that maybe the changes in the environment like moving clouds or what not... but it look pretty consistent in your samples. What do you think? And the Bokeh does look a little smoother on the Viltrox as well, again that could be due to the softness of the lens ;)
Is sharpness a good thing? Seems any unsharpness problems were solved long ago and that we now try to tame overly sharp images and look for 3d pop, bokeh and stuff like that in lenses.
But the thing is, how often will you REALLY need to shoot a portrait at f1.4? Under sunlight certainly never. So if at f2 the Viltrox does already perform very well, and you still might need to shoot at 1/800, I’d say it’s still a safe bet.
Viltrox 85/1.8 STM no doubt. It is much praised in the Internet both by reviewers and users. Recently Viltrox also announced three more full frame lenses 24, 35 and 50mm. All with max aperture of 1.8 as well.
@@ajwadsabano You'd better ask Viltrox ) But normally it takes a few months between the announsement and full scale production. As far as I understand the lens have been under development for a while. The first rumours were about half year ago. PS Normally Tokina rebrands the Viltrox lenses as their own, but sell them quite a bit more expensive. That happened with the 85/1.8 and the three APS-C lenses.
Hey great video....I'm looking at getting a portrait lens and I was wondering how the sigma trio of lenses stack up against the sigma art 18-35mm with the mc11 adapter? with clear image zoom it should be able to compete right?
Can’t clear image zoom when shooting RAW photos. Also, there’s a clear drop in quality when shooting Clear Image Zoom on any kind of 1080 video. 4K is fine. I have 18-35 & 56.
@@simplydv5354 Then you can't use it with a Sony camera the way it's intended to be used (i.e. with autofocus). There are adapters that will allow you to put MFT glass on Sony cameras, but the results will vary.
I also fancy this aperture ring because I always hit the buttons on the "joystick dial" when i adjust shutter speed... However, not being clicked and not staying properly at A makes it less interesting for me.
just a couple of points from me - you didn't mention the colour and contrast differences between the two lenses? - in my eyes, the viltrox produces more accurate colours than the sigma as the sigma seems to render a cooler image (this is a trait across almost every sigma lens I've used) - not a massive deal as either can be easily changed in post. Another feature that almost no one has called out is the fact that the Viltrox aperture blades don't produce a perfectly shaped circle.. you can see this yourself when you look into the lens. This isn't a major issue and doesn't affect image quality - but if you have bright higlights in the image (out of focus) you'll notice that the bokeh balls won't be perfectly circular... (HOWEVER, in my opinion this is 100% better than the cats eyes that can form as an alternative).
I've got the Sigma trio (16/30/56) and have zero regrets buying them. The 56mm is a stellar lens...hard to beat at just about any price point.
I am using the Sigma on a demanding micro43 sensor and the lens performs admirably. This is easily one of the very best lenses I have.
There have been 4 or 5 firmware updates for the Viltrox since your video release. I would like to see whether they fixed some issue like fringing, focus speed, and overall stability.
any news, so far?
Any update? I wonder why not many review for this lenses for e mount ver
fringing is (as far as i know) purely optical and cannot be fixed in software.
How it changed in terms of focus accuracy/speed i dont know
Latest firmware update for the Viltrox 56mm made a huge difference to the AF performance... and I mean huge. Plus fixed focus breathing on the Sony FX30 to the point where it's gone. Haven't noticed any fringing or CA. Only bought the lens as a backstop until I could decide on a "better" 50mm but now I love it and its my first choice for shooting interviews.
in terms of sharpness, I think nobody beats sigma, not even the overpriced zeiss or Sony G lens
the trio apsc sony lens is really that good
I have the now legendary Sigma trio. Reviewers rave about mega expensive Zeiss glass, however, the Sigma primes deliver all the quality I need.
Actually with that trio you can have pro quality in small size. Yo don't really need FF with those sigmas. In Fuji you can get that quality but for much higher prices.
@@robertcudlipp3426 actually Arthur had a review that shows the sigma is superior to the zeiss
@@ElRealista. yes fuji lens is pricey for sure
Nice job being unbiased. There’s a lot of nonsense with other YT reviewers.
How do you know he is unbiassed?
Agree with your review on viltrox
I have fuji version of viltrox 56 f1.4 it's soft wide open at f1.4, from f2 it's really sharp
I prefer the softness of the viltrox for portraits. Especially when you want to blend wrinkles
Have you received the Tamron 17-70?😊
Everybody asked about this he has clearly stated its on the way, he obviously didn't get early access like some others. Let him make the videos he wants there's plenty of reviews out already. Imo doesn't even look like that amazing of a lens its just a newer 2.8 with a longer range than most boom thats what any review is gunna say. Its unique and thats it
In my opinion it istoo big and heavy for a a6xxx camera. Personally opionion
@@turgayak2047 and we all have differences in needs and opinion. I think lots of entry level photographers are looking for "that one" lens that does it all but in reality there's usually a purpose built lens that does better. My Sony 18-105 is a great lens but truly I should have just gone with a couple sigma f1.4's instead
I've experimented with many lenses and decided on the 16-55 G & 70-350 G. Reason: autofocus or eye autofocus works most reliably with SONY lenses. The autofocus of SIGMA 30 1.4 drives me crazy .....
@@oatmeal9164 as someone who owns the sigma trio and 18-105, I actually find myself using the 18-105 95% of the time
I prefer to have the sharpness when I need it. It is easy to soften an image if it is a bit too sharp but trying to sharpen an image can introduce artifacts. If you don't use a lens as a one trick pony for portraits only, the Sigma is clearly the better lens.
well spoken m8
I use the Viltrox trio for videos. The lenses are of identical dimensions and the small differences in weight I compensate with couple step rings. This way I use all 3 lenses on my gimbal without rebalancing the gimbal which is very handy and speeds up the work a lot. Viltrox lenses have cinematic autofocus, beautiful colors and depth. I'm very happy with such a setup. Sigma lenses are of different dimensions and I couldn't change them on the gimbal without rebalancing the gimbal which would be very inconvenient and almost impossible.
Would you still recommend the viltrox trio?
I actually like more the color rendering of the Viltrox compare to Sigma. it has much more character like the vintage lenses. I dont prefer the too much sharpness cause it looks too digital in my eyes. the sigma colors looks Magenta . the skin tone on viltrox seems looks like a Fuji in my eyes and thats why I like it more
Agreed!
As casual user.. i'd choose the viltrox. I like the aperture ring and style of the viltrox lense + in indonesia the lens cost around usd 240-290
I recently purchased in 2022 and I have had NO issues with sharpness on my Z50 for portraits... I don't know if Viltrox made changes, but I would recommend the Viltrox.
Once again the Sigma 56 shows its superior performance. I have seven decent lenses including the Sigma trio. The 56 is by far the sharpest lens I've ever had.
Thanks for the review.
I doubt it would kill Viltrox to improve the >F4 performance of the optics and add weather sealing, a properly dampened mechanism for both the aperture and the focusing rings and a USB-C (or magnetic interface) for firmware updates instead of micro-USB.
As for Sigma, kudos to them on the 56mm F1.4's performance (especially at higher apertures)! It's high time for them to start producing standard and telephoto lenses with comparable performance on Fuji's X platform.
I own the Viltrox 56mm for Fuji, and I'm a little puzzled by the auto focus problems and the low sharpness you experienced. My copy nails focus every time on my X-T20, and is very sharp even at 1.4. I guess you _might_ have received a lemon with optical problems (unlikely), or there might be some AF calibration issues with this lens/body combo. Have you tried updating the firmware?
Mine too: Viltrox M mount is a lot sharper at 1.4. When I bought it, the dealer allowed me to test 2 copies. The first one was not sharp, but the second one that chose was much sharper. The boarder of the second copy was almost as sharp as the center of first copy.
The Sigma 56 f/1.4 is a fantastic lens, I absolutely love it. It's my favourite lens by far. It would be fantastic if Sigma would also release a 85mm 1.4 (or something in that range) for E-Mount. 56mm is sometimes a bit short for me when I'm shooting outside where I have enough space.
Sigma 85 has been out for some time now
@@caltheme7889 Yeah, I've seen it. Unfortunately a bit expensive (1.100€). I bought the Sony 85mm 1.8 now for 470€ and will test it during the next days. If that focal length turns out well for me, maybe I switch to the Sigma sometime later.
But it's an a apsc lens so you got similar range to 85mm in full frame
@@NAM3L3555 you get 85mm on an apsc camera because of crop factor, if you use it on full frame you are using real 56mm lens.
@@imeprezime1069 yes I know! But the only downside you can't cover all the sensor so you have to crop but some lenses like sigma 18-35 1.8 I use sometimes in a7iv and that lens in 35mm in full frame you only have a bit of vignette
I’d like to see a Viltrox 33mm vs. Sigma 30mm video.
Then make it on your own
@@martijn7593 are you a child?
This is how the creator gets feedback on what his users want
@@martijn7593 dumbest comment ever :)
Sounds like that's the plan at 12:27
it seems Sigma is sharper though,Viltrox is much better at color of skin,better at expressing the warmth.
Viltrox is suitable for portrait i guess.
i think its soft because its missed the focus.
Yeah, I think the same... the good thing is the lens can receive firmware updates
It seems the Viltrox constantly focused closer.
Most lenses are soft at 1.4 and wider. From the lens reviews I've seen, Sigma is one of the few companies that consistently manages to achieve sharpness at such wide apertures.
I was thinking the same thing. He definitely missed focus.
Tonal rendition on the Viltrox is far superior. The smooth transition between tones. I'd like to see comparison in black and white.
Tamron 17-70 vs Sigma trio , sony G lens 16-55 please
Hi
Is the Sigma 30 also as sharp as 56? I don't know which one to choose
Did you know that the focus ring, even though being a focus-by-wire, is "mapped", which means that manually rack focusing between 2 points stay precise no matter how fast the ring is turned? That is a killer feature of the Viltrox lenses for videographers on a budget, because it makes manual focus / motorized follow solutions much more usable... ;)
Bit disappointed in the Viltrox as I quite like my 85mm f1.8 from them. Seems like I have to hope Sigma comes out with their Fujifilm lenses soon!
They did. Today
Nice comparison. I'd have to say for portraits - I wouldn't want the lens to be as sharp as the Sigma. Personally I would remove sharpening from the Sigma files.
Yes... but you can not "add" (real optical) sharpness from the images produced by a blur lens.
@@gillesmatheronpro 2 years ago! What's a "blur lens"?
you can make an image blurrier, but you cant make an image sharper
That viltrox had a better 3D effect then the Sigma in that final shot comparison of your wife. Sharpness isn't everything, 3- dimensionality to an image is everything, like many famous old school lenses. Modern lenses are too clinical and sterile and lack ambience nowadays. I'd be more inclined to the Viltrox. My family hate shrp lenses, it shows up all the imperfections in the face, some of them will hide if I take out the cameras.
Is sigma 56 f1.4 compatible to xt4
I do notice that the Sigam seems a little closer on the subject. I know that all lens state the focal length but they could be off a tad. So besides the chromatic coloration of the Viltrox the last pic of your wife you can see that on the Viltrox she seems a little farther and thinner and the Sigma seems more cropped, closer. Great Review! Cheers!
After spending some time looking at all of the sample photos and reviews I could find, for both lenses, I just bought the Sigma. It really is a great lens. On the other hand, I did buy the Viltrox 23mm 1.4 as it was the best priced, fast lens I could find, in that focal range. The 23 is sharp but it does show a bit of color fringing in the out of focus background area. Still, for the price, a very good lens.
I have the Viltrox 56mm and it is not as soft as your copy. I know Sigma is should be bit sharper but your copy might be a lemon, or just didn't nail focus (have you updated to latest firmware?)
Do you recommend viltrox?
@@juli7095 hell yes
@@pennyfan13 Thanks, I just bought it and it comes to me in a few days
@@juli7095 enjoy it 👍
Hi Arthur, I need your suggestion on this. I'm planning to buy 56mm 1.4 lens for A5100. Am confused b/w Sigma & Viltrox. Viltrox is $100 cheaper than Sigma here in India. Which one do you suggest.
What should i get sigma 30mm f1.4 or viltrox 56mm f1.4????
which one do you think is better, viltrox 56mm or sony 50mm 1.8 oss ?
can you make another video after you update the firmware of the viltrox lens ? thank you in advance Idol
The only problem is I have no place to buy 56mm 1.4f sigma lens in my country. And wanna manage the cost as well. Any recommendations plz?
Reviewing a lens primarily on sharpness is like reviewing wine primarily on its alcohol content. Particularly when it comes to portraits. Clinical sharpness is not a feature I want in a portrait lens.
what is best for video ? Viltrox or sigma ?
question the viltrox and this sigma , they have any crop factor for cameras Sony APC_S or delivery the same aperture 56mm?
I have the Sigma 56 1.4 and I just love it!
Maybe there was something wrong when you shoot the photos. I have the viltrox and images doesn't look unsharp as the ones you show...
Have you tested either or both lenses, for HSS (High Speed Sync) compatibility? My new Sigma 56mm f/1.4 lens FAILS, when used with my Sony a6400 camera and Godox V860iii speedlight.
Can't beat that Sigma. Unless maybe if Tamron has 1.4 APS-C primes in the making.
Or possibly Samyang. Their 85mm F/1.4 for full frame is absolutely delicious :)
they wont, tamrons main shareholder is sony, they wont outcompete their own lenses, so unfortunately anything from tamron will always be crippled in a little way to not compete with the high end sony stuff, its basically sonys budget line at this point, but luckily we have sigma who arent afraid to make smaller cheaper and ahrper lenses than the sonys ^^
@@alexaudiovisuals Tamron has already released a bunch of lenses which rival Sony's high end lenses so I think it's very much possible for APS-C. Plus Sony doesn't has a huge gap in lenses for APS-C which Tamron can fill in without competing with Sony.
Hi Arthur; what's the best 23 or 24mm aspc lens you would recommend? Looking for 35mm equivalent to travel with. Thanks!
What is the name of the comparison application that he's using?
So, do you say viltrox is not worth for any photography?
I have sigma 16, 30 and 56 and they work great! With my zhiyun crane 2 is everything so sharp with my Sony alfa 6400
i have the sigma-trio on my α6400 too: the autofocus of 30 drives me crazy!
(but they are the sharpest lenses that I have ever had on my α6xxx series - without a doubt)
@@leventinikmacofumi6335 yep, sigma 30mm even with 2.00 firmware is not perfect: even when the display render the green rectangle on the eye the actual focus is the nose or when people wear glasses is not precise. But I really love the focal length, 30mm (45mm on apc-s) is beautiful and when works correctly is something really special
I mean no doubt about how great the sigma is, but especially for fuji users the viltrox is a great option, at normal viewing / printing sizes it will do perfectly fine and CA is one click in lightroom, compared to what the original fujis cost its a no brainer, just not for sony users ^^
CA? Sorry I'm a beginner.
@@PankajKumar6493 chromatic aberration ;)
How was the AF on the Sigma compared to the Viltrox for video?
とても参考なりました
実際の画像を直接比較して解説してもらえるのはありがたいですね
Was on the point of going for the Viltrox but not after watching such a professional video - subscribed!
I think that since this is a portrait lens, it does not really need excessive clarity, so as not to correct all skin defects later)
It is a nice lens. Lightweight, fast, and cool. I want to test the Artra Labs 50mm f1.1 for Z mount Nikons. Any info.on that one?
You are using a M-11 adapter?
Sharpness, sharpness, sharpness on an open aperture ... OMG.
Viltrox is primarily designed for PORTRAIT photography.
For sharpness is micro Nikkor :D
but the main and big problem is the miss focus :/
I often had to tone down the sharpness on the Sigma 56mm on portraits. too sharp
lol, what? :D
Beginner here -- would you say you say that's a "good problem" to have? I know what you mean by too sharp: wrinkles, blemishes, cracks, fuzz, and other imperfections are more apparent on sharper images. I assume it's better for the image to be too sharp and remove detail in post than to add detail by cranking the clarity and sharpness sliders in Lightroom. Does that sound about right?
@@hexelcolorado6275 I don't add clarity on portraits. Too sharp, too clear, the skin does not look good. Most of the time, the sharpness either just shot as is or slightly lower by 1 or 2 points. I do bring up contract a little though. It make she skin looks more smooth.
Sigma 56mm or Sony 85mm 1.8 for portraits w Sony a6500?
I would buy, ether viltrox 56mm 1.7 (because is cheap), or sigma 56mm. I miss my sony 50mm 1.8, not the best but it was fun to use, I have 18-50mm sigma but when I take significantly fewer photos since I bought it, it isn't bad lens it's just not exiting.
Hi there Arthur! can you make a comparison between Yongnuo 50mm and Sigma 56mm? I have a Yongnuo lens for me it’s quite sharp but I don’t know how it will compete against the Sigma. By the way I bought a Viltrox 33mm because of your wonderful review!
Can this lens use for Fuji ? 🙇🏻♂️
Hi bro is sigma 56 1.4 good for portrait photography?
I have the Sigma trio on my Sony a6600. Best lenses I’ve bought for my camera. 👍🏽
..and i have the sigma trio on my α6400: the autofocus of 30 drives me crazy!
(but they are the sharpest lenses that I have ever had on my α6xxx series - without a doubt)
@@leventinikmacofumi6335 reading your comment about the 30mm ohh dear x.x... hahaha, Waiting for the 56mm (second time i buy it) and the 30mm to complete the trio with a6600, arriving tomorrow in Chile, wish me luck!
@@uncarrizo You don't need luck! The image quality of the SIGMA-Trio will satisfy you - no question about it. I had the α6000 & SEL10-18F4.0 & SEL35F18 & SEL50F18. Now I have the α6400 & SIGMA 16 F1.4 & SIGMA 30 F1.4 & SIGMA 56 F1.4. My experience: The SONY's have fantastic autofocus, but can't get close to SIGMA sharpness. The SIGMAS have a fantastic sharpness but the autofocus on SONY lenses are much better (especially the SEL35F18). All have their strengths and weaknesses. If you asked me which lenses I would recommend, I would answer "the SIGMA trio", with the note that the SIGMA 30 F1.4 does not have particularly reliable autofocus. The SIGMAs made me much more satisfied, but I miss the autofocus of the SONY lenses.
And I'll buy the SEL35F18 again if I shouldn't have been able to sell it .. It has the best autofocus (super fast & the autofocus always hit as if it can read minds) and it has excellent video quality.
@@leventinikmacofumi6335 somehow I thought to have read or heard somewhere that this issue has been solved with an firmware update of the lens?! Did you ever check that possibility?
I am using sony zve10 with viltrox 56 mm 1.4 lens and when i take a video shoot. I had a problem with focus breathing issue. How can i fix this issue.please help me.
did you fix it?
@Mauricio.h3 yes i did
@@desiloopsmusic Can I ask you how you did it? I have the same problem
@@Mauricio.h3 i did update lense
I bought the 23mm as soon as I could find it here in Saigon. I like it. Not looking for this focal length though. Good Review
Good choice! Sigma doesnt have a 24mm prime for apsc.
It seems like the Viltrox is actually better for Videographers than the Sigma.
hey Arthur - just on your note about the autofocus going crazy at times - I was wondering what the camera body is that you were using at the time?
You definitely had a faulty Viltrox lens. I compared the viltrox to the Fuji f1.2 and it was just as sharp and definitely a lot sharper than your test images.
Didnt look like a single viltrox photo was in focus.
There's no way any of those were in focus - I have a viltrox 85mm mark 11 on my fuji and it is incredibly sharp. Yes wide open the DOF is very shallow but still, this does not represent viltrox lens quality at all.
@@peppaz I agree I have the 23mm and was looking into the 56 when I watched this video. The 23 is as sharp as my eyes can probably tell the difference of between two lenses. Something seems off about his copy of the 56mm there's no way it's that far off of the 23mm quality.
Oh well at least the lens will be easy to up date the af firmware with the port on the side.
Do you think that there's a difference among a6100, a6400 and a6600 in terms of high noise control?
i have the viltrox for fuji. and its my favorite lens. tack sharp. i wonder if you had a really bad copy, the pics are way too far off compared to the sigma.
Sigma is a little too sharp for some portraits as it effectively shows imperfections of the face and that requires more work to fix in PP. I would tone down the sharpness. Viltrox’s sharpness seems just right for the job. Purple and green fringing is a little crazy although it should be a relative easier fix in PP.
For E mount, sigma is the way to go. For Fuji, gotta stick with the 56mm f/1.2! Hopefully we will see some Sigma offering for X mount soon!
I don't think so, they already announced that their research and development team capacity is at its max, and there is a bigger market on Nikon/Canon mirrorles than Fuji
I have the entire Viltrox set as they where the 1st cost effective but still great looking Fuji X prime set. I honestly prefer the slightly more swirly & painterly bokeh of the Viltrox but the CA & horrendous purple fringing is making me switch to Sigma. I shoot primarily automotive work & so in every crisp body line, backlit sunset, & LED light there is serious purple fringing. At some angles & lighting it even creates a wash of purple & green across most of the frame. Sorry Viltrox, release a better corrected Pro version like you did with the 75mm & I may come back.
Is only for Sony A6100 and up or can I use it with my A6000?
All of the APS-C bodies can use this lens including the A6000. Even the FF bodies can use this lens, but in crop mode. All are E mount.
Looks like it could be a quality control issue. I've seen other reviews where the image quality was much closer. Plus, as you say, firmware update.
I have the sigma 16mm/1.4 on a fuji. I love the image quality, but deplore NOT having a physical aperture. The scroll wheel just misbehaves and the aperture setting is all over the place
Apakah akan terjadi vignet saat di pasangkan di sony full frame
any news about the Viltrox 24mm 1.8?? can't wait to see your review
Hi Arthur, nice video... I purchased 16mm sigma after watching your video... I'm planning to purchase Tamron 17-70, please make a comparision video with sony 16-55
Yes, definitely
i'm waiting for the comparison too. before i decide (16-55 / 17-70), i want to see Arthur's comparison..
..but tend to sony. sony's lenses have the best autofocus (my experience)
Excellent honest review, thank you Arthur.
Oof. That picture at 10:30. The tips of your wife's hair looks like she's part of a neon purple rave. Also the leaves to the right haha.
Great review!
Hard to beat the Sigma trio.
Clearly the Viltrox was mis-focusing... maybe firmware issues had it front- or back-focusing. Had you try to nail a shot in manual focus, and then compare the sharpness with Sigma?
No doubt, of you're on the Sony platform, the Sigma is the way to go.
Maybe someone already wrote this, but just in case... Viltrox lenses from this range/family can also be found under the Tokina label. Which is something a little concerning, for Tokina used to craft excellent optical gear for decades (superb souvenirs of my Nikon-mount Tokina wide-angle zoom !) when those current offerings rate poorly according to your tests (and many other ones around the Web).
Things, they are a'changing !
🤞rumors of Sigma releasing lenses for Fuji are true. The 16 & 56 are top of my list. I've been a fan of Sigma for a long time.
We need Sigma for Fuji. However, I think Sigma is probably a bit scared to take a whack at Fuji lenses. Fuji's market share is not the highest, lots of R&D required, and they will have very tough competition in terms of sharpness since Fuji already makes tack sharp glass for their cameras. Here's to hoping though. I love Sigma glass.
@@loganjames4607 It would be nice to have access to glass that Fuji won't make. I'm thinking 135 1.8 or a 70-75mm ~f2ish
Thanks for sharing Arthure. Good comparison. Please also try throw some video samples sometimes. Would be cool :)
Looking at this, I prefer how the Sigma processes colour compared to the Viltrox lens.
The comparison on the sharpness of the face (6.31 minutes) is distorted because the focus of the viltrox is on the lock of hair at the top right of the face, therefore automatically the background is less noted, unlike the sigma.
Sigma is the sharper lens by far... but is it just me (my screen) or is the Viltrox a little brighter than the Sigma??? The skin tones seem brighter on the Viltrox, even though both lenses have the exact same settings.
I thought that maybe the changes in the environment like moving clouds or what not... but it look pretty consistent in your samples. What do you think?
And the Bokeh does look a little smoother on the Viltrox as well, again that could be due to the softness of the lens ;)
Is sharpness a good thing? Seems any unsharpness problems were solved long ago and that we now try to tame overly sharp images and look for 3d pop, bokeh and stuff like that in lenses.
@@fredriksvard2603
Hey Arthur!, can you please review the kamlan 15mm f2.0? There are no review on internet, Thank you very much!
Can you review Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 (120$) ?
But the thing is, how often will you REALLY need to shoot a portrait at f1.4? Under sunlight certainly never. So if at f2 the Viltrox does already perform very well, and you still might need to shoot at 1/800, I’d say it’s still a safe bet.
i’m looking for a similar lens for the Sony A7III. any recommendations?
Viltrox 85/1.8 STM no doubt. It is much praised in the Internet both by reviewers and users. Recently Viltrox also announced three more full frame lenses 24, 35 and 50mm. All with max aperture of 1.8 as well.
@@manichaean1888 I just ordered Sony FE 50mm f1.8 lens. Should I cancel it and wait for the Viltrox 50mm lens?
@@ajwadsabano It's up to you. If you a ready to wait till the lens is put into production and reviewed. It's just been announced about a month ago.
@@manichaean1888 I’ve just cancelled my order. so how long would i wait till i can order it?
@@ajwadsabano You'd better ask Viltrox ) But normally it takes a few months between the announsement and full scale production. As far as I understand the lens have been under development for a while. The first rumours were about half year ago.
PS Normally Tokina rebrands the Viltrox lenses as their own, but sell them quite a bit more expensive. That happened with the 85/1.8 and the three APS-C lenses.
I've been waiting for this review. Thanks!
Hey great video....I'm looking at getting a portrait lens and I was wondering how the sigma trio of lenses stack up against the sigma art 18-35mm with the mc11 adapter? with clear image zoom it should be able to compete right?
Can’t clear image zoom when shooting RAW photos. Also, there’s a clear drop in quality when shooting Clear Image Zoom on any kind of 1080 video. 4K is fine. I have 18-35 & 56.
@@RobertLPoole its sigma 56 work with a m-11 adapter on a6000?
@@simplydv5354 It's a Sony Mount lens so it doesn't require an adapter.
@@RobertLPoole i have the micro four thirds type lens
@@simplydv5354 Then you can't use it with a Sony camera the way it's intended to be used (i.e. with autofocus). There are adapters that will allow you to put MFT glass on Sony cameras, but the results will vary.
I love the picture at 6"50 ! So beautiful !
but definitely no one should save 120 dollars on this lense. The difference is huge. I have the viltrox 85 for full frame Sony
Excellent video 😊!
i was just looking for a video with these two lenses yesterday!!!
finally a company that understands that we need a third ring because we only have 2 dials on our a6x00
I also fancy this aperture ring because I always hit the buttons on the "joystick dial" when i adjust shutter speed... However, not being clicked and not staying properly at A makes it less interesting for me.
just a couple of points from me - you didn't mention the colour and contrast differences between the two lenses? - in my eyes, the viltrox produces more accurate colours than the sigma as the sigma seems to render a cooler image (this is a trait across almost every sigma lens I've used) - not a massive deal as either can be easily changed in post. Another feature that almost no one has called out is the fact that the Viltrox aperture blades don't produce a perfectly shaped circle.. you can see this yourself when you look into the lens. This isn't a major issue and doesn't affect image quality - but if you have bright higlights in the image (out of focus) you'll notice that the bokeh balls won't be perfectly circular... (HOWEVER, in my opinion this is 100% better than the cats eyes that can form as an alternative).