Once upon a time in the little town of Lensville, old Grandpa Jenkins sat on his porch in a rocking chair, sipping ice-cold lemonade as the golden sun dipped below the horizon. Beside him, his loyal golden retriever, Bessie, lay with her head resting on her paws. Both man and dog were as much a part of the fabric of Lensville as the rolling hills and babbling brooks that surrounded them. The air was filled with the sweet scent of honeysuckle and the comforting hum of cicadas, as if nature itself were a poet, penning the most exquisite lines. As the sun kissed the hills goodnight, Grandpa Jenkins began to tell a story, a story so fantastical and profound that it seemed to weave the very essence of life itself into its narrative. A story about a magical town where the Sigma 23mm 1.4 DC DN and the Viltrox 23mm f1.4 came to life, locked in an epic duel of bokeh and build quality. These two lenses, both possessing unique capabilities and powers, were as deeply intertwined as the roots of an ancient tree. The Sigma lens, with its razor-sharp focus and ethereal bokeh, was said to have been forged in the heart of a supernova, where stardust danced and swirled in a cosmic ballet. The Viltrox, meanwhile, was born from the molten core of a meteorite, its budget price belying the untold wonders of the universe it carried within. As Grandpa Jenkins spun his tale, Bessie's ears perked up, and she gazed into the distance, as if the very words were painting images in her mind. And just as the wind carries the pollen from one flower to another, so did the spirit of the story breathe life into the scene around them, each word blooming like the most vibrant of wildflowers. In the midst of this mystical world, there lived a wild man named Steve Bush, who roamed the nearby woods wearing nothing but a loincloth. Steve Bush, a creature of legend and lore, was known to shoot flaming arrows at unsuspecting victims as he ran naked through the forest, his laughter echoing like the call of a loon on a moonlit night. It was said that Steve Bush was able to see the world in a different light, a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns that defied the very laws of physics. Some even whispered that he possessed the power to bend light itself, creating chromatic aberrations and reducing longitudinal chromatic aberration with the flick of a wrist. As he darted among the trees, his movements were so fluid and graceful that it seemed as if he were the living embodiment of autofocus, his wild spirit a testament to the primal connection between man and nature. And in this enchanted realm, there was a turtle unlike any other, a creature that seemed to defy all logic and reason. This turtle, both inside and outside of its shell, was a living paradox, a riddle wrapped in a mystery, swathed in an enigma. It was said that the turtle held the secrets of the universe within its ancient heart, its quiet wisdom a beacon of light in a world that often seemed to teeter on the edge of darkness. As the shadows grew long and the fireflies began to dance among the twilight, Grandpa Jenkins' voice grew softer, the words of his story weaving a tapestry of dreams and memories that shimmered in the fading light. Bessie, her eyes heavy with sleep, nestled close to her beloved master, the warmth of their bond as comforting as a favorite quilt. And as the last golden rays of the sun vanished beneath the horizon, the world of Lensville continued to glow with the magic of Grandpa Jenkins' tale. The townspeople of Lensville, both young and old, would always remember the story of the Sigma 23mm 1.4 DC DN and the Viltrox 23mm f1.4, Steve Bush, and the enigmatic turtle, their hearts brimming with the wonder and mystery that only a truly profound story could inspire. Years later, as the children of Lensville grew into adults and had children of their own, they would retell the story of the great lens duel, the wild man in the woods, and the impossible turtle. Each generation added their own embellishments, the story taking on a life of its own, as fluid and ever-changing as the passage of time. Grandpa Jenkins and Bessie may have long since passed, but their spirits lived on in the memories and hearts of those they left behind. Their love and wisdom, like the light of the stars, continued to guide the people of Lensville, illuminating the path of life's journey, no matter how winding or uncertain it may be. In the end, the story of Lensville, of Grandpa Jenkins and Bessie, of the Sigma and Viltrox lenses, and the wild man Steve Bush, became more than just a tale passed down through the generations. It became a testament to the power of storytelling, to the magic and wonder that exists in the spaces between words, and to the indomitable spirit of the human heart, which longs to explore the great unknowns of the universe, both inside and out. And so, beneath the ever-watchful gaze of the stars, the town of Lensville continued to thrive, its people bound together by the tapestry of stories that had been woven into their collective soul. And as the years passed, the legend of Grandpa Jenkins, Bessie, and their fantastical tales lived on, a beacon of hope and wonder in a world that was often all too quick to forget the enchantment that can be found in the simplest of moments, the quietest of whispers, and the gentlest of dreams.
Thought you looked slightly more muscular on the Viltrox, but thought both looked good, with Sigma slightly better IQ, but Viltrox for value. Nice comparison! Gotta say; Sigma doing a great job on their lenses for Sony, but Viltrox is really bumping up their game lately…great option!
Got the viltrox a while back. It's an enjoyable little thing. The gosting and flaring gives it some "personality" in lack of a better word. The sun-stars are amazing :-) Mine does make more noise when focusing than I like. But still at that price I can live with it. Great comparison as always 👍
Ahhh, thanks for doing this Mark. I was surprised how many creators doing reviews kept saying it was about time someone made a 23mm lens, when I have been shooting the Viltorx 23mm as my main lens since it came out. Aside from the Viltrox 13mm, that 23mm is just such a workhorse and one of the best value lenses out there. I would love to play with a Sigma though. Cheers.
Great comparison that we've been waiting for, shout to you for this comparison and shout out to and Gordon Liang for comparing the Sigma to the Zeiss 24 1.8. I'm leaning towards the Sigma but I would've been happier with a smaller compact quality 23 F2. Also $550 is a bit high. $400 is more reasonable price imo for the Sigma. I'm going to sit on this one and see if Sony releases any new APS-C lenses this summer with the announcement of their new APS-C body. I have a feeling the Sigma will drop in price / go on sale in the next few months.
I remember getting my brother @TheReelRejects the Viltrox for EF-M and it was a game changer for him. Now he shoots with the Sony 24mm G Master for the Sony a6600.
Even though the Viltrox has more chroma, the amount present is arguably way more pleasing given that it's red and cyan as opposed to the (personally) more ugly green and purple.
I have the viltrox 23mm for my Z30. I really like it. It's much sharper than the kit standard zoom lens it came with. Now I just need the 13mm. It's hard to get large temples entirely in frame with it haha. Thanks for the information. I'm still learning, so the light artifacting was new to me. I didn't realize how in depth lenses could be.
Since focus pulling is a very common video technique, the Sigma is not really a feasible option, for video. For stills the Viltrox's aberrations are a deal breaker. So the choice, once you get past the big price difference, comes down to whether video or stills photography are more important to the user. For me, the focus breathing is simply too bad on the Sigma to consider it. The aperture ring on the Viltrox also tips the scales for me. Such a pity, because there is a lot to like about that Sigma, and so much not to like about the Viltrox. At least I get to save some money by putting the Viltrox on my little Sydney Dougie.
On Friday, I will be capturing my first civil wedding for my cousin. I've been contemplating the idea of purchasing the Viltrox 23mm lens, but I'm uncertain about its value because I already own the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 and the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS. Additionally, I recently acquired the new Viltrox 75mm for my ZV-E10. As a second camera, I have the Alpha 6000.
What about vignette? Is sigma much better? I think this is the biggest issue in viltrox on f1.4. In this video I see the difference but how is it in real life?
Thanks for the review, I just picked up a nice used Viltrox 23mm for $180 on eBay. This should hold me over until somebody makes a 27mm f2 pancake lens for Sony APS-C!
Exactly the comparison I've been searching. My Viltrox 23mm making some noise when focusing. I thought it was a bad copy. Maybe upgrade my A6000 first to ZV-E10, then the Sigma 23mm.
Didn't know that Sigma also released their own 23mm. Just bought my Viltrox a few months ago and could've waited a bit more if I just knew but good to know that the performance of the Viltrox is just as good in some areas especially considering the price.
Bought the Viltrox when it first came out. Only use it for video and it performs well. I probably wouldn't pay the difference to get the Sigma. I like the f-stop ring, and the USB port. I really would like to try the Viltrox 13mm f1.4, but I jumped the gun and already purchased the 12mm Samyang AF. Good show -- Cheers
@@PuReXtremeGaming I shoot about an equal amount with my Sony and with my LG-V50 phone. I have never had a comment on it. A good phone usually has cameras that can produce video that is fine for RU-vid and other projects.
@@TexpatOTG thanks I'll use my phone for now , I just heard the cameras are better no matter what then phones, but honestly my phone looks good to me, I dunno how cameras make money tho
Hi Mark, because of you i got the 23mm 1.4 Viltrox. After slapping it to my ZV E10 i noticed that the Aperture dial isnt working and only the Aperture Ring from the lens. Is this normal? THanks!
I am thinking about the Sigma for long term. The Viltrox is appetizing, especially the price. But it seems the Sigma is the better lens. Is it $200+ better? If you have to choose, what would your choice be? Thanks for the great/fun/informative videos!
This is a good and impartial review. Vitrox ia tac sharp at f2 to f8. This is ideal lens for Landscape photography. I have sigma 16mm which is great lens, indeed. but it is heavy. This one is lighter and well build will fit in my camera bag. Thanks, you for your honest evaluation.
Hummmmm -- Your 1st picture . . . . . Didn't focus on the subject (the red tulip) at all, with either lens? Thank you very much for the video. But I'm not sure I was convinced.
Is 230$ extra is worth it for sigma or viltrox is a good choice also? Also sigma is made in japan and viltrox is made in china so whats your thought plz suggest
I have no issue that viltrox is a Chinese company - they are making some of the best lenses in the world right now, but this 23 is an older lens for them and isn’t quite as good as their new line. the sigma 23 is a better lens and if it’s in the budget, I would go for it.
Sometimes I feel camera manufacturers add some clause in their contract to 3rd party Lens Manufacturer to keep some flaws in their lens. Otherwise how would Sigma made an 23mm with not so perfect loca and ca. It's strange when viltrox and other manufacturer have same bad perf in Loca and CA.
The Viltrox looks more Sigma than the Sigma! I was disappointed when I saw the size and weight of the Sigma. Looks to be some older design being postponed to release.
hi i need your opinion. I have Sony zve10 , i want to buy focal length of 23mm 1.4/ Which one is better for Gimbal shot Crane M3 i have. Please advice. as per your video only focus breathing is only one issue with sigma right.?
Hi there, For strict video with product reviews/commercial in studio, which you think is better viltrox 23mm 1.4 or viltrox 24mm 1.8. I am more curious about autofocus speed. Which one you think is suitable. I don't care about stabilisation, it will be used on tripod most of the time.
Can you compare these to the fujifilm 23mm f1.4 lm wr? I heard the fuji is sharp even at 1.4 which is a huge deal for me. I'm trying to see which lens I should get.
The Fujifilm is sharper wide-open. The bokeh is really similar at the same distance but the fujifilm has a way closer focusing distance so in turn at the closest the fujifilm has better bokeh.
Did you try the focus breathing compensation on the fx30 with the 2 lenses, and can you give us a result, Mark ? Thank you for the review, exactly what i've been looking for
I would get the ZV-E10 and a nice lens like the Sigma 16mm 1.4. If you are doing a lot of handheld work - I would suggest getting a gimbal like the DJI Ronin RS3 Mini
Hey Mark! You have helped with my first two lenses on a budget and my video production projects have kind of blown up in a good way! I have the sigma 16mm f1.4 and the 30mm f1.4 lenses for my zv-e10. I make commercials for Kitchen/granite company for social media. What lense would you recommend for a 3rd lens for indoor videos under $500? I have plenty of lighting with smallrig RC120b, with large soft boxes. 56mm lens maybe??
If you're using a Sony camera, you can check its settings. My FX30 has the *Shading Compensation* feature which does a great job at getting rid of vignetting with my Viltrox 24mm f/1.8 lens.
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis It's kinda overprices compared to old trio. But considering the inflation ... probably it's not. I though I need fast 23mm for my vertical content. But I un-dusted my unused 30mm Sigma and there no need to buy either of them :D. But If I need to buy one of them it would be used Viltrox (~250$ in my country).
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis i have seen it, so should i get it? using your affiliate links ofc 🤣, but would it be versatile enough for short film & studio kinda situations?
Hi Mark, I really like your videos, thank you for making them. With regard to these 23mm lenses, it would be wonderful if you could also make a comparison with the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA (SEL24F18Z). If not, could you let me know whether the Zeiss lens is on par with the Sigma and the Viltrox.
Question for you: when you use any of the 1.4 lenses during the day, outside, what ND or VND do you use? How many stops do you recommend? Too many options out there and I have analysis paralysis
I like the K&F Nano 1-5 stop ND. it’s works well and it’s not expensive - just make sure you get the right filter size for your lens, or stop up rings if you want multiple lenses veered of various sizes amzn.to/419ogCB
Nice review. The one issue I'd disagree with you on, is the preference for metal over plastic. Eventually every metal lens gets shiny rub spots on the edges, where the paint gets knocked off. I've never seen a plastic lens barrel with a dent in I either .It's like wearing wool underwear instead of cotton, because, well, it's wool. No thanks.😁
Fair enough. I know some people do prefer the harder plastic over the metal. The best of bot I think is the way sony makes their G and GM lenses. Still all hard plastic, but extremely well built
I literally was Googling this exact comparison last weekend. I think I'm going to try the Viltrox first to see how I like the focal length primarily and compare the quality alongside my Sigma 16mm sharpness/vignette why even though its not truly apples to apples. I an always return it and put it towards the Sigma 23mm if I fancy too.
The 23 is a little better yes, but the 30mm is such a good deal. The problem with the 30 is that 45mm full frame equiv is generally a little too tight for video unless you have a lot of space or are doing things like general travel videography where you stay behind the camera