Love this lens on my X-H2S, not only the images are good but it looks good on the camera. Really like the style of your RUclips videos, a unique and interesting way of delivering content
The size and weight would balance even better on the XH style bodies. Have you tried the 75mm too? Thanks for watching and commenting, every bit helps when trying to start a new channel!
I also have the 75mm & 13mm & 56mm/f1.7 which also are great values. Viltrox really hit it put of the park. Even though the lenses, except the 56mm are big, I like visiting cities in other asian countries and do street photography with the Viltrox lenses, in a similar fashion as you've shared before. It helps me find inner peace. Looking forward to your poetic videos.
Jack, Once again, a very cleverly constructed video. Just thought i’d put in another vote of support for current Viltrox lenses. I have their 13mm f1.4, apsc-only lens which i use on a Nikon Z50 for night sky. Wonderful sharpness and clarity. Like the one you describe, it too is a solid metal tank. Craig
I bought my first and only Fuji, an X-T2, back in 2017 and still shoot it alongside my newer cameras today. It’s a sentimental camera for me, one that I’ll never sell. I remember being really excited when the X-T3 came out, only to be disappointed when a friend let me borrow theirs-everything on it just felt so cheap. I couldn’t wrap my head around it, it was a brand new camera at the time, but the controls and dials already felt loose and worn. The shutter was mushy and squeaky. By contrast, everything on my X-T2 still feels tightly fit together, and the shutter still feels just as nice as the first day. It’s been through some rough weather over the years and has always cleaned back up great. I believe manufacturing for Fuji X cameras moved to China when the X-T3 was released and for all the X-series that followed. My X-T2 still shows “made in Japan” on the bottom. I don’t know if the quality control changed once they moved to China, but I believe their GFX stuff is still made in Japan today.
The X-T2 is quite legendary in that regard - my xpro2 had that same feeling! Not sure if made in Japan is a sticking point, the XPro3 was made there and my copy had its fair share of issues. Fuji is making money hand over fist with its X100s, hopefully they reinvest in their quality control
@@BokehTherapy The "Made in Japan" XH1 is also legendary, but it was an expensive premium product, so kinda expected. What is surprising is the XE3 quality ( 2017 so right after XT2 ) it's made in China but the quality is still excellent for a "cheap" product. This shows that the origin doesn't explain everything, A quality treshold is set and unfortunately it's getting worse and worse. Sad. You have to buy a GFX nowaday if you want top notch quality. An AF X/Z adaptator in now available, I'll buy a Nikon ZF instead a XT5 for my Fuji glass. You can shoot with an APSH 1.3x crop without any vignetting with some lens, the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 is perfect candidate. Instead of a 41mm f/1.8 FF equivalent, it's now a 35mm f/1.5, great ! You can even push to 1,2x crop ( 32mm f/1.4 ) with some corner vignete.
I bought an X-T2 in Japan and shoot so happily with it. I am in LOVE with the shutter sound, best one I have ever heard IRL. I still love my X-T5 (except when AF-C can't track properly).
Great video! Your scripting is fantastic on these with the layers of commentary and themes. Re the dials skipping on your X-T5, consider using your lab skills and supplies to use 99% isopropyl alcohol to flush them out. This worked for me. Take out the battery with the display on, turn it on and off to make sure the power is discharged. Remove the lens, open all the doors .Use a pipette and gently drip it in through the center lock buttons and around the edges. Then click slowly and continue to drip more. A lot more. Let it dry out for a while and give it a try.
Although it isn’t f1.2, their 13mm f1.4 is pretty close to pro-level. Similar build to the 27 and 75 and the aperture ring is the best I’ve ever used. It’s excellent if you like the focal length.
Fantastic video! Subscribed just now. Really got me interested in Francesca's art (really creative way of inserting her work throughout the video). Also got me curious about that Viltrox lens for my X-T4. I hope my X-T4 lasts longer than 5 years... The paint (or coating, whatever it is on the gray top plate) is slowly starting to chip away. I always thought it was actually metal, not something coated... I find it interesting you consider the 26mp sensor of the X-T3 better at low light than X-T5, given most reviewers and marketing kept praising new camera for being better at everything. But then as you showed, plenty is unfortunately wrong with the newer fujifilm products... Also, what is your opinion on that Viltrox compared to another Fujifilm classic as the 16mm f/1.4? Glad to follow along your content! Cheers!
The X-T4 is a fantastic camera - I didn't mind the flippy screen and the IBIS and battery life are great. The X-T5 is a great camera too, but I'm not sure how much the improvements matter if you already have an X-T4 (or an X-T3 for that matter!) The 16mm f1.4 is legendary, I didn't get along with the wider field of view though? The 27mm is more comfortable for my style of shooting - I think it's a tad sharper? The biggest difference is the falloff at 27mm @ f1.2 vs 16mm @ f1.4. Really beautiful if you're into the subject separation look. There's an 8% discount code in the video description if you're interested in the Viltrox. Thanks for watching!
Another good story.. so true is the thought that some device that costs thousands of dollars used to be something that you would keep for a lifetime. I still have Nikon F3 bodies that work great and show no signs of giving up. I guess the mindset has changed with the advanced technologies that our cameras now have. Might Leica and Hasselblad be the last of the lifetime cameras? Cool lens. Generally I have not considered smaller third party options but it looks like they may be worth a look.
I am hoping my Leica Ms last another decade at least, the upgrade cycle is becoming so quick across the board. Nikons build quality does give me more confidence than these Fujis, let’s see how long they last! Always great to hear from you Dan!
@@BokehTherapy Let’s hope we are getting to the stage that phones are and the temptation to upgrade slows. The companies that support their hardware long term with firmware and hardware support will start to really stand out.
After 2 years and counting with my xt5 mmm..... I disagree! get the xt5 and the viltrox 27mm f1.2 (and the 75mm too). The ibis mechanism on the xt5 is great for photography and even some not so extreme video too. (as long as you don't do a lot of moderately fast panning). The only quality issues I've experienced with the camera (and I shoot daily) is that the paint coatings are quite bad and tend to chip easily even if you baby the camera and keep it in a nice padded camera bag, my shutter switch paint is all stripped off but I guess it adds some character to the camera.
your videos are so calming to watch even if the topic is not interesting for me i isntantly click on your vids man keep up the great work hope u achieve a wider audience!!!!
such an interesting video, i've been considering getting a fuji camera for fun for a while but went with a canon instead. but one day i'll give fuji a try, thanks for pointing those things out. I did try a rf canon viltrox 85mm 1.8 and it was amazing, metal build, great weight and size,i wish i kept it and wish canon would open their mount to viltrox lens, they've been amazing from what i've seen so far. keep up the great work
I think the 85mm was one of the earlier Viltrox lenses to come out! They’ve become a lens powerhouse in a very short amount of time, really impressive! A used XT3 or XT4 seem to be good value as long as you test out those dials. Great to hear from you as always!
@@BokehTherapy i'm just thinking out loud here, but have you considered the opposite of a crop going with a GFX series camera? is there more bokeh than a 85mm 1.2 on the gfx series? ( i know bokeh isn't always everything)
I owned a GFX50R a few years ago. Really loved that system but it was a bit early while Fuji were ironing out the kinks. Their GFX100S is almost perfect, just need the price to come down even more…
@@BokehTherapy oh wow, this is great info! I truely believe now a few cameras for different uses is better than one camera, don't really need too many lens
It’s not as bad as it looks. Is it worth carrying all day travelling…?No. But if you want the 40mm focal length for low light and portraiture, it’s the best lens available, and it isn’t significantly bigger than Fuji’s 33mm while being way better optically.
I bought the lens for my A6700 and I was a bit concerned about the weight. However, after using it for the past 4 months it is actually not as bad as I thought. The overall weight is acceptable and my hand did not get tired. The Viltrox 75mm F1.2 which I recently bought though is another story despite being a bit heavier but I can feel the weight is too much. Overall, 27mm F1.2 is ok but 75mm F.2 is really heavy but it is more of a special lens for portraits so I don't really mind it that much since I usually don't do portraits for long period.
I still need to try the Viltrox 75mm. I have the Sirui 75mm f1.2 in for testing right now, that lens is a fair bit lighter but it’s not as sharp. Everything’s a tradeoff I suppose
I'm glad you brought this up Jack. Red flag 3 for now only on my X-T30II. I am heading out on a short trip so thought to leave Nikon at home for this one and take the Fujifilm. My 27mm f/2 is perfect for daytime but was considering the the 33mm f/1.4 for night. Frankly, the lens doesn't give me the character that I'm looking for. I believe you reviewed the Viltrox somewhere but I can't find it. Am I making that up?
Hi Juliette! The only other Viltrox lens I have tried is the 56mm f1.7: ruclips.net/video/lJC8IcUcCN8/видео.html I really liked that one too, not sure about its character though. Hope to get more Viltrox lenses on for testing if there is sufficient interest
Thanks for the video! About Nikon Zf, did you compare Sony 40 f2,5 (with adapter ring) vs Nikon Z40 f2,0? I'd be curious to hear your opinion on the comparison on the Nikon Zf?
I think the Sony 40mm f2.5 performs a little better than Nikon's 40mm f2 (sharpness, aberrations) but lacks more of the charm? Both great lenses, I'd say go with native glass if you have the option
@@mrrolandlawrence I have plenty of older Nikon bodies that are still running well. I am still using my D3 from time to time with no problems. I expect even the non pro bodies have quite good build quality.
I am sorry to hear that your silver xt3 is starting to fail. I hear about build issues for the xt5 all of the time, and it turned me off about the camera. My xt4 has been going strong for about 4 years, we will see if any of this starts to happen...
@@BokehTherapy oh, I figured the xt4 was the first that the build quality suffered. Good build quality is important to me. I hope with the xt6 and beyond they rectify such issues, as I still really like Fujifilm. The 27mm lens sounds quite nice, and with a focal length that feels natural.
Viltrox lenses are kind of unbelievable - caught up with first party very quickly! I have a soft spot for Fuji, waiting for them to have a banner release cycle next year
@@BokehTherapy that is great to hear! It is good to have companies compete like this to push the first party companies not to rest on their laurels. Having not spent a fair amount of time with the Zf and Sony, would you buy another Fujifilm camera? And if so, what do you think it offers that sets it apart?
They’ve got something about the user experience right - the post processing workflow is very simple (unless you want super accurate color reproduction). Nikon has spoilt me for image quality though - Fuji medium format might be the way to pull me back into that system
I’ve generally impressed with Viltrox lenses. I used the 16mm f1.8 for vlogging last year, but the size and weight got to me. Maybe the life of your xt3 will be prolonged because you have other cameras that you normally shoot with 😂
1. The build quality has gone down, to save weight and materials and also to maximize profits. This across camera makers. 3. There are a few companies like Cosina who have stick to quality because they are manual lenses.2 3. Many parts are plastic, also helicoils. 4.Viltrox 27mm f1.2 Pro Is crap - my opinion. I would never ever buy any Viltrox lens.
Your mileage may vary on any lens of course - sad state of affairs on cost cutting and build quality. I try to judge products on a case by case basis - every brand has a hit or miss
Hey thanks so much! I love shopping in Ameyokocho in Ueno, but can’t always get there. Thankfully there are some great online retailers - Hinoya ship globally, as does Denimio. Will consider a separate fashion channel when I find the time - thanks for watching!
Love this lens on my X-H2S, not only the images are good but it looks good on the camera.
Really like the style of your RUclips videos, a unique and interesting way of delivering content
The size and weight would balance even better on the XH style bodies. Have you tried the 75mm too? Thanks for watching and commenting, every bit helps when trying to start a new channel!
I also have the 75mm & 13mm & 56mm/f1.7 which also are great values. Viltrox really hit it put of the park.
Even though the lenses, except the 56mm are big, I like visiting cities in other asian countries and do street photography with the Viltrox lenses, in a similar fashion as you've shared before. It helps me find inner peace.
Looking forward to your poetic videos.
I really like the 56mm f1.7 - sharp enough and very few aberrations for such a small lens
Jack, Once again, a very cleverly constructed video. Just thought i’d put in another vote of support for current Viltrox lenses. I have their 13mm f1.4, apsc-only lens which i use on a Nikon Z50 for night sky. Wonderful sharpness and clarity. Like the one you describe, it too is a solid metal tank. Craig
Will need to try that one next Craig, heard lots of good things about it. Really like their construction!
I bought my first and only Fuji, an X-T2, back in 2017 and still shoot it alongside my newer cameras today. It’s a sentimental camera for me, one that I’ll never sell. I remember being really excited when the X-T3 came out, only to be disappointed when a friend let me borrow theirs-everything on it just felt so cheap. I couldn’t wrap my head around it, it was a brand new camera at the time, but the controls and dials already felt loose and worn. The shutter was mushy and squeaky. By contrast, everything on my X-T2 still feels tightly fit together, and the shutter still feels just as nice as the first day. It’s been through some rough weather over the years and has always cleaned back up great.
I believe manufacturing for Fuji X cameras moved to China when the X-T3 was released and for all the X-series that followed. My X-T2 still shows “made in Japan” on the bottom. I don’t know if the quality control changed once they moved to China, but I believe their GFX stuff is still made in Japan today.
The X-T2 is quite legendary in that regard - my xpro2 had that same feeling! Not sure if made in Japan is a sticking point, the XPro3 was made there and my copy had its fair share of issues. Fuji is making money hand over fist with its X100s, hopefully they reinvest in their quality control
@@BokehTherapy The "Made in Japan" XH1 is also legendary, but it was an expensive premium product, so kinda expected. What is surprising is the XE3 quality ( 2017 so right after XT2 ) it's made in China but the quality is still excellent for a "cheap" product. This shows that the origin doesn't explain everything, A quality treshold is set and unfortunately it's getting worse and worse. Sad. You have to buy a GFX nowaday if you want top notch quality.
An AF X/Z adaptator in now available, I'll buy a Nikon ZF instead a XT5 for my Fuji glass. You can shoot with an APSH 1.3x crop without any vignetting with some lens, the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 is perfect candidate. Instead of a 41mm f/1.8 FF equivalent, it's now a 35mm f/1.5, great ! You can even push to 1,2x crop ( 32mm f/1.4 ) with some corner vignete.
I saw the XZ adapter but wasn’t sure how good they are - let me know how you go!
I bought an X-T2 in Japan and shoot so happily with it. I am in LOVE with the shutter sound, best one I have ever heard IRL.
I still love my X-T5 (except when AF-C can't track properly).
@@lionheart4424 Never owned an XT2, everyone swears by its build quality. Happy shooting!
The X-T3 is the one Fujifilm camera I won't sell. You would figure the shutter would go out before all of the dials would wear out. I still love mine!
Yes I picked it up again recently and am very pleasantly surprised. Hope my last body lasts a bit longer!
Great video! Your scripting is fantastic on these with the layers of commentary and themes. Re the dials skipping on your X-T5, consider using your lab skills and supplies to use 99% isopropyl alcohol to flush them out. This worked for me. Take out the battery with the display on, turn it on and off to make sure the power is discharged. Remove the lens, open all the doors .Use a pipette and gently drip it in through the center lock buttons and around the edges. Then click slowly and continue to drip more. A lot more. Let it dry out for a while and give it a try.
Thanks for the tip - now these cameras are out of warranty I am more game to try this out. Thanks for watching!
Great video - love how you weave in some great history of under-appreciated artists as well.
Thank you Johan - very humbling to do research on these artists and very fun to make these videos! More to come soon
Although it isn’t f1.2, their 13mm f1.4 is pretty close to pro-level. Similar build to the 27 and 75 and the aperture ring is the best I’ve ever used. It’s excellent if you like the focal length.
Thanks for the tip Andy - might try that one next!
Fantastic video! Subscribed just now.
Really got me interested in Francesca's art (really creative way of inserting her work throughout the video).
Also got me curious about that Viltrox lens for my X-T4.
I hope my X-T4 lasts longer than 5 years... The paint (or coating, whatever it is on the gray top plate) is slowly starting to chip away. I always thought it was actually metal, not something coated...
I find it interesting you consider the 26mp sensor of the X-T3 better at low light than X-T5, given most reviewers and marketing kept praising new camera for being better at everything. But then as you showed, plenty is unfortunately wrong with the newer fujifilm products...
Also, what is your opinion on that Viltrox compared to another Fujifilm classic as the 16mm f/1.4?
Glad to follow along your content!
Cheers!
The X-T4 is a fantastic camera - I didn't mind the flippy screen and the IBIS and battery life are great. The X-T5 is a great camera too, but I'm not sure how much the improvements matter if you already have an X-T4 (or an X-T3 for that matter!)
The 16mm f1.4 is legendary, I didn't get along with the wider field of view though? The 27mm is more comfortable for my style of shooting - I think it's a tad sharper? The biggest difference is the falloff at 27mm @ f1.2 vs 16mm @ f1.4. Really beautiful if you're into the subject separation look. There's an 8% discount code in the video description if you're interested in the Viltrox. Thanks for watching!
Another good story.. so true is the thought that some device that costs thousands of dollars used to be something that you would keep for a lifetime. I still have Nikon F3 bodies that work great and show no signs of giving up. I guess the mindset has changed with the advanced technologies that our cameras now have. Might Leica and Hasselblad be the last of the lifetime cameras?
Cool lens. Generally I have not considered smaller third party options but it looks like they may be worth a look.
I am hoping my Leica Ms last another decade at least, the upgrade cycle is becoming so quick across the board. Nikons build quality does give me more confidence than these Fujis, let’s see how long they last! Always great to hear from you Dan!
@@BokehTherapy Let’s hope we are getting to the stage that phones are and the temptation to upgrade slows. The companies that support their hardware long term with firmware and hardware support will start to really stand out.
Yes it’s really getting a bit silly with all the upgrades. Hope Nikon’s release strategy + firmware support will continue
After 2 years and counting with my xt5 mmm..... I disagree! get the xt5 and the viltrox 27mm f1.2 (and the 75mm too). The ibis mechanism on the xt5 is great for photography and even some not so extreme video too. (as long as you don't do a lot of moderately fast panning). The only quality issues I've experienced with the camera (and I shoot daily) is that the paint coatings are quite bad and tend to chip easily even if you baby the camera and keep it in a nice padded camera bag, my shutter switch paint is all stripped off but I guess it adds some character to the camera.
Great to get your perspective - glad to hear the build quality issues haven’t affected everyone. Thanks for watching and sharing!
your videos are so calming to watch even if the topic is not interesting for me i isntantly click on your vids man keep up the great work hope u achieve a wider audience!!!!
Wow thank you - every bit helps, trying to find the right topic that resonates with more people. Lots more to come!
Just got this lens a few weeks ago for my XT4 and liking it.
It's way better than it has any right to be... More options are always great!
such an interesting video, i've been considering getting a fuji camera for fun for a while but went with a canon instead. but one day i'll give fuji a try, thanks for pointing those things out. I did try a rf canon viltrox 85mm 1.8 and it was amazing, metal build, great weight and size,i wish i kept it and wish canon would open their mount to viltrox lens, they've been amazing from what i've seen so far. keep up the great work
I think the 85mm was one of the earlier Viltrox lenses to come out! They’ve become a lens powerhouse in a very short amount of time, really impressive! A used XT3 or XT4 seem to be good value as long as you test out those dials. Great to hear from you as always!
@@BokehTherapy i'm just thinking out loud here, but have you considered the opposite of a crop going with a GFX series camera? is there more bokeh than a 85mm 1.2 on the gfx series? ( i know bokeh isn't always everything)
I owned a GFX50R a few years ago. Really loved that system but it was a bit early while Fuji were ironing out the kinks. Their GFX100S is almost perfect, just need the price to come down even more…
@@BokehTherapy oh wow, this is great info! I truely believe now a few cameras for different uses is better than one camera, don't really need too many lens
I never realized how ridiculously big that lens is on the XT body, smh
It’s not as bad as it looks. Is it worth carrying all day travelling…?No. But if you want the 40mm focal length for low light and portraiture, it’s the best lens available, and it isn’t significantly bigger than Fuji’s 33mm while being way better optically.
lol yes it’s not a pancake. Worth it if you want that image quality though
I bought the lens for my A6700 and I was a bit concerned about the weight. However, after using it for the past 4 months it is actually not as bad as I thought. The overall weight is acceptable and my hand did not get tired. The Viltrox 75mm F1.2 which I recently bought though is another story despite being a bit heavier but I can feel the weight is too much. Overall, 27mm F1.2 is ok but 75mm F.2 is really heavy but it is more of a special lens for portraits so I don't really mind it that much since I usually don't do portraits for long period.
@@rsat9526 my thoughts exactly
I still need to try the Viltrox 75mm. I have the Sirui 75mm f1.2 in for testing right now, that lens is a fair bit lighter but it’s not as sharp. Everything’s a tradeoff I suppose
I'm glad you brought this up Jack. Red flag 3 for now only on my X-T30II. I am heading out on a short trip so thought to leave Nikon at home for this one and take the Fujifilm. My 27mm f/2 is perfect for daytime but was considering the the 33mm f/1.4 for night. Frankly, the lens doesn't give me the character that I'm looking for. I believe you reviewed the Viltrox somewhere but I can't find it. Am I making that up?
Hi Juliette! The only other Viltrox lens I have tried is the 56mm f1.7: ruclips.net/video/lJC8IcUcCN8/видео.html I really liked that one too, not sure about its character though. Hope to get more Viltrox lenses on for testing if there is sufficient interest
Thanks for the video!
About Nikon Zf, did you compare Sony 40 f2,5 (with adapter ring) vs Nikon Z40 f2,0? I'd be curious to hear your opinion on the comparison on the Nikon Zf?
I think the Sony 40mm f2.5 performs a little better than Nikon's 40mm f2 (sharpness, aberrations) but lacks more of the charm? Both great lenses, I'd say go with native glass if you have the option
i wonder how the top dials on the nikon ZF will last then if the fugi was a problem?
Me too - Nikon has been around for longer, and tear downs of their Z6 cameras show serious weather sealing. I hope this translates to the Zf too
@@mrrolandlawrence I have plenty of older Nikon bodies that are still running well. I am still using my D3 from time to time with no problems. I expect even the non pro bodies have quite good build quality.
I am sorry to hear that your silver xt3 is starting to fail. I hear about build issues for the xt5 all of the time, and it turned me off about the camera. My xt4 has been going strong for about 4 years, we will see if any of this starts to happen...
The XT4 feels much more robust than the XT3 and the XT5 - might be the last of its kind in the XT line. Hopefully yours keeps going strong!
@@BokehTherapy oh, I figured the xt4 was the first that the build quality suffered. Good build quality is important to me. I hope with the xt6 and beyond they rectify such issues, as I still really like Fujifilm. The 27mm lens sounds quite nice, and with a focal length that feels natural.
Viltrox lenses are kind of unbelievable - caught up with first party very quickly! I have a soft spot for Fuji, waiting for them to have a banner release cycle next year
@@BokehTherapy that is great to hear! It is good to have companies compete like this to push the first party companies not to rest on their laurels. Having not spent a fair amount of time with the Zf and Sony, would you buy another Fujifilm camera? And if so, what do you think it offers that sets it apart?
They’ve got something about the user experience right - the post processing workflow is very simple (unless you want super accurate color reproduction). Nikon has spoilt me for image quality though - Fuji medium format might be the way to pull me back into that system
XT3 is an old camera already? 😅
Man, xpro1 is fine but XT3? Time flies I guess.
Haha it’s on Fuji - so many cameras released since the XT3! xpro1 is still a legend, wish I still had my xpro2
I’ve generally impressed with Viltrox lenses. I used the 16mm f1.8 for vlogging last year, but the size and weight got to me. Maybe the life of your xt3 will be prolonged because you have other cameras that you normally shoot with 😂
Less shutter actuations on it for sure lol! Viltrox have managed to catch up in one generation of lenses, very impressive
1. The build quality has gone down, to save weight and materials and also to maximize profits. This across camera makers.
3. There are a few companies like Cosina who have stick to quality because they are manual lenses.2
3. Many parts are plastic, also helicoils.
4.Viltrox 27mm f1.2 Pro Is crap - my opinion. I would never ever buy any Viltrox lens.
Your mileage may vary on any lens of course - sad state of affairs on cost cutting and build quality. I try to judge products on a case by case basis - every brand has a hit or miss
Where do you get your clothes from? You need to make another channel for fashion - just from your jackets your Amekaji street/workwear style is 🤌
Hey thanks so much! I love shopping in Ameyokocho in Ueno, but can’t always get there. Thankfully there are some great online retailers - Hinoya ship globally, as does Denimio. Will consider a separate fashion channel when I find the time - thanks for watching!