Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever seen a (relatively) newcomer of a lens manufacturer advancing that much and rapidly as Viltrox, hats off to them. It will be really interesting to see where they are going, especially since they have already announced their Pro-series being F1.4 lenses and their Lab-series being F1.2 lenses. There was an interview with their product manager and she even mentioned the Lab-series not only being their top of the range line, but being on Zeiss Otus level! That might be very big shoes to fill for Viltrox, but you never know, they might surprise us and really get at least closer to that. And overall I like new companies coming into the market and pushing forward, for us consumers this can only be a good thing. Competition brings developments!
Indeed Viltrox is making some headway for sure. When companies say Otus level I’m always a but hesitant but I’m interested to see what Viltrox does with their Lab series.
@@btonelliquite honestly I was very surprised about that statement, to say the least 😂. I don’t really believe that to be the case, but than I wouldn’t expect such things from a still young company, or any company for that matter. But I absolutely love manufacturers being very ambitious, that ensures they are not only throwing out mediocre and cheap products. At the end them being ambitious means they will reach the maximum potential they can, and that is definitely a good thing. And Viltrox seem to improve all the time, their 75mm F1.2 APS-C lens got some very impressive reviews and already seems to have improved things again. So it seems they are constantly improving, and even if their first Lab-series isn’t Otus level, I would bet it will get very good nevertheless. And they might continue and come up with version 2 of their lenses and at some point might even reach their goal, even if it takes some time (years).
This is the first lens to impress me as much as the Nikkor 24-120 f4s and the Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8. viltrox really nailed this one competing against the sigma art wide angle 1.4 primes.
@@btonelli The 27 & 75 are from their PRO line, I will say, faster more consistent AF on my X-H2. I am praying they make a lens in the middle like a 45 or 50mm 1.2 PRO to round it out.
A great critique, thanks Bobby! I'm using the Nikkor 20mm f1.8 on my Z8 for astro, but there are many occasions when I would like that extra width. The Viltrox also looks very impressive for street photography as well. Thanks again. 😁
I wouldn't expect a relative newcomer to the lens manufacturing game to be capable of matching Nikon's 100 years of optical expertise. That said, Viltrox is advancing fast, which is impressive. But this is also a reminder that there remains an important gap in Nikon's lens lineup: fast, ultra wide primes. With the super teles done, they'll probably turn their attention to the other end of the spectrum in the next couple of years, I would think.
It's $550 US. And according to a few other reviews, the lens shines for landscape and astro photography. For $550 US, this lens just shows how overpriced native glass is. Sigma has shown this over and over again over the years with their art and sport line.
Yes the price point and performance make it a no brainer for those that need this wide angle lens. Native glass may be slightly better, but yes many times we are paying for brand name
Yes the price point and performance make it a no brainer for those that need this wide angle lens. Native glass may be slightly better, but yes many times we are paying for brand name
Yes the price point and performance make it a no brainer for those that need this wide angle lens. Native glass may be slightly better, but yes many times we are paying for brand name
I got this lens for astro photography (aurora borealis) It works really really good and im surprised over it, the 1.8 is good for astro. The only complain is the display, its all to bright but easy to solve, just cover it and problem solved :) So my opinion of the lens, its very good for that pricing..
Interesting because i watched 5 other reviews on this lens and everyone said - and showed - that it was tack sharp at 1.8 at the center, with impressive performance at the corners - especially when stopped down to 2.8.
Perhaps their version of tact sharp is different than mine? It’s not to say it isn’t sharp, it is and it’s a good performing lens, but is it as sharp as an S Line lens? No. Is it as sharp as an APO lens from Leica or even Voigtlander? No. I have different criteria based on the lenses I test on this channel.
I understand. With much respect, the only way of confirming your definitive statements would be to do a test. I have the Nikon z20mm 1.8. I love it but am considering the vitrox as a replacement because of the extra wideness. That would be an interesting test. Other top level reviewers including Three Men and a Blind Elephant, suggest the sharpness is right there ...
@@bardazima I think we all measure things like “Sharpness” quite differently. Hugh is a fantastic reviewer and I would definitely take his words to heart. I would say for the price point it’s very good for what it delivers. There will be no complaints from anyone using it for what you spend
As a follow up from another video about the megadap adapter: bought one because you said it worked amazing. Tested with Sonys best 135mm gm and the nikon z8. It didnt even hit 20% on a moving subject. I will never trust your opinion again.
Sorry to hear you aren’t having the same experience others are. First what adapter did you get? The pro or the standard. Second: did you update the firmware on the adapter. Btw most of these videos I’m shooting are with a Z8 and a Sony lens attached to it for video. It’s tracking me in and out, moving around no issues. If the product was that bad there would be a number of videos on the quality of it. That’s not the case with this.
@@btonelli megadap pro latest version and like i said: paired with one of Sonys best lenses on nikons best body. It should be the ideal scenario for the adapter but it failed miserably. For still subjects it was fine. Sometimes hunting but mostly quick. But in perfect evening sunlight it could hardly keep get any sharp photos of ANY movement towards the camera. I specifically discussed this area because other youtubers said movement and c-af wasnt good but you and youre entire comment section said it was much better, later firmware yadiyada…it was sadly not true. The adapter is useless for photography. If im shooting still standing stuff only i can get manual glass.
Like I said and stand by it, the adapter worked for me with the lenses I tried and had no issues. I also passed to others and they were also happy. Everyone’s expectations are going to be different, but if I may say so, from the beginning you came off quite negative about this adapter from the previous chat even after someone else also gave their feedback. I’ve tried it on Sigma Lenses E mount, Sony lenses and have had no issues. Is it perfect?? No but it’s not even close to a 20 percent hit rate
I bought one too and used it on tamron 35-150 and was not impressed,packed it up to ship back then I updated the firmware and it worked great. Make sure you are on latest firmware.
Hello, I think I have a small problem with my lens, I wanted to have your opinion, when I put the lens in AF mode, and I position my body, speed priority, I have to go through the lens ring to adjust the aperture. The autofocus works well but sometimes it disconnects and automatically goes into all manual mode. Is this normal? I have a Z5
@@btonelli thank you very much, I connected the usb c cable it is neither recognized by the PC nor by the Mac, I am very disappointed, because the little that I tried it, I was very satisfied with the result. I asked for the return for exchange
Something like Sonys 14mm F1.8 is 460g with a more advanced lens construction. Fo me, this metal body is a thing to avoid today. Totally unnecessary weight taht you have to carry around especially when it’s a lens, that you will not use that much, as it isn’t very versatile.
@@btonelli I know, but thats old thinking. Today, pro lenses are getting smaller and lighter and to be honest, I pay extra when I can safe space and weight.
Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever seen a (relatively) newcomer of a lens manufacturer advancing that much and rapidly as Viltrox, hats off to them.
It will be really interesting to see where they are going, especially since they have already announced their Pro-series being F1.4 lenses and their Lab-series being F1.2 lenses. There was an interview with their product manager and she even mentioned the Lab-series not only being their top of the range line, but being on Zeiss Otus level!
That might be very big shoes to fill for Viltrox, but you never know, they might surprise us and really get at least closer to that.
And overall I like new companies coming into the market and pushing forward, for us consumers this can only be a good thing. Competition brings developments!
Indeed Viltrox is making some headway for sure. When companies say Otus level I’m always a but hesitant but I’m interested to see what Viltrox does with their Lab series.
@@btonelliquite honestly I was very surprised about that statement, to say the least 😂.
I don’t really believe that to be the case, but than I wouldn’t expect such things from a still young company, or any company for that matter.
But I absolutely love manufacturers being very ambitious, that ensures they are not only throwing out mediocre and cheap products.
At the end them being ambitious means they will reach the maximum potential they can, and that is definitely a good thing.
And Viltrox seem to improve all the time, their 75mm F1.2 APS-C lens got some very impressive reviews and already seems to have improved things again.
So it seems they are constantly improving, and even if their first Lab-series isn’t Otus level, I would bet it will get very good nevertheless. And they might continue and come up with version 2 of their lenses and at some point might even reach their goal, even if it takes some time (years).
This is the first lens to impress me as much as the Nikkor 24-120 f4s and the Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8. viltrox really nailed this one competing against the sigma art wide angle 1.4 primes.
Yes they did a great job with this one
I have 4 Viltrox primes for my X-H2, for the money they are fantastic lenses. The 13,27, & 75 are awesome!!!! The 33mm I really like for non-people.
Awesome!! I’ve only tried the 28mm and this thus far
@@btonelli The 27 & 75 are from their PRO line, I will say, faster more consistent AF on my X-H2. I am praying they make a lens in the middle like a 45 or 50mm 1.2 PRO to round it out.
A great critique, thanks Bobby! I'm using the Nikkor 20mm f1.8 on my Z8 for astro, but there are many occasions when I would like that extra width. The Viltrox also looks very impressive for street photography as well. Thanks again. 😁
Thanks for watching. Glad I could help
I wouldn't expect a relative newcomer to the lens manufacturing game to be capable of matching Nikon's 100 years of optical expertise. That said, Viltrox is advancing fast, which is impressive. But this is also a reminder that there remains an important gap in Nikon's lens lineup: fast, ultra wide primes. With the super teles done, they'll probably turn their attention to the other end of the spectrum in the next couple of years, I would think.
Agree. I think we will see some fantastic wide angle primes sooner than later
It's $550 US. And according to a few other reviews, the lens shines for landscape and astro photography. For $550 US, this lens just shows how overpriced native glass is. Sigma has shown this over and over again over the years with their art and sport line.
Yes the price point and performance make it a no brainer for those that need this wide angle lens. Native glass may be slightly better, but yes many times we are paying for brand name
Yes the price point and performance make it a no brainer for those that need this wide angle lens. Native glass may be slightly better, but yes many times we are paying for brand name
Yes the price point and performance make it a no brainer for those that need this wide angle lens. Native glass may be slightly better, but yes many times we are paying for brand name
I'm gonna get this lens tomorrow...thanks for the good review
Enjoy!
Share your experiences please.
@@OkwyUgonweze I like this lens very much, fast focus, sharp image & v ery goo focal
I got this lens for astro photography (aurora borealis) It works really really good and im surprised over it, the 1.8 is good for astro. The only complain is the display, its all to bright but easy to solve, just cover it and problem solved :) So my opinion of the lens, its very good for that pricing..
@@iam_nobody_just_a_Nikon_nerd indeed. It’s solid for the pricing
Got one and I must say definitely am excellent addition
Glad you are enjoying it
Thanks Bobby!
Thanks for watching
thanks a lot Bobby !!!
Most welcome
Always great reviews and detailed point of view. Thanks!
Thank you 🙏
Interesting because i watched 5 other reviews on this lens and everyone said - and showed - that it was tack sharp at 1.8 at the center, with impressive performance at the corners - especially when stopped down to 2.8.
Perhaps their version of tact sharp is different than mine?
It’s not to say it isn’t sharp, it is and it’s a good performing lens, but is it as sharp as an S Line lens? No. Is it as sharp as an APO lens from Leica or even Voigtlander? No.
I have different criteria based on the lenses I test on this channel.
I understand. With much respect, the only way of confirming your definitive statements would be to do a test. I have the Nikon z20mm 1.8. I love it but am considering the vitrox as a replacement because of the extra wideness.
That would be an interesting test. Other top level reviewers including Three Men and a Blind Elephant, suggest the sharpness is right there ...
@@bardazima I think we all measure things like “Sharpness” quite differently. Hugh is a fantastic reviewer and I would definitely take his words to heart. I would say for the price point it’s very good for what it delivers. There will be no complaints from anyone using it for what you spend
@@btonelli Cool.
Hi Bobby , I gave a Nikon Z50 and wondering if this lens might be too heavy for it . What are your thoughts please !
It’s not a heavy lens considering so you should be okay
nice review.. considering this 16mm instead of the 17-28 .. the range is not so much that you could just crop the 16mm and it has f1.8 and is cheaper.
Thanks. Yes one to heavily consider
I keep watching these while I wait for mine to be delivered. Very excited, been waiting on this for months
Thanks. Let me know what you think when it arrives!
As a follow up from another video about the megadap adapter: bought one because you said it worked amazing. Tested with Sonys best 135mm gm and the nikon z8. It didnt even hit 20% on a moving subject. I will never trust your opinion again.
Sorry to hear you aren’t having the same experience others are.
First what adapter did you get? The pro or the standard. Second: did you update the firmware on the adapter.
Btw most of these videos I’m shooting are with a Z8 and a Sony lens attached to it for video. It’s tracking me in and out, moving around no issues.
If the product was that bad there would be a number of videos on the quality of it. That’s not the case with this.
@@btonelli megadap pro latest version and like i said: paired with one of Sonys best lenses on nikons best body. It should be the ideal scenario for the adapter but it failed miserably. For still subjects it was fine. Sometimes hunting but mostly quick. But in perfect evening sunlight it could hardly keep get any sharp photos of ANY movement towards the camera. I specifically discussed this area because other youtubers said movement and c-af wasnt good but you and youre entire comment section said it was much better, later firmware yadiyada…it was sadly not true. The adapter is useless for photography. If im shooting still standing stuff only i can get manual glass.
Like I said and stand by it, the adapter worked for me with the lenses I tried and had no issues. I also passed to others and they were also happy. Everyone’s expectations are going to be different, but if I may say so, from the beginning you came off quite negative about this adapter from the previous chat even after someone else also gave their feedback. I’ve tried it on Sigma Lenses E mount, Sony lenses and have had no issues. Is it perfect?? No but it’s not even close to a 20 percent hit rate
I bought one too and used it on tamron 35-150 and was not impressed,packed it up to ship back then I updated the firmware and it worked great.
Make sure you are on latest firmware.
How is the barrel distortion?
Not bad considering the price etc. nothing that really stood out to me as a major issue
What your thought on Viltrox 24mm 1.8 Z mount?
Never tried it. Only tried the 28 and this one from Viltrox thus far.
@@btonelli Am bit confused between a Viltrox 16mm & 24mm
@@aniruddhabose7286 16 is ultra wide. 24 is more universal in usage.
@@btonelli thats what i was thinking and leaning towards 24mm
As am doing wedding
@@aniruddhabose7286 24 prob better for that
Hello, I think I have a small problem with my lens, I wanted to have your opinion, when I put the lens in AF mode, and I position my body, speed priority, I have to go through the lens ring to adjust the aperture. The autofocus works well but sometimes it disconnects and automatically goes into all manual mode. Is this normal? I have a Z5
I’m not sure to be honest. Try updating your firmware? That or contact the store you got the lens from and see if they can replace it
@@btonelli thank you very much, I connected the usb c cable it is neither recognized by the PC nor by the Mac, I am very disappointed, because the little that I tried it, I was very satisfied with the result. I asked for the return for exchange
dope review
Thanks!
Can i use it in z30? Anyone pls tell me.
Of course
Yes.
no wide angle fast aperture - does the 20 1.8 not qualify?
Super wide is wider than 20mm
@@btonelli that's fair but you said 'wide angle' not 'super wide angle'. Cheers.
Hi. I said Ultra wide angle which is the same as Super wide angle
@@btonelli Hi. You said 'other' not 'ultra'. 6:44
@@northofbrandon ok I didn’t say super or ultra there. I said it in the beginning of the video :) and throughout
Something like Sonys 14mm F1.8 is 460g with a more advanced lens construction. Fo me, this metal body is a thing to avoid today. Totally unnecessary weight taht you have to carry around especially when it’s a lens, that you will not use that much, as it isn’t very versatile.
I guess depends. Valid points but others judge quality on the materials the lens is made from. Metal does better than plastic for the most part
@@btonelli I know, but thats old thinking. Today, pro lenses are getting smaller and lighter and to be honest, I pay extra when I can safe space and weight.
@@Benjamin_Jehne sure, but people also want good build quality. Trust me I review gear weekly. I hear it all the time.