I've got this lens! No I really mean, I've got THIS lens. I've been after one for a while, and the chap who sold it to mentioned in passing that he'd bought it from you. Have gone to your videos over the years to double check practically every lens I've ever bought - it's so cool to think that I've got the lens you actually reviewed in my hands!
Just the person I was waiting for to review this lens. Fantastic review as usual ! Hopefully its released onto EOS-M soon. The image of the Church glass was fantastic. Lovely colors.
Thank you for the review! I wasn’t very Impressed with this lens but it’s price is impressive! Looking forward to the Viltrox 23 and most importantly (for me) the 56mm f1.4!
Hi Christopher. I have the XT4 and this lens. I can confirm that in video, the Aperture ring adjustment is actually pretty smooth looking. It does show "steps" as you change the Aperture, even though it's perfectly smooth feeling as you turn it. However, those steps are about 50 percent smoother looking than what you were seeing on the XT20. So, bottom line, they are apparent, but they are better than the steps I see on the 18-55, or on the 23mm F2. I find them to be quite acceptable, and would be ok in most video applications. Happy to send you a video of it if you like. Hope that helps
Interesting development. Very curious how this compares to the Sigma 30 1.4. That lens is razor sharp and really good value. Looking forward to the 23 1.4 review too. Thanks as always, great stuff.
This is sadly a huge letdown and deal breaker for me. Was all excited the past 2 months waiting for this lens. Selectable click/smooth is best. Clicks are great for stills. Smooth control might appeal to videographers. No clicks and no smooth control really defeats the purpose of having a ring altogether. Might as well use the command dial. A double failure.
How would they make the transition smooth though? The camera needs to translate the physical aperture setting to some electronic aperture for the camera to pick up. It's not clear if it's a limitation of the lens sending data to the camera, or the camera interpreting the lens aperture data with perhaps third stop transitions as the minimum. Curious to see how this plays out.
@@tomlopata The transition can be made smooth by opening/closing the aperture blades manually. The ring just send control commands to the camera in the same manner as the zoom ring. Removing the ring could even reduce the cost and the aperture can be controled by the camera. - It has almost no advantage except the fast access to the aperture value.
@@haraldsimon2807 so the reported aperture value does not dictate the exposure of the shot in camera, the exposure is simply based on the luminance of the pixels, which is irrespective of the aperture f-stop?
Seems like this is more of an issue on Fuji bodies. I wonder how this lens performs on a body with better video features like the Sony and Canon EOS M systems.
For $170 USD less than the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R ($900) you can buy *both* the Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 XF ($330) and the Viltrox PFU RBMH 85mm f/1.8 STM ($400). Not a hard choice.
I think I'll sit this one out and wait for an update of the Fuji or the introduction of the Sigma into the X mount, in the mean time I'll stick to my 35 f/2 and the 35 f/0.95 It'd be great to see Fuji compete with the quality and price point of Sigma lenses.
Ive done some holiday shots with both 13mm vilrox and 33mm f1.4 just some real words shots some may find usefull I purchased the 13, 33mm f1.4 and 85mm f1.8 i also own fujis 23mm f1.4 and 56mm f1.2 and after watching Christopher review
Can't wait til this is out for Sony lenses!... Especially now that I have a Sony a6600! Thank you for all of your work and videos, Christopher: you've been a huge part of my introduction into the world of photography, and I'm very pleased to say I invested in a camera I'm proud of and happy with! I can't wait to finally put your videos to good use as I start building a lens collection!
Although I am not a user of Viltrox lenses (I prefer Fujinon), I believe that this is a very good lenses system for those who want to save money. 80% quality for 40-60% price. Your reviews are very informative, especially a lot of useful information about the quality of photos with examples. Thanks.
Chris, I know you mentioned native 35 1.4, which has a beautiful rendering. And can be had used in mid $300 dollar range. Side by Side sharpness, what's your conclusion?
i used native 35 1.4 ，the color has a mild blue tone in it， we call it “german flavor”，provide more refine feeling， the af motor is really slow and noisy， i just shot still so it dont bother my that much。if price is not issue， i pick native， but this is half the price and new， a better purchase decision
Another review from RUclips shows that it is sharper than XF 35 1.4 and the auto focus is much faster and quieter. Also as powerlurker said, the color is different. The Viltrox tends to produce the true color while XF 35 1.4 has a blue tone. I have the XF 35 1.4 already and absolutely love it. However, if I did not have it, I would go for Viltrox. I just can't refuse the package: cheaper, faster and quieter AF
Another interesting review thanks, Chris. Covid19 issues aside, it seems that Austalia shooters and maybe Oceana in total, do not have ready access to this Biltox, and some other lesser-known ( in the past) lens. Samyang, also once not widely known, is readily available in Australia, however, the prices are clearly higher. Have purchased 2 great 12 mm F2 manual focus lens for both a Sony a6000 someone gave me - didn't like the moderate trade-in price offered!- and another for my Canon 6D. Having grown up with - some time ago, manual focus lens, this method of focussing is pretty easy, particularly when I sort of zone focus as there are rarely any subjects closer to me than the infinity distance + the a6000 has great, bright red for me, focus peaking- can't seem to find that on my 6D- may have to trawl some Canon 6D user groups. Keep up the good work.
We'll see how this fares against the Sigma...because at this price, it's not very far from what the Sigma is selling for even when it's not on sale. Those little contemporary lenses are a fantastic bargain with brilliant optics (and supported lens profiles to boot!) In the Canon market, it has to compete with the EF-M 32mm f/1.4 lens which is...well, absolutely incredible - AF speed aside.
I am still thinking whether to buy a Viltrox 23mm f1.4 or Fujinon 23mm f1.4. The image quality is basically the same but I am not sure about how future proof the Viltrox lens would be.
Glad I saw this, it looks way better than the first party XC F2. Metal build quality, aperture ring, and most importantly no focus breathing. I shoot video so thats a deal breaker for me
Your views are increadibly fact based and comparable through many years of testing with similar criteria. Thank you for your contribution, I do follow your advise and have never been let down. I wish you could test even more Fuji lenses, particulary the longer zooms 55-200 and 100-400 for instance, but regardless I am extending my sincere thank you for your work.
Have you ever considered like the 'honest trailer' to read some words/sentences from the fans? Such amazing voice... 😂 Yes, the review is always high quality as usual...
@@tianqinwen Also from what he said... It just slightly annoys me that the autofocus performance was shown without the sound, unlike in all his other reviews, where he simply includes the sound and lets us listen for ourselves. It's not a big issue, just not up to his usual standards.
hi..can you give me an advice? which one is better for my sony a6500 ?sigma 30mm f1.4 , viltrox 33mm f1.4 sony 35mm f1.8 or the sony 50mm f1.8 for videography?i watched your video about sigma 30mm have a strong barrell distortion.thanks and.more power to your channel
I have an X-T200, it would not have IBIS. How do you feel about these Viltrox lenses for my body since they do not have OIS? I noticed the Fuji's also don't have OIS on their popular primes as well.
The latest firmware is divided into two versions: a dat file each for a golden version and a white silk screen mark version. It’s very confusing. Does anybody know what the difference is and which of the two files is used to drag into the viltrox drive for the update?
Hey Chris. Commenting late here but hoping you see this. I have the ZEISS Touit 32mm f/1.8, which I know you weren’t a fan of. I personally love it and wanted to know your comparison of it to this Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 since you’ve used both. What are your thoughts between the two?
How would you compate this too the Fuji 35mm f/2 pair of lenses? I recently bought a used x-t1 and have fallen in love with the fuji system, but the lens prices have me a bit put off. The budget fuji 35mm f/2 looks supremely sharp in your reviews for the $200 price, but i wonder if the $75~$85 increase is worth the increase on the viltrox? Thanks as always for such wonderful videos.
Chris first off I enjoy your videos. And thank you for all you do to provide our community with information about different lenses. I am a current Canon 80D user and I've been looking at upgrading to the EOS 90D. but in looking at that camera I stumbled across some information about the sensor in that camera. because of its high megapixel sensor it can cause soft images when coupled with specific lenses almost like the camera outperforms the lens resulting in soft images I was wondering if you had heard anything about this? and as we get into higher megapixel range APSC sized sensors I'm wondering if there is a way for you to make a list of lenses that can keep up with those high pixel density sensors? once again thank you for your videos and God bless.
Hello Christopher. Really thank you for your great videos. I own a Fuji XT-30 and the XF 18-55mm. I am thinking of purchasing an extra prime lens for a bit “generic” use. I am between Viltrox 33mm (the one in this video) and the Viltrox 23mm. Which one would you suggest? Thanks.
Hi Christopher thank you for your review, without considering price, which one would you prefer between this lens and the mitakon 35mm speed master? Maybe a video comparison between all the 35 mm option for Fuji (electronic and manual) would be interesting. Anyway, keep up the good work 👍🏻
The mitakon is definitely a more flawed lens, in the sense of things such as flaring, corner sharpness at low apertures, etc... but I absolutely love it. I'd say if you live in the UK tho this lens is probably the better shout considering the mitakon tends to go for around 500-600 pounds. just my two cents✌
Having just received my Sigma 30mm F/1.4 for my new Sony a6100 I'm wondering how this lens would perform on E-mount compared to that Sigma (which, to be honest, is brilliant). From this video, the autofocus of the Sigma lens looks a bit more reliable and silent, and it looks even optically superior. The only issue is that the 30mm is equivalent to 45mm, while this 33 is basically equivalent to 50mm, so just a little bit longer for portraits. I find 45mm to be more usable for street photography, though. Anyway, which lens do you suggest for architecture and street photography for my a6100? Samyang 12mm F/2 NCS CS at 285€ or the Sigma 16mm F/1.4 at 410€? Or is there another good wide angle autofocus option for my a6100?
I just want to say that 12mm is way too wide for street photography, you will see a lot of deformation and will be far from your subject. Kinda the same with 16mm. I think that the perfect focal length for street photography is 23mm (35mm FF equivalent) or 35mm (50mm FF equivalent) is you want to get more people's expression Edit : Sorry I didn't see the architecture part, so you can ignore my suggestion.
I'm curious if that chromatic distortion you experienced in the Bible shot - which is an excellent catch on your part and has caused me to pause purchasing this lens over the Fujinon 35mm f/2 - is that the crystal glass manufacturing process is similar to that used in Zeiss lens (which are also prone to just a bit of flaring under certain conditions)?
this one has advantage over both competitors， vs fuji 35 1.4 - half the price quicker silincer af， vs sigma301.4 better IQ distortion CA， my major concern is the clickless apture ring，i found it very annoing，accidently change it almost every 1hour in a shoot
Hey Christopher, sorry probably Im not the first one asking this, but are you planning on reviewing Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 near future? It looks pretty promising lens.
Id take the Fuji F2 over this. F/1.4 offers half of a stop of light, yet the chromatic aberration and softness compared to the fuji lens are very very noticable. In order to avoid those you have to stop down a stop or a stol and a half and in the end you wont be using that bonus half a stop this offers over the XF or XC 35 f/2..
I have the Viltrox 33mm F1.4 and have played with a friends XF 35mm F2.0. Which is optically identical to the XC35 F2. The Viltrox is the better lens in many regards but not all. The Fuji lens is slightly sharper in the corners till about F4 where the Viltrox starts to win. The XC does not have an aperture ring and it is very cheap feeling with a plastic lens mount from watching reviews. Autofocus wise there's little to differentiate though I found the Viltrox had a quicker and more confident focus speed. Fuji glass has better coatings but most of the issues caused there are easily fixed with a couple of button presses in your editing software, using the lens hood or a filter. Seeing as the two are quite close price wise, the Viltrox beats the XC lens over all. If you don't need the F1.4 or care about that, if the lack of an aperture ring or build quality does not bother you. The XC has some advantages. Personally I'd buy a second hand XF35 F2 as you get the aperture ring, weather sealing and much better build quality (over the XC) if you don't need the F1.4 side. The big draw of the Viltrox is IMHO the fact it's an affordable stepping motor autofocus F1.4 lens. They made some sacrifices to get that fast aperture at that price point.
The close focussing ability and clickless ring are probably the biggest downers for me. Sharpness, build, price great but I see the aperture ring as something that can get annoying really quickly and the lack of close focussing just makes it less versatile. I might wait a little while for alternatives
Viltrox sent me this today 5/14/2020 after ordering the Viltrox 23mm on 4/27: Kind Reminder for Fujifilm X-PRO3 Users : First of all, we apologize for comfirming this problem late after your purchase. If you are Fujifilm X-PRO3 users and purchase Viltrox lens especially for the X-PRO3 camera, for the sake of your camera, we would like to suggest you not use Viltrox 23mm, 33mm or 85mm X-mount lens onto Fujifilm X-PRO3 model in case it will damage the lens release button of your camera. This is because the location of X-Pro3 is a bit different from other Fujifilm cameras, and our lens were designed and set production before the release of X-PRO3. So due to some bit structural difference, they are not fully compatible with Fuji X-PRO3 on structure though performance is not effectted anymore. We really apologize for any inconvenience caused ! If you are X-Pro3 owner and want to return the lens, we will accept that and proceed for you. BTW, there is no problem on other camera models. They can work perfectly on Fuji X-T3 and X-T4. ind Reminder for Fujifilm X-PRO3 Users : First of all, we apologize for comfirming this problem late after your purchase. If you are Fujifilm X-PRO3 users and purchase Viltrox lens especially for the X-PRO3 camera, for the sake of your camera, we would like to suggest you not use Viltrox 23mm, 33mm or 85mm X-mount lens onto Fujifilm X-PRO3 model in case it will damage the lens release button of your camera. This is because the location of X-Pro3 is a bit different from other Fujifilm cameras, and our lens were designed and set production before the release of X-PRO3. So due to some bit structural difference, they are not fully compatible with Fuji X-PRO3 on structure though performance is not effectted anymore. We really apologize for any inconvenience caused ! If you are X-Pro3 owner and want to return the lens, we will accept that and proceed for you. BTW, there is no problem on other camera models. They can work perfectly on Fuji X-T3 and X-T4.
I've got this lens! No I really mean, I've got THIS lens. I've been after one for a while, and the chap who sold it to mentioned in passing that he'd bought it from you. Have gone to your videos over the years to double check practically every lens I've ever bought - it's so cool to think that I've got the lens you actually reviewed in my hands!
This is actually fascinating. Small world, eh?
How are you getting on with the lens?
Hey Ken! Small world fancy seeing you here haha
So he sells the lenses the companies send him lol
@@moonrovrlandThats how he earns and he deserved it. For Viltrox, its a win situation coz you dont need to pay more for advertising.
APPLICABLE TO ALL CHRISTOPHER FROST VIDEOS: That satisfying feeling when he stops down to make the corners sharper
"And f16 you will see some softness, due to the effects of diffraction" Every video I repeat it when he says it. Its become a staple lol!
@@nycproductions8238 He used to say "due to the *physical* effects of diffraction" though.
Oh yesss! Now do the viltrox 23 1.4, please 🙏
It's out now!
And tokina atx-m 33mm f1.4 x
@@McMaxW pointless
I've been im-patiently awaiting your review of this - thrilled I wasn't waiting too long!
Just the person I was waiting for to review this lens. Fantastic review as usual ! Hopefully its released onto EOS-M soon. The image of the Church glass was fantastic. Lovely colors.
yep just picked one up used on ebay for $175
Wow oh wow. The only review I need to know how good this lens truly is.
Saw others review it. But didn’t make any decisions until this review. Thank you!
I'm thinking of getting the 23mm 1.4 once I see reviews
Thank you for the review! I wasn’t very Impressed with this lens but it’s price is impressive! Looking forward to the Viltrox 23 and most importantly (for me) the 56mm f1.4!
Hi Christopher. I have the XT4 and this lens. I can confirm that in video, the Aperture ring adjustment is actually pretty smooth looking. It does show "steps" as you change the Aperture, even though it's perfectly smooth feeling as you turn it. However, those steps are about 50 percent smoother looking than what you were seeing on the XT20. So, bottom line, they are apparent, but they are better than the steps I see on the 18-55, or on the 23mm F2. I find them to be quite acceptable, and would be ok in most video applications. Happy to send you a video of it if you like. Hope that helps
Thanks - that's helpful
How did you get yours so fast? DHL has mine sitting "on hold".😔
@@stopdrpnro got it last week. not sure how though
In your opinion, which are more worth the value? second hand fujinon 35mm f2 or viltron 33mm f1.4? both are almost the same price..
@@Desmondtkl I can't say yet. I have both. Have to use the Viltrox more still. But I promise I will update this in a week or so
I love all your review. to be honest I purchased some of the lenses I own for my vlogs from your reviews.Thanks a lot.
Interesting development. Very curious how this compares to the Sigma 30 1.4. That lens is razor sharp and really good value. Looking forward to the 23 1.4 review too. Thanks as always, great stuff.
Guess I'll stick with my Fuji 35 F2. Hoping the 23mm F1.4 will be better, because that's the only one I consider purchasing.
Thanks for the review Chris. I'm still waiting for mine to cross the Pacific and get delivered, I should have sprung for FedEx shipping, lol!
So they made the aperture ring clickless, and yet the aperture ring doesn't offer smooth aperture transitions. What a bad idea!
This is sadly a huge letdown and deal breaker for me. Was all excited the past 2 months waiting for this lens.
Selectable click/smooth is best. Clicks are great for stills. Smooth control might appeal to videographers. No clicks and no smooth control really defeats the purpose of having a ring altogether. Might as well use the command dial. A double failure.
How would they make the transition smooth though? The camera needs to translate the physical aperture setting to some electronic aperture for the camera to pick up. It's not clear if it's a limitation of the lens sending data to the camera, or the camera interpreting the lens aperture data with perhaps third stop transitions as the minimum.
Curious to see how this plays out.
@@tomlopata The transition can be made smooth by opening/closing the aperture blades manually. The ring just send control commands to the camera in the same manner as the zoom ring. Removing the ring could even reduce the cost and the aperture can be controled by the camera. - It has almost no advantage except the fast access to the aperture value.
@@haraldsimon2807 so the reported aperture value does not dictate the exposure of the shot in camera, the exposure is simply based on the luminance of the pixels, which is irrespective of the aperture f-stop?
Seems like this is more of an issue on Fuji bodies. I wonder how this lens performs on a body with better video features like the Sony and Canon EOS M systems.
No way. Still keeping my 35 f2
Can u share the link of that lens i have Sony a7 and I want to buy 35mm lens for portraits
@@MrHada007 it's a fuji lens, not Sony. My mistake I didn't specify
No brainer lens. If I owned a fuji this would probably be my first lens.
For $170 USD less than the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R ($900) you can buy *both* the Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 XF ($330) and the Viltrox PFU RBMH 85mm f/1.8 STM ($400). Not a hard choice.
and the viltrox 23mm f/1.4 released today which is the same price as 33mm
I think I'll sit this one out and wait for an update of the Fuji or the introduction of the Sigma into the X mount, in the mean time I'll stick to my 35 f/2 and the 35 f/0.95
It'd be great to see Fuji compete with the quality and price point of Sigma lenses.
Who offers a 35 f0.95?
timothy mitakon
Ive done some holiday shots with both 13mm vilrox and 33mm f1.4 just some real words shots some may find usefull I purchased the 13, 33mm f1.4 and 85mm f1.8 i also own fujis 23mm f1.4 and 56mm f1.2 and after watching Christopher review
Can't wait til this is out for Sony lenses!... Especially now that I have a Sony a6600! Thank you for all of your work and videos, Christopher: you've been a huge part of my introduction into the world of photography, and I'm very pleased to say I invested in a camera I'm proud of and happy with! I can't wait to finally put your videos to good use as I start building a lens collection!
I don't even shoot Fuji but still tune in for Christopher's soothing reviews. Keep it up!
Waiting here to compare with viltrox 23mm 1.4... :)
Although I am not a user of Viltrox lenses (I prefer Fujinon), I believe that this is a very good lenses system for those who want to save money. 80% quality for 40-60% price. Your reviews are very informative, especially a lot of useful information about the quality of photos with examples. Thanks.
As always - a great video! Thank you
Chris, I know you mentioned native 35 1.4, which has a beautiful rendering. And can be had used in mid $300 dollar range. Side by Side sharpness, what's your conclusion?
i used native 35 1.4 ，the color has a mild blue tone in it， we call it “german flavor”，provide more refine feeling， the af motor is really slow and noisy， i just shot still so it dont bother my that much。if price is not issue， i pick native， but this is half the price and new， a better purchase decision
Another review from RUclips shows that it is sharper than XF 35 1.4 and the auto focus is much faster and quieter. Also as powerlurker said, the color is different. The Viltrox tends to produce the true color while XF 35 1.4 has a blue tone. I have the XF 35 1.4 already and absolutely love it. However, if I did not have it, I would go for Viltrox. I just can't refuse the package: cheaper, faster and quieter AF
Another interesting review thanks, Chris. Covid19 issues aside, it seems that Austalia shooters and maybe Oceana in total, do not have ready access to this Biltox, and some other lesser-known ( in the past) lens.
Samyang, also once not widely known, is readily available in Australia, however, the prices are clearly higher.
Have purchased 2 great 12 mm F2 manual focus lens for both a Sony a6000 someone gave me - didn't like the moderate trade-in price offered!- and another for my Canon 6D. Having grown up with - some time ago, manual focus lens, this method of focussing is pretty easy, particularly when I sort of zone focus as there are rarely any subjects closer to me than the infinity distance + the a6000 has great, bright red for me, focus peaking- can't seem to find that on my 6D- may have to trawl some Canon 6D user groups.
Keep up the good work.
*NOTICE* Use your headset. Dont miss the healing voice of Mr Christoper Frost and awesome backsound music.
My 2 parrots seem to always get into their content and happy state when I'm watching a video from Chris.
Another affordable lens, great
Been waiting for this
We'll see how this fares against the Sigma...because at this price, it's not very far from what the Sigma is selling for even when it's not on sale. Those little contemporary lenses are a fantastic bargain with brilliant optics (and supported lens profiles to boot!) In the Canon market, it has to compete with the EF-M 32mm f/1.4 lens which is...well, absolutely incredible - AF speed aside.
I am still thinking whether to buy a Viltrox 23mm f1.4 or Fujinon 23mm f1.4. The image quality is basically the same but I am not sure about how future proof the Viltrox lens would be.
The 23 f1.4 brother just came out in China a few days ago, the performance is a bit better than the 33mm, priced 2k RMB (around 300 USD)
Glad I saw this, it looks way better than the first party XC F2. Metal build quality, aperture ring, and most importantly no focus breathing. I shoot video so thats a deal breaker for me
An enjoyable review Christopher, thankyou . I’ve been considering buying this lens so, I think I’ll get the credit card out.
Your views are increadibly fact based and comparable through many years of testing with similar criteria. Thank you for your contribution, I do follow your advise and have never been let down. I wish you could test even more Fuji lenses, particulary the longer zooms 55-200 and 100-400 for instance, but regardless I am extending my sincere thank you for your work.
I just got it and find it to be very soft compared to the 35 f2. And I'm not even taking photos with it, just filming..
Thanks a lot mate. Please make a review for the viltrox 23mm
Have you ever considered like the 'honest trailer' to read some words/sentences from the fans? Such amazing voice... 😂
Yes, the review is always high quality as usual...
Where can I buy Chris Frost merch?
i was really hoping to get a canon version, as the viltrox 85mm f1.8 is a sharp but cheap alternative with my canon rp
Great review. Hope you can also review sa the Viltrox 23mm when is comes out.
Omg yay, you started doing coma testing!! I love it!! :D
how different in colour tone compare to xf35 f1.4
Chris, can you please include the actual recording of the autofocus noise in video like you used to do?
That was the one thing that bothered me about this particular review as well.
@@Shadow81989 From other reviews, Viltrox is very quiet
@@tianqinwen Also from what he said... It just slightly annoys me that the autofocus performance was shown without the sound, unlike in all his other reviews, where he simply includes the sound and lets us listen for ourselves. It's not a big issue, just not up to his usual standards.
hi..can you give me an advice? which one is better for my sony a6500 ?sigma 30mm f1.4 , viltrox 33mm f1.4 sony 35mm f1.8 or the sony 50mm f1.8 for videography?i watched your video about sigma 30mm have a strong barrell distortion.thanks and.more power to your channel
You never stop man!
Take care!
Fuji 35 f2 has barrel distortion and has therefore much softer corners according to the review.
Great review, very accurate
Hey , i was wondering if this lens works well with fuji xt1 or inshould go and buy the fuji lens instead.. thank you in advance.
Viltrox 33mm 1.4 fuji or Fujifilm 35mm f2. Which lens produce better image quality?
Xlent review. Woww. Please do review of viltrox 23mm f1.4. Thanks christopher..
The only review that matters!
I have an X-T200, it would not have IBIS. How do you feel about these Viltrox lenses for my body since they do not have OIS? I noticed the Fuji's also don't have OIS on their popular primes as well.
Would u prefer this lens or the 7artisans 35mm f1.2 on the fuji xt200??
I supposed it can work on sony a7c that is full frame?
Care to review the Viltrox 23 1.4 for Fuji?
I'd love to see a review of the 23mm f1.4
Pls review viltrox 33 1.4 nikon mount
How does it compare to the Sigma 30mm? is it a similar optical design? Looks similar in rendering.
The latest firmware is divided into two versions: a dat file each for a golden version and a white silk screen mark version. It’s very confusing. Does anybody know what the difference is and which of the two files is used to drag into the viltrox drive for the update?
Great review!
Which one would you pick between Fujinon XF 35mm f2 and Viltrox 33mm f1.4 XF if price is not a concern ?
Hey Chris. Commenting late here but hoping you see this. I have the ZEISS Touit 32mm f/1.8, which I know you weren’t a fan of. I personally love it and wanted to know your comparison of it to this Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 since you’ve used both. What are your thoughts between the two?
Please lock white balance in every video on constant value for color compare between lens.
How would you compate this too the Fuji 35mm f/2 pair of lenses? I recently bought a used x-t1 and have fallen in love with the fuji system, but the lens prices have me a bit put off. The budget fuji 35mm f/2 looks supremely sharp in your reviews for the $200 price, but i wonder if the $75~$85 increase is worth the increase on the viltrox? Thanks as always for such wonderful videos.
Take a look at my review of that lens :-)
Chris first off I enjoy your videos. And thank you for all you do to provide our community with information about different lenses. I am a current Canon 80D user and I've been looking at upgrading to the EOS 90D. but in looking at that camera I stumbled across some information about the sensor in that camera. because of its high megapixel sensor it can cause soft images when coupled with specific lenses almost like the camera outperforms the lens resulting in soft images I was wondering if you had heard anything about this? and as we get into higher megapixel range APSC sized sensors I'm wondering if there is a way for you to make a list of lenses that can keep up with those high pixel density sensors? once again thank you for your videos and God bless.
Hello Christopher. Really thank you for your great videos. I own a Fuji XT-30 and the XF 18-55mm. I am thinking of purchasing an extra prime lens for a bit “generic” use. I am between Viltrox 33mm (the one in this video) and the Viltrox 23mm. Which one would you suggest? Thanks.
23mm is all rounder lens, but if you are in more portraits then go blindly with 33mm.
3:50 Is this purple fringing something that the in-camera processor would have corrected had it been a Fujifilm lens?
Purple fringing is harder for software to correct so you do see it occassionally even when using official Fuji lenses
Hi Christopher thank you for your review, without considering price, which one would you prefer between this lens and the mitakon 35mm speed master? Maybe a video comparison between all the 35 mm option for Fuji (electronic and manual) would be interesting. Anyway, keep up the good work 👍🏻
The mitakon is definitely a more flawed lens, in the sense of things such as flaring, corner sharpness at low apertures, etc... but I absolutely love it. I'd say if you live in the UK tho this lens is probably the better shout considering the mitakon tends to go for around 500-600 pounds. just my two cents✌
Having just received my Sigma 30mm F/1.4 for my new Sony a6100 I'm wondering how this lens would perform on E-mount compared to that Sigma (which, to be honest, is brilliant).
From this video, the autofocus of the Sigma lens looks a bit more reliable and silent, and it looks even optically superior.
The only issue is that the 30mm is equivalent to 45mm, while this 33 is basically equivalent to 50mm, so just a little bit longer for portraits.
I find 45mm to be more usable for street photography, though.
Anyway, which lens do you suggest for architecture and street photography for my a6100? Samyang 12mm F/2 NCS CS at 285€ or the Sigma 16mm F/1.4 at 410€? Or is there another good wide angle autofocus option for my a6100?
I just want to say that 12mm is way too wide for street photography, you will see a lot of deformation and will be far from your subject.
Kinda the same with 16mm.
I think that the perfect focal length for street photography is 23mm (35mm FF equivalent) or 35mm (50mm FF equivalent) is you want to get more people's expression
Edit :
Sorry I didn't see the architecture part, so you can ignore my suggestion.
Is this 33mm lens good to do manual video?
Just use the Exposure Lock, and you're good to go.
I'm curious if that chromatic distortion you experienced in the Bible shot - which is an excellent catch on your part and has caused me to pause purchasing this lens over the Fujinon 35mm f/2 - is that the crystal glass manufacturing process is similar to that used in Zeiss lens (which are also prone to just a bit of flaring under certain conditions)?
The color fringing has to do with the design of the lens. It is not a manufacturing fault, but a design fault.
Please review 7artisans 35mm 1.2
i got the emount version. Its nice but the fringing is just too much at 1.4, nearly unusable.
this one has advantage over both competitors， vs fuji 35 1.4 - half the price quicker silincer af， vs sigma301.4 better IQ distortion CA， my major concern is the clickless apture ring，i found it very annoing，accidently change it almost every 1hour in a shoot
Is this a fixed lens or can you zoom in and out?
Imagine Sigma announcing 30f1.4 x mount
I'm sure it's coming now that Fuji has softened their position on third party optics.
And 16f1.4 from Sigma. That would be a true game changer. Current XF16 is way too expensive.
And an 18-35 f1.8 mirrorless version for X mount!
Highly unlikely. X-Mount just isnt as profitable as emount or eos m.
Hey Christopher, sorry probably Im not the first one asking this, but are you planning on reviewing Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 near future? It looks pretty promising lens.
Id take the Fuji F2 over this. F/1.4 offers half of a stop of light, yet the chromatic aberration and softness compared to the fuji lens are very very noticable. In order to avoid those you have to stop down a stop or a stol and a half and in the end you wont be using that bonus half a stop this offers over the XF or XC 35 f/2..
Does it support linear focus??
Is this lens available with Nikon mount?
Would you recommend this lens over the xc 35 f2.0 lens?
The f1.4 is tempting but is it as good as fuji in other aspects?
I have the Viltrox 33mm F1.4 and have played with a friends XF 35mm F2.0. Which is optically identical to the XC35 F2.
The Viltrox is the better lens in many regards but not all. The Fuji lens is slightly sharper in the corners till about F4 where the Viltrox starts to win. The XC does not have an aperture ring and it is very cheap feeling with a plastic lens mount from watching reviews.
Autofocus wise there's little to differentiate though I found the Viltrox had a quicker and more confident focus speed. Fuji glass has better coatings but most of the issues caused there are easily fixed with a couple of button presses in your editing software, using the lens hood or a filter.
Seeing as the two are quite close price wise, the Viltrox beats the XC lens over all. If you don't need the F1.4 or care about that, if the lack of an aperture ring or build quality does not bother you. The XC has some advantages. Personally I'd buy a second hand XF35 F2 as you get the aperture ring, weather sealing and much better build quality (over the XC) if you don't need the F1.4 side. The big draw of the Viltrox is IMHO the fact it's an affordable stepping motor autofocus F1.4 lens. They made some sacrifices to get that fast aperture at that price point.
Possible competitor to the sigma 30mm f1.4
Hi Chris
Quick question: Is it possible to control the aperture on this lens from the camera body?
Thanks
Caula
Yes, if you set the lens to "A".
@@pizzablender Thanks for replying! Much appreciated 👍
they dont have m43 version?
Damn, Christopher Fast Photography!
Shrek reviews are always nice!
the best news for a poor Fuji user cheap vertix 23/33/85 f/
1.4 lens ! Plz release a 50 f/1.4 more, good company😭😁
Please review the Viltrox 23mm 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I will get in touch with them and ask for a sample copy :-)
Please do the 23 1.4 tooo
is this lens weather sealed ?
Whats the size nd filter for this lense please ?
03:23
Wouldn't come for nikon?
The close focussing ability and clickless ring are probably the biggest downers for me. Sharpness, build, price great but I see the aperture ring as something that can get annoying really quickly and the lack of close focussing just makes it less versatile. I might wait a little while for alternatives
Price??
is it the xpro3 killer
It looks pretty great except for the longitudinal chromatic aberration. That's pretty severe, it seems like the weak point of the lens.
Viltrox sent me this today 5/14/2020 after ordering the Viltrox 23mm on 4/27:
Kind Reminder for Fujifilm X-PRO3 Users :
First of all, we apologize for comfirming this problem late after your purchase.
If you are Fujifilm X-PRO3 users and purchase Viltrox lens especially for the X-PRO3 camera, for the sake of your camera, we would like to suggest you not use Viltrox 23mm, 33mm or 85mm X-mount lens onto Fujifilm X-PRO3 model in case it will damage the lens release button of your camera.
This is because the location of X-Pro3 is a bit different from other Fujifilm cameras, and our lens were designed and set production before the release of X-PRO3.
So due to some bit structural difference, they are not fully compatible with Fuji X-PRO3 on structure though performance is not effectted anymore.
We really apologize for any inconvenience caused ! If you are X-Pro3 owner and want to return the lens, we will accept that and proceed for you.
BTW, there is no problem on other camera models. They can work perfectly on Fuji X-T3 and X-T4.
ind Reminder for Fujifilm X-PRO3 Users :
First of all, we apologize for comfirming this problem late after your purchase.
If you are Fujifilm X-PRO3 users and purchase Viltrox lens especially for the X-PRO3 camera, for the sake of your camera, we would like to suggest you not use Viltrox 23mm, 33mm or 85mm X-mount lens onto Fujifilm X-PRO3 model in case it will damage the lens release button of your camera.
This is because the location of X-Pro3 is a bit different from other Fujifilm cameras, and our lens were designed and set production before the release of X-PRO3.
So due to some bit structural difference, they are not fully compatible with Fuji X-PRO3 on structure though performance is not effectted anymore.
We really apologize for any inconvenience caused ! If you are X-Pro3 owner and want to return the lens, we will accept that and proceed for you.
BTW, there is no problem on other camera models. They can work perfectly on Fuji X-T3 and X-T4.
what about the X-T1? any issues there?
@@michaeldesignbig2538 did you found out if its s problem or not with xt1?
Ugh this would be perfect on the z50
That's exactly what I was thinking too, although I would like the aperture ring to click!