You seem so jovial. Breath of fresh air in the TH-cam space. Looking forward to seeing more from you. If you haven't seen it, check out the yasuhara anthy35 for Z. It's a MF lens but looks cool and seems to have some character to it. I think I'm going to pick up that and this viltrox 85 very soon
Thank you so much! I love Viltrox lenses - I have reviewed few for Fuji cameras, this one and I am working on a new review of 24mm for Sony-E right now - all very affordable and superb quality
I bought this Viltrox 85 1.8 for nikon and its an amazing lens. Actually Im surprised. Its sharp and color rendition is superb. Its not perfect ( i dont think any lens does) but for the price, its bang for the buck.
I just reignited my passion of photography with Z6. The kit lens was sharp but the experience kinda flat. Native lens are way to steep but I'm buying this Viltrox 85mm and this should put me into different horizon altogether. Thanks!
I got the Mk2 version for my Sony A7iii in 2022. Lovely lens if you need more reach and subject isolation. One hassle was the very tight plastic lens hood, so I bought a new one which screws in to filter thread. If you really want ultra sharp images, use High Pass sharpening set to 0.3 on a duplicate layer and use overlay blend mode (once you have resized your pic).
For the price it certainly gives Nikon a run for its money, I usually am interested in focus when wide open at infinity as that’s when you can tell if a lens is good for things like skyline photography, I know the Nikon does fantastically corner to corner at infinity but does this ?
@@PavSZ that’s good to know, of course I wouldn’t expect it to be as good, but they certainly priced it rather competitively for people to have a second option 👍🏻
Great instructive video Pav, thank you! How would you say, if you had the knowledge, it will compare with the Samyang 85mm 1.4 AF (with FTZ) on the Z-mount?
I want to buy this lens for my nikon z 6 camera but I'm confused about it. does this lens work properly likely nikon z series lenses please share your experience
Hey Pav! Did you actually update your lens with the Chinese firmware updates? I wasn't sure if these worked for the version I bought or if the same model is sold worldwide. Thanks!
Thank you very much for the very detailed review. A very underrated channel! Do you think it is good for low light video shooting (and vlogging) on Nikon Z6? Is there any alternative in price range 400 - 500 $?
@@PavSZ Thanks for the quick reply. I ended up buying the Nikon Nikkor z 50mm f/1.8 s. It's more expensive, but many are praising it and it seems to work fine with video. Thanks again for being helpful!
@@PavSZ well, none of the F lenses respect this setting. I thought, this not being Nikon lens, maybe it might too have some problems with the speed setting.
I asked that because there are vloggers that claim that Nikon prime G lenses using the FTZ adapter can only use 2-axis when used in a Z body with IBIS. So I asked if it is the same in Viltrox.
@@PavSZ This is the answer I've been scouring the internet for. I already have an FTZ adapter so have been debating getting this Viltrox or pickinup up the 85mm f1.8G since they cost about the same. Sound like youre saying go w viltrox?
I just picked up a copy of this lens (albeit for sony FE) and I really like the images I'm getting out of it (especially since I got my copy for $200) but am I the only one who thinks the lens hood is like...satan? It's the most annoying lens hood I've ever used. I thought the one on my sigma 105mm macro was bad but this is a whole new level of frustrating. And it seems to be a proprietary screw mount so I can't just look for another one...probably just going to forego using the hood altogether.
There is a firmware update and instructions on how to calibrate the Sony version to make it f1.6. I will be trying to apply it to this lens and see if it works
Would you go for any third party lenses for your Nikon Z (this or others when there is more available) or would you stick only with Nikon S lenses?
Definitely would love to see more third party lenses, not necessarily all AF but even more like some of the Laowa Z
Would love to see Sigma make lenses for the Nikon’s Z system . Especially their latest F2 contemporary lenses .
@@jtes1442 I hope they are coming soon
I’m very happy with my copy of the lens on my Z6 II.
All good, except that it's Chinese 😁
A solid contributor to the value proposition of the Nikon Z system.
absolutely!
Now all we need is sigma lenses
You seem so jovial. Breath of fresh air in the TH-cam space. Looking forward to seeing more from you. If you haven't seen it, check out the yasuhara anthy35 for Z. It's a MF lens but looks cool and seems to have some character to it. I think I'm going to pick up that and this viltrox 85 very soon
Thank you!
I will check it out
Very nice video, liked the edit and the lighting you used, very professional. Have been seeing good reviews about viltrox lately.
Thank you so much! I love Viltrox lenses - I have reviewed few for Fuji cameras, this one and I am working on a new review of 24mm for Sony-E right now - all very affordable and superb quality
I bought this Viltrox 85 1.8 for nikon and its an amazing lens. Actually Im surprised. Its sharp and color rendition is superb. Its not perfect ( i dont think any lens does) but for the price, its bang for the buck.
absolutely! I still use mine
I just reignited my passion of photography with Z6. The kit lens was sharp but the experience kinda flat. Native lens are way to steep but I'm buying this Viltrox 85mm and this should put me into different horizon altogether. Thanks!
it's not a bad lens at all
I got the Mk2 version for my Sony A7iii in 2022. Lovely lens if you need more reach and subject isolation. One hassle was the very tight plastic lens hood, so I bought a new one which screws in to filter thread. If you really want ultra sharp images, use High Pass sharpening set to 0.3 on a duplicate layer and use overlay blend mode (once you have resized your pic).
good tip! thanks
Perfect review, mate! Love the video.
Glad you enjoyed it! thank you!!!
I had the Fuji mount version of this and loved it.
It's a cracking lens!
2:16 that was a phenomenal photo!
thank you!
It really is....😄
Hey Pav, the best video about the Viltrox lens here! Great Video and for me with not the best english skills good understanding. Best regards, Frankie
thank you so much! I'm glad that it was helpfull
Lovely Review, the photos are great.
On which Z camera did you shoot then on though ?
This was tested on Z6
For the price it certainly gives Nikon a run for its money, I usually am interested in focus when wide open at infinity as that’s when you can tell if a lens is good for things like skyline photography, I know the Nikon does fantastically corner to corner at infinity but does this ?
no but it's not twice worse than Nikon 😉 it's usable
@@PavSZ that’s good to know, of course I wouldn’t expect it to be as good, but they certainly priced it rather competitively for people to have a second option 👍🏻
How does this compare to the older Nikko 85mm 1.8G for F mount?
Really really good review! 🙌🏻 *subscribed*
Thank you!
This lens looks a great! I need to see if it’s offered in Leica L mount!
they don't 😕 Only Sony-E, Fuji X and Nikon Z
Thanks for the review. Curious to know if you tried the aperture
"hack", and if that worked. Best.
Not yet! I'll be trying it shortly. A bit scared about it - I do like the lens and don't want to brick it
Mine just came in the mail and it doesn’t do anything at all. Stays out of focus. What am I doing wrong?
oh no. It could be damaged.
Sony have the Viltrox 85mm 1.8 mark ii. Is this the same lens on z mount?
yes
@@PavSZ coz I wonder why youtubers dont name this viltrox 85 1.8 "stm ii or mark ii' for z mount.
Thank
Great informativenn👍👍👍
Do I get same result if i use this lens with nikon z fc camera?
yes but it won't be 85mm on APS-C sensor anymore
Hey there! Considering Viltrox, but TTArtisan’s new compact 75mm f2 is making me pause. Anybody tried it and can share how it is?
is TTArtisans auto focusing lens?
Great instructive video Pav, thank you! How would you say, if you had the knowledge, it will compare with the Samyang 85mm 1.4 AF (with FTZ) on the Z-mount?
it would probably be very similar - is there Samyang 85mm f1.4 F mount lens avaialble???
@@PavSZ F-mout yes, Z-mount no
Great review but I want to know the after One year experience of the lend .....
Did you have any problem in the lens in one year time period....?
I want to buy this lens for my nikon z 6 camera but I'm confused about it.
does this lens work properly likely nikon z series lenses please share your experience
I ma still using it on daily basis. Excellent, sharp lens. It works exactly the same as Nikon Z lenses
Great video, i will get mine next week from b&h, please make a video regarding the aperture change
I love the lens! I will be trying to run Sony firmware on the Nikon version of the lens - see what happens 😉
@@PavSZ that sounds like a very bad idea... just my opinion
Hi Pav, where can I get a brand new one for my Z5? Ive seen them for £260 new any ideas Reputible UK dealer? Thanks great video.
oh I'm not sure. I'll try Amazon first or from them directly
Hey Pav! Did you actually update your lens with the Chinese firmware updates? I wasn't sure if these worked for the version I bought or if the same model is sold worldwide. Thanks!
not yet. My mac is not reading the firmware in the lens right now - I need to try it on a different computer
@@PavSZ I'm afraid to try it on my PC with a shoot later on, don't want to brick my lens lol
this lens is tempting for me for some astro and some IR photography
it is a great value for money - I might try some astro with it soon! 😉
Thank you very much for the very detailed review. A very underrated channel!
Do you think it is good for low light video shooting (and vlogging) on Nikon Z6? Is there any alternative in price range 400 - 500 $?
thanks you.
I think it is very capable lens for low light video shooting
@@PavSZ Thanks for the quick reply. I ended up buying the Nikon Nikkor z 50mm f/1.8 s.
It's more expensive, but many are praising it and it seems to work fine with video.
Thanks again for being helpful!
Would like to see a comparison with the Nikon Z 85 1.8 S lens !
it's a lens in a different class all together - it's like comparing good and solid, well working Skoda to Ferrari
Thanks for the review! Could you tell me if this lens reacts at all to AF speed setting in video mode?
Not something that I have been testing - I don't see what it should not if the AF works in all modes as with any Nikon S lens
@@PavSZ well, none of the F lenses respect this setting. I thought, this not being Nikon lens, maybe it might too have some problems with the speed setting.
@@kkonst I'll check it next week , I don't have the lens with me this weekend
Hello. Good review, thank you. Can I advise the sun filter on the 1.8 diaphragm
the sun filter?
@@PavSZ уеs
@@ru.wwwwolk did you mean ND filter?
@@PavSZ yes Men, nd filter exacly
i have been facing focusing issue in my Viltrox 85mm lens
it's not perfect but I never had AF issues with it
Awesome photos 👍🏽
Thank you so much!
Will the IBIS of the camera still work using this Viltrox lens?
yes
@@PavSZ All the 5-axis?
@@roybraym yes, I can't see what it would not work. It works fully with all of my vintage lenses
I asked that because there are vloggers that claim that Nikon prime G lenses using the FTZ adapter can only use 2-axis when used in a Z body with IBIS.
So I asked if it is the same in Viltrox.
How does this compare to 1.8G for f mount ?
I think it's a better lens overall and you don't need FTZ adapter with it
@@PavSZ thanks. Owning the G version and wondering is it worth changing sharpness and performance wise
@@PavSZ This is the answer I've been scouring the internet for. I already have an FTZ adapter so have been debating getting this Viltrox or pickinup up the 85mm f1.8G since they cost about the same. Sound like youre saying go w viltrox?
@@jeremyn6726 I do personally like it a lot - feels modern and delivers solid results
I just picked up a copy of this lens (albeit for sony FE) and I really like the images I'm getting out of it (especially since I got my copy for $200) but am I the only one who thinks the lens hood is like...satan? It's the most annoying lens hood I've ever used. I thought the one on my sigma 105mm macro was bad but this is a whole new level of frustrating. And it seems to be a proprietary screw mount so I can't just look for another one...probably just going to forego using the hood altogether.
yes!!!! it is SATAN!
I know - get one which fits the filter thread.
Looks good enough👍
It does!
Thank you
You're welcome!
How to make this a f1.6 lens?
There is a firmware update and instructions on how to calibrate the Sony version to make it f1.6.
I will be trying to apply it to this lens and see if it works
@@PavSZ cool!
Please post a video if it works. I heard there were issues if you mount a flash- there would be a delay in the shutter?
Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏
You're most welcome
First lmaooooo
No one cares
Haha!! I DO! Well done! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@PavSZ oh thanks !! I loved the video thank you keep on going :))
@@franciscovanluffelen3465 thank you!