Lens (affiliate): geni.us/Vil135 Direct (affiliate): bit.ly/MarkBennett135LAB Other Lenses Mentioned (affiliates): Sony GM 135: geni.us/Sny135 or geni.us/Sny135ado Viltrox 27mm 1.2: geni.us/Viltrox27 or geni.us/Vil27ado Viltrox 75mm 1.2: geni.us/Viltrox75EMark or geni.us/Vil75Ado
Thank you Mark! This was a great introduction. I hope maybe you’ll come back and do a full review on it after using it for a while. It sure looks like a beauty!
My wife and I aren't afraid to use non big name lenses. She's used a viltrox 85mm f1.8 for 3 years and never once had an issue. Picture quality has always been excellent
Another well-made video! Thank you Mark! I'm glad I decided not to wait for the Viltrox a few months ago. I bought the Samyang 135mm F1.8, it is currently significantly cheaper. It's almost half as heavy and it's sharper! And for all DxO users; There is a lens module for the Samyang.
Totally agree that Viltrox, and some other 3rd party manufacturers, are now turning out some incredibly sharp lenses. But have we reached the limit of sharpness in the same way that we have probably maxed out on Megapixel’s? These new 3rd party lenses all seem to be large both in size and weight, following the Sigma route, whilst Sony is reducing size and weight whilst maintaining or further improving quality. Yes, they are obviously more expensive but, if you can afford it, they are much easier to carry and still work better with AF and in body stabilisation.
Hope they continue to make more great aps-c lenses in the future too. The 27mm and 75mm are my two most used lenses right now. Thinking about trying out their 13mm and 56mm f1.4. But happy to see they are also making strides in the full frame world!
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.
Nice Lens but I can’t wait for this lens. Not sure if Viltrox has some type of agreement that slows down creating AF Lenses for L-Mount but oh well, missed opportunity.
Hi Mark, The last time I watched one of your videos, you had long hair. Looks like the alley next to your house got cleaner. Nice stage, I'm assuming it's in your garage. Anyways, your looking good. I haven't picked up my Sony Alpha ZV-E10 in a long , long, me love you long time. : ) Sorry, I'm back, I had an asian flash back for a sec. Note, Asian phase, sounds good for laugh but do not take the meaning beyond its comedic value. ... I have the trio of static lenses that was very popular back in the day. I think its time to dust off the old kit and make a run down to Mt Rainier for some fresh fall snow pics. Be Way Happy Amigo, Peace, STeVe
01:43 Saddam Hussein selling churros ? Great video, definitely a lens on the shortlist. Curious at what price it will be in China, GM 135/1.8 used mint is US$ 1000, maybe the closest competitor.
I haven’t tested the Samyang, but I do find that samyang generally has more flare and ghosting due to the lens coatings. my guess is that this Viltrox will be better optically because it’s s good as the GM. but I can’t be sure without side-by side. Dustin Abbot owns the Samyang 135 and prefers the optics of this Viltrox. But it’s a lot bigger
The Samyang seems tp be a great lens, but the coatings on Samyang lenses aren't usually this good so you'll get more ghosting and lack of contrast in certain situations. But I'll try to get it in for a comparison
I'm a big fan of the physical markings on aperture rings, and the thing that concerns me here is that you have to turn on the camera to know the aperture setting. Also, the primary focus on the information screen is distance and not aperture; plus there are three pieces of information to look at on the screen, which doesn't make it so straightforward. But it's easy to be a couch critic. I'd take the lens any day regardless if I could afford lenses like they were a dime a dozen of course. 😆
at least it has an LCD screen unlike Sony with nothing. From Canon to Sony, this was the hardest part of the transition and I still hate using Sony lenses because of the missing lens reader.
As per Christopher Frost the SAMYANG 135mm 1.8 is sharper than this lens, same AF speed and accuracy. The Samyang is a bit "more" prone to flare but it's around 150USD cheaper.
It looks good. Christopher Frost reckons the Samyang is slightly sharper, and a bit cheaper but has no aperture ring. Tough choices. I’m looking forward to their zooms. I’d love a 18-50 F2,8 or something like that.
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis I own the Samyang. It is. Which is not to say this Viltrox isn't as sharp. For those of us who have to buy our lenses, the Samyang, especially when on sale, has to be best bang for the 135mm f/1.8 buck.
I was able to get the Samyang for $540 from Amazon during Prime Days last year. For me, it is good enough that it would be difficult to justify replacing it with the Viltrox.
It's usually up to the camera brand if they allow a lens to be made for the mount. Viltrox will likely make this lens for any mount that will allow it.
Why is it none of these independent reviews are being honest about focusing issues with these 3rd party lenses for example moving subjects ? Even you don’t pick up on this along with many others doing RUclips reviews ? Get someone to walk towards and away from the camera at different speeds you will see the autofocus fall over.
Gerald and Arthur R did walking tests. Got 80% hit rate. The Sony GM hit rate will be higher with fast moving subjects - but this is a portrait lens and running at the lens is not how it's use generally used. Don''t say "not being honest" because the test you'd like is not there - it's insulting. I spent hours and hours testing this lens as a portrait lens. Try having a better discussion next time.
No, no, no! _When _ the electronics fail I'm stuck with a fornicating paper weight. Cameras are repairable at reasonable cost. I doubt the same is true for an aftermarket lens. It's most likely more cost effective to buy a new aftermarket lens.👎 👍For the video. 👎 For the inherently flawed lens and it's identically flawed brethren of any brand.
Lens (affiliate): geni.us/Vil135
Direct (affiliate): bit.ly/MarkBennett135LAB
Other Lenses Mentioned (affiliates):
Sony GM 135: geni.us/Sny135 or geni.us/Sny135ado
Viltrox 27mm 1.2: geni.us/Viltrox27 or geni.us/Vil27ado
Viltrox 75mm 1.2: geni.us/Viltrox75EMark or geni.us/Vil75Ado
Honestly, one of the most exciting photography gear manufacturers out there right now
By far! Not only do they just keep releasing lens after lens, they're all great in quality and especially in value!
Viltrox is getting sharper and cheaper. I used to believe top 1 sharpness would be Sigma, but Viltrox is now competing aggressively!
But have autofocus issues but not mentioned here ? Or else where either watch camera conspiracies test watch how laggy and slow the auto focus is
Dang, it keeps up with G master. Viltrox is helping the average consumer experience real quality on a realistic budget.
It's soooo good!!
Small, fast, and cheap. You only get to pick two. Looks like Viltrox decided on Fast and Cheap. Here for it.
Wow, that's a serious chunk of glass! Thanks for another one of these!
go Viltrox go..!!!!
I got my 75 last week and still haven't really wrapped my mind around it. So great
Great review - Thank you!!
Great job on the video Mark! Thanks for making it.
Thank you Mark! This was a great introduction. I hope maybe you’ll come back and do a full review on it after using it for a while. It sure looks like a beauty!
Yes - I'll revisit it for sure after some more experience.
I wish Viltrox would join the L-Mount alliance. They make really good glass imo.
My wife and I aren't afraid to use non big name lenses. She's used a viltrox 85mm f1.8 for 3 years and never once had an issue. Picture quality has always been excellent
What about autofocus?
That lens looks physically huge! Not what I’m looking for lol! Thank you for the information.
haha - it is big!!
Another well-made video! Thank you Mark! I'm glad I decided not to wait for the Viltrox a few months ago. I bought the Samyang 135mm F1.8, it is currently significantly cheaper. It's almost half as heavy and it's sharper! And for all DxO users; There is a lens module for the Samyang.
Would love to see how this lens pairs up with some smaller, APS-C bodies like the FX30 or A6700. Regardless, it's a big step up from Viltrox!
Totally agree that Viltrox, and some other 3rd party manufacturers, are now turning out some incredibly sharp lenses. But have we reached the limit of sharpness in the same way that we have probably maxed out on Megapixel’s? These new 3rd party lenses all seem to be large both in size and weight, following the Sigma route, whilst Sony is reducing size and weight whilst maintaining or further improving quality. Yes, they are obviously more expensive but, if you can afford it, they are much easier to carry and still work better with AF and in body stabilisation.
That’s an amazing lens and price!
Best intro ever.
😂
I love hearing about Viltrox coming out with new amazing lenses. I want them and sigma to be aggressively competitive
Hope they continue to make more great aps-c lenses in the future too. The 27mm and 75mm are my two most used lenses right now. Thinking about trying out their 13mm and 56mm f1.4. But happy to see they are also making strides in the full frame world!
Those APS-C lenses are so great
Yes, 13mm f1.4 is also very good! sharp at f1.4
Saddam Hussein selling burritos at 1:41
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.
you can buy almost 3 of these for the price of one G-Master.... that's insane
YESS!!!!!!
Nice Lens but I can’t wait for this lens. Not sure if Viltrox has some type of agreement that slows down creating AF Lenses for L-Mount but oh well, missed opportunity.
Would be a very interesting pair with an APS-C Format like the a6700 or Fuji XS20 :)
Hi Mark, The last time I watched one of your videos, you had long hair. Looks like the alley next to your house got cleaner. Nice stage, I'm assuming it's in your garage. Anyways, your looking good. I haven't picked up my Sony Alpha ZV-E10 in a long , long, me love you long time. : ) Sorry, I'm back, I had an asian flash back for a sec. Note, Asian phase, sounds good for laugh but do not take the meaning beyond its comedic value. ... I have the trio of static lenses that was very popular back in the day. I think its time to dust off the old kit and make a run down to Mt Rainier for some fresh fall snow pics. Be Way Happy Amigo, Peace, STeVe
01:43 Saddam Hussein selling churros ? Great video, definitely a lens on the shortlist. Curious at what price it will be in China, GM 135/1.8 used mint is US$ 1000, maybe the closest competitor.
5499cny
5499cny
@@周舟-m4u Used Sony GM on Idle Fish 6800.
This or samyang 135mm or the sigma 135mm ? Which do you suggest ?
At present samyang 135mm is sitting on my cart at 625$
I haven’t tested the Samyang, but I do find that samyang generally has more flare and ghosting due to the lens coatings. my guess is that this Viltrox will be better optically because it’s s good as the GM. but I can’t be sure without side-by side. Dustin Abbot owns the Samyang 135 and prefers the optics of this Viltrox. But it’s a lot bigger
@MarkBennettCameraCrisis thanks a lot
I seriously thought from the appearance and size alone that this is a 35-150mm f2-2.8 because it looks very similar!
How does it compare to the Samyang counterpart? It's same price on Amazon.
The Samyang seems tp be a great lens, but the coatings on Samyang lenses aren't usually this good so you'll get more ghosting and lack of contrast in certain situations. But I'll try to get it in for a comparison
Competition is always good for U.S. consumers. Hope Sony doesn’t pull a canon because they feel threatened
Features are nice, but needs more work for me to buy. Rather also have a variable for the longer focal lengths or just do a 85mm prime.
I'm a big fan of the physical markings on aperture rings, and the thing that concerns me here is that you have to turn on the camera to know the aperture setting. Also, the primary focus on the information screen is distance and not aperture; plus there are three pieces of information to look at on the screen, which doesn't make it so straightforward. But it's easy to be a couch critic. I'd take the lens any day regardless if I could afford lenses like they were a dime a dozen of course. 😆
Yes - I think I will likely use this lens in A and control the aperture from the camera dials
viltrox should get into zoom lenses. Think they could do really well
Agreed!!
Missed opportunity for the lens bootup to say 'like & subscribe'.
dammitalltohell!!
at least it has an LCD screen unlike Sony with nothing. From Canon to Sony, this was the hardest part of the transition and I still hate using Sony lenses because of the missing lens reader.
Interesting!!
and my L-MOUNT KEEPS CRYING!
The 75mm is a great lens but it still has some autofocus issues even with the lens updates
As per Christopher Frost the SAMYANG 135mm 1.8 is sharper than this lens, same AF speed and accuracy. The Samyang is a bit "more" prone to flare but it's around 150USD cheaper.
Common viltrox just release a 11mm f1.8 with the plastic body series
Outstanding! Hope they'll make zoom lenses...
Me too!!
...And sell them as gym equipment.
@@rhalfik😂
@rhalfik I think Tamron and Sigma do that already. Sigma 200-500 f/2.8? 35lbs.
It looks good. Christopher Frost reckons the Samyang is slightly sharper, and a bit cheaper but has no aperture ring. Tough choices.
I’m looking forward to their zooms. I’d love a 18-50 F2,8 or something like that.
I haven't used the Samyang - but if it's sharper, then it must be insanely sharp
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis I own the Samyang. It is. Which is not to say this Viltrox isn't as sharp. For those of us who have to buy our lenses, the Samyang, especially when on sale, has to be best bang for the 135mm f/1.8 buck.
I was able to get the Samyang for $540 from Amazon during Prime Days last year. For me, it is good enough that it would be difficult to justify replacing it with the Viltrox.
@@trekkeruss Not to gloat but I got my Samyang 135/1.8 from Amazon during that ever so brief window when it was $475 🙂
@@dpfreedman My memory says I got it that cheap as well, but when I look back though my receipts, it says $540. 🤷♂
So glad I don’t need anymore lenses…oh, hold on………..
😂😂
The size! The weight! Oh my!
It's big!!
They need to get with L Mount already
Hopefully they will be allowed to make one - they'll make them for all the brands who let it happen
I will always stay with Sigma/Sony Lenses
can’t go wrong with that
This product is currently available for pre-order and is expected to be shipped within two weeks.😒
My link says it's available on amazon right now and ships on Nov 9
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Nothing appeared on Amazon spain... I saw the brand in the direct link. Thanks for the work Mark
Perfect cut doesn't exist..
Holy Shi...
haha.
Where is the z mount?
I'm sure it will be out soon. They started with E-Mount
I'm broke Mark!
If it was spent on camera gear - it was worth it
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis This is very sensible. BOUGHT!
@@noisackda2564😂😂
Need X mount lenses 🥲
Sucks that they hate L mount
It's usually up to the camera brand if they allow a lens to be made for the mount. Viltrox will likely make this lens for any mount that will allow it.
Why is it none of these independent reviews are being honest about focusing issues with these 3rd party lenses for example moving subjects ? Even you don’t pick up on this along with many others doing RUclips reviews ? Get someone to walk towards and away from the camera at different speeds you will see the autofocus fall over.
Gerald and Arthur R did walking tests. Got 80% hit rate. The Sony GM hit rate will be higher with fast moving subjects - but this is a portrait lens and running at the lens is not how it's use generally used. Don''t say "not being honest" because the test you'd like is not there - it's insulting. I spent hours and hours testing this lens as a portrait lens. Try having a better discussion next time.
compair samyang 135mm f1.8
gonna try
blah blah blah oh look i got a free viltrox.
No, no, no! _When _ the electronics fail I'm stuck with a fornicating paper weight. Cameras are repairable at reasonable cost. I doubt the same is true for an aftermarket lens. It's most likely more cost effective to buy a new aftermarket lens.👎
👍For the video. 👎 For the inherently flawed lens and it's identically flawed brethren of any brand.
You can just use it like any regular lens, controlled by the camera if you don't trust the screen.
That thing will be interesting on a apsc body.
about 200mm reach - could be a cool look