Viltrox has released its new 85mm F1.8 STM autofocus prime lens for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless camera systems.
The autofocus lens is constructed of 10 elements in 7 groups, including five ‘short wave length and high transparency’ elements and one low-dispersion element. Viltrox claims the lens, which uses a stepping motor (STM) to drive the autofocus elements, features full autofocus support, including compatibility with Nikon’s Eye-AF technology. Other features include an aperture range of F1.8–16, a nine-blade aperture diaphragm, an 80cm (31.5″) minimum focusing distance and a 72mm front-filter thread.
Viltrox has also included an onboard micro USB port for updating the lens’ firmware. The lens measures in at 92mm (3.62″) long, 80mm (3.15″) in diameter and weighs 540g (1.2lbs).
The lens is currently available to purchase on Amazon for $ 399. That’s $ 300 less than the MSRP of Nikon’s own Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S lens.
Viltrox has announced the release of its new AF 33mm F1.4 and 56mm F1.4 APS-C prime lenses for Sony E-mount camera systems.
The new 33mm F1.4 (50mm full-frame equivalent) features an all-metal construction and is comprised of 10 elements in 9 groups, including one extra-low dispersion element and one high refractive index element. It features the option to manually or automatically control the aperture, a minimum focusing distance of 40cm (15.75″), offers a built-in micro USB port for updating the firmware and is compatible with Sony’s Eye AF technology thanks to its onboard stepping motor (STM) driving the autofocus.
The lens measures in at 72mm long, 65mm diameter and weighs 270g (9.5oz). Viltrox has a full list of compatible Sony cameras on the 33mm F1.4 product page, where you can also buy the lens today for $ 259.
Moving onto the 56mm F1.4 (85mm full-frame equivalent), it too features an all-metal construction and is comprised of 10 element in 9 groups, including an extra-low dispersion element and a high fraction index lens. Interestingly, unlike the 33mm F1.4 lens, the 56mm F1.4 lens appears to be identical in optical design and features to the 56mm F1.4 lens Viltrox released for Fujifilm X-mount systems back in September.
The 56mm F1.4 also supports Sony Eye AF technology, has a built-in micro USB port for updating the lens’ firmware and uses an STM motor for driving autofocus. The lens measures in at 72mm long, 65mm diameter and weighs 290g (10.2oz).
You can find a full compatibility list on Viltrox’s 56mm F1.4 product page, where you can also pre-order the lens for $ 299.
The $ 400 Viltrox 85mm F1.8 lens is a popular choice for Sony E and Fujifilm X users due to its compelling blend of performance and value. Owners have remarked that the lens delivers sharp image quality even when shot wide open. It now appears that wide open can be made even wider with a firmware update allowing the lens to become an F1.6 prime.
Photographer Stefan Malloch has published a video tutorial, seen below, which shows how to use the USB port on the lens to update the lens. This update allows the lens to open its aperture wider, changing the maximum aperture from F1.8 to F1.6. With a simple firmware update, you can get an extra one-third of a stop of light gathering capability.
As PetaPixel notes, there are conflicting reports as to the origin of the firmware. Sony Addict reported that the firmware was released officially in China. FujiRumors, on the other hand, reached out to Viltrox and was told that firmware to turn the F1.8 lens into an F1.6 lens had not been released. All this is to say that installing (possibly unofficial) firmware into your lens is a risk with unknown consequences.
Supposing you still want to update your lens using Malloch’s video above, what can you expect from the Viltrox 85mm F1.6 lens? Malloch also published an overview video of the lens, including sample images.
As mentioned earlier, the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 (or F1.6) lens is available as a full-frame lens for Sony E mount or for the APS-C Fujifilm X system. The fast, autofocus-capable prime lens can focus as closely as 2.62′ (0.8m). The lens includes 10 elements across 7 groups, including 1 ED lens element and 4 ‘short-wavelength and high-transparency’ lens elements. The lens has a 72mm filter thread and weighs 636g (1.4 lbs.). You can learn more about the lens on Viltrox’s website.
Lens manufacturer Viltrox has issued a statement warning customers that a number of its X-mount lenses can damage Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera bodies.
The statement, seen below, notes that ‘it would be better not [to] use [the] Viltrox 23mm, 33mm or 85mm X-mount lenses’ with Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera systems, as it can damage the camera ‘due to the structural conflict [wherein] they will scratch a little bit against each other.
This information is backed up by reports on this DPReview forum post from Pete Richardson that notes his Viltrox 85mm lens rubs up against the lens release button on the X-Pro3 camera body, causing ‘the slightest mark on the edge of the collar surrounding the release button.’ The reason this only affects X-Pro3 camera bodies is that the lens release button sticks out ever-so-slightly further than that on the X-Pro2, as illustrated in this screenshot from CameraSize.com by DPReview reader DarnGoodPhotos:
Note how the lens release button on the X-Pro3 sticks out marginally further than on the X-Pro2.
If that is the case, the damage would be mostly cosmetic, but it’s probably best to avoid using the lenses with the camera unless you don’t mind scratching up either item.
Viltrox has announced the release of its new 33mm F1.4 APS-C autofocus lens for Canon EF-M mount, Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X-mount camera systems as well as the impending arrival of a 20mm T2 cinema lens for L-mount camera systems.
33mm F1.4 APS-C lens
The Viltrox 33mm F1.4 APS-C lens is one of the three APS-C lenses it teased back in August 2019. The autofocus lens is constructed of ten elements in nine groups, including one extra-low dispersion (ED) element and one high-refraction element.
It features Viltrox’s ‘noiseless’ stepping motor (STM focus motor) for driving the autofocus unit, features an aperture range of F1.4 through F16, uses a nine-blade aperture diaphragm, has a minimum focusing distance of 40cm (15.75in) and uses an ‘HD Nano’ multilayer coating on an unspecified number of elements to help improve water resistance and minimize chromatic aberration.
No dimensions are given for the lens in the press release, but it weighs 270g (9.5oz) and uses a 52mm front filter thread. Viltrox says pre-orders will open tomorrow on its website, with a retail price of $ 279.99.
Viltrox also told us to expect other ‘lens(es)’ to launch sometime in May, likely a nod to the 23mm and 56mm F1.4 lenses in Viltrox’s APS-C lineup.
20mm T/2 L-mount cinema lens
Viltrox has also shared the details of its forthcoming 20mm T/2 cinema lens for L-mount camera systems.
The lens will be constructed of 12 elements in 9 groups, include one double-sided aspherical element, four ED elements and one short wave-length, highly-transparent element. Like the 33mm F1.4 APS-C lens, the 20mm T/2 lens offers Viltrox’s ‘HD Nano’ coating on an unspecified number of elements.
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 25cm (9.8in), has an aperture range of T2 through T16, uses a 14-blade aperture diaphragm and uses an 82mm front filter thread. It will measure in at just over 100mm (4in) long, 80mm (3.15in) diameter at the front and will weigh 808g (28.5oz).
No specific release date or pricing information has been given at this time, with ‘coming soon’ being the only indicator so far. We have contacted Viltrox for more information and will update this article if we receive further information.
The post Review – Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Fujifilm appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Suzi Pratt.
It used to be that photographers were wary of third-party camera lens makers because they often sacrificed quality for a cheaper price. However, that’s no longer the case today. In fact, third-party lens makers such as Tamron and Sigma are now creating viable lens alternatives that even professional photographers are turning to. Relatively new to the game is Viltrox, a Chinese camera accessory manufacturer. They recently put out the Viltrox PFU RBMH 85mm f/1.8 STM and I tested it out with my Fujifilm X-T3. Here are my thoughts.
Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 lens for Fujifilm
Lens specs
The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 lens is a fixed autofocus lens available for both Fujifilm X-Mount and Sony E-Mount cameras. It’s interesting to note that this is a full-frame lens as it works with both Sony FE and crop-sensor camera bodies; if Fujifilm made a full-frame mount, it would likely work with that as well.
This is a hefty lens, weighing in at 1.4 lbs (636 grams). It is an all-metal body that, unfortunately, is not weather-sealed. However, it would likely be able to hold up well over time, given its hard exterior.
The lens is simple with no buttons or controls on the body, which made for an interesting usability experience (more on that below). It comes with both a lens hood and front and rear caps.
Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm with the included lens cap and lens hood.
Filter size: 72mm
Focal length: 85mm (roughly 127.5 mm on a crop-sensor)
Aperture range: F1.8-F16
Optical structure: 10 Elements in 7 Groups
Aperture Blades: 9
Focusing distance: 0.8m~?
Flange distance: 17.7mm
Object distance image ratio: 1:8
Image stabilization (IS): No IS or vibration reduction
Weight: 636g (1.4lb)
Price: $ 399 USD
Comparable lenses
One of the biggest selling points of this lens is its price: US$ 399 for an f/1.8 short prime lens is a pretty good deal.
Looking at Fujifilm’s native lens library, your closest other choices are the XF80mm f/2.8 for US$ 1,199.00 and XF90mm f/2 for US$ 729.99.
When compared to these two lenses, the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 seems like a steal at its price point, plus it is the fastest lens of the bunch.
Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm compared in size to the Fuji 18-55mm.
Usability
Part of the joy of shooting with a Fujifilm camera is the experience. Most cameras, including the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-H1 that I use, have dedicated buttons and dials for setting details such as shutter speed and ISO.
All official Fujifilm lenses are built to integrate well with this shooting experience as they include a dedicated aperture ring used to control your F-stop. This little tidbit is where shooting with the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 took some getting used to.
The Viltrox lens has no buttons or dials on it, and no aperture ring for adjusting the aperture. Instead, the front dial on your Fujifilm camera becomes the default way of changing your aperture. For long-time Fujifilm shooters, this is a strange thing to get used to.
Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm on the Fuji X-H1.
Camera lens balance
Another thing to get used to is the weight of this lens.
Fujifilm mirrorless cameras are typically quite lightweight and compact compared to many of their full-frame competitors. As a result, which camera body you choose to pair with this lens can make a big difference in how you shoot with it.
When attached to my Fujifilm X-T3, the camera was harder to hold due to the shallow grip on the X-T3. In comparison, the Viltrox felt better balanced when paired with the Fujifilm X-H1, which has a more solid body with a deeper handgrip.
However, don’t forget that you can enhance the grip of most cameras like the X-T3 by using the optional battery grips or adding an L-bracket.
Autofocus
The autofocus is a mixed bag. While the autofocus mechanism is accurate once you secure focus, it does quite a bit of hunting when you first begin framing your subject. This is also not a very quiet lens, and you can hear the focus mechanism as it works to find focus. It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker unless you shoot a lot of fast-moving subjects, or really need dependable autofocus. But you get what you pay for.
Image quality
Image quality is spot on and in line with what you would expect from a Fujifilm camera. Sharpness, color, and contrast are all great at various apertures, but the best feature is the bokeh. When shooting wide open at f/1.8, you get bokeh that is insanely smooth and gorgeous.
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/12 sec, f/1.8, ISO 200
In conclusion
Is the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 lens worth it? It depends on your budget and expectations for quality.
Many features from solid build quality, respectable integration with the Fujifilm system, and overall image quality are on-point. However, autofocus is not as reliable as it would be on a native Fujifilm lens.
Then again, you’ll be paying a lot more money for a similar Fujifilm lens, so if the cost is an issue, you really can’t go wrong with this lens given its price point.
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/5000 sec, f/1.8, ISO 1000
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/4000 sec, f/1.8, ISO 1600
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/2200 sec, f/2.5, ISO 200
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/60 sec, f/5, ISO 200
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/5000 sec, f/1.8, ISO 3200
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/4000 sec, f/1.8, ISO 400
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/4000 sec, f/1.8, ISO 800
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/4000 sec, f/1.8, ISO 1600
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/950 sec, f/1.8, ISO 200
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/2200 sec, f/1.8, ISO 200
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/300 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200
Fujifilm X-H1 with Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 – 1/800 sec, f/1.8, ISO 200
The post Review – Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Fujifilm appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Suzi Pratt.
Chinese camera gear brand Viltrox is planning to release three autofocus lenses for Fujifilm X-mount, Sony E-mount, and Leica M-mount, according to FujiRumors, which initially spied the upcoming products back in May.
In a new report published this week, FujiRumors detailed the alleged specs for the three lenses, product images for which it found published on Viltrox’s official profile on Chinese social media website Sina Weibo. Below are images of the lenses and a breakdown of the specifications based on the charts provided by Viltrox:
It’s unclear when the new lenses will launch. The initial report in May claimed on behalf of a source that the new models may launch in October, but the latest report points toward ‘around November’ as the official release time frame. Prices haven’t been revealed at this time. These three lenses will join Viltrox’s previously launched 85mm F1.8 autofocus APS-C lens.
Chinese camera accessory manufacturer Viltrox has announced a new 85mm F1.8 autofocus lens for Sony E-mount camera systems.
The lens, which has an aperture range of F1.8 to F16, is designed for full-frame Sony cameras, but also works as a 127.5mm equivalent on APS-C cameras. It’s constructed of ten elements in seven groups, including one extra-low dispersion element and four specialty elements made from ‘highly transparent glass,’ which Viltrox says reduces aberrations and improves color rendering. Viltrox also uses an ‘HD Nano’ multi-layer coating on individual elements to minimize ghosting and flares.
A stepping motor (STM) is used to drive the autofocus and the lens features a minimum focusing distance of 80cm (2.62ft). The front filter size is 72mm and integrated contacts power the aperture mechanism and deliver EXIF data to compatible Sony cameras.
Viltrox doesn’t provide the dimensions of the lens, but it weighs 636g (1.4lbs). One of the more interesting elements of the lens is an integrated microUSB port located on the rear metal mount of the lens. This connector is used to upgrade the lens’ firmware, which is currently listed as version 1.01 at launch.
B&H currently has the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 STM Lens for Sony E-mount available to pre-order for $ 379. The expected shipping date is May 6, 2019.
Hong Kong based manufacturer Viltrox has announced three new electronic lens adapters for Sony E mount and Micro Four Thirds cameras. The NF-E1 model lets you use Nikon Nikon F mount lenses on Sony E mount cameras. The EF-M1 and EF-M2 models let you connect Canon EF and EF-S lenses to your Micro Four Thirds camera.
The latter comes with with four optical elements in four groups. According to the manufacturer this design results in a, compared to the EF-M1, one stop faster aperture and a focal length multiplier of 0.71x.
All adapters are made of metal and come with a USB port for firmware updates and gold-plated electronic contacts. Autofocus and aperture-adjustment from the camera are supported and Viltrox says the EF-models are compatible with all Canon EF lenses. Pricing and retail information have not yet been released.
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