From what I understand, the lens at launch was intended to be opened up to 1.6, but Viltrox said it still needed some work before release, so it released as a 1.8 with the intent to firmware update down to 1.6. How true that is is of course up for contention, but I've seen other people's comparisons and there definitely is a slight difference when brought down to 1.6 in images.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Every comment I've seen indicates that the firmware application is quite hit or miss, with some people having it succeed after the 5th or 6th attempt. I doubt it's worth the trouble for 1/3 stop of light, but I'll probably try it again out of curiosity.
Putting a USB port on the lens is a good call. As a user of Sigma, Samyang and Tamron lenses for Canon EF and Sony FE, the number of docks required is frustrating. I wish more companies would do this.
Just ordered one of these in Fuji mount. I’m switching from Nikon and won’t be getting my cameras till next week but this looks like a no brainer! I also like the look of that flare. It’s great that most lenses have got so good at eliminating it but sometimes it’s nice to have in a shot.
Great review, i own this version II lens for Fuji but wanted to hear what others said and came across your video. Was so impressed with your analysis, I subscribed!
Great review as always, Dustin. It’s a very attractive proposition. How did you find it’s focus tracking abilities? There are some reviews going around saying it’s lacking here ( especially compared to the Sony 1.8 )?
I don't think the focus is as robust as the Sony version, but in my head to head tests (search up my 85mm comparison series), it didn't do too badly...and that was before improvements via firmware and the MK II build.
Regarding the f/1.6 firmware update, after following the steps with many failed attempts, it finally worked after rotating the lens an excessive amount - like 15+ FULL barrel rotations. I suspect that's the issue your having. I only have the first version of the lens, so I can't speak on version II. The blades do physically retract further after the update. Interestingly, I've since updated to the newer V1.1.7 Firmware and it has retained the 1.6 aperture.
I love your videos, they are very detailed and professional. I just received my 85 f1.8 ii lens, and while it is quite good optically I have two issues so far - the lens hood and the AF. The lens hood is very tight, it is actually a pain to remove it and put it on backwards for storage. It is easy I find to screw on crooked, and requires a lot of force. Does anyone else have this issue? Second, in low light conditions (indoor lighting, suboptimal lighting at f1.8) the autofocus really seems to struggle. It will focus-in what feels like a pre-determined amount, and then focus out the same amount repeatedly if it cannot find the subject. I tried updating the firmware, I will have to experiment with it more in better lighting though to determine if I need to return it or not, although even with the issues it is admirable for its price; though I personally prefer the plastic of the Sony's as they feel less likely to shatter or scratch. Keep up the great work!
The lens hood tolerance issue is something I’ve seen on various lenses. On its own, its not worth worrying about. As for the AF, keep testing it and if you have serious concerns, get it replaced while you can. I don’t think I saw that issue.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Do you happen to know of any third party lens hoods that fit the Viltrox better perhaps? My Sony 72mm hood doesnt fit, so I am not sure if any others would - I have never had to replace one, but I reverse them all the time as they go in and out of my bag when swapping lenses. The lens itself feels very premium, and very satisfying. I quite love it, it is just the hood that is frustrating, as it takes several attempts to get it on straight.
I’m slowly moving over to Fujifilm from Canon. Glad to see third party lenses being made. I wonder if Viltrox will make a few zoom lenses, for landscape photography.
Good evening. Very good looking, but in my xt3 didn't´t work. The AF and aperture didn't´t work a lot of time... even after being upgraded... I just send it back, and personally, I think viltrox should have another kind of answer to their clients (they didn't´t). Congrats.
These tests were done on an a7RIII, and my experience generally is that if a lens performs fine on a 42MPx sensor, then it will be generally fine on a 63Mpx sensor (to varying degrees, obviously). It obviously would do great on either of the 24Mpx sensors you mention.
Thanks Dustin, this is informative! But I wanna ask, I saw an offer where I can get the Mark 1 used at $226, while the Mark 2 there is no used deals in my area, and the new one here costs about $325. So I wonder which one should I get, what do you think? Is the Mk2 worth the extra money? I know mk 2 is lighter.
Thank you Dustin for another nice introduction and review for this lens :) I have a question for you, being myself a wildlife photographer, I usually use my Canon 5Dsr paired with a Tamron 150-600 version II . But the camera is getting old, and it has a very slow focus. I need to change it. I don't mind investing in another system that proves really satisfactory for my needs. For the rest of photography I still have my fuji xt2 . My niche is either birding and wildlife, and on the other hand macro. Pls could you be so kind to make a suggestion for me? Weight is slowly turning into an issue , age is putting some pain on my back which makes it hard for me to walk with the heavy weight. Yet, I don't want to sacrifice quality ...hmmm hard one right? :) But I need some advice! I thank you in advance! Please do take care of you and your family. Best wishes from Uruguay.
A fairly lightweight combo to consider would something like the a7RIV (gives you the resolution you're used to) paired with the new Sigma 100-400mm DN lens. It's a lightweight combo, but you can switch on the a7RIV into APS-C mode and get 600mm of reach with still-nice resolution.
@Foto4Max wouldn't go on Oly due to mft. Sometimes I really need to crop images... therefore the good quality and mb of a photo makes the trick ;) thanks!
Specifically, what usb data cable to you use with this lens to get the firmware update? ie: USB 2.0, USB 3.0 with micro usb? Mini B? How many pins? Thanks
@@DustinAbbottTWI I had to watch one of your videos, after I read your response, and you mentioned it. However, no one from Viltrox customer support could tell me, after at least 3 emails to them - which was mind boggling and incredibly disappointing. (And it's not on their website or noted the included paperwork with the lens)
In my ideal world I would have this lens fully manual (to make it even cheaper), but optically stabilized... which is sadly an impossible combination 😕
Out of nowhere my Sony a7III doesn't recognize the lens. Both are pretty much brand new and they did work for months. I even upgraded lens' software and made a factory reset to my camera, nothing... Does anyone have a soluton or experiences the same problem?
Did you have the problem before the firmware update on the lens? You should send your concern to Viltrox and see if they can address this with a new firmware update. Also make sure that your contacts are clean on the lens mount.
Viltrox should stop wasting time making lenses for Sony which is already in existence. Viltrox should go for something like an autofocus fisheye, a 180mm macro, a small 200mm f/2.8 prime, etc. Sony 85mm f/1.8 is very affordable already.
With all due respect, you are asking a brand new lens maker to tackle niche projects that are both difficult to design and appeal to a very small audience. That just doesn't make much sense.
From what I understand, the lens at launch was intended to be opened up to 1.6, but Viltrox said it still needed some work before release, so it released as a 1.8 with the intent to firmware update down to 1.6. How true that is is of course up for contention, but I've seen other people's comparisons and there definitely is a slight difference when brought down to 1.6 in images.
Be that as it may, I've never been able to get it to work on either lens, so I remain skeptical.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Every comment I've seen indicates that the firmware application is quite hit or miss, with some people having it succeed after the 5th or 6th attempt. I doubt it's worth the trouble for 1/3 stop of light, but I'll probably try it again out of curiosity.
Just received my 85 f/1.8 II in the post this week and I am super pumped about it!!! At £280 it’s an amazing bang for buck 👌🏻
Agreed.
Putting a USB port on the lens is a good call. As a user of Sigma, Samyang and Tamron lenses for Canon EF and Sony FE, the number of docks required is frustrating. I wish more companies would do this.
Agreed.
@Ziggi Mon To be future-proof make it USB-C instead of Micro-USB. That's even better.
Let's hope.
Just ordered one of these in Fuji mount. I’m switching from Nikon and won’t be getting my cameras till next week but this looks like a no brainer! I also like the look of that flare. It’s great that most lenses have got so good at eliminating it but sometimes it’s nice to have in a shot.
It's true that certain lenses have flare that adds visual flair.
Great review, i own this version II lens for Fuji but wanted to hear what others said and came across your video. Was so impressed with your analysis, I subscribed!
Glad it was helpful!
Great review as always, Dustin. It’s a very attractive proposition. How did you find it’s focus tracking abilities? There are some reviews going around saying it’s lacking here ( especially compared to the Sony 1.8 )?
I don't think the focus is as robust as the Sony version, but in my head to head tests (search up my 85mm comparison series), it didn't do too badly...and that was before improvements via firmware and the MK II build.
Regarding the f/1.6 firmware update, after following the steps with many failed attempts, it finally worked after rotating the lens an excessive amount - like 15+ FULL barrel rotations. I suspect that's the issue your having. I only have the first version of the lens, so I can't speak on version II. The blades do physically retract further after the update. Interestingly, I've since updated to the newer V1.1.7 Firmware and it has retained the 1.6 aperture.
I was finally able to make it work on the original, but not on the MK II
can you please let me know if you experience any prob with AF while shooting video with the v1
@@RohitNaik I haven't used it for video much, mainly just stills so not sure
Best and detailed review. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I love your videos, they are very detailed and professional. I just received my 85 f1.8 ii lens, and while it is quite good optically I have two issues so far - the lens hood and the AF. The lens hood is very tight, it is actually a pain to remove it and put it on backwards for storage. It is easy I find to screw on crooked, and requires a lot of force. Does anyone else have this issue?
Second, in low light conditions (indoor lighting, suboptimal lighting at f1.8) the autofocus really seems to struggle. It will focus-in what feels like a pre-determined amount, and then focus out the same amount repeatedly if it cannot find the subject. I tried updating the firmware, I will have to experiment with it more in better lighting though to determine if I need to return it or not, although even with the issues it is admirable for its price; though I personally prefer the plastic of the Sony's as they feel less likely to shatter or scratch.
Keep up the great work!
The lens hood tolerance issue is something I’ve seen on various lenses. On its own, its not worth worrying about. As for the AF, keep testing it and if you have serious concerns, get it replaced while you can. I don’t think I saw that issue.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Do you happen to know of any third party lens hoods that fit the Viltrox better perhaps? My Sony 72mm hood doesnt fit, so I am not sure if any others would - I have never had to replace one, but I reverse them all the time as they go in and out of my bag when swapping lenses.
The lens itself feels very premium, and very satisfying. I quite love it, it is just the hood that is frustrating, as it takes several attempts to get it on straight.
I’m slowly moving over to Fujifilm from Canon. Glad to see third party lenses being made. I wonder if Viltrox will make a few zoom lenses, for landscape photography.
Zooms are more complex to design than primes. That will probably come down the road...if at all.
Dustin, would you recommend the 85mm mark 2 over the 56mm f1.4? What would you recommend to be more versatile?
I've just received the 56mm and haven't started reviewing it yet, so I don't really have an opinion yet.
@@DustinAbbottTWI
what for today? :)
Good evening.
Very good looking, but in my xt3 didn't´t work.
The AF and aperture didn't´t work a lot of time... even after being upgraded...
I just send it back, and personally, I think viltrox should have another kind of answer to their clients (they didn't´t).
Congrats.
I don't think your experience is typical from what I've heard.
Great summary as always. Do you think, it would have enough resolution for A7RIV? I would probably put it more likely on something like A7III or A9.
These tests were done on an a7RIII, and my experience generally is that if a lens performs fine on a 42MPx sensor, then it will be generally fine on a 63Mpx sensor (to varying degrees, obviously). It obviously would do great on either of the 24Mpx sensors you mention.
Thanks Dustin, this is informative! But I wanna ask, I saw an offer where I can get the Mark 1 used at $226, while the Mark 2 there is no used deals in my area, and the new one here costs about $325.
So I wonder which one should I get, what do you think? Is the Mk2 worth the extra money? I know mk 2 is lighter.
That's up to you, obviously, but the two lenses are identical optically.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you for the advice.
Thank you Dustin for another nice introduction and review for this lens :) I have a question for you, being myself a wildlife photographer, I usually use my Canon 5Dsr paired with a Tamron 150-600 version II . But the camera is getting old, and it has a very slow focus. I need to change it. I don't mind investing in another system that proves really satisfactory for my needs. For the rest of photography I still have my fuji xt2 . My niche is either birding and wildlife, and on the other hand macro. Pls could you be so kind to make a suggestion for me? Weight is slowly turning into an issue , age is putting some pain on my back which makes it hard for me to walk with the heavy weight. Yet, I don't want to sacrifice quality ...hmmm hard one right? :) But I need some advice! I thank you in advance! Please do take care of you and your family. Best wishes from Uruguay.
A fairly lightweight combo to consider would something like the a7RIV (gives you the resolution you're used to) paired with the new Sigma 100-400mm DN lens. It's a lightweight combo, but you can switch on the a7RIV into APS-C mode and get 600mm of reach with still-nice resolution.
@@DustinAbbottTWI that's indeed very interesting Dustin :) what do you think about the autofocus of that Sony with birds in flight?
@Foto4Max wouldn't go on Oly due to mft. Sometimes I really need to crop images... therefore the good quality and mb of a photo makes the trick ;)
thanks!
Go m43. Longer reach, and lighter weight, much better IBIS+OS. M43 is meant more for wildlife, FF is more for landscape/portrait
@@meisterdiyer3491 I do appreciate the time to comment, thank you very much!
Great review love to see a comparison between the Samyang 85mm f1.4 and this new Viltrox 85mm f1.8 stm II
I've done that already in my 85mm comparison series (MK1 of the Viltrox, which is optically the same).
@@DustinAbbottTWI already saw that review ( fantastic ) just curious to see the auto focus improvement in this new version
Samyang is manual focus
Thank you
You're welcome
Thanks for the review. Btw, will you be reviewing the EOS R5 soon? I've been waiting for your videos related to this camera.
I've got an order in, but I'm still waiting on it to be filled.
Is there really a difference between the two besides the weight? Because the weight doesn’t bother me.
Not optically. There is some minor tweaking to the focus systems.
@@DustinAbbottTWI but with the new firmware update has that been taken care of? Like I would fine if I got the original over the Mark ii?
I think so. I didn't notice a particular difference between them.
Specifically, what usb data cable to you use with this lens to get the firmware update? ie: USB 2.0, USB 3.0 with micro usb? Mini B? How many pins? Thanks
Hi Carol, I have always just used a standard 2.0 micro usb. I don't know how many pins. It's the same cable I used for a dozen other devices.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I had to watch one of your videos, after I read your response, and you mentioned it. However, no one from Viltrox customer support could tell me, after at least 3 emails to them - which was mind boggling and incredibly disappointing. (And it's not on their website or noted the included paperwork with the lens)
They should have left the 85mm text as it was. I'm leaning Sony.
Not sure why the text would influence that decision, but the Sony is an excellent lens and already great value for money.
In my ideal world I would have this lens fully manual (to make it even cheaper), but optically stabilized... which is sadly an impossible combination 😕
They do make a manual version...and use it on a newer Sony or Fuji body and it's now stabilized!
Why viltrox can put on a super good AF while Sigma Art can't. shame :(
That really depends on the lens. Some Sigma ART lenses focus extremely well (I own a few).
@@DustinAbbottTWI They are good when taking photos until you use video mode.
Standard review, detail review, definitive review. We need a dictionary to know which review is suited for me.
Really? There's a long one and a short one. It's not really that complicated.
Out of nowhere my Sony a7III doesn't recognize the lens. Both are pretty much brand new and they did work for months. I even upgraded lens' software and made a factory reset to my camera, nothing... Does anyone have a soluton or experiences the same problem?
Did you have the problem before the firmware update on the lens? You should send your concern to Viltrox and see if they can address this with a new firmware update. Also make sure that your contacts are clean on the lens mount.
I miss the written reviews :(
I still do them for the bigger lenses, but I'm doing more reviews than ever and the written reviews take a LOT of time.
I like this review, your mileage may vary😅
LOL
Viltrox should stop wasting time making lenses for Sony which is already in existence. Viltrox should go for something like an autofocus fisheye, a 180mm macro, a small 200mm f/2.8 prime, etc. Sony 85mm f/1.8 is very affordable already.
With all due respect, you are asking a brand new lens maker to tackle niche projects that are both difficult to design and appeal to a very small audience. That just doesn't make much sense.