I got this lens shortly after purchasing the 75mm and Im very happy !! (fuji x) Lets just say it even impressed my cannon friends with their R6's and 2k plus glass . Getting very similar results to full frame with these two lenses !! A client or non photographer will not be able to tell !! Happy Camper here !!
Thanks, Mark! Originally, I found that describing image quality was just too long, so I wanted to break it up and figured that some things are useful technically and some are actually useful in creative image making. :)
Appreciate your well considered opinions in your reviews. Your relaxed, yet precise, presentation style is excellent and makes watching the videos a pleasure. Thanks!
Having that depth of field and unique rendering in what is essentially a 35 mm is something of a surprise. At least for me. Great photos. You definitely do justice to this Lens ❤
It's unique, for sure! I've used it on pretty much every shoot I've had since getting the lens and really haven't been disappointed yet. Thanks for watching!
I've had this lens for a couple of weeks now and it is the first non fuji lens I've owned. It's a peach and the fast aperture, coupled with a fairly generous DOF at f1.2 makes it perfect for groups and events. Love it.
I dont understand why you dont have more subs. Your reviews are so great and the pictures you show are so awesome. I don't shoot onFuji but you just gained yourself a new follower. These pictures are so good. By the way, you kept talking about Viltrox 75mm F.2 but I couldn't find a video on your channel that talks about it for some reasons.
Thanks for the kind words. The 75mm review is one of those ones I just never got finished. It's on my list and it IS coming. Hopefully in the next couple of months. I've got a monster 56mm roundup almost done now and will focus on others after that.
I always enjoy the YT videos that you produce. I am fortunate to have both the 23mm & 75mm Viltrox lenses. Build quality & the images that these lenses offer rival that of “pro” lenses for FF systems which may cost several thousand dollars. (Exceptional value for the respective price points for these Viltrox products.) I have many Fuji lenses & the Viltrox 27mm & 75 mm lenses are the only “non-Fuji” lenses that are in my lens bag.Best wishes for your channel & photography buisness.😊
Thanks a lot, Jeffrey! Appreciate you watching. I'm still using this lens quite often and loving the results. Glad to hear you're enjoying the results as well. Viltrox has done something quite special here.
They're in contact is all I heard. Whether or not Capture One will end up doing their extensive testing and profile creation is a very different story. Hopefully, we'll see some profiles coming!
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer yeah that's fair, but just knowing they've started chatting makes me hopeful. Anyways, I've had my copy of this lens for a couple weeks now and it's incredible to use!
@@BrandonDavis985 Right? I'm looking forward to seeing some developments for sure. Capture One doesn't quite have the resources that Adobe does, bur fingers crossed!
Dylan, your reviews are exceptional. You take your time with the lens and produce stunning sample pictures. I've been using the 27mm f/1.2 in combination with the 75mm f/1.2 for portrait and wedding photography and I don't feel like I am missing out on anything wider. As you say, this lens is sufficiently wide to get enough in the frame but sufficiently tight to separate well. I'd even go as far as to say that this lens replaced the 23mm and the 33mm in my kit. At the same time I just cannot justify spending 1000€ on the 56mm when Viltrox gives me essentially the same quality at half the price offering even more separation. It's a mystery to me how Viltrox is able to produce such high-quality lenses at such an affordable price.
Thank you! I really don't see the point in a review with just one or two days of use. Taking the time to get to know a lens gives a bit of perspective that you don't get otherwise. Viltrox is definitely pricing things very aggressively. I have wondered a couple of times myself how that pricing is possible or how they manage to discount these lenses from time to time. Enjoy that 27/75 combo. It's a good one!
i JUST bought the 27/75 combo on B&H! Can't wait to put it to the test 😍 I was recently loaned a Fuji 50MM 1.0 and I've absolutely fallen in love with that lens, but I have nowhere near enough money to justify even a 56MM 1.2 so the fact that I was able to buy TWO 1.2 lenses for the price of ONE Fuji 1.2 is insane to me!
Great review. Very helpful insights and observations as always. Hopefully you'll be able to get a B&H product link at some point as I would love to help your channel and encourage continued informed & helpful videos. Take care & happy shooting!
Late to this party, but your reviews are first rate - keep it up! I already own too many lenses but I can't stop thinking about chopping and changing them! I have the 18mm 1.4, 27mm 2.8, 33mm 1.4 and 56mm 1.2, but I'm currently loaning the 23mm 1.4 to see if I prefer it to the 18mm 😳 I'm actually on the fence and certainly not gelling with it as I thought I might. What I already know, however, is that I enjoy the 27mm FL. Now I'm wondering if this would be a better addition for IQ and performance (the xf27 can stay for lightweight scenarios...). Do you think that's insane given what else I have to hand? Perhaps I should spend more time taking photos with what I have...
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer More than that, it helps when a reviewer such as yourself used the lens for extended period for real usage (not just charts, lines, CA, etc) and gives real world feedback. I am in the camp of deciding between 23mm, 33mm or both but thinking if this 27mm could fit both needs, as long as weight and size is not an issue. So, yeah, definitely got what I came for!
Excellent review. Thank you. I'm also in the market for a good all-rounder and this focal length seems to be sort of a sweet spot. Will try to test it out, whilst on my trip to London this Sunday. Kudos!
Beautiful images and a really thoughtful review as always. This 27mm is not for me but it does look like an amazing optic. That said, you produce incredible results from any lens 😆
Thank you, Sam! This is definitely not a focal length for everyone and, honestly, I didn't think it would be for me, either. I've been really enjoying it, though, as I mentioned and it has become a part of many of my shoots. What are you mostly working with in terms of focal lengths?
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographerI’m fortunate enough to already own the 23mm and 33mm Fuji primes so adding this to my kit would feel a little excessive 😆 I’m also slightly put off by the size of this lens since one of the joys of the Fuji system for me is the small size. That said, I do adore the Vitrox 75mm which is a spectacular portrait lens even though it’s also a big beast. Great to have choices, right?
A couple points to add comparing between the Fuji 33: - CA is higher on the Fuji - sharpness is lower wide open on the Fuji - vignette is lower on the Fuji - grain is more noticeable on the Viltrox, but the added detail allows you to retain image quality with more noise reduction in post Both are excellent, and the final verdict comes down to AF-C requirements and size. If image sharpness alone is your governing criteria, the Viltrox wins handily IMO.
Great review, I should be picking up the x-s20 relatively soon and this is on the cards as a potential lens, appreciate your in depth insight. My girlfriend and I are shortly visiting Seoul for the first time, I’ll be bringing my X100V. Any recommendations for must see locations/places to eat? Many thanks from the UK!
Thanks for watching! Recommendations for Seoul - visit the tourist spots. They're great. Then explore. Take whichever lane looks narrowest and sketchiest. They're the best ones. As for food, the smaller and grubbier the place is, generally the better it is. Forget the polished modern stuff in Seoul. It's not worth it.
Greetings from Russia. Thank you, very good review. It would be very good if you also indicated the type of film you used with the shooting parameters.
Awesome review, I'm sold. Thank you so much. Gettnig mine soon. I just wish Viltrox had within their paying area when purchasing, within their country selection, South Africa as location destination when purchasing. The have a ZAR, Rands, SA country selection on the site to view pricing, but when purchasing and having a selection for South Africa, it does not exist. Anyways, I'll have to bite my finger nails and get it on ebay. Thanks again.
How does it compare to the Laowa 25mm f0.95 CF? Espescially curious for half or full body shots or portraits at a distance. Either way, thanks for all your reviews. Your by far the Fuji reviewer I trust the most.
Nice review (as always). Your channel is quickly becoming a lens resource, I often come back to them for refreshers and help when making purchasing decisions. I noticed you mention the 75/1.2 but I hadn't thought you actually reviewed this lens yet? Maybe you did and I missed it? I'm glad you touch upon the AF performance, specifically at that 10fps AFC Focus Priority (which is exactly the same for me). This week my 56/1.2 WR arrived and I realise how spoilt I have been with the LM and SM in the Fujicrons (that I have). The DC just can't keep up at all and for a lens released in 2022 it boggles my mind that they thought this was acceptable. Even on static subjects the AF just can't chill out and micro adjusts constantly... 😪 Had Fuji made the 56/1.2 WR larger to accommodate LM I think we would all have forgiven them easily. It's odd to think they slapped in 3xLM in the 50-140 (and kept the weight of that lens reasonable)... what is the issue here with a single prime? :S
I couldn't agree more. The 90mm f/2 has two linear motors and it's still an easy lens to carry around. The ONLY disappointment I still have with the 56mm is the focus motor. As you say, it's pretty hit and miss in AF-C (although FAR better than the original 56mm). The 75mm review is coming... I was actually planning on filming and releasing it when Viltrox reached out with this lens... so it got put on the backburner. It will come. Eventually. Haha
I already own the 23mm f1.4 and was thinking of getting a Voightlander 27mm f2 Ultron as the pancake size is so cool! So.. I'm guessing I don't need this Viltrox? :) (but so many images I see from it are brilliant)
Bought it thinking I could replace the 23 1.4 and 33 1.4 LM in one lens. 23mm has always been a go to FL, but the operating window to achieve not too sharp images with pleasing bokeh I found rather limited to being up close at wide apertures. Otherwise bokeh can be busy/harsh and images over sharp. Love/hate I guess you could say. And I always ended up with lens paralysis deciding between 23 or 33 for a one-and-done, and travel the 18 + 33 served well. 18+23 were always too close, and 23+tele lacked width. In the end... I will let rhe 23 go, but keep the 33. I like that this lens renders very differently to the Fujis. So I'm not just choosing a lens based on FL but look. I do find the eye can be drawn to the sometimes very swirly bokeh. I like it, but doesn't need to be in every image! I've had some wild cats eye/diamond dhaped bokeh at the corners, with Viktrox flare inside the balls! The viltrox rainbow flare hasn't made an appearance yet! Like the 35 1.4 I find these flaws provide characterful images. Like the 75 I find the AF struggles with lower contrast and busy scenes - the only real complaint. Handles fine with a grip on the x-t5. So this is my character and creative lens. Good for one-and-done, portraits. But the 33 stays for relative compactness, speed, shalower depth of field and where I want smoother bokeh and corner to corner uniformity. As part of a 3 lens set up the 27 will trade places with the 33 according to needs and will pair more easily with a 16/18 than the 23. Basically keeping the 33 for the same reasons I would keeping the 90 alongside the 75 1.2 (shocker, I prefer the samyang 75).
Wow! That's a lot to unpack. I'm glad that you've found a setup that works for you! Personally, I've found this lens to have a place in my bag quite frequently and have really enjoyed using it.
Interesting take here. I nearly bought the 23 1.4 and already own the 33 1.4. I too am thinking I might be able to eliminate the need for two lenses by owning the 27mm lens. It arrives in 2 days, but this has given me something to consider and watch out for in busier scenes.
Hello. Great review of a great lens. Would you recommend this lens over the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 for family photos? I currently only own the X-S10 with the kit 16-80mm f/4 and I mostly take photos of my 5 year old 🙂. This would be my first prime lens and I think this focal length would be applicable in more situations compared to the 75mm.
In my work, it definitely get's a lot more use in my family sessions than the 75mm. You've got that wonderful zoom lens, so do check your exif data to see where you spend most of your time on that lens. It should help you to decide which fast prime would work for you.
Just my personal opinion. I have the XF 27mm 2.8 WR. I had to grow to like this lens and focal length simply because I have a 23mm f2 and 33m 1.4. both are great but 27mm FL, I learned, is about what we see when we close either eye. Once I learned that, I understood why this is a street lens. But Viltrox 27mm being big and heavy will defeat that pocketable discreet purpose.
Did you watch to the end of the video? That was exactly my conclusion. The Viltrox is a MUCH better lens optically than the XF lenses, and for me, that's far more important than the small package.
I knew I missed something in this review and it's been nagging at me for days! Thank you for the reminder. It's been great at family sessions. The only downside is that for certain images, the AF-C cannot keep up like a linear motor can. Otherwise, it's a great focal length for most of what I shoot at family sessions.
Hi Ryan When it’s attached to xt5 , in terms of weight is it almost the same like 16-55 2.8 .? Or is it even lighter? I looked at the specs and see it’s almost 100 g lighter.
It sounds like this lens would not be very good at landscape photography with it getting soft already at F8. Am I correct? Is landscape a case where the Fujifilm 23 and 33 1.4 WR would be preferred?
That is just diffraction, which is the same for all lenses. If you need the depth of field then you just have to accept the loss of acuity on high resolution sensors.
@@fredschmidt8609 That is false, all lenses suffer from diffraction at small apertures, you should be able to notice it at f/8 on higher resolution sensors. In fact, with very sharp lenses a drop in peak sharpness is measurable even stopping down from f/2.8 to f/4.
Technically, Bayonet1809 is absolutely correct here. However, the diffraction is much less noticeable on both the 23 and 33mm lenses. Perhaps someone with more knowledge about how lens formulas play into this could tell me why these differences are present here, but in my experience, the 27mm had a much more noticeable softening at f/8. However, it is FAR from something I would say would "not make it good for landscape photography." It will still produce better detail than most lenses at its price point.
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Your experience indicates that there is a strong possibility that the aperture of the Viltrox 27/1.2, when stopped down to an apparent f/8, is actually slightly smaller than f/8, causing slightly more diffraction softening as a result. This hypothesis could be tested by comparing exposures, to see if the Viltrox is also slightly darker in the centre of the frame (so as to avoid the effect of vignetting) at f/8 than the Fuji lenses. Assuming my hypothesis is correct, then the remedy would be to shoot the Viltrox at a slightly larger reported aperture instead (like f/7.1 rather than f/8). Such aperture discrepancies were not unusual in the days of mechanically controlled aperture mechanisms, and although it is surprising these days, it is the best explanation I can think of. Of course, it could always be the Fuji lenses that are off, although this seems less likely.
Please ask Viltrox to make lenses keeping in mind Fuji Camera system, we love compact /lightweight lenses. Otherwise, what is the point of buying DSLR-size lenses on Fuji compact cameras. For me Doesnt make sense and general crowd needs lightweight lenses.
Like the 80, 90, 50-140, 50 F1, 56 mkII, 100-400 etc. etc. ? Luckily there plenty of models to suit all tastes, "we" don't all like the same things or are able to alleviate both ends of the spectrum. Viltrox also just released a 20mm f2.8 which might suit your needs better.
@@brownbear100 that’s f2.8, I think Viltrox can reduce size and bulk by first developing lens for Fuji. They are developing most of the time for Sony first.
I'm not sure I have the sway to ask a large company to do anything. Haha! Horses for courses, indeed, but this lens definitely fills a role for a lot of people. I, much like you, would love to see a suite of f/2 lenses at different focal lengths from Viltrox. I really believe they could make something special.
I got this lens shortly after purchasing the 75mm and Im very happy !! (fuji x) Lets just say it even impressed my cannon friends with their R6's and 2k plus glass . Getting very similar results to full frame with these two lenses !! A client or non photographer will not be able to tell !! Happy Camper here !!
Viltrox is doing something interesting, that's for sure. I'm quite happy with the three lenses I have, as well!
I like the idea of creative vs technical image quality, a really clever way to qualify it.
Thanks, Mark! Originally, I found that describing image quality was just too long, so I wanted to break it up and figured that some things are useful technically and some are actually useful in creative image making. :)
Appreciate your well considered opinions in your reviews. Your relaxed, yet precise, presentation style is excellent and makes watching the videos a pleasure. Thanks!
I appreciate that! I'm glad this one still felt relaxed as I recorded it on a time crunch before leaving the country for a couple of weeks!
Wonderful images, you truly are one of the few gear reviewers on RUclips that is actually a master artist too.
I appreciate that! Thanks for watching.
Having that depth of field and unique rendering in what is essentially a 35 mm is something of a surprise. At least for me. Great photos. You definitely do justice to this
Lens ❤
It's unique, for sure! I've used it on pretty much every shoot I've had since getting the lens and really haven't been disappointed yet. Thanks for watching!
I've had this lens for a couple of weeks now and it is the first non fuji lens I've owned. It's a peach and the fast aperture, coupled with a fairly generous DOF at f1.2 makes it perfect for groups and events. Love it.
It's a treat, for sure. There's something special about f/1.2 lenses in general and this one is no exception.
I dont understand why you dont have more subs. Your reviews are so great and the pictures you show are so awesome. I don't shoot onFuji but you just gained yourself a new follower. These pictures are so good. By the way, you kept talking about Viltrox 75mm F.2 but I couldn't find a video on your channel that talks about it for some reasons.
Thanks for the kind words. The 75mm review is one of those ones I just never got finished. It's on my list and it IS coming. Hopefully in the next couple of months. I've got a monster 56mm roundup almost done now and will focus on others after that.
I come for the punchie and honest review.
I stay, right to the end, for the masterful slide show curated with a wonderful tune.
Thanks again
I appreciate your time and am glad you enjoy the images I include, as well!
Great review as always Dylan. Just quietly, I think you will love the Fujifilm GF 55mm 1.7. So versatile with stellar image quality and rendering
Whispered response: I REALLY thought about it... a good friend of mine got one and I've asked him to keep it away from me.
Love, and trust, your reviews. Thank you for putting the effort in, it shows.
I always enjoy the YT videos that you produce. I am fortunate to have both the 23mm & 75mm Viltrox lenses. Build quality & the images that these lenses offer rival that of “pro” lenses for FF systems which may cost several thousand dollars. (Exceptional value for the respective price points for these Viltrox products.) I have many Fuji lenses & the Viltrox 27mm & 75 mm lenses are the only “non-Fuji” lenses that are in my lens bag.Best wishes for your channel & photography buisness.😊
Thanks a lot, Jeffrey! Appreciate you watching. I'm still using this lens quite often and loving the results. Glad to hear you're enjoying the results as well. Viltrox has done something quite special here.
The news about them working with capture one is really exciting, glad to hear that. Incredible video as always sir!
They're in contact is all I heard. Whether or not Capture One will end up doing their extensive testing and profile creation is a very different story. Hopefully, we'll see some profiles coming!
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer yeah that's fair, but just knowing they've started chatting makes me hopeful. Anyways, I've had my copy of this lens for a couple weeks now and it's incredible to use!
@@BrandonDavis985 Right? I'm looking forward to seeing some developments for sure. Capture One doesn't quite have the resources that Adobe does, bur fingers crossed!
Dylan, your reviews are exceptional. You take your time with the lens and produce stunning sample pictures.
I've been using the 27mm f/1.2 in combination with the 75mm f/1.2 for portrait and wedding photography and I don't feel like I am missing out on anything wider. As you say, this lens is sufficiently wide to get enough in the frame but sufficiently tight to separate well. I'd even go as far as to say that this lens replaced the 23mm and the 33mm in my kit. At the same time I just cannot justify spending 1000€ on the 56mm when Viltrox gives me essentially the same quality at half the price offering even more separation. It's a mystery to me how Viltrox is able to produce such high-quality lenses at such an affordable price.
Thank you! I really don't see the point in a review with just one or two days of use. Taking the time to get to know a lens gives a bit of perspective that you don't get otherwise.
Viltrox is definitely pricing things very aggressively. I have wondered a couple of times myself how that pricing is possible or how they manage to discount these lenses from time to time.
Enjoy that 27/75 combo. It's a good one!
I couldn't agree more with your comment ...love my viltrox and the money i have saved .
i JUST bought the 27/75 combo on B&H! Can't wait to put it to the test 😍
I was recently loaned a Fuji 50MM 1.0 and I've absolutely fallen in love with that lens, but I have nowhere near enough money to justify even a 56MM 1.2 so the fact that I was able to buy TWO 1.2 lenses for the price of ONE Fuji 1.2 is insane to me!
Great review. Very helpful insights and observations as always. Hopefully you'll be able to get a B&H product link at some point as I would love to help your channel and encourage continued informed & helpful videos. Take care & happy shooting!
Great in depth review as always , weirdly enough i could find the viltrox 75mm f1.2 review that you keep comparing to
Thank you so much for this great review. In comparison to others, it actually helps decide whether to get it :)
Late to this party, but your reviews are first rate - keep it up!
I already own too many lenses but I can't stop thinking about chopping and changing them! I have the 18mm 1.4, 27mm 2.8, 33mm 1.4 and 56mm 1.2, but I'm currently loaning the 23mm 1.4 to see if I prefer it to the 18mm 😳 I'm actually on the fence and certainly not gelling with it as I thought I might.
What I already know, however, is that I enjoy the 27mm FL. Now I'm wondering if this would be a better addition for IQ and performance (the xf27 can stay for lightweight scenarios...). Do you think that's insane given what else I have to hand?
Perhaps I should spend more time taking photos with what I have...
great lens i have the 75 and 27 combo.
Great combo. Lots of possiblities there. Big. Heavy. But plenty of possibilities.
Thanks for the 4K Dylan. It IS appreciated.
Yay! One person! ;)
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographermake it two. It was the first thing I noticed when I opened the video. Not that it is critical, but it is notable.
Been waiting for this review from you, and yet again, another experience based, concise and objective review.
Keep it up!
Much appreciated! Hope you got what you came for!
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer More than that, it helps when a reviewer such as yourself used the lens for extended period for real usage (not just charts, lines, CA, etc) and gives real world feedback. I am in the camp of deciding between 23mm, 33mm or both but thinking if this 27mm could fit both needs, as long as weight and size is not an issue. So, yeah, definitely got what I came for!
Excellent review. Thank you. I'm also in the market for a good all-rounder and this focal length seems to be sort of a sweet spot. Will try to test it out, whilst on my trip to London this Sunday. Kudos!
Glad it was helpful! Hope you find what you're after in this lens. It's a great tool, for sure.
Beautiful images and a really thoughtful review as always. This 27mm is not for me but it does look like an amazing optic. That said, you produce incredible results from any lens 😆
Thank you, Sam! This is definitely not a focal length for everyone and, honestly, I didn't think it would be for me, either. I've been really enjoying it, though, as I mentioned and it has become a part of many of my shoots. What are you mostly working with in terms of focal lengths?
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographerI’m fortunate enough to already own the 23mm and 33mm Fuji primes so adding this to my kit would feel a little excessive 😆 I’m also slightly put off by the size of this lens since one of the joys of the Fuji system for me is the small size. That said, I do adore the Vitrox 75mm which is a spectacular portrait lens even though it’s also a big beast. Great to have choices, right?
A couple points to add comparing between the Fuji 33:
- CA is higher on the Fuji
- sharpness is lower wide open on the Fuji
- vignette is lower on the Fuji
- grain is more noticeable on the Viltrox, but the added detail allows you to retain image quality with more noise reduction in post
Both are excellent, and the final verdict comes down to AF-C requirements and size. If image sharpness alone is your governing criteria, the Viltrox wins handily IMO.
Great review, I should be picking up the x-s20 relatively soon and this is on the cards as a potential lens, appreciate your in depth insight. My girlfriend and I are shortly visiting Seoul for the first time, I’ll be bringing my X100V. Any recommendations for must see locations/places to eat? Many thanks from the UK!
Thanks for watching!
Recommendations for Seoul - visit the tourist spots. They're great. Then explore. Take whichever lane looks narrowest and sketchiest. They're the best ones. As for food, the smaller and grubbier the place is, generally the better it is. Forget the polished modern stuff in Seoul. It's not worth it.
Greetings from Russia. Thank you, very good review. It would be very good if you also indicated the type of film you used with the shooting parameters.
and also... I REALLY would like them to make a 50mm for super-duper portraits.
Awesome review, I'm sold. Thank you so much. Gettnig mine soon. I just wish Viltrox had within their paying area when purchasing, within their country selection, South Africa as location destination when purchasing. The have a ZAR, Rands, SA country selection on the site to view pricing, but when purchasing and having a selection for South Africa, it does not exist. Anyways, I'll have to bite my finger nails and get it on ebay. Thanks again.
You are the final push for me to get one🎉
Enjoy!
thnx for this review, also to undercover name some possible combinations
Thanks for watching! :)
How does it compare to the Laowa 25mm f0.95 CF? Espescially curious for half or full body shots or portraits at a distance.
Either way, thanks for all your reviews. Your by far the Fuji reviewer I trust the most.
Honestly, I can't compare directly. The Laowa 25mm was a loaner and I don't have it anymore.
Nice review (as always). Your channel is quickly becoming a lens resource, I often come back to them for refreshers and help when making purchasing decisions.
I noticed you mention the 75/1.2 but I hadn't thought you actually reviewed this lens yet? Maybe you did and I missed it?
I'm glad you touch upon the AF performance, specifically at that 10fps AFC Focus Priority (which is exactly the same for me). This week my 56/1.2 WR arrived and I realise how spoilt I have been with the LM and SM in the Fujicrons (that I have). The DC just can't keep up at all and for a lens released in 2022 it boggles my mind that they thought this was acceptable. Even on static subjects the AF just can't chill out and micro adjusts constantly... 😪
Had Fuji made the 56/1.2 WR larger to accommodate LM I think we would all have forgiven them easily. It's odd to think they slapped in 3xLM in the 50-140 (and kept the weight of that lens reasonable)... what is the issue here with a single prime? :S
I couldn't agree more. The 90mm f/2 has two linear motors and it's still an easy lens to carry around. The ONLY disappointment I still have with the 56mm is the focus motor. As you say, it's pretty hit and miss in AF-C (although FAR better than the original 56mm).
The 75mm review is coming... I was actually planning on filming and releasing it when Viltrox reached out with this lens... so it got put on the backburner. It will come. Eventually. Haha
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Looking forward to it.
I already own the 23mm f1.4 and was thinking of getting a Voightlander 27mm f2 Ultron as the pancake size is so cool! So.. I'm guessing I don't need this Viltrox? :) (but so many images I see from it are brilliant)
Want and need are different things. This is also very much not a pancake... you'll really want to consider how much you're willing to carry around!
Bought it thinking I could replace the 23 1.4 and 33 1.4 LM in one lens. 23mm has always been a go to FL, but the operating window to achieve not too sharp images with pleasing bokeh I found rather limited to being up close at wide apertures. Otherwise bokeh can be busy/harsh and images over sharp. Love/hate I guess you could say.
And I always ended up with lens paralysis deciding between 23 or 33 for a one-and-done, and travel the 18 + 33 served well. 18+23 were always too close, and 23+tele lacked width.
In the end... I will let rhe 23 go, but keep the 33.
I like that this lens renders very differently to the Fujis. So I'm not just choosing a lens based on FL but look. I do find the eye can be drawn to the sometimes very swirly bokeh. I like it, but doesn't need to be in every image! I've had some wild cats eye/diamond dhaped bokeh at the corners, with Viktrox flare inside the balls! The viltrox rainbow flare hasn't made an appearance yet! Like the 35 1.4 I find these flaws provide characterful images. Like the 75 I find the AF struggles with lower contrast and busy scenes - the only real complaint. Handles fine with a grip on the x-t5.
So this is my character and creative lens. Good for one-and-done, portraits. But the 33 stays for relative compactness, speed, shalower depth of field and where I want smoother bokeh and corner to corner uniformity.
As part of a 3 lens set up the 27 will trade places with the 33 according to needs and will pair more easily with a 16/18 than the 23. Basically keeping the 33 for the same reasons I would keeping the 90 alongside the 75 1.2 (shocker, I prefer the samyang 75).
Wow! That's a lot to unpack. I'm glad that you've found a setup that works for you! Personally, I've found this lens to have a place in my bag quite frequently and have really enjoyed using it.
Interesting take here. I nearly bought the 23 1.4 and already own the 33 1.4. I too am thinking I might be able to eliminate the need for two lenses by owning the 27mm lens. It arrives in 2 days, but this has given me something to consider and watch out for in busier scenes.
I enjoy your review all the time.
Glad you like them!
Great format, very informative, Viltrox 75mm f1.2 review next? 🌚
Yes, soon. Thoughts are penned and trying to find the time to film it.
Hello. Great review of a great lens. Would you recommend this lens over the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 for family photos? I currently only own the X-S10 with the kit 16-80mm f/4 and I mostly take photos of my 5 year old 🙂. This would be my first prime lens and I think this focal length would be applicable in more situations compared to the 75mm.
In my work, it definitely get's a lot more use in my family sessions than the 75mm. You've got that wonderful zoom lens, so do check your exif data to see where you spend most of your time on that lens. It should help you to decide which fast prime would work for you.
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer thank you so much!!! Much appreciated!!!
Just my personal opinion. I have the XF 27mm 2.8 WR. I had to grow to like this lens and focal length simply because I have a 23mm f2 and 33m 1.4. both are great but 27mm FL, I learned, is about what we see when we close either eye. Once I learned that, I understood why this is a street lens. But Viltrox 27mm being big and heavy will defeat that pocketable discreet purpose.
Did you watch to the end of the video? That was exactly my conclusion. The Viltrox is a MUCH better lens optically than the XF lenses, and for me, that's far more important than the small package.
Thanks for the review! How would you feel about this focal length for family sessions?
I knew I missed something in this review and it's been nagging at me for days! Thank you for the reminder. It's been great at family sessions. The only downside is that for certain images, the AF-C cannot keep up like a linear motor can. Otherwise, it's a great focal length for most of what I shoot at family sessions.
Great T-shirt!
On of my favourite things about running this channel is all the t-shirt comments I get. 🤣 Cheers for stopping by!
It would be very interesting to compare it to the sigma 23mm f1.4 dc dn as they are priced the same
If Sigma will send one over, I'd gladly do it!
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer i hope they are paying attention
Hi, what lens was used here in this video? The subject separation is really nice here.
If you're referring to the lens I filmed the video on, it's always the XF 33mm f/1.4.
I hv this lense not used it yet any tips on stree photography
How would you compare it with the Viltrox 23mm F1.4 lens?
Unfortunately, I can't speak to that. I've never used the 23mm. If I ever get a copy of it, I'll definitely give my thoughts on the two.
Thanks Dylan
Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoyed!
Thanks!
Thank YOU!
Thanks dylan.
Aprreciate you watching!
Hi Ryan
When it’s attached to xt5 , in terms of weight is it almost the same like 16-55 2.8 .? Or is it even lighter? I looked at the specs and see it’s almost 100 g lighter.
It's very front heavy. It feels just like the big zoom.
Thank you ...
You're welcome!
형님 is this sharper tan 33mm? im considering switching to viltrox
some reviewers says that viltrox is sharper
It sounds like this lens would not be very good at landscape photography with it getting soft already at F8. Am I correct? Is landscape a case where the Fujifilm 23 and 33 1.4 WR would be preferred?
That is just diffraction, which is the same for all lenses. If you need the depth of field then you just have to accept the loss of acuity on high resolution sensors.
Correct, but the Fujifilm 33 and 23 do not suffer from diffraction until they are stopped down further than F8.
@@fredschmidt8609 That is false, all lenses suffer from diffraction at small apertures, you should be able to notice it at f/8 on higher resolution sensors. In fact, with very sharp lenses a drop in peak sharpness is measurable even stopping down from f/2.8 to f/4.
Technically, Bayonet1809 is absolutely correct here. However, the diffraction is much less noticeable on both the 23 and 33mm lenses. Perhaps someone with more knowledge about how lens formulas play into this could tell me why these differences are present here, but in my experience, the 27mm had a much more noticeable softening at f/8. However, it is FAR from something I would say would "not make it good for landscape photography." It will still produce better detail than most lenses at its price point.
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Your experience indicates that there is a strong possibility that the aperture of the Viltrox 27/1.2, when stopped down to an apparent f/8, is actually slightly smaller than f/8, causing slightly more diffraction softening as a result. This hypothesis could be tested by comparing exposures, to see if the Viltrox is also slightly darker in the centre of the frame (so as to avoid the effect of vignetting) at f/8 than the Fuji lenses.
Assuming my hypothesis is correct, then the remedy would be to shoot the Viltrox at a slightly larger reported aperture instead (like f/7.1 rather than f/8).
Such aperture discrepancies were not unusual in the days of mechanically controlled aperture mechanisms, and although it is surprising these days, it is the best explanation I can think of. Of course, it could always be the Fuji lenses that are off, although this seems less likely.
Not sure if there's anything you can do about it, but the time stamps are off
Thanks for the heads up! Fixed!
Five star
Please ask Viltrox to make lenses keeping in mind Fuji Camera system, we love compact /lightweight lenses. Otherwise, what is the point of buying DSLR-size lenses on Fuji compact cameras. For me Doesnt make sense and general crowd needs lightweight lenses.
Like the 80, 90, 50-140, 50 F1, 56 mkII, 100-400 etc. etc. ? Luckily there plenty of models to suit all tastes, "we" don't all like the same things or are able to alleviate both ends of the spectrum.
Viltrox also just released a 20mm f2.8 which might suit your needs better.
@@brownbear100 that’s f2.8, I think Viltrox can reduce size and bulk by first developing lens for Fuji. They are developing most of the time for Sony first.
I'm not sure I have the sway to ask a large company to do anything. Haha! Horses for courses, indeed, but this lens definitely fills a role for a lot of people. I, much like you, would love to see a suite of f/2 lenses at different focal lengths from Viltrox. I really believe they could make something special.