Yep. *sigh*. I was up until 4:55 a.m. this morning trying to fix the audio. When it was imported into a Final Cut Pro multicam edit timeline, it screwed something up with the audio. Something is off with either that workflow or a setting somewhere, or, something was off when going from mono --> multicam --> dual mono --> Timeline. It's crazy because I 100% had run a de-esser and re-ran it twice in RX 10 audio editor. I'll take a look at this later on today. I can't do anything about this video, but I'll ensure it gets resolved before future videos. I hear it also, and it's terrible. Good audio is over 1/2 the experience of any video. I actually appreciate your letting me know, as I thought I was going crazy. 👍 I'll leave this pinned to the top of the comments, as I'm sure others will notice this audio issue as well.
@@stevegeorge7773 Interesting. To be clear, autofocus on many lenses and the stepping exposure issue I see a lot with various lenses. I think it becomes more pronounced when it opens up to as wide as f/1.2, and that focus by wire reaches from foreground to background. I don't know if it's in the 3rd party communication with the camera's autofocus system or what, but I wouldn't use this or most lenses like it in fully Auto mode for either exposure or AF. For sure, you can use it with video, but as I mentioned in the video, it's helpful to set the exposure to fully manual (to avoid the exposure stepping) and, of course, manual focus if you are in a position to do that. If not, then set AF to AF-C, with AF Speed to something like 0 or -1. You can get by with this workaround, I think. But no, I would not consider this a 'video lens,' even though Viltrox makes the best 3rd party lenses for the Fuji system. And lastly, I tested one of the first lenses they had available. So it could be that this either was improved (or will be) in a firmware update.
@@pal2techYep, one can expect improvements by firmware - the 75mm f/1.2 performed much better in video with the latest firmware, albeit not flawlessly. Very probably it will have newer firmware, just not take it for granted.
@@pal2tech Hello! Among these 2, Which do you recommend to start product/Food photo with Fuji XT4 …Vittrox 85mm ($349) or Fuji 90mm? :) I read a few reviews saying that Vittrox doesn’t last longer :/
Your reviews are the best in the industry. They get to the point, fast paced, funny and I learn things I didn’t even know I needed. I also trust you whether you received a gift or not. We all know how honest and honorable you are! YOU are the reason I switched to Fujifilm from Nikon, And it has been the best decision of my life. ❤
Your point at the end regarding Viltrox developing zoom lenses is right on. The prime lens focal lengths are now overly covered for Fujifilm cameras. Also, I bought into Fujifilm because of their small lenses. Now the new lenses are mostly focused on larger lenses for maximum sharpness and wide apertures. But these large lenses are far from ideal for travel.
It's great seeing these lenses however as it cements apsc as viable for pro use which is awesome but yeah the compactness is still not to be dismissed.
We could 100% still benefit from a 135mm, 8mm and even a 300mm. I’d like to see viltrox stick to making primes; I think Sigma and Tamron will have us covered on the Zoom end of lenses.
"Now the new lenses are mostly focused on larger lenses for maximum sharpness and wide apertures." did the compact lenses like the F2 primes cease to exist just because they released some larger lenses? No, thus your argument is invalid. Mind-boggling how that has to be explained.
Yeah. I've been contemplating switching from m4/3 but the lens bulk is real. A lineup of tiny f/2.8 primes would really tempt me to switch. (My current go-to lens is only 100g!)
Looks like another excellent technical achievement for Viltrox. However, for me that focal length would mainly be for stuff like street photography and everyday-carry type of stuff, for which I would not want that bulk and weight, so I'll stick with the Fuji 27mmF/2.8 for now. Might be interested if Fuji added that focal length to the F/2.0 line of compact "Fujicron" lenses, though.
The 27mm f2.8 is just unbeatable. I thought maybe that plus a larger, faster lens would be a good combo. But I sold the 56mm 1.4 after realizing the 27mm is all I will ever need (probably naive but happy for now)
Hey man. I just wanted to let you know that your energy in the reviews make my day. You also inspire me alot to pick up my camera and to keep shooting. Always keep up this amazing energy! Greetings from Turkey 🌊 ☀
@@ChristianThueringer It's coming! They heard me. " 135mm f/1.8 Lab Series coming by the end of 2023. Lab Series image quality and performance will be higher than the Pro series"
@@Eyeofkamau It's coming! They heard me. " 135mm f/1.8 Lab Series coming by the end of 2023. Lab Series image quality and performance will be higher than the Pro series"
I bought this lens for 100% photography. I didn’t have the issue with hood that you hear. Only issue I had is that the back caps (which should be the same for the 27mm and 75mm) don’t fit the same on both lenses - they can be quite loose once swapped. Photo quality and focus were awesome - really think these may be some of the best X-mount lenses yet!
I already have the 33 1.4 so I don't see a reason to get this one. However it's always great to see more 3rd party options, especially if they're cheaper than fuji glass.
I just received my copy of Viltrox 27mm1.2. I believed Viltrox has done some adjustments to the lens hood. First, I found the lens hood is rather hard to attach the lens and secondly it takes considerable effort to remove it . I have to exert considerable strength to twist the hood off the lens.Just for your info.
Hi Pal2tech! Why are you not talking about huge focus breathing on viltrox 27 1.2? It is very noticable even in your footages and it is much worse that 18-55 xf. Is that a common case for all the fixed focus large aperture lens? Do you compare lenses on that parameter and what lens do you suggest for video ?
Brilliant... as usual. Greetings from Belgium. I go now tho shop this lens right away (because your vids are so serious and didactic). Thanks for sharing.
Always classy reviews very appreciated 🙏 I went with Viltrox's 1.4 33mm simply because the size was perfect and was not disappointed it's great to see them really put the heat on fuji. I totally agree with the zooms as well, waiting for some 3rd party to take on the classic 70-300 zoom for Fuji 🎉
Great and honest review as always! As for the zoom lens, I'm more excited to see what Sigma, Tamron and Viltrox will do than Fuji themselves. So glad I moved to Fuji back in 2018.
Hi, Sigma already released a zoom lens for Fuji. I'm talking about Sigma 18-50 f2.8 DC DN Contemporary. I am waiting for bright but less heavy and bulky lenses 😅
I will absolutely never trust viltrox again after my experience with their customer support. It feels like they send reviewers better units than they actually sell because my 56 1.4 from them was by far the softest lens I’ve ever used, and they refused to replace it even within the warranty period. It looked like someone smeared Vaseline all over the lens, even when things were “in focus” the whole image was blurry even stopped down to f8. Their customer service literally ghosted me and just spammed me with troubleshooting guides on their site even when I followed everything, updated the lens firmware, it’s a dud and they refused to replace it. I know I’m not the only one who’s had bad experiences with them. I’ve seen others speculate that the review units are of a higher quality than the retail ones because the difference in sharpness is hard to even articulate, it looked like I was shooting with a plastic lens, it was that bad.
the f1.4 line up has pretty bad QC, and you're talking about a chinese brand, ofc the CS is shit, also these pro lenses are absolutely stellar, none of the copies i have seen (around 10 of my friends) are bad and all of ours are just as good as the reviews
long time watcher, first time commenter! Shout out regarding the Sake bottle; love that particular one myself :) i always wonder why premium sake is not more of a thing globally, the variety of tastes is amazing
How are those Viltrox lenses doing about embedding their lens correction profile in the protocol with the camera ? (The camera itself uses that to correct the jpegs and to include it in the raw files. Photo editors like C1 use it to correct distortion, vignetting and transversal chromatic aberration).
An excellent review, as we've come to expect from you 🙏 I think these 'new' Chinese lens companies are going to be real competition for longer established manufacturers. The Chinese brands are making both quirky, and high quality lenses at remarkable prices.
I like the 75mm pro lens, but the 27mm being almost the same size and weight is kinda meh to me. I'd buy the fuji 33mm f1.4 or the fuji 23mm f1.4 for the extra 200 to 300 dollars. It's much smaller and lighter and offers comparative image quality. You know weight and size makes a huge difference if you ever take your lens with you while you travel/hike/walk around the city. If you just want a studio lens, then by all means.
Viltrox are excelling with these fast primes, we need more of them, what we don't want is Viltrox going down the Zoom road unless there fast zooms in the f1.8 range, then of course people will whinge because there to big and expensive. there's plenty of zooms out there for Fuji, Viltrox needs to keep making high quilty glasses that others simply don't offer to avoid becoming a aslo ran.
any idea which lens is the best one for video? let says for vlogging and travelling? fujinon 10-24 or viltrox 13mm does the same autofocusing as this 27mm? please reply :) thanks!
I think a lot of people look at the spec sheet and focus on the aperture of f1.2, not for added low light ability but for the narrow depth of field, which you talk about. Viltrox is alao marketing it this way: for portraits. However, I think its worth mentioning that the fuji 33 1.4 is itself also a stellar lens, and while IQ as ever is subjective, the fact is the depth of field with that 33 1.4 will be quite a bit shallower than the 27 1.2, both wide open at the same diatance from subject. And its a lot smaller. Which is emphasised even more if you are going to mostly stop it down a little anyway. Of course 33mm isn't 27mm - although for a portaits shooter, I dont think the focal length is decisive here. So as you say, a lens for someone looking for a fast 27mm, but I don't think worth selling off the Fuji 33 for!
Gotta factor in price and focal length. If you want bokeh then something like 56/75 is gonna be better for you. I found the 1.2 aperture on the 75 to be fantastic for low light in really challenging conditions. 27 I would imagine would provide same benefits except at a wider focal length. I don’t think it’s fair to really compare it to the 33 1.4, they aren’t same focal length or price range.
@@MOTOJendays There's about €150 difference in price depending on where you shop right now. I paid €100 more than the 27 is selling for. Not a huge difference to make it the deciding factor. Used of course you'll be able to pick up a 33 1.4 cheaper than the 27. And it's completely legitimate to compare the 27 to the 33 if you buy it for portraits. We're talking the difference between taking one step forward or back. They are alternatives for the same situations. 56/75/90 different story. Obviously there are lots of options that will get you shallower depth of field than the 27 f1.2 in the 30-35mm range - even the sigma 30mm f1.4 (just). And you are right that longer focal lengths will be better for bokeh and DoF, for a completely different look. It sounds like you're more in the extra light gathering camp. But I have not seen any reviews at all in which this is pushed as the main advantage of the lens - it's all about IQ and depth of field with light gathering getting a side mention. This really removes the budget options from the equation, and the 27 2.8 lenses, but not the Fuji 33/35 1.4. But as far as light gathering is concerned, no argument there. And if someone is constantly shooting at 12800, maybe being able to shoot at 10,000 instead is a big deal. But if you tend to shoot no higher than 1600, is being able to shoot at 1250 instead such a big deal, or iso 640 instead of 800? Nice for sure to be able to stop down a fraction, but the trade off is obviously the size, flaring at times and the lousy video performance if that matters. Over the 23, the 27 has a much bigger advantage... although 23mm is more of a goldilocks focal length. But I can see some willing to give up some width for smoother and shallower DoF - especially if the priority is environmental portraits. Personally for environmental portraits, I like to have a little more environment and to be able to get a lot closer. And to be subtle and/or disarming. With smaller lenses people are happier to engage and show their true personalities I find. So I can see that 27mm might be a perfect between focal length for some. It could save buying both the 23 and 33, or it could replace both to simplify. A compromise. Others might just really like the focal length or value just having the one lens mounted for a job and not having to change (as much). But the 1/3 stop difference means a lot more as a spec than in real life unless you are constantly at the extremes of the current 23 or 33 lenses. I'm more in the simplify my gear camp. But creating more space on the shelf is less relevant (for me) than the space I will lose in the pack as I'd only carry either the 23 or 33, never both. So much like the 75, I think the "pro" tag hits the mark. Lenses for those that are working pros for whom bulk is not as important. Have two bodies, one with the 75, one with the 27 and you could be set for many events with a couple of zooms at hand.
@@brownbear100 I'm sorry but that's way too much for me to read over an opinion over the 27 vs the 33 lol. I really don't believe you can find an used 33 cheaper than a 27. That's insane. Cheapest 33 1.4s here in the US are like $750-$800. New is $900-$1k. And yes the only reason to talk about f1.2 vs f1.4 is the light gathering. In terms of dof it's almost nothing. It's a no brainer that 33 1.4 has more shallow dof.
@@brownbear100 I guess simply put it. You're trying to compare the focal lengths. Not the lens. And there's no objectively better focal length. Just cause you like 33 1.4 for the more shallow dof. Doesn't make it more appealing to everyone else who may like shooting with a 27.
For video, is the AF much worse than the XF 23mm 1.4 (new) or 33mm 1.4? Is it because of AF's last landing? As usual, thank you for the video, which is informative and has a lot to learn.
I totally agree with your findings on its video autofocus behavior, even with manual focus, the focus breathing is too much of my taste. I returned mine after trying out on my X-S20. If Viltrox fixes these with future firmware, I’ll give it a try again. Great review.
How are those Viltrox lenses doing about embedding their lens correction profile in the protocol with the camera ? (The camera itself uses that to correct the jpegs and to include it in the raw files. Photo editors like C1 use it to correct distortion, vignetting and transversal chromatic aberration.)
By the way, on the 75 mm Pro VIltorx, did the firmware update address the "slow" autofocus reported by some owners? I'm referring to the comments I saw on the co. website. Thank you.
You mentioned the AE responsiveness of the Viltrox 27 Pro struggles a bit in video mode. How would you describe the effectiveness of the lens's AE lens with still photography (if you're in any sort of automatic or semi-automatic mode, e.g., when you only set aperture + SS, leaving the camera to choose the ISO & overall exposure? I've noticed in shooting with this lens that I sometimes have still pics where the exposure is completely off, which is not something I see as much with comparable native Fuji lenses like the XF 33 1.4. Thanks for putting together this video. I always find your perspectives very helpful.
Thanks for this fair review. I was very excited by this lens but the video autofocus behavior and light management are bit disapointing. I hope firmware update can correct this, but for now i put on hold my order
Looks terrific. Only its weight and lack of linear motor stop me changing my Fuji 33mm f1.4 to it. (I know the Viltrox's stepping motor still autofocuses really well - but just not quite as crisply in Continuous autofocus mode, apparently, which is a mode I use a lot). Well, I also simply want to learn the classic 33mm (50mm equivalent full frame) focal length. My 33mm's lens hood fell off on my first proper outing with the that lens and is gone for good (replaced by a nice metal Haoge one). I backtracked for 20 minutes in the rain but never found it. So yeah I don't rate the Fuji lens hood either.
Nice review! Thanks! But I don'T get it totally.... ehh. I would think the auto ISO is fully the camera's task. (as the shutter too) So if the aperture is fixed, how could the lens influence the exposure? I suppose whith other lenses the auto ISO is smooth on x-t5 (it is beautyfull on my xh2s - video -whith a tamron lens) .
Adding on to the lens hood. I have gotten the Viltrox 16MM E mount lens, yes it's not a X-mount. But it's about the hood. It's flimsy and drops off really easily, the lens overall feels good but just they have to improve their lens hood imo. Note the hood can also skips pass the locking mechanism. Other than that. Their optics are excellent.
Would be interested in a comparison video of the Viltrox 27 vs the Fuji 30mm f 2.8. I do have the Fuji so do not see a need for this lens, still would be curious about how they compare.
With Viltrox we are likely to see further AF improvement via firmware updates. I like their 75mm, quite impressed and seriously looking at getting the 27mm f/1.2 as well - it is a little but different.
How are those Viltrox lenses doing about embedding their lens correction profile in the protocol with the camera ? (The camera itself uses that to correct the jpegs and to include it in the raw files. Photo editors like C1 use it to correct distortion, vignetting and transversal chromatic aberration).
How come the IBIS is worse with non-Fujifilm lenses? I have the Viltrox 75 and if I try to take photos with 1/30s I often get motion blur. But when I use the 90mm f2 from Fuji, I get pretty consistently sharp photos at 1/15s.
Because viltrox reverse engineer the logic, doesn't have official support/partnership with Fujifilm. Tokina, voigtlander, sigma, tamron, and Zeiss are the official one
@@tridinh1011 My comment is outdated now, they fixed the issue. But to address your confusion, IBIS stands for "in camera image stabilization". So I was talking about how effective the IBIS in my camera is when this lens is on it. As I said, they have fixed this now in a firmware update. So if you have this lens and a camera with IBIS, then update the lens if its on older firmware.
We need zoom lens, right. We need a renewed and improved 18-55 or similar. And cheap. And not extremely bulky! And any f2 WR small lense would be welcome (particularly 18mm given that Fuji’s not WR and not sharp, and 23mm which is the weekest of Fujicrons)
Depends on the vendor, lens, etc. About 2/3 want them returned. 1/3 don't, often because they don't want to pay international shipping costs. If they want it back, I'll always return it. But they do have to pay for shipping costs.
You need a desser on this one.
Yep. *sigh*. I was up until 4:55 a.m. this morning trying to fix the audio. When it was imported into a Final Cut Pro multicam edit timeline, it screwed something up with the audio. Something is off with either that workflow or a setting somewhere, or, something was off when going from mono --> multicam --> dual mono --> Timeline. It's crazy because I 100% had run a de-esser and re-ran it twice in RX 10 audio editor. I'll take a look at this later on today. I can't do anything about this video, but I'll ensure it gets resolved before future videos. I hear it also, and it's terrible. Good audio is over 1/2 the experience of any video. I actually appreciate your letting me know, as I thought I was going crazy. 👍
I'll leave this pinned to the top of the comments, as I'm sure others will notice this audio issue as well.
@@pal2tech I was surprised that the video side of the Viltrox seemed not as great. It is marketed as a video lense.
@@stevegeorge7773 Interesting. To be clear, autofocus on many lenses and the stepping exposure issue I see a lot with various lenses. I think it becomes more pronounced when it opens up to as wide as f/1.2, and that focus by wire reaches from foreground to background. I don't know if it's in the 3rd party communication with the camera's autofocus system or what, but I wouldn't use this or most lenses like it in fully Auto mode for either exposure or AF.
For sure, you can use it with video, but as I mentioned in the video, it's helpful to set the exposure to fully manual (to avoid the exposure stepping) and, of course, manual focus if you are in a position to do that. If not, then set AF to AF-C, with AF Speed to something like 0 or -1. You can get by with this workaround, I think. But no, I would not consider this a 'video lens,' even though Viltrox makes the best 3rd party lenses for the Fuji system.
And lastly, I tested one of the first lenses they had available. So it could be that this either was improved (or will be) in a firmware update.
@@pal2techYep, one can expect improvements by firmware - the 75mm f/1.2 performed much better in video with the latest firmware, albeit not flawlessly. Very probably it will have newer firmware, just not take it for granted.
@@pal2tech Hello! Among these 2, Which do you recommend to start product/Food photo with Fuji XT4 …Vittrox 85mm ($349) or Fuji 90mm? :) I read a few reviews saying that Vittrox doesn’t last longer :/
Your reviews are the best in the industry. They get to the point, fast paced, funny and I learn things I didn’t even know I needed. I also trust you whether you received a gift or not. We all know how honest and honorable you are! YOU are the reason I switched to Fujifilm from Nikon, And it has been the best decision of my life. ❤
As always a well-balanced, HONEST review mentioning the positives and also some of the drawbacks of the lens.
Level of transparency on this channel: unheard of.❤
Your point at the end regarding Viltrox developing zoom lenses is right on. The prime lens focal lengths are now overly covered for Fujifilm cameras. Also, I bought into Fujifilm because of their small lenses. Now the new lenses are mostly focused on larger lenses for maximum sharpness and wide apertures. But these large lenses are far from ideal for travel.
It's great seeing these lenses however as it cements apsc as viable for pro use which is awesome but yeah the compactness is still not to be dismissed.
We could 100% still benefit from a 135mm, 8mm and even a 300mm. I’d like to see viltrox stick to making primes; I think Sigma and Tamron will have us covered on the Zoom end of lenses.
The Voigtlander lenses are quite small. Manual focus, of course, but I often prefer that.
"Now the new lenses are mostly focused on larger lenses for maximum sharpness and wide apertures." did the compact lenses like the F2 primes cease to exist just because they released some larger lenses? No, thus your argument is invalid. Mind-boggling how that has to be explained.
Yeah. I've been contemplating switching from m4/3 but the lens bulk is real. A lineup of tiny f/2.8 primes would really tempt me to switch. (My current go-to lens is only 100g!)
Looks like another excellent technical achievement for Viltrox. However, for me that focal length would mainly be for stuff like street photography and everyday-carry type of stuff, for which I would not want that bulk and weight, so I'll stick with the Fuji 27mmF/2.8 for now. Might be interested if Fuji added that focal length to the F/2.0 line of compact "Fujicron" lenses, though.
It's great for event photographers.
The 27mm f2.8 is just unbeatable. I thought maybe that plus a larger, faster lens would be a good combo. But I sold the 56mm 1.4 after realizing the 27mm is all I will ever need (probably naive but happy for now)
Yep. Time for Viltrox to give us a 18-45 1.8 zoom
@@robmcd I would literally cream my panties
Hey man. I just wanted to let you know that your energy in the reviews make my day. You also inspire me alot to pick up my camera and to keep shooting. Always keep up this amazing energy! Greetings from Turkey 🌊 ☀
Just ordered it to pair with my 75mm. As a portrait shooter this is a perfect combo
Viltrox, give us a 135!
I would love that too!
Viltrox 85mm I think I'd like 135 full frame I stand to be corrected
@@mahlanerannius6733 that’s irrelevant my friend. We want 135mm for APSC.
@@ChristianThueringer It's coming! They heard me. " 135mm f/1.8 Lab Series coming by the end of 2023. Lab Series image quality and performance will be higher than the Pro series"
@@Eyeofkamau It's coming! They heard me. " 135mm f/1.8 Lab Series coming by the end of 2023. Lab Series image quality and performance will be higher than the Pro series"
You are such an honest and transparent guy. Really appreciated!
I bought this lens for 100% photography. I didn’t have the issue with hood that you hear. Only issue I had is that the back caps (which should be the same for the 27mm and 75mm) don’t fit the same on both lenses - they can be quite loose once swapped.
Photo quality and focus were awesome - really think these may be some of the best X-mount lenses yet!
Really respect the independence and level of disclosure and your b roll is on point! Great review, thanks.
I already have the 33 1.4 so I don't see a reason to get this one. However it's always great to see more 3rd party options, especially if they're cheaper than fuji glass.
AGREEEEE !!! i am waiting for Viltrox zoom lens for Fuji
I have so much respect for your total transparency!
Review aside, it’s just so nice to see you, I’m always looking forward to watch your videos 😊 thanks 🙏
Ditto
Honest video. I wouldn't buy any Fuji products without watching your reviews.
I just received my copy of Viltrox 27mm1.2. I believed Viltrox has done some adjustments to the lens hood. First, I found the lens hood is rather hard to attach the lens and secondly it takes considerable effort to remove it . I have to exert considerable strength to twist the hood off the lens.Just for your info.
This is such a detailed review covering all important aspects of it! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Pal2tech! Why are you not talking about huge focus breathing on viltrox 27 1.2? It is very noticable even in your footages and it is much worse that 18-55 xf. Is that a common case for all the fixed focus large aperture lens? Do you compare lenses on that parameter and what lens do you suggest for video ?
Thanks for the disclosure....ethics DO matter. Loved the review.
Man..., I love your videos! Keep it up and God bless you Chris!
Glad to see you back, Chris. Hope all is well.
I just got the 23mm and love it! Keep up the great work!
Thanks for a fine review Chris, Viltrox really are getting their act together.
Brilliant... as usual. Greetings from Belgium. I go now tho shop this lens right away (because your vids are so serious and didactic). Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for honesty, Chris. Love all of the videos that you provide for YT.! Best Wishes.😊
Best Review ever! Also love the mannequin!
Always classy reviews very appreciated 🙏 I went with Viltrox's 1.4 33mm simply because the size was perfect and was not disappointed it's great to see them really put the heat on fuji. I totally agree with the zooms as well, waiting for some 3rd party to take on the classic 70-300 zoom for Fuji 🎉
Thank you ! Im waiting always for your review, another good one !
Great and honest review as always!
As for the zoom lens, I'm more excited to see what Sigma, Tamron and Viltrox will do than Fuji themselves. So glad I moved to Fuji back in 2018.
Hi, Sigma already released a zoom lens for Fuji. I'm talking about Sigma 18-50 f2.8 DC DN Contemporary.
I am waiting for bright but less heavy and bulky lenses 😅
Thank you for this review, I will be buying this lens for my XT4!
Same, I already got the 75.
Chris, love the channel. I have to say your better half is a real trooper. Love you guys. Cheers from Toronto.
I will absolutely never trust viltrox again after my experience with their customer support. It feels like they send reviewers better units than they actually sell because my 56 1.4 from them was by far the softest lens I’ve ever used, and they refused to replace it even within the warranty period. It looked like someone smeared Vaseline all over the lens, even when things were “in focus” the whole image was blurry even stopped down to f8.
Their customer service literally ghosted me and just spammed me with troubleshooting guides on their site even when I followed everything, updated the lens firmware, it’s a dud and they refused to replace it. I know I’m not the only one who’s had bad experiences with them.
I’ve seen others speculate that the review units are of a higher quality than the retail ones because the difference in sharpness is hard to even articulate, it looked like I was shooting with a plastic lens, it was that bad.
the f1.4 line up has pretty bad QC, and you're talking about a chinese brand, ofc the CS is shit, also these pro lenses are absolutely stellar, none of the copies i have seen (around 10 of my friends) are bad and all of ours are just as good as the reviews
another great review from my favorite youtuber 🎉
Another amazing video! Great job, Chris :-)
Super clear video, so professional
Awesome review!
Entertaining and informative as always Chris!
Thank you for this very informative and honest review. It's a pleasure to watch your videos. Greetings from Ludwigsburg (Germany South)
long time watcher, first time commenter!
Shout out regarding the Sake bottle; love that particular one myself :)
i always wonder why premium sake is not more of a thing globally, the variety of tastes is amazing
Used the 75 for a wedding and it absolutely blew me away! Cant wait to add this one.
How are those Viltrox lenses doing about embedding their lens correction profile in the protocol with the camera ? (The camera itself uses that to correct the jpegs and to include it in the raw files. Photo editors like C1 use it to correct distortion, vignetting and transversal chromatic aberration).
Been waiting for this review ❤
An excellent review, as we've come to expect from you 🙏 I think these 'new' Chinese lens companies are going to be real competition for longer established manufacturers. The Chinese brands are making both quirky, and high quality lenses at remarkable prices.
I like the 75mm pro lens, but the 27mm being almost the same size and weight is kinda meh to me. I'd buy the fuji 33mm f1.4 or the fuji 23mm f1.4 for the extra 200 to 300 dollars. It's much smaller and lighter and offers comparative image quality. You know weight and size makes a huge difference if you ever take your lens with you while you travel/hike/walk around the city. If you just want a studio lens, then by all means.
I love your reviews, such a good content!
Viltrox are excelling with these fast primes, we need more of them, what we don't want is Viltrox going down the Zoom road unless there fast zooms in the f1.8 range, then of course people will whinge because there to big and expensive. there's plenty of zooms out there for Fuji, Viltrox needs to keep making high quilty glasses that others simply don't offer to avoid becoming a aslo ran.
Thanks Chris for another great and honest review!!
any idea which lens is the best one for video? let says for vlogging and travelling? fujinon 10-24 or viltrox 13mm does the same autofocusing as this 27mm? please reply :) thanks!
Always entertaining and informative Chris. Thanks! I don't have any need for this lens myself. I'm perfectly happy with my pancake Fuji 27mm :)
I think a lot of people look at the spec sheet and focus on the aperture of f1.2, not for added low light ability but for the narrow depth of field, which you talk about. Viltrox is alao marketing it this way: for portraits.
However, I think its worth mentioning that the fuji 33 1.4 is itself also a stellar lens, and while IQ as ever is subjective, the fact is the depth of field with that 33 1.4 will be quite a bit shallower than the 27 1.2, both wide open at the same diatance from subject. And its a lot smaller. Which is emphasised even more if you are going to mostly stop it down a little anyway.
Of course 33mm isn't 27mm - although for a portaits shooter, I dont think the focal length is decisive here.
So as you say, a lens for someone looking for a fast 27mm, but I don't think worth selling off the Fuji 33 for!
Gotta factor in price and focal length. If you want bokeh then something like 56/75 is gonna be better for you. I found the 1.2 aperture on the 75 to be fantastic for low light in really challenging conditions. 27 I would imagine would provide same benefits except at a wider focal length. I don’t think it’s fair to really compare it to the 33 1.4, they aren’t same focal length or price range.
@@MOTOJendays There's about €150 difference in price depending on where you shop right now. I paid €100 more than the 27 is selling for. Not a huge difference to make it the deciding factor. Used of course you'll be able to pick up a 33 1.4 cheaper than the 27.
And it's completely legitimate to compare the 27 to the 33 if you buy it for portraits. We're talking the difference between taking one step forward or back. They are alternatives for the same situations. 56/75/90 different story. Obviously there are lots of options that will get you shallower depth of field than the 27 f1.2 in the 30-35mm range - even the sigma 30mm f1.4 (just). And you are right that longer focal lengths will be better for bokeh and DoF, for a completely different look.
It sounds like you're more in the extra light gathering camp. But I have not seen any reviews at all in which this is pushed as the main advantage of the lens - it's all about IQ and depth of field with light gathering getting a side mention. This really removes the budget options from the equation, and the 27 2.8 lenses, but not the Fuji 33/35 1.4.
But as far as light gathering is concerned, no argument there. And if someone is constantly shooting at 12800, maybe being able to shoot at 10,000 instead is a big deal. But if you tend to shoot no higher than 1600, is being able to shoot at 1250 instead such a big deal, or iso 640 instead of 800? Nice for sure to be able to stop down a fraction, but the trade off is obviously the size, flaring at times and the lousy video performance if that matters.
Over the 23, the 27 has a much bigger advantage... although 23mm is more of a goldilocks focal length. But I can see some willing to give up some width for smoother and shallower DoF - especially if the priority is environmental portraits. Personally for environmental portraits, I like to have a little more environment and to be able to get a lot closer. And to be subtle and/or disarming. With smaller lenses people are happier to engage and show their true personalities I find.
So I can see that 27mm might be a perfect between focal length for some. It could save buying both the 23 and 33, or it could replace both to simplify. A compromise. Others might just really like the focal length or value just having the one lens mounted for a job and not having to change (as much). But the 1/3 stop difference means a lot more as a spec than in real life unless you are constantly at the extremes of the current 23 or 33 lenses.
I'm more in the simplify my gear camp. But creating more space on the shelf is less relevant (for me) than the space I will lose in the pack as I'd only carry either the 23 or 33, never both.
So much like the 75, I think the "pro" tag hits the mark. Lenses for those that are working pros for whom bulk is not as important. Have two bodies, one with the 75, one with the 27 and you could be set for many events with a couple of zooms at hand.
@@brownbear100 I'm sorry but that's way too much for me to read over an opinion over the 27 vs the 33 lol.
I really don't believe you can find an used 33 cheaper than a 27. That's insane. Cheapest 33 1.4s here in the US are like $750-$800. New is $900-$1k. And yes the only reason to talk about f1.2 vs f1.4 is the light gathering. In terms of dof it's almost nothing. It's a no brainer that 33 1.4 has more shallow dof.
@@brownbear100 I guess simply put it. You're trying to compare the focal lengths. Not the lens. And there's no objectively better focal length. Just cause you like 33 1.4 for the more shallow dof. Doesn't make it more appealing to everyone else who may like shooting with a 27.
the 33 is nearly double in price, end of discussion
For video, is the AF much worse than the XF 23mm 1.4 (new) or 33mm 1.4? Is it because of AF's last landing? As usual, thank you for the video, which is informative and has a lot to learn.
What are your thoughts on comparing this with Viltrox 23 f1.4?
I don't see any comprehensive comparison between both the Viltrox lens?
Have they fixed the focus issues mentioned around 11:40 or the iso in video auto adjustment you spoke about around 11:00 since this video?
U dudes minding vignetting? I'm adding -15 on Lightroom like a basic thing
What lenses do you recommend for video?
I totally agree with your findings on its video autofocus behavior, even with manual focus, the focus breathing is too much of my taste. I returned mine after trying out on my X-S20. If Viltrox fixes these with future firmware, I’ll give it a try again. Great review.
Hi , has the autofocus and exposure performance for video improved after the latest firmware ?
Which lens of about this focal length would you recommend for photos AND video? The 33mm 1.4 is a given, but anything cheaper?
How are those Viltrox lenses doing about embedding their lens correction profile in the protocol with the camera ? (The camera itself uses that to correct the jpegs and to include it in the raw files. Photo editors like C1 use it to correct distortion, vignetting and transversal chromatic aberration.)
All the hugs for Piper
❤❤❤😢 Thank you.
I appreciate your conflict of interest disclaimers!
Great video. VILTROX ROCKS!
can you touch more on. why you would't recommend for video? solely due to autofocus and autoexposure?
awesome review as always. more power to you
hi Chris, do you experience video exposure stepping problem when using fujinon lens as well?
By the way, on the 75 mm Pro VIltorx, did the firmware update address the "slow" autofocus reported by some owners? I'm referring to the comments I saw on the co. website. Thank you.
You mentioned the AE responsiveness of the Viltrox 27 Pro struggles a bit in video mode. How would you describe the effectiveness of the lens's AE lens with still photography (if you're in any sort of automatic or semi-automatic mode, e.g., when you only set aperture + SS, leaving the camera to choose the ISO & overall exposure? I've noticed in shooting with this lens that I sometimes have still pics where the exposure is completely off, which is not something I see as much with comparable native Fuji lenses like the XF 33 1.4.
Thanks for putting together this video. I always find your perspectives very helpful.
Thanks for this fair review. I was very excited by this lens but the video autofocus behavior and light management are bit disapointing. I hope firmware update can correct this, but for now i put on hold my order
About those exposures jumps in video. What's the exact difference from Fuji's first party lenses?
A great review as usual :)
Looks terrific. Only its weight and lack of linear motor stop me changing my Fuji 33mm f1.4 to it. (I know the Viltrox's stepping motor still autofocuses really well - but just not quite as crisply in Continuous autofocus mode, apparently, which is a mode I use a lot). Well, I also simply want to learn the classic 33mm (50mm equivalent full frame) focal length.
My 33mm's lens hood fell off on my first proper outing with the that lens and is gone for good (replaced by a nice metal Haoge one). I backtracked for 20 minutes in the rain but never found it. So yeah I don't rate the Fuji lens hood either.
Hi,are these lenses good for a Fuji xt3 ? Thanks Carmen
Sheeesh @11:53 that focus breathing makes this look like a zoom lens! Lol
Thank you for the update.
as always, be lucky stay safe
Nice review! Thanks! But I don'T get it totally.... ehh. I would think the auto ISO is fully the camera's task. (as the shutter too) So if the aperture is fixed, how could the lens influence the exposure? I suppose whith other lenses the auto ISO is smooth on x-t5 (it is beautyfull on my xh2s - video -whith a tamron lens) .
Adding on to the lens hood. I have gotten the Viltrox 16MM E mount lens, yes it's not a X-mount. But it's about the hood. It's flimsy and drops off really easily, the lens overall feels good but just they have to improve their lens hood imo.
Note the hood can also skips pass the locking mechanism. Other than that. Their optics are excellent.
The Viltrox 75mm lens is by far sharper than any Fuji X lens that I own. Hoping the 27mm is just as good.
Would be interested in a comparison video of the Viltrox 27 vs the Fuji 30mm f 2.8. I do have the Fuji so do not see a need for this lens, still would be curious about how they compare.
Hello , I'm used to a 35mm and a 50mm (equivalent). What is the purpose of a 40mm?
With Viltrox we are likely to see further AF improvement via firmware updates.
I like their 75mm, quite impressed and seriously looking at getting the 27mm f/1.2 as well - it is a little but different.
How are those Viltrox lenses doing about embedding their lens correction profile in the protocol with the camera ? (The camera itself uses that to correct the jpegs and to include it in the raw files. Photo editors like C1 use it to correct distortion, vignetting and transversal chromatic aberration).
Hi viltrox where is the zoom lens for fuji :)
How come the IBIS is worse with non-Fujifilm lenses? I have the Viltrox 75 and if I try to take photos with 1/30s I often get motion blur. But when I use the 90mm f2 from Fuji, I get pretty consistently sharp photos at 1/15s.
Because viltrox reverse engineer the logic, doesn't have official support/partnership with Fujifilm. Tokina, voigtlander, sigma, tamron, and Zeiss are the official one
because none of the viltrox lenses have ibis?? what are you talking about?
@@tridinh1011 My comment is outdated now, they fixed the issue. But to address your confusion, IBIS stands for "in camera image stabilization". So I was talking about how effective the IBIS in my camera is when this lens is on it.
As I said, they have fixed this now in a firmware update. So if you have this lens and a camera with IBIS, then update the lens if its on older firmware.
3:51 why did you not do wide open at minimum focus? That is usual when lenses show softness. Stopping down to f/3.2 isn’t helpful.
Always appreciate your reviews... I love my Viltrox 13mm... bought it based on your recommendations..... and I was wondering too about a zoom 😂
Seems like a real winner, especially at this price point. I think it'd be a great lens for the car shows I like to go and shoot.
which one will you recommend between 27mm and 75 mm for portrait photography ?
75mm is a gorgeous portrait lens(112.5mm) 27mm or (40.5 mm) is a great all-around lens.
It is going to be a great video lens as well, just after the fw, as it has always been the case with Viltrox 😊
Is it a good alternative to the Fujifilm 16mm 1.4 , for those on a budget?
Get 13 1.4 for ultra wide, not this one
I really love Viltrox's design and execuiton of "X" lenses.
Why do most lenses show "5.6" instead of 5 or 6 on the aperture ring? All the other larger numbers are whole numbers
why do people change their fuji XT's shutter button?
We need zoom lens, right. We need a renewed and improved 18-55 or similar. And cheap. And not extremely bulky! And any f2 WR small lense would be welcome (particularly 18mm given that Fuji’s not WR and not sharp, and 23mm which is the weekest of Fujicrons)
Great as usual.
Is this lens superior than Viltrox 23mm f1.4 for the X-mount?
Yes but also 2x heavier
Thanks for sharing another greate video.
When they give you a Lense, do you get to keep it or do you need to return ?
Depends on the vendor, lens, etc. About 2/3 want them returned. 1/3 don't, often because they don't want to pay international shipping costs. If they want it back, I'll always return it. But they do have to pay for shipping costs.
Thanks Chris.
I want to see a Viltrox GFX 63mm f2 or 45mm f2.8. 🤞🏽
Just bought this month the 13mm f1.4 one based on review here. The fujifilm kits lens have to do.