I own X-H1, bought as second owner years ago. Work on it. Sail on Baltic Sea with it. Never failed me. X-H1 was build like a tank, probably best build camera in whole lineup to this day.
I bought my first and only Fuji, an X-T2, back in 2017 and still shoot it alongside my newer cameras today. It’s a sentimental camera for me, one that I’ll never sell. I remember being really excited when the X-T3 came out, only to be disappointed when a friend let me borrow theirs-everything on it just felt so cheap. I couldn’t wrap my head around it, it was a brand new camera at the time, but the controls and dials already felt loose and worn. The shutter was mushy and squeaky. By contrast, everything on my X-T2 still feels tightly fit together, and the shutter still feels just as nice as the first day. It’s been through some rough weather over the years and has always cleaned back up great. I believe manufacturing for Fuji X cameras moved to China when the X-T3 was released and for all the X-series that followed. My X-T2 still shows “made in Japan” on the bottom. I don’t know if the quality control changed once they moved to China, but I believe their GFX stuff is still made in Japan today.
The X-T2 is quite legendary in that regard - my xpro2 had that same feeling! Not sure if made in Japan is a sticking point, the XPro3 was made there and my copy had its fair share of issues. Fuji is making money hand over fist with its X100s, hopefully they reinvest in their quality control
@@BokehTherapy The "Made in Japan" XH1 is also legendary, but it was an expensive premium product, so kinda expected. What is surprising is the XE3 quality ( 2017 so right after XT2 ) it's made in China but the quality is still excellent for a "cheap" product. This shows that the origin doesn't explain everything, A quality treshold is set and unfortunately it's getting worse and worse. Sad. You have to buy a GFX nowaday if you want top notch quality. An AF X/Z adaptator in now available, I'll buy a Nikon ZF instead a XT5 for my Fuji glass. You can shoot with an APSH 1.3x crop without any vignetting with some lens, the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 is perfect candidate. Instead of a 41mm f/1.8 FF equivalent, it's now a 35mm f/1.5, great ! You can even push to 1,2x crop ( 32mm f/1.4 ) with some corner vignete.
I bought an X-T2 in Japan and shoot so happily with it. I am in LOVE with the shutter sound, best one I have ever heard IRL. I still love my X-T5 (except when AF-C can't track properly).
Love this lens on my X-H2S, not only the images are good but it looks good on the camera. Really like the style of your TH-cam videos, a unique and interesting way of delivering content
The size and weight would balance even better on the XH style bodies. Have you tried the 75mm too? Thanks for watching and commenting, every bit helps when trying to start a new channel!
I also have the 75mm & 13mm & 56mm/f1.7 which also are great values. Viltrox really hit it put of the park. Even though the lenses, except the 56mm are big, I like visiting cities in other asian countries and do street photography with the Viltrox lenses, in a similar fashion as you've shared before. It helps me find inner peace. Looking forward to your poetic videos.
Although it isn’t f1.2, their 13mm f1.4 is pretty close to pro-level. Similar build to the 27 and 75 and the aperture ring is the best I’ve ever used. It’s excellent if you like the focal length.
Another good story.. so true is the thought that some device that costs thousands of dollars used to be something that you would keep for a lifetime. I still have Nikon F3 bodies that work great and show no signs of giving up. I guess the mindset has changed with the advanced technologies that our cameras now have. Might Leica and Hasselblad be the last of the lifetime cameras? Cool lens. Generally I have not considered smaller third party options but it looks like they may be worth a look.
I am hoping my Leica Ms last another decade at least, the upgrade cycle is becoming so quick across the board. Nikons build quality does give me more confidence than these Fujis, let’s see how long they last! Always great to hear from you Dan!
@@BokehTherapy Let’s hope we are getting to the stage that phones are and the temptation to upgrade slows. The companies that support their hardware long term with firmware and hardware support will start to really stand out.
It’s not as bad as it looks. Is it worth carrying all day travelling…?No. But if you want the 40mm focal length for low light and portraiture, it’s the best lens available, and it isn’t significantly bigger than Fuji’s 33mm while being way better optically.
I bought the lens for my A6700 and I was a bit concerned about the weight. However, after using it for the past 4 months it is actually not as bad as I thought. The overall weight is acceptable and my hand did not get tired. The Viltrox 75mm F1.2 which I recently bought though is another story despite being a bit heavier but I can feel the weight is too much. Overall, 27mm F1.2 is ok but 75mm F.2 is really heavy but it is more of a special lens for portraits so I don't really mind it that much since I usually don't do portraits for long period.
I still need to try the Viltrox 75mm. I have the Sirui 75mm f1.2 in for testing right now, that lens is a fair bit lighter but it’s not as sharp. Everything’s a tradeoff I suppose
Jack, Once again, a very cleverly constructed video. Just thought i’d put in another vote of support for current Viltrox lenses. I have their 13mm f1.4, apsc-only lens which i use on a Nikon Z50 for night sky. Wonderful sharpness and clarity. Like the one you describe, it too is a solid metal tank. Craig
Great video! Your scripting is fantastic on these with the layers of commentary and themes. Re the dials skipping on your X-T5, consider using your lab skills and supplies to use 99% isopropyl alcohol to flush them out. This worked for me. Take out the battery with the display on, turn it on and off to make sure the power is discharged. Remove the lens, open all the doors .Use a pipette and gently drip it in through the center lock buttons and around the edges. Then click slowly and continue to drip more. A lot more. Let it dry out for a while and give it a try.
such an interesting video, i've been considering getting a fuji camera for fun for a while but went with a canon instead. but one day i'll give fuji a try, thanks for pointing those things out. I did try a rf canon viltrox 85mm 1.8 and it was amazing, metal build, great weight and size,i wish i kept it and wish canon would open their mount to viltrox lens, they've been amazing from what i've seen so far. keep up the great work
I think the 85mm was one of the earlier Viltrox lenses to come out! They’ve become a lens powerhouse in a very short amount of time, really impressive! A used XT3 or XT4 seem to be good value as long as you test out those dials. Great to hear from you as always!
@@BokehTherapy i'm just thinking out loud here, but have you considered the opposite of a crop going with a GFX series camera? is there more bokeh than a 85mm 1.2 on the gfx series? ( i know bokeh isn't always everything)
I owned a GFX50R a few years ago. Really loved that system but it was a bit early while Fuji were ironing out the kinks. Their GFX100S is almost perfect, just need the price to come down even more…
@@BokehTherapy oh wow, this is great info! I truely believe now a few cameras for different uses is better than one camera, don't really need too many lens
your videos are so calming to watch even if the topic is not interesting for me i isntantly click on your vids man keep up the great work hope u achieve a wider audience!!!!
Thanks for the video! About Nikon Zf, did you compare Sony 40 f2,5 (with adapter ring) vs Nikon Z40 f2,0? I'd be curious to hear your opinion on the comparison on the Nikon Zf?
I think the Sony 40mm f2.5 performs a little better than Nikon's 40mm f2 (sharpness, aberrations) but lacks more of the charm? Both great lenses, I'd say go with native glass if you have the option
@@mrrolandlawrence I have plenty of older Nikon bodies that are still running well. I am still using my D3 from time to time with no problems. I expect even the non pro bodies have quite good build quality.
Fantastic video! Subscribed just now. Really got me interested in Francesca's art (really creative way of inserting her work throughout the video). Also got me curious about that Viltrox lens for my X-T4. I hope my X-T4 lasts longer than 5 years... The paint (or coating, whatever it is on the gray top plate) is slowly starting to chip away. I always thought it was actually metal, not something coated... I find it interesting you consider the 26mp sensor of the X-T3 better at low light than X-T5, given most reviewers and marketing kept praising new camera for being better at everything. But then as you showed, plenty is unfortunately wrong with the newer fujifilm products... Also, what is your opinion on that Viltrox compared to another Fujifilm classic as the 16mm f/1.4? Glad to follow along your content! Cheers!
The X-T4 is a fantastic camera - I didn't mind the flippy screen and the IBIS and battery life are great. The X-T5 is a great camera too, but I'm not sure how much the improvements matter if you already have an X-T4 (or an X-T3 for that matter!) The 16mm f1.4 is legendary, I didn't get along with the wider field of view though? The 27mm is more comfortable for my style of shooting - I think it's a tad sharper? The biggest difference is the falloff at 27mm @ f1.2 vs 16mm @ f1.4. Really beautiful if you're into the subject separation look. There's an 8% discount code in the video description if you're interested in the Viltrox. Thanks for watching!
After 2 years and counting with my xt5 mmm..... I disagree! get the xt5 and the viltrox 27mm f1.2 (and the 75mm too). The ibis mechanism on the xt5 is great for photography and even some not so extreme video too. (as long as you don't do a lot of moderately fast panning). The only quality issues I've experienced with the camera (and I shoot daily) is that the paint coatings are quite bad and tend to chip easily even if you baby the camera and keep it in a nice padded camera bag, my shutter switch paint is all stripped off but I guess it adds some character to the camera.
I'm glad you brought this up Jack. Red flag 3 for now only on my X-T30II. I am heading out on a short trip so thought to leave Nikon at home for this one and take the Fujifilm. My 27mm f/2 is perfect for daytime but was considering the the 33mm f/1.4 for night. Frankly, the lens doesn't give me the character that I'm looking for. I believe you reviewed the Viltrox somewhere but I can't find it. Am I making that up?
Hi Juliette! The only other Viltrox lens I have tried is the 56mm f1.7: th-cam.com/video/lJC8IcUcCN8/w-d-xo.html I really liked that one too, not sure about its character though. Hope to get more Viltrox lenses on for testing if there is sufficient interest
I am sorry to hear that your silver xt3 is starting to fail. I hear about build issues for the xt5 all of the time, and it turned me off about the camera. My xt4 has been going strong for about 4 years, we will see if any of this starts to happen...
@@BokehTherapy oh, I figured the xt4 was the first that the build quality suffered. Good build quality is important to me. I hope with the xt6 and beyond they rectify such issues, as I still really like Fujifilm. The 27mm lens sounds quite nice, and with a focal length that feels natural.
Viltrox lenses are kind of unbelievable - caught up with first party very quickly! I have a soft spot for Fuji, waiting for them to have a banner release cycle next year
@@BokehTherapy that is great to hear! It is good to have companies compete like this to push the first party companies not to rest on their laurels. Having not spent a fair amount of time with the Zf and Sony, would you buy another Fujifilm camera? And if so, what do you think it offers that sets it apart?
They’ve got something about the user experience right - the post processing workflow is very simple (unless you want super accurate color reproduction). Nikon has spoilt me for image quality though - Fuji medium format might be the way to pull me back into that system
"For the viltrox to be worth lugging around you want to be shooting at f1.2 the vast majority of the time" I think more people need to pay attention to this and not just one spec. For short bursts you don't notice the bulk like you do after several hours. Shooting wide open the entire time is what you do as a beginner, or during the honeymoon period with a new lens to try it out. But it's often detrimental to the image to shoot this way, it's not where the sweet spot is for any lens - at the MFD with this lens at f1.2 it's actually relatively soft until f2, f1.2 is not great for portraits most of the time and it may detract from composition. For travel and documentary you do want to see the backgeound to some identifiable degree. So that's where you have to ask yourself for what will I use this lens. Because its nearly double the weight of the fuji 23 1.4 and 33 1.4, doesnt focus anywhere near as good, and has persistent flaring and ghosting. So that's the trade off for f1.2. A great focal length for everyday carry documentary, travel, landscape. The first two is where a lighter, less obvious lens is an advantage, and also where you want more background information. So apart from some obligatory shots with the background obliterated because you can, you'll be stopping down, probably even past f2. For landscape you'll definitely be stopping down. For envoronmental portraits, you should be stopping down, but this depends if it's full body or closer. So, where this lens comes into its own is low light and full body environmental portraits. That's where you'll be able to use that f1.2 with purpose not just for a dopamine hit. Wider open you get the swirly bokeh, technically a flaw, its aesthetically oleasing. But you dont want all your shots like this. I thought it could replace my 23 1.4 and 33 1.4 but it can't. For travel and documentary the 23's close focussing is invaluable, as is its size and weight. The bokeh isnt as good as the 27, but it's decent. The 33 offers shallower depth of field but a tighter shot - a better more classic portrait option. The 27 definitely offers a more FF look, but axtually I don't want that very often. The 23 and 33 are stating. But so is the 27: for specific looks and for artistic reasons. It's like a sharp vintage lens with AF! Oh, and definitely upgrade to the x-t5. Theres so many small and big improvements that just target imoroving a photographers life with the camera. The colours are noticeably better, too - back to the good old x-t2 days. And low light it more than holds its own. You might notice the noise a bit more from iso 6400 than with the x-t3, but the noise is more pleasant and more detail is retained. But most importantly where you might need iso 6400 on the x-t3, you'll be using maximum iso 800 on the x-t5. Ibis makes a huge difference and too many armchair commentators just take that out of the equation. In the same low light situation, you will get a cleaner image with the x-t5 unless retaining a faster shutter speed is essential (sports, basically). In the examples you gave the x-t5 would have sognificantly less noise. The dials of the x-t is a weakness. Stickiness is not an issue, however, as it's so easily fixed. Whether it's the main dials or even on/off switch, but take some dental floss and clean out the gunk with a few rounds. Works wonders, it will be good as new. My x-t3 shutter speed dial was even skipping clicks like a loose bike chain. Thought floss couldnt fix it. Just took more flossing! X-t2 was notorious for things going wrong. X-t1 had problems, so did the early x100 cameras with stuck shutters, crashes, screens, broken viewfinders. People tend to look back on the past as the good old days. X-t5 is fine. Paint definitely scratches a bit more. And for those saying its light and plasticky compared to the x-t2, its less wide, less tall, if a little deeper for the grip, but it's heavier. The EVF coating seems like a bad batch, and Fuji is replacing those affected. I tried to rub mine off before the warranty expired - I couldn't. But I also dont use cleaning chemicals to clean the viewfinder. Great video format btw, love the artistic profiles sprinkled in. Got yourself a subscriber!
I’ve generally impressed with Viltrox lenses. I used the 16mm f1.8 for vlogging last year, but the size and weight got to me. Maybe the life of your xt3 will be prolonged because you have other cameras that you normally shoot with 😂
1. The build quality has gone down, to save weight and materials and also to maximize profits. This across camera makers. 3. There are a few companies like Cosina who have stick to quality because they are manual lenses.2 3. Many parts are plastic, also helicoils. 4.Viltrox 27mm f1.2 Pro Is crap - my opinion. I would never ever buy any Viltrox lens.
Your mileage may vary on any lens of course - sad state of affairs on cost cutting and build quality. I try to judge products on a case by case basis - every brand has a hit or miss
@@BokehTherapy About 6 years ago, I imported lenses from China - kind of speed booster. IT killed my camera because QC was bad. It fell apart internally and damaged the shutter. It was to cry. Since then I am baised not to support any Chinese lens maker.
@@oliverlison to save weight and materials? All of the new versions of lenses have gotten bigger, heavier, and build tolerances are definitely improved over the old made in Japan ones. Can't compare the x-t50 with the older versions, but I've had the x-t2,3, 5. Also the x100v and vi. The x-t5 is heavier than the x-t2 and x-t3 despite being shorter and less wide than both. Just the extra grip makes it a tiny bit deeper. It's lighter than the x-t4, but the x-t4 was already bloated due to filling the shoes of the x-h1 and x-t3, and including a more complex screen mechanism. Paint seems a bit thinner, that's it really. Two years in none of the sticky dials and stuck shutters the x-t2 and 3 had and much better quality command dials than the x-t2. No camera model in Fuji's history has lived a problem free life. Same with the x100vi, heavier, same luxury build quality overall with paint baked on not sprayed. But some of the wobbles and cheaper feeling multi-purpose shutter speed dial have been addressed. I was ignorant too once when it concerned Viltrox. The older lenses left much to be desired. But such ignorance is a choice, you should try the new lenses. I'm guessing you also haven't tried the products you claimed have gone down in quality either.
Hey thanks so much! I love shopping in Ameyokocho in Ueno, but can’t always get there. Thankfully there are some great online retailers - Hinoya ship globally, as does Denimio. Will consider a separate fashion channel when I find the time - thanks for watching!
I own X-H1, bought as second owner years ago. Work on it. Sail on Baltic Sea with it. Never failed me.
X-H1 was build like a tank, probably best build camera in whole lineup to this day.
The XH line is now the flagship! Wish that level of attention to detail spread to their XPro line too
I bought my first and only Fuji, an X-T2, back in 2017 and still shoot it alongside my newer cameras today. It’s a sentimental camera for me, one that I’ll never sell. I remember being really excited when the X-T3 came out, only to be disappointed when a friend let me borrow theirs-everything on it just felt so cheap. I couldn’t wrap my head around it, it was a brand new camera at the time, but the controls and dials already felt loose and worn. The shutter was mushy and squeaky. By contrast, everything on my X-T2 still feels tightly fit together, and the shutter still feels just as nice as the first day. It’s been through some rough weather over the years and has always cleaned back up great.
I believe manufacturing for Fuji X cameras moved to China when the X-T3 was released and for all the X-series that followed. My X-T2 still shows “made in Japan” on the bottom. I don’t know if the quality control changed once they moved to China, but I believe their GFX stuff is still made in Japan today.
The X-T2 is quite legendary in that regard - my xpro2 had that same feeling! Not sure if made in Japan is a sticking point, the XPro3 was made there and my copy had its fair share of issues. Fuji is making money hand over fist with its X100s, hopefully they reinvest in their quality control
@@BokehTherapy The "Made in Japan" XH1 is also legendary, but it was an expensive premium product, so kinda expected. What is surprising is the XE3 quality ( 2017 so right after XT2 ) it's made in China but the quality is still excellent for a "cheap" product. This shows that the origin doesn't explain everything, A quality treshold is set and unfortunately it's getting worse and worse. Sad. You have to buy a GFX nowaday if you want top notch quality.
An AF X/Z adaptator in now available, I'll buy a Nikon ZF instead a XT5 for my Fuji glass. You can shoot with an APSH 1.3x crop without any vignetting with some lens, the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 is perfect candidate. Instead of a 41mm f/1.8 FF equivalent, it's now a 35mm f/1.5, great ! You can even push to 1,2x crop ( 32mm f/1.4 ) with some corner vignete.
I saw the XZ adapter but wasn’t sure how good they are - let me know how you go!
I bought an X-T2 in Japan and shoot so happily with it. I am in LOVE with the shutter sound, best one I have ever heard IRL.
I still love my X-T5 (except when AF-C can't track properly).
@@lionheart4424 Never owned an XT2, everyone swears by its build quality. Happy shooting!
Love this lens on my X-H2S, not only the images are good but it looks good on the camera.
Really like the style of your TH-cam videos, a unique and interesting way of delivering content
The size and weight would balance even better on the XH style bodies. Have you tried the 75mm too? Thanks for watching and commenting, every bit helps when trying to start a new channel!
I also have the 75mm & 13mm & 56mm/f1.7 which also are great values. Viltrox really hit it put of the park.
Even though the lenses, except the 56mm are big, I like visiting cities in other asian countries and do street photography with the Viltrox lenses, in a similar fashion as you've shared before. It helps me find inner peace.
Looking forward to your poetic videos.
I really like the 56mm f1.7 - sharp enough and very few aberrations for such a small lens
Although it isn’t f1.2, their 13mm f1.4 is pretty close to pro-level. Similar build to the 27 and 75 and the aperture ring is the best I’ve ever used. It’s excellent if you like the focal length.
Thanks for the tip Andy - might try that one next!
The X-T3 is the one Fujifilm camera I won't sell. You would figure the shutter would go out before all of the dials would wear out. I still love mine!
Yes I picked it up again recently and am very pleasantly surprised. Hope my last body lasts a bit longer!
Another good story.. so true is the thought that some device that costs thousands of dollars used to be something that you would keep for a lifetime. I still have Nikon F3 bodies that work great and show no signs of giving up. I guess the mindset has changed with the advanced technologies that our cameras now have. Might Leica and Hasselblad be the last of the lifetime cameras?
Cool lens. Generally I have not considered smaller third party options but it looks like they may be worth a look.
I am hoping my Leica Ms last another decade at least, the upgrade cycle is becoming so quick across the board. Nikons build quality does give me more confidence than these Fujis, let’s see how long they last! Always great to hear from you Dan!
@@BokehTherapy Let’s hope we are getting to the stage that phones are and the temptation to upgrade slows. The companies that support their hardware long term with firmware and hardware support will start to really stand out.
Yes it’s really getting a bit silly with all the upgrades. Hope Nikon’s release strategy + firmware support will continue
Great video - love how you weave in some great history of under-appreciated artists as well.
Thank you Johan - very humbling to do research on these artists and very fun to make these videos! More to come soon
I never realized how ridiculously big that lens is on the XT body, smh
It’s not as bad as it looks. Is it worth carrying all day travelling…?No. But if you want the 40mm focal length for low light and portraiture, it’s the best lens available, and it isn’t significantly bigger than Fuji’s 33mm while being way better optically.
lol yes it’s not a pancake. Worth it if you want that image quality though
I bought the lens for my A6700 and I was a bit concerned about the weight. However, after using it for the past 4 months it is actually not as bad as I thought. The overall weight is acceptable and my hand did not get tired. The Viltrox 75mm F1.2 which I recently bought though is another story despite being a bit heavier but I can feel the weight is too much. Overall, 27mm F1.2 is ok but 75mm F.2 is really heavy but it is more of a special lens for portraits so I don't really mind it that much since I usually don't do portraits for long period.
@@rsat9526 my thoughts exactly
I still need to try the Viltrox 75mm. I have the Sirui 75mm f1.2 in for testing right now, that lens is a fair bit lighter but it’s not as sharp. Everything’s a tradeoff I suppose
Jack, Once again, a very cleverly constructed video. Just thought i’d put in another vote of support for current Viltrox lenses. I have their 13mm f1.4, apsc-only lens which i use on a Nikon Z50 for night sky. Wonderful sharpness and clarity. Like the one you describe, it too is a solid metal tank. Craig
Will need to try that one next Craig, heard lots of good things about it. Really like their construction!
Great video! Your scripting is fantastic on these with the layers of commentary and themes. Re the dials skipping on your X-T5, consider using your lab skills and supplies to use 99% isopropyl alcohol to flush them out. This worked for me. Take out the battery with the display on, turn it on and off to make sure the power is discharged. Remove the lens, open all the doors .Use a pipette and gently drip it in through the center lock buttons and around the edges. Then click slowly and continue to drip more. A lot more. Let it dry out for a while and give it a try.
Thanks for the tip - now these cameras are out of warranty I am more game to try this out. Thanks for watching!
awesome video, thank you, just ordered mine
Ohhh congrats! It’s a beautiful lens
such an interesting video, i've been considering getting a fuji camera for fun for a while but went with a canon instead. but one day i'll give fuji a try, thanks for pointing those things out. I did try a rf canon viltrox 85mm 1.8 and it was amazing, metal build, great weight and size,i wish i kept it and wish canon would open their mount to viltrox lens, they've been amazing from what i've seen so far. keep up the great work
I think the 85mm was one of the earlier Viltrox lenses to come out! They’ve become a lens powerhouse in a very short amount of time, really impressive! A used XT3 or XT4 seem to be good value as long as you test out those dials. Great to hear from you as always!
@@BokehTherapy i'm just thinking out loud here, but have you considered the opposite of a crop going with a GFX series camera? is there more bokeh than a 85mm 1.2 on the gfx series? ( i know bokeh isn't always everything)
I owned a GFX50R a few years ago. Really loved that system but it was a bit early while Fuji were ironing out the kinks. Their GFX100S is almost perfect, just need the price to come down even more…
@@BokehTherapy oh wow, this is great info! I truely believe now a few cameras for different uses is better than one camera, don't really need too many lens
your videos are so calming to watch even if the topic is not interesting for me i isntantly click on your vids man keep up the great work hope u achieve a wider audience!!!!
Wow thank you - every bit helps, trying to find the right topic that resonates with more people. Lots more to come!
Thanks for the video!
About Nikon Zf, did you compare Sony 40 f2,5 (with adapter ring) vs Nikon Z40 f2,0? I'd be curious to hear your opinion on the comparison on the Nikon Zf?
I think the Sony 40mm f2.5 performs a little better than Nikon's 40mm f2 (sharpness, aberrations) but lacks more of the charm? Both great lenses, I'd say go with native glass if you have the option
i wonder how the top dials on the nikon ZF will last then if the fugi was a problem?
Me too - Nikon has been around for longer, and tear downs of their Z6 cameras show serious weather sealing. I hope this translates to the Zf too
@@mrrolandlawrence I have plenty of older Nikon bodies that are still running well. I am still using my D3 from time to time with no problems. I expect even the non pro bodies have quite good build quality.
Fantastic video! Subscribed just now.
Really got me interested in Francesca's art (really creative way of inserting her work throughout the video).
Also got me curious about that Viltrox lens for my X-T4.
I hope my X-T4 lasts longer than 5 years... The paint (or coating, whatever it is on the gray top plate) is slowly starting to chip away. I always thought it was actually metal, not something coated...
I find it interesting you consider the 26mp sensor of the X-T3 better at low light than X-T5, given most reviewers and marketing kept praising new camera for being better at everything. But then as you showed, plenty is unfortunately wrong with the newer fujifilm products...
Also, what is your opinion on that Viltrox compared to another Fujifilm classic as the 16mm f/1.4?
Glad to follow along your content!
Cheers!
The X-T4 is a fantastic camera - I didn't mind the flippy screen and the IBIS and battery life are great. The X-T5 is a great camera too, but I'm not sure how much the improvements matter if you already have an X-T4 (or an X-T3 for that matter!)
The 16mm f1.4 is legendary, I didn't get along with the wider field of view though? The 27mm is more comfortable for my style of shooting - I think it's a tad sharper? The biggest difference is the falloff at 27mm @ f1.2 vs 16mm @ f1.4. Really beautiful if you're into the subject separation look. There's an 8% discount code in the video description if you're interested in the Viltrox. Thanks for watching!
Just got this lens a few weeks ago for my XT4 and liking it.
It's way better than it has any right to be... More options are always great!
After 2 years and counting with my xt5 mmm..... I disagree! get the xt5 and the viltrox 27mm f1.2 (and the 75mm too). The ibis mechanism on the xt5 is great for photography and even some not so extreme video too. (as long as you don't do a lot of moderately fast panning). The only quality issues I've experienced with the camera (and I shoot daily) is that the paint coatings are quite bad and tend to chip easily even if you baby the camera and keep it in a nice padded camera bag, my shutter switch paint is all stripped off but I guess it adds some character to the camera.
Great to get your perspective - glad to hear the build quality issues haven’t affected everyone. Thanks for watching and sharing!
I'm glad you brought this up Jack. Red flag 3 for now only on my X-T30II. I am heading out on a short trip so thought to leave Nikon at home for this one and take the Fujifilm. My 27mm f/2 is perfect for daytime but was considering the the 33mm f/1.4 for night. Frankly, the lens doesn't give me the character that I'm looking for. I believe you reviewed the Viltrox somewhere but I can't find it. Am I making that up?
Hi Juliette! The only other Viltrox lens I have tried is the 56mm f1.7: th-cam.com/video/lJC8IcUcCN8/w-d-xo.html I really liked that one too, not sure about its character though. Hope to get more Viltrox lenses on for testing if there is sufficient interest
I am sorry to hear that your silver xt3 is starting to fail. I hear about build issues for the xt5 all of the time, and it turned me off about the camera. My xt4 has been going strong for about 4 years, we will see if any of this starts to happen...
The XT4 feels much more robust than the XT3 and the XT5 - might be the last of its kind in the XT line. Hopefully yours keeps going strong!
@@BokehTherapy oh, I figured the xt4 was the first that the build quality suffered. Good build quality is important to me. I hope with the xt6 and beyond they rectify such issues, as I still really like Fujifilm. The 27mm lens sounds quite nice, and with a focal length that feels natural.
Viltrox lenses are kind of unbelievable - caught up with first party very quickly! I have a soft spot for Fuji, waiting for them to have a banner release cycle next year
@@BokehTherapy that is great to hear! It is good to have companies compete like this to push the first party companies not to rest on their laurels. Having not spent a fair amount of time with the Zf and Sony, would you buy another Fujifilm camera? And if so, what do you think it offers that sets it apart?
They’ve got something about the user experience right - the post processing workflow is very simple (unless you want super accurate color reproduction). Nikon has spoilt me for image quality though - Fuji medium format might be the way to pull me back into that system
"For the viltrox to be worth lugging around you want to be shooting at f1.2 the vast majority of the time"
I think more people need to pay attention to this and not just one spec. For short bursts you don't notice the bulk like you do after several hours.
Shooting wide open the entire time is what you do as a beginner, or during the honeymoon period with a new lens to try it out. But it's often detrimental to the image to shoot this way, it's not where the sweet spot is for any lens - at the MFD with this lens at f1.2 it's actually relatively soft until f2, f1.2 is not great for portraits most of the time and it may detract from composition. For travel and documentary you do want to see the backgeound to some identifiable degree.
So that's where you have to ask yourself for what will I use this lens. Because its nearly double the weight of the fuji 23 1.4 and 33 1.4, doesnt focus anywhere near as good, and has persistent flaring and ghosting. So that's the trade off for f1.2.
A great focal length for everyday carry documentary, travel, landscape. The first two is where a lighter, less obvious lens is an advantage, and also where you want more background information. So apart from some obligatory shots with the background obliterated because you can, you'll be stopping down, probably even past f2. For landscape you'll definitely be stopping down. For envoronmental portraits, you should be stopping down, but this depends if it's full body or closer.
So, where this lens comes into its own is low light and full body environmental portraits. That's where you'll be able to use that f1.2 with purpose not just for a dopamine hit. Wider open you get the swirly bokeh, technically a flaw, its aesthetically oleasing. But you dont want all your shots like this.
I thought it could replace my 23 1.4 and 33 1.4 but it can't. For travel and documentary the 23's close focussing is invaluable, as is its size and weight. The bokeh isnt as good as the 27, but it's decent. The 33 offers shallower depth of field but a tighter shot - a better more classic portrait option. The 27 definitely offers a more FF look, but axtually I don't want that very often. The 23 and 33 are stating. But so is the 27: for specific looks and for artistic reasons. It's like a sharp vintage lens with AF!
Oh, and definitely upgrade to the x-t5. Theres so many small and big improvements that just target imoroving a photographers life with the camera. The colours are noticeably better, too - back to the good old x-t2 days. And low light it more than holds its own. You might notice the noise a bit more from iso 6400 than with the x-t3, but the noise is more pleasant and more detail is retained. But most importantly where you might need iso 6400 on the x-t3, you'll be using maximum iso 800 on the x-t5. Ibis makes a huge difference and too many armchair commentators just take that out of the equation. In the same low light situation, you will get a cleaner image with the x-t5 unless retaining a faster shutter speed is essential (sports, basically). In the examples you gave the x-t5 would have sognificantly less noise.
The dials of the x-t is a weakness. Stickiness is not an issue, however, as it's so easily fixed. Whether it's the main dials or even on/off switch, but take some dental floss and clean out the gunk with a few rounds. Works wonders, it will be good as new. My x-t3 shutter speed dial was even skipping clicks like a loose bike chain. Thought floss couldnt fix it. Just took more flossing!
X-t2 was notorious for things going wrong. X-t1 had problems, so did the early x100 cameras with stuck shutters, crashes, screens, broken viewfinders. People tend to look back on the past as the good old days. X-t5 is fine. Paint definitely scratches a bit more. And for those saying its light and plasticky compared to the x-t2, its less wide, less tall, if a little deeper for the grip, but it's heavier. The EVF coating seems like a bad batch, and Fuji is replacing those affected. I tried to rub mine off before the warranty expired - I couldn't. But I also dont use cleaning chemicals to clean the viewfinder.
Great video format btw, love the artistic profiles sprinkled in. Got yourself a subscriber!
Wow love the detailed feedback - I held off on the XT5, if/when the XPro4 comes out I won’t be able to resist lol. Thanks for watching, more to come!
I’ve generally impressed with Viltrox lenses. I used the 16mm f1.8 for vlogging last year, but the size and weight got to me. Maybe the life of your xt3 will be prolonged because you have other cameras that you normally shoot with 😂
Less shutter actuations on it for sure lol! Viltrox have managed to catch up in one generation of lenses, very impressive
XT3 is an old camera already? 😅
Man, xpro1 is fine but XT3? Time flies I guess.
Haha it’s on Fuji - so many cameras released since the XT3! xpro1 is still a legend, wish I still had my xpro2
1. The build quality has gone down, to save weight and materials and also to maximize profits. This across camera makers.
3. There are a few companies like Cosina who have stick to quality because they are manual lenses.2
3. Many parts are plastic, also helicoils.
4.Viltrox 27mm f1.2 Pro Is crap - my opinion. I would never ever buy any Viltrox lens.
Your mileage may vary on any lens of course - sad state of affairs on cost cutting and build quality. I try to judge products on a case by case basis - every brand has a hit or miss
@@BokehTherapy About 6 years ago, I imported lenses from China - kind of speed booster. IT killed my camera because QC was bad. It fell apart internally and damaged the shutter. It was to cry. Since then I am baised not to support any Chinese lens maker.
@@oliverlison to save weight and materials?
All of the new versions of lenses have gotten bigger, heavier, and build tolerances are definitely improved over the old made in Japan ones.
Can't compare the x-t50 with the older versions, but I've had the x-t2,3, 5. Also the x100v and vi.
The x-t5 is heavier than the x-t2 and x-t3 despite being shorter and less wide than both. Just the extra grip makes it a tiny bit deeper. It's lighter than the x-t4, but the x-t4 was already bloated due to filling the shoes of the x-h1 and x-t3, and including a more complex screen mechanism. Paint seems a bit thinner, that's it really. Two years in none of the sticky dials and stuck shutters the x-t2 and 3 had and much better quality command dials than the x-t2. No camera model in Fuji's history has lived a problem free life.
Same with the x100vi, heavier, same luxury build quality overall with paint baked on not sprayed. But some of the wobbles and cheaper feeling multi-purpose shutter speed dial have been addressed.
I was ignorant too once when it concerned Viltrox. The older lenses left much to be desired. But such ignorance is a choice, you should try the new lenses. I'm guessing you also haven't tried the products you claimed have gone down in quality either.
Where do you get your clothes from? You need to make another channel for fashion - just from your jackets your Amekaji street/workwear style is 🤌
Hey thanks so much! I love shopping in Ameyokocho in Ueno, but can’t always get there. Thankfully there are some great online retailers - Hinoya ship globally, as does Denimio. Will consider a separate fashion channel when I find the time - thanks for watching!