This lens is on sale (15% off) until Nov 10th: bit.ly/GeraldUndone-135 You'll see the price change at checkout. 👍 After Nov 10th, you can still save 8% by using the code UNDONE.
Both your review and this review has me thirsting for a Nikon Z mount copy. I had a Viltrox 13mm 1.4 lens for FUJIFILM and the 16mm 1.8 for My Z8. I wonder how this renders vs the 135mm 1.8 plena from Nikon. Regardless I will buy this in its place.
i owned their 27mm and 75mm 1.2 for Fuji, and sharpness was outstanding on my 40MP X-H2. That camera has an even higher pixel density than an A7RV - if that doesnt tell they know how to build sharp lenses - what does?
If you don't mind the lack of aperture ring or screen, the Samyang 135 1.8 is a great alternative. It's also like half the weight of this Viltrox and just as good optically as the GM.
That extra 400gram in weight is significant, though the price to performance ratio is very tempting. That’s almost the weight of an additional camera body. And that really affects it’s practicality.
People need to know that this lens probably caps at 15fps too, whereas the 135mm GM goes to 120fps with the A9III. Still impressive, but keep in mind that the Sony lens was released almost 6 years ago...
The AF-C fps cap for third party lenses is eternal (my camera can't do 15fps though and I wouldn't need it with a 135mm lens). Anyway, for critical AF applications I would lean toward the GM, they can sometimes be bought used for less than retail.. in addition the Samyang 135/1,8 is probably the cheapest option
@@Vantrakter I'll take this for a Z mount please. Sony has nerve to limit 3rd party lens functionality after you pay for the camera it should work and not be crippled to boost sales of your products. That's why I go Samsung not Apple no crippling or lookouts for what you buy. 9:29
The Viltrox 1335mm finally came in today and out the box there was something I had to know... YES, it is shorter and heavier than the 70-200mm GMII. Looking forward to see how it shoots.
The TTArtisan 75mm f/2 has become my favourite lens lately for how small and light it is, any FE options for a compact 135mm? - maybe an f/2.8 one or something? - This Viltrox is great but it's sooooo huge.
the samyang 135 1.8 is also pretty great. af isnt that fast but for the price the rendering is great. would also have been interesting how the 35-150 at 135 compared with all lenses at 2.8
Excellent review as usual! I owned the Sony 135mm GM but sold it because I wasn't using it much after buying the Tamron 35-150 and Sony 70-200 GM II. So, I'm not interested in buying this Viltrox but would be very interested in buying the UNDONE version if you ever decide to sell it! Cheers
Hey Gerald.. I actually got to test this lens early from a friend. and one odd thing about this Viltrox lens, and a lot of Chinese third party lenses, the auto focus tracks ok in video as subject goes far to near... However, for photography, the Viltrox 135 (and other Chinese lenses) cannot keep up with auto focus tracking whereas Sony lens hits almost 100%. Did you ever get to test this for yourself? Lmk
Yowza! That is one hell of a lens. So optically it's a clear winner, with all the "deficiencies" being handling-, compatibility- or ergonomics-related. That is pretty impressive. One thing I noticed with the playing cards at 10:19 is that on the Viltrox the white "bleeds" more into darker areas in high-contrast areas, while overall it's clearly a bit sharper.
Your choice of subject for the vortex ending was hilarious! Thanks again for your excellent review. While I have switched back to LUMIX, I always watch and appreciate all of your reviews because you are so thorough about demonstrating the most important aspects of the product. Whatever features come with a particular camera or lens (or product), the functionality is more important to me. And for that, you produce the best reviews. Thank you.
i would still love to see some more AF testing with tracking comparisons. I have noticed a lot of differences between native and third party lenses when using AF-C in the dark for example.
It's interesting to hear you use the word "performant" to describe the Viltrox. I am an Englishman living in France and have long thought that this word should exist in my mother tongue too. Thanks for the review and the useful "new" word!
Samyang is lightest 135/1.8 with autofocus (just 772g). The weight is simply amazing compared to Sony 135 which is way too front heavy for me and tiring (as Gerald mentioned). With Samyang I can spend all day shooting without any issue (weddings, events no problem). In terms of image quality Samyang is very similar/close to Sony from personal experience as well of my friend and his colleague(one has Sony, the other has Samyang and they did test it as well). Well corrected. Focus speed again very similar to Sony (Sony will win on high speed bodies).
I don't remember Gerald mention Sigma 135 1.8 in his review, I think it is one lens to throw into comparison box with these two. Well that and Samyang (Rokinon) 135 1.8 AF
In other test they noted that bokeh is not great and flaring causes drop in contrast more than they'd wish for. Thesy're subjective things, but I think it's worth noting. I wonder how it compares to Samyang, which is cheaper, smaller and lighter, but also sharp on the edge of the frame.
Hey Gerald! Long time viewer and as someone who is mainly video focused I would love to see you add a section to your lens reviews that tests video AF performance. Maybe a talking head and then a moving subject.
I was very happy with the optical quality of the sigma art 135 1.8 - but the af was crap. so i switched to the gm and now im very satisfied. is the af as good and reliable? and how many frames does the viltrox support?
I guess the A1II will come with the new eye, face AND booty tracking! Great review. Used to have a Canon 135 years ago. Would love to add one back to my arsenal for Sony, looks like this Viltrox would def be the way to go.
If I were being INSANELY picky, the Sony had better micro contrast when shooting into the sun. But the Viltrox is crushing it in terms of optical performance. The big issue is whether you need the most lightweight kit, and if so, are you willing to spend more than double the price for it. Personally, aid want the Sony because I have the strength of an 8 year old girl and my shoulders hurt after carrying a bag full of lenses over the course of a day/event. But I would prefer to save my money, given how good the Viltrox performs. Good job, Viltrox!
Really hoping this new lineup includes a 50mm 1.4 at a good price. So far both of my prime lenses are Viltrox (their 85mm and 24mm 1.8 lenses) and they never fail to impress
I hope Viltrox makes a 135mm dedicated to aps-c. I’ve been wanting a fast 200mm equivalent for my X-T5 for a while now, they’re so fun! I have an old Canon 135mm lens that works, but it’s not sharp and has no af or weather sealing. I know that if they make a x-mount version of this, then I can just use it, but I’d love it if they made one for aps-c specifically so the size was smaller. They did such an incredible job with the 27mm and the 75mm, so a 135mm would be the perfect next lens imo.
Uuuuh. That’s exciting. I kinda wasn’t even gonna watch the video because - y'know, lenses. Gear. Meh. But this gets me VERY curious on the rest of the lineup too!!!
wow! Viltrox! this made me buy this one for sure.. i was plannign to buy 135 sony but because of this review i will buy this one.... crazy they are really competing over sigma and tamron.. im excited in the future of their 70 - 200 lol! or 24 - 70! this is sharper than GM lol! i can save money! haha! thank you G U!
Great video comparison Gerald, thank you! Do you know when Z mount will be available and if we could still get 15% off ? Atm only Sony on their website.
Viltrox really should have made a purple filter for Gerald. Then he can just film in a white room. If he looks like Grimace, so be it. I'd be more interested in a review for the new 28mm pancake lens they made.
I hope that now the third party lens manufacturers compete with Zeiss lineup and get their competitive lenses at sony budget price for the zeiss quality :) that would be awesome
The extra weight is significant and some drawbacks would be the lack of compatibility with Sony bodies to reduce focus breathing and that it is capped at 10 or 15fps on the A9III. The price is great though.
The problem with this is the Samyang is out there for even less money and also very similar image quality with a much lighter weight than even the Sony (1234g vs 776g vs 950g). This Viltrox weighs almost as much as the Sigma DSLR lens with the adapter and that was not a pleasant experience to me on the light Sony cameras.
Maybe I missed it, but I'm curious how some of these videos are popping up when according to Petapixel they were asked not to publish a review due to the lens having some serious issues (that is also apparently causing a release delay).
My understanding is that PetaPixel wasn't given the updated release date and info about the issue being resolved. I received word that the issue, which was that the packaging needed to be beefed up, was resolved and was provided a new launch date. I guess they forgot to tell PetaPixel. (I'm speculating a bit)
Impressive lens. Not sure about the display though, could be more of a gimmic. Would love to see a more unique design on new lenses, alot of them are pretty hard to tell apart. A gun metal grey lens would look rly good I think. A coloured text that contrasts well from the black/grey would be nice aswell.
Samyang did the same crazy surprise? "long ago", with their GM 135mm clone-alternative, too. I think that it really owed to be clearly mentioned in this review. I also find limit ... to not remind the Sony"s third brand speed limitation. as however well mentioned is the indeed focus breathing compensation option is withhold. "Funny" that for a videographer this limitation by Sony is not put forward even more.)
I wish these 3rd party lens companies would release lenses in sets. And while they are at it Build more Unique Lenses. Yes, Viltrox has a 27mm & 56mm, but imagine there is a Video Set of lenses & a Photo set of lenses in the same line. exple: 25, 35, 45, 55, 85, 105 T1.4 -then- 25, 35, 45, 55, 85, 105F1.2 with a uniform design in a bundle or singles. I Hope @Viltrox sees this & can implement in the future. The traditional focal lengths have been done to death, more unique focal lengths Max Aperture 1.2 is always a guaranteed win.
This lens is on sale (15% off) until Nov 10th: bit.ly/GeraldUndone-135
You'll see the price change at checkout. 👍
After Nov 10th, you can still save 8% by using the code UNDONE.
how is your yc onion pineta peak tripod holding up nowadays?
Hi Gerald, Undone coupon code is not working
You were great in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Star-Lord is the best
I knew I had seen him somewhere before...
@@montazownianr1wkwk 😅
Reacher isnt Star-Lord
The sheep section literally made me laugh out loud. Your findings were very similar to mine. I love the lens! Great job, as always, Gerald.
Had me rolling 😂😂😂
i wonder how he can by pass from youtube scan xD
Best PhotoTube bromance ever...
Both your review and this review has me thirsting for a Nikon Z mount copy. I had a Viltrox 13mm 1.4 lens for FUJIFILM and the 16mm 1.8 for My Z8.
I wonder how this renders vs the 135mm 1.8 plena from Nikon. Regardless I will buy this in its place.
@@technodronesogxl9783 I really hope to be able to source a Plena if I get a Z-mount of the LAB so that I can do a head to head.
Now I want my lenses to have a turquoise layer
That's crazy. It sounds lik3 Viltrox has quickly reached at least Sigma and Tamron level in just a few years.
i owned their 27mm and 75mm 1.2 for Fuji, and sharpness was outstanding on my 40MP X-H2. That camera has an even higher pixel density than an A7RV - if that doesnt tell they know how to build sharp lenses - what does?
😂😂😂
They got some sigma engineers
I'm NEVER watching your lens reviews during breakfast ever again! 🤢
The only thing more legendary than the opening disclaimer, it’s that personalized lens and packaging! Nice touch, Viltrox.
Viltrox is not just sharper overall, but it also renders out of focus areas quite nicer than Sony, which is absolutely remarkable.
I think your autofocus was set to Brown Eye priority.
Offering this suggestion, sheepishly.
If you don't mind the lack of aperture ring or screen, the Samyang 135 1.8 is a great alternative. It's also like half the weight of this Viltrox and just as good optically as the GM.
That extra 400gram in weight is significant, though the price to performance ratio is very tempting. That’s almost the weight of an additional camera body. And that really affects it’s practicality.
1 have the Z mount 180 600mm for me this lens will be fine.
Thanks for the video. 135 is my favorite focal length. Its often impractical but the results are just amazing
Viltrox has been making some stunning lenses on the Fuji system. It’s good to see that carrying over to the Sony system.
People need to know that this lens probably caps at 15fps too, whereas the 135mm GM goes to 120fps with the A9III.
Still impressive, but keep in mind that the Sony lens was released almost 6 years ago...
The AF-C fps cap for third party lenses is eternal (my camera can't do 15fps though and I wouldn't need it with a 135mm lens). Anyway, for critical AF applications I would lean toward the GM, they can sometimes be bought used for less than retail.. in addition the Samyang 135/1,8 is probably the cheapest option
@@Vantrakter I'll take this for a Z mount please. Sony has nerve to limit 3rd party lens functionality after you pay for the camera it should work and not be crippled to boost sales of your products. That's why I go Samsung not Apple no crippling or lookouts for what you buy. 9:29
People who can afford an a9III or an a1 can likely also afford G Master lenses.
cool. literally couldnt care less.
If you’re using this lens on an A9 then I think you need to get your priorities straight
I just submitted 11:39 to the Pulitzer people. Let me know when the ceremony happens.
135mm is my absolute favorite focal length for wedding portraits
I just bought the Samyang 135mm f1.8 AF E mount for 340€ yesterday... used of course
gonna stick with mine haha
Some of my New Zealand mates would really like that last shot.
Amazing results Gerald ! Great test thank you !
The Viltrox 1335mm finally came in today and out the box there was something I had to know... YES, it is shorter and heavier than the 70-200mm GMII. Looking forward to see how it shoots.
The TTArtisan 75mm f/2 has become my favourite lens lately for how small and light it is, any FE options for a compact 135mm? - maybe an f/2.8 one or something? - This Viltrox is great but it's sooooo huge.
Thank you. That customization is incredible.
135 is my favorite focal length. This lens is gorgeous. Love the content.
If I needed a 135 lens the very last photo before the video ended, it'd be enough to convince me to buy the lens.
Would love to see you compare Viltrox vs Samyang 135mm F1.8
much better than Samyang.
the samyang 135 1.8 is also pretty great. af isnt that fast but for the price the rendering is great. would also have been interesting how the 35-150 at 135 compared with all lenses at 2.8
I love that they did a purple lens for you! I love the lens, and I've been using it for the past few weeks.
Excellent review as usual! I owned the Sony 135mm GM but sold it because I wasn't using it much after buying the Tamron 35-150 and Sony 70-200 GM II. So, I'm not interested in buying this Viltrox but would be very interested in buying the UNDONE version if you ever decide to sell it! Cheers
The weight is off-putting, although given they shed 35% of the weight off their 85mm f1.8 MkII Vs MkI, a future MkII of this could be killer
For landscape photography this is a winner. Dustin Abbott shows that it is also excellent for astrophotography
It is great to see more and more competition in the lens market, thanks for the review!
Hey Gerald.. I actually got to test this lens early from a friend. and one odd thing about this Viltrox lens, and a lot of Chinese third party lenses, the auto focus tracks ok in video as subject goes far to near... However, for photography, the Viltrox 135 (and other Chinese lenses) cannot keep up with auto focus tracking whereas Sony lens hits almost 100%. Did you ever get to test this for yourself? Lmk
Yowza! That is one hell of a lens. So optically it's a clear winner, with all the "deficiencies" being handling-, compatibility- or ergonomics-related. That is pretty impressive.
One thing I noticed with the playing cards at 10:19 is that on the Viltrox the white "bleeds" more into darker areas in high-contrast areas, while overall it's clearly a bit sharper.
Your choice of subject for the vortex ending was hilarious!
Thanks again for your excellent review. While I have switched back to LUMIX, I always watch and appreciate all of your reviews because you are so thorough about demonstrating the most important aspects of the product. Whatever features come with a particular camera or lens (or product), the functionality is more important to me. And for that, you produce the best reviews. Thank you.
Now that is impressive, I’ve used the 16mm 1.4 and was blown away by it. Wonder if they will be bring this to other mounts.
i would still love to see some more AF testing with tracking comparisons. I have noticed a lot of differences between native and third party lenses when using AF-C in the dark for example.
It's interesting to hear you use the word "performant" to describe the Viltrox. I am an Englishman living in France and have long thought that this word should exist in my mother tongue too. Thanks for the review and the useful "new" word!
I like the rendering of the Viltrox slightly more, wish it was a bit lighter though
Brilliant video Gerald! Also,
You were fantastic in Jack Reacher.
I am eager for a nikon version and comparison with the plena.
I Love when the embargo lifts before 9 am. Awesome work as per usual Gerald! Definitely goin to pu this one on the list.
Viltrox have come out with some pretty solid lenses lately.
Great review as always!! If Vitrox is listening, they should consider add 28mm 1.2 to Lab series for the wide end
Gerald, I noticed you looked more pumped carrying the heavier lens. wow! look at the savings. Consumers really benefit when there is competition.
Viltrox has come quite a long way since their first lenses.
Can't wait to see what will come next.
Wonder how it compares to Samyang 135mm F1.8?
Samyang is lightest 135/1.8 with autofocus (just 772g). The weight is simply amazing compared to Sony 135 which is way too front heavy for me and tiring (as Gerald mentioned). With Samyang I can spend all day shooting without any issue (weddings, events no problem). In terms of image quality Samyang is very similar/close to Sony from personal experience as well of my friend and his colleague(one has Sony, the other has Samyang and they did test it as well). Well corrected. Focus speed again very similar to Sony (Sony will win on high speed bodies).
A used 135 1.8 Sony GM is about 1300-1400, still worth the money for lighter lens and absolutely razor sharp autofocus motor in the Sony Variant
That 🟣 colour is 🙏
why not commpare it to the Samyang 135 as well? It`s called a GM-beater since years already (exept for AF)
Well, that's not how I expected a lens review to end...
Gerald Undone... he’s crazy!
The ending pic is priceless!!
i want the the gerald purple version - we should start a petition
Damn, Viltrox has done a pretty darn good job!!!
you should compare to sayang 135mm, this is probably the best choice
How does it compare to the Samyang 135 f/1.8? Is it an upgrade or about the same?
a custom lens!! dude thats sweet. I am loving viltrox
Love that paper on the table.
Thoughts on this vs the sigma 105 1.4? I have that currently love the look but only complaint is the slower autofocus vs my other lenses.
I don't remember Gerald mention Sigma 135 1.8 in his review, I think it is one lens to throw into comparison box with these two. Well that and Samyang (Rokinon) 135 1.8 AF
Will this lens match the Samyang/Rokinon 135mm in terms of Astrophotography?
In other test they noted that bokeh is not great and flaring causes drop in contrast more than they'd wish for. Thesy're subjective things, but I think it's worth noting. I wonder how it compares to Samyang, which is cheaper, smaller and lighter, but also sharp on the edge of the frame.
Can we get Viltrox vs Samyang 135mm?
Hey Gerald! Long time viewer and as someone who is mainly video focused I would love to see you add a section to your lens reviews that tests video AF performance. Maybe a talking head and then a moving subject.
I have 85mm Vitrox f1.8 and it is great
Sigma 105mm f1.4 art + aps-c x1.5 = 157mm f2 very beautiful .. test 🙏🏼
My favorite portrait lens
I was very happy with the optical quality of the sigma art 135 1.8 - but the af was crap. so i switched to the gm and now im very satisfied. is the af as good and reliable? and how many frames does the viltrox support?
I guess the A1II will come with the new eye, face AND booty tracking!
Great review. Used to have a Canon 135 years ago. Would love to add one back to my arsenal for Sony, looks like this Viltrox would def be the way to go.
If I were being INSANELY picky, the Sony had better micro contrast when shooting into the sun. But the Viltrox is crushing it in terms of optical performance. The big issue is whether you need the most lightweight kit, and if so, are you willing to spend more than double the price for it. Personally, aid want the Sony because I have the strength of an 8 year old girl and my shoulders hurt after carrying a bag full of lenses over the course of a day/event. But I would prefer to save my money, given how good the Viltrox performs. Good job, Viltrox!
exactly, AR coating is just better in Sony, much less contrast loss in shadows, but optical performance is clearly better, Sony must catch.
Well the Samyang 135mm is sharper, lighter, and can be had for under $500. I like shooting at 135mm but don’t use it enough to warrant the Sony glass
So can I get a purple Undone one too?
Ugh, if they had this lens for L-mount I'd buy it this week
You may have missed it, but most recent Sony firmware added brown eye tracking.
I look forward to a Viltrox Lab 85mm f/1.4
Really hoping this new lineup includes a 50mm 1.4 at a good price. So far both of my prime lenses are Viltrox (their 85mm and 24mm 1.8 lenses) and they never fail to impress
Darn that purple looks good on that lens.
I hope Viltrox makes a 135mm dedicated to aps-c. I’ve been wanting a fast 200mm equivalent for my X-T5 for a while now, they’re so fun! I have an old Canon 135mm lens that works, but it’s not sharp and has no af or weather sealing.
I know that if they make a x-mount version of this, then I can just use it, but I’d love it if they made one for aps-c specifically so the size was smaller. They did such an incredible job with the 27mm and the 75mm, so a 135mm would be the perfect next lens imo.
Uuuuh. That’s exciting. I kinda wasn’t even gonna watch the video because - y'know, lenses. Gear. Meh. But this gets me VERY curious on the rest of the lineup too!!!
That's actually so cool they made you a customized Gerald Undone Lens, that's crazy!
wow! Viltrox! this made me buy this one for sure.. i was plannign to buy 135 sony but because of this review i will buy this one.... crazy they are really competing over sigma and tamron.. im excited in the future of their 70 - 200 lol! or 24 - 70! this is sharper than GM lol! i can save money! haha! thank you G U!
Great video comparison Gerald, thank you!
Do you know when Z mount will be available and if we could still get 15% off ? Atm only Sony on their website.
Will there be a Z mount ?
Thanks for sharing it. ✌️
Well damn, great job Viltrox!
your purple ribbon on lens where to buy ?
Viltrox really should have made a purple filter for Gerald. Then he can just film in a white room. If he looks like Grimace, so be it.
I'd be more interested in a review for the new 28mm pancake lens they made.
Gerald undone? no, perry the platypus 5:03
Viltrox if you are listning, 85 1.4 Z mount(~600gm,~600$) ASAP!🙏
I hope that now the third party lens manufacturers compete with Zeiss lineup and get their competitive lenses at sony budget price for the zeiss quality :) that would be awesome
Does it come in any other mounts?
The extra weight is significant and some drawbacks would be the lack of compatibility with Sony bodies to reduce focus breathing and that it is capped at 10 or 15fps on the A9III. The price is great though.
The problem with this is the Samyang is out there for even less money and also very similar image quality with a much lighter weight than even the Sony (1234g vs 776g vs 950g). This Viltrox weighs almost as much as the Sigma DSLR lens with the adapter and that was not a pleasant experience to me on the light Sony cameras.
A thing I'm missing in these tests is the performance in very edgy situations. like how does the autofocus perform in low light / night situations?
If they released it in Z mount I would buy it instantly. Hope they bring it to the mount soon
Maybe I missed it, but I'm curious how some of these videos are popping up when according to Petapixel they were asked not to publish a review due to the lens having some serious issues (that is also apparently causing a release delay).
My understanding is that PetaPixel wasn't given the updated release date and info about the issue being resolved. I received word that the issue, which was that the packaging needed to be beefed up, was resolved and was provided a new launch date. I guess they forgot to tell PetaPixel. (I'm speculating a bit)
Impressive lens. Not sure about the display though, could be more of a gimmic. Would love to see a more unique design on new lenses, alot of them are pretty hard to tell apart. A gun metal grey lens would look rly good I think. A coloured text that contrasts well from the black/grey would be nice aswell.
Looks like you updated the firmware on your Sony for Starfish Tracking, make sure you disable that in public.
Full frame or apsc
I think that viltrox will be next sigma - where Sigma did outperform some of the native lenses for much reasonable price. Great lens!
Samyang did the same crazy surprise? "long ago", with their GM 135mm clone-alternative, too.
I think that it really owed to be clearly mentioned in this review.
I also find limit ... to not remind the Sony"s third brand speed limitation. as however well mentioned is the indeed focus breathing compensation option is withhold. "Funny" that for a videographer this limitation by Sony is not put forward even more.)
Would have loved to have seen the Viltrox up against Samyang 135
I wish these 3rd party lens companies would release lenses in sets. And while they are at it Build more Unique Lenses. Yes, Viltrox has a 27mm & 56mm, but imagine there is a Video Set of lenses & a Photo set of lenses in the same line. exple: 25, 35, 45, 55, 85, 105 T1.4 -then- 25, 35, 45, 55, 85, 105F1.2 with a uniform design in a bundle or singles.
I Hope @Viltrox sees this & can implement in the future. The traditional focal lengths have been done to death, more unique focal lengths Max Aperture 1.2 is always a guaranteed win.
105 f1.2 woudl be…… quite a bazooka in therms of size