NOTE: I purposely did not test nor provide examples of Astrophotography with this lens. Reason: Astrophotography is not my strong point and I didn't want to make a final recommendation regarding lens optics for this. However, I'm sure you can find other 13mm info/reviews online from talented Fujifilm astrophotographers that can point you in the general direction if that is your area of expertise. If there are any astrophotographers using the Viltrox 13mm, feel free to comment here and I'll keep this pinned at the top of this video's comments. 👍
Futzing with it for astrophotography but NYC skies not particularly congenial. I think there is significant coma in the corners but I will need to futz more
@@JT-rq7nt Matthew Storer Photography has a video out with the 13mm used for astro work. He also has a link to download his raw files, in which he has done an aperture test. I looked them over. There are some imperfect stars in the corners at f/1.4 - 2.0 I'd say comparable to the Samyang 12mm at 2.0 but at f/2.8 the viltrox stars are perfect across the frame. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kUMjaLQAyjs.html
I’ve had my Viltrox 13mm for a few weeks now and I absolutely love it. Image quality, build quality and focus are superb. I agree with every single word that Chris shares with us about this wonderful lens. Truly the best Viltrox lens ever made.
Well... I received my copy. At 1.4 it's INSANELY sharp. However, for an unknown reason, the moment I start to close it, it loses contrast and the focus seems to be shifting a little bit. I try to shoot a relatively close subject (no more than 30cm away). It feels like that at 1.4 the center sharpness is like 5.6 or 8, and the moment I start to close the lens down, it's getting worse. The firmware was 1.0.1 and I upgraded it to 1.0.2 - no change. I tried to disable in camera lens optimizer - no change. I tried to disable the stabilizer (Fuji X-S10) - no change. I tried to nail focus in manual focus mode with AF-ON button - no change. I tried to nail focus in AF-S mode - no change. I repeat - at 1.4 it seems to be the sharpest lens I ever put on my X-S10, it's really that good. F/2 and closer - it seems to be loosing contrast and focus. Defective lens? Focus shifting? field curvature? What's going on?
Great review as always, even the sponsored part was interesting. You really know how to do this. Seems like this is the best Wide Angle option for Fuji, I think I'm set with lenses for a few years, this 13mm, sigma 18-35 and viltrox 56 are all I would ever need.
So glad to finally see your review of this lens. It’s been a while since you first said it was in the works. Thanks for waiting until you received official notice from Viltrox to release this video. Your integrity is truly appreciated.
I appreciate the video and the image samples, but it seems like the Fuji 14mm would have been a better comparison for folks looking for an UWA lens. That's a more comparable focal length than the 16. I get that you are trying to compare fast lenses, but you also brought in the 10-24, which is obviously not fast at all.
Chris!! This video was a great compliment to this spring-ish weather Friday up here in Canada. VERY satisfying to hear your opinions and see your testing of this amazing lens. I received mine this week and am very impressed/happy with it. I've put my rokinon 12mm F2.0 up for sale.. no need to have both! I have been using the viltrox 13mm for my work video calls all this week and have found that on the X-t4 if you "force" the 1.39x crop it ends up being around an 18mm perspective which is GREAT. Thank you very much for this, and all of the great videos you create for us fuji users!
Ooo… I like the new notes that come up with the comments! That’s cool (seeing it for the first time on the iOS app)! Also, I am so glad this review is finally out!!! I have high anticipation with this lens, and I am so glad that was justified after watching this! Thanks!!!
Awesome video dude! I recently purchased the Viltrox 85mm for my XT-3 to use with automotive photography and its fantastic, now I just want to get something with a lot less focal length to do landscape photography with cars. Watching this video has made me want to go bankrupt and get this lens 😂👍
I had this lens as well as the 33 and the 56. This one worked well, but suffered the same issue as the other Viltrox lens where sun plays havoc with the lenses. The imagine quality, given the right evironment and lighting is great, but try and use these lens in anything less than adequate they really struggle.
I like this lens but don't love it. I thought I might use it instead of the 10-24 for landscape but the flare is a problem for me. I often shoot in bright sun and find this a problem for the Viltrox. If I reduce exposure to keep the highs in line, I end up with too dark of shadows. Maybe I'll see if a polarizer can help that out. I also feel that the color rendering is not as nice as a native Fuji lens, cooler and a little clinical. Low light performance and detail are great. But I'm not sure I will use it much since I rarely need low light performance for landscape work. As a walk around lens, it seems less versatile that the XF18f1.4 or the Xf16-80.
As usual, an informative review. Frequently, when listening to reviews of "fast lens", the reviewer states the lens needs to be stopped down to f4, 5.6, for best results. Cleary, the majority of purchases would be largely attracted to the because of the 1.4 aperture. If the lens does not really deliver at 1.4, does this not negate ,what for many, is its primary appeal?
Not really just like this lens doesn't perform at its best at F1.4, neither does a F4 lens at F4 for instance. Because this lens starts at a lower F-stop, it will still be sharper sooner along the range than a lens starting at a higher F-stop. It's still more than usable at F1.4 though
@@robertmarx7901 Good to hear. However, I still maintain my point that if, for example, a purchaser outlays a significant amount of money for, say, a 85mm 1.2 lens, compared to a much less expensive 1.4 version, it would be extended frustrating if that lens had to be stopped down, at all, for the reasons under discussion. My useage (& budget) are not particularly relevant, however I am not able, and don't really need to purchase glass faster than 1.4.
Fuji ecosystem is pretty much great now. Because of the Sigma trinity I got myself 3 lenses instead of one fujinon lens as my starter kit and this Viltrox 13mm and their 85mm will be my next lens.
This looks like a great lens, yes i shoot video and i been looking to pick up a Wide angle lens and this looks like a winner.. Not to mention i can go all the way down to F1.4 which is wonderful for low light situations.. How Ever i realize that if i'm going to shoot out doors with this lens i'm going to need to get a ND filter for sure, i want to get the sweet spots of this lens , F2.8 F5.6 but not a big deal.. but i tend to not want to put another piece of glass on my less as you all know the more glass you put on your lens the less quality you get out of it. But one Filter shouldn't hurt.. :)
Thanks for this review and for sharing your (almost) long-term thoughts on this lens. It sure looks like a winner, and I'm looking forward to the arrival of mine. Good luck catching the Jawa that stole your X-H2(s?) - now you'll have to request another one... Cheers!
Quick tip for everybody that has this precise lens and others from Viltrox. Do not try to mount a K&F UV filter together with the different lenses' hoods since they're not compatible in size being the Alu rim of the filter a bit bigger than the hood's inner diameter. Do yourself a favour and attach an Hoya Pro1 one. They seem to be done one for the other.
Awesome review. Really surprised by this lens. Also, got interested in the doorbell security camera. Not having to depend on cloud functionality is a huge plus for me.
Wow!!! This was an awesome video Chris!!! This lens is looking like a must buy 😅 I find that 16mm is slightly too tight! How does this lens perform for vlogging? Thanks Chris and have a great weekend! 😁
Just purchased.. hope it doesn't get stolen from my front porch! Was trying to decide between this and the 23mm f2. Love the weather sealing on the f2 for hiking/camping, but I have yet to see or read a bad review of the 13mm, and I'm super excited to do some wide/close photography, as well as landscape, architecture, and low light. Very versatile! I also already own 67mm filters and that was a big selling point too.
I got the 10to24fuji together w xt1 when they came out n has always been pleased w the 1024 , got the 13 viltrox n use it on xt5...the image is sooo good that now 1024 seems unsharp😂😂! Enjoying this lens for the 1.4.
New Fuji user here! Looking to get into traveling with a new XT4 and would LOVE your recommendation for a great travel lens/lenses that will do video, landscape/street photography, and portraits well! Which lens/2 lenses would fill these needs well? Open to Fuji and third party suggestions!
Great review and man that's an interesting looking lens. I'm still leaning towards the 10-24 for versatility and I just got the Rokinon/Samyang 12mm f2 manual version to hold me over while I save up for the 10-24 (it was only €196 in a store which is what they normally sell for used, so can't lose too much on it). Do you know how long this 13mm is? Edit: 90mm it seems.
I'd go with the 10-24. I've used both and the 13mm was just too wide for me. Everything looked too far away, even being right up next to things. Architecture, everything needed some kind of correction as the lines really warp. People, it goes without saying it's not flattering unless they're like 10 feet away and then it just looks like they're too far. It's a fantastic lens but not the look I personally was going for.
I'm so afraid that 13mm is too much wide for my purpose. I'm used to shooting with the classic 28mm FF eq. that's why I'm tempted to buy the 18mm f2. Great the Fujifilm x-h2 package!
It's quite a bit from 13 to 18. You're losing a lot of resolution that way. If you really want 18mm end result I don't think I would go wider than 16mm. The new (to Fuji) Sigma could be a good contender. Personally I am also considering the 18mm f2, I just find it hard to justify the price especially since it's not really any better than the 18-55 from what I've seen and read.
Have it on Nikon Z mount- wow it is some lens. Only cost me £350. Strangely only the Fuji version aperture ring clicks. But the Nikon one has a weather seal.
So, if you had to decide on a wide angle lens, and were torn between the 10-24mm and this one, I take it that you'd pick this one in a heartbeat? I think I might be fine without that slight zoom functionality, but I'm wondering about the difference between 10mm and 13mm and whether it really is meaningful...
As mentioned in the review, the Viltrox firmware upgrade process needs to be improved, on the support page you switch from English to simplified Chinese and need to use a translation program to make the webpage readable and get an understanding what you are supposed to do and download. Viltrox, please convert your lens support page end-to-end to English including the Release Notes etc, currently imho you need to be a computer expert to manage the firmware upgrade process.
Great review, and many thanks. Just wondering how you think this will perform with the new sensors in XH2 and XT5 and will it make the best of the new larger sensor and resolve fully? Something new to consider when looking at lenses?
Thanks for the great review Chris, no surprise there as you have a consistent quality and expertise that keeps me subscribed. I have the XH1 and was glad to see the XH2 package labelling, not sure I need to upgrade but I am looking forward to your take on the new one. Question for you, I am just starting to work with Fujifilm's Webcam integration. I am using the Fuji 23mm f1.4 lens. It seems to do OK but is not wide enough and seemed to refocus a lot. (could be my settings) Would you suggest this Viltrox 13mm as a Webcam?
This honestly makes me want to swap my 10-24mm for this lens. Don't get me wrong. The 10-24 is great for those wide expansive shots. But if I'm being real with myself I don't really need a zoom option like that. I've got the Fujifilm 16mm 1.4 already. Which is nearly my go-to for walking around. Glad this lens came out!
I have bought it 2 weeks ago, so i can use it for th vidéo and a quick test for the photo. The focus is best of to my lens 14 fuji 2.8 f/2.8 And hte quality is near same same ... I think to sell my lens 14 fuji 2.8 f/2.8
Something none is mentioning about this lens is,what about the stepping motor when it comes to manual focus, does it have any lag while manual focusing or is it as smooth as it should?
I was just about to grab Fuji’s new 18 1.4 when this was released. I decided to go with the 33 1.4 and grab this new Viltrox. I’m so glad the 13mm is getting great reviews.
I have a large wobble on handheld shoot with my XT4 with this lens. It's very annoying when I only have one take to record something. With no IBIS is a little better but still. Propably only gimbal can save me.
Has anyone used this lens in the rain? No weather sealing sounds a bit problematic vs the 12mm f2 AF but I have to say I’d much prefer 1.4 and physical aperture dial
Hi, I am a bit disappointed with this review and especially with the comparison at the end with the fuji 16mm F1. 4. Some people are telling me that my pictures became a bit blurry since I changed to XT5. I checked on the web for reviews, and it is confirmed that the 16mm fuji f1. 4 does not resolve 40mp... That could prolly explain this feeling of "painted" people sometimes. I am willing to upgrade but you are telling the Viltrox 13mm is less sharp in the middle. I am a bit lost especially if I compare with some other reviews of this lens...
I take a lot of pictures and enjoy my photography a lot. It is my opinion that China, Russia and America are going to war, as a matter of fact we are already at war with them in many ways. If you don’t believe this then why have so many companies already been going through cyber attacks and many have been put out of business completely. So I have to ask the question why are so many Americans still buying Chinese goods and products daily? Why are so many Chinese products promoted on Facebook and other social media outlets. Why do I see all kinds of Photography gear and Lens from China promoted on RU-vid? Why do I see so many folks bragging about their new Chinese lens on all the photography forums? Obviously we are now living with generations of people who never watched the death tolls each night from Vietnam! Obviously we are living with people that haven’t a clue how many lives were lost at Pearl Harbor and World War Two. Do you have to see blood and bodies out in the street before you get it people. Wake Up! 
This quite well might be the best a lens manufacturer has done to get out lens reviews. Let the content creators use it for a few months versus a few weeks and then you'll get an even clearer opinion versus new product bias. Certainly your channel strives to be honest always but I feel there's no substitute to passage of time and no substitute for someone like you who actually waited out of pure integrity. Thank you!
FYI video AF is greatly affected by your f-stop, you had the f-stop at F8, you want to be wider open for better results, f2.8-4 will give you much better results
I rarely shoot in inclement weather but I’m super paranoid about the weather sealing. I’m going on a cruise in July and m I’m worried the moisture in the air or the light drizzles will sneak into my X-H2 body
Great job, Chris. Well worth the wait. Glad Viltrox finally gave you the OK to review this lens. Note to self, don't mess with Chris' wife especially if she has a welding torch in her hand!! Have a get weekend!
To be 100% frank, I actually enjoyed shooting that segment more than the regular review itself, as I got to have fun with all the apps, shooting the costumes, and goofing around!
Helpful, this video? Perhaps not so much for me as I already knew on forehand that I want it! And I nearly had it already, if I wouldn’t have screwed up something in the address! 😅 What I would have liked to see in your video is how this lens would work for astro photography! And how it would compare to the Fuji 16mm f/1.4 or Samyang/Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 for these purposes. What I liked about your review though is the rather thorough sharpness and AF performance review you did. 😁
I have been waiting for this lens to drop for ages! I'm really happy with my other Viltrox products and have been lacking a wide angle since my 16 f1.4 got stolen.
Actually based on your example, I cannot tell much difference in the image quality between the Viltrox 13mm and Fujifilm's 10-24mm at 13mm. Their sharpness is similar but the Viltrox has slightly better contrast. Fast wide angle lenses make sense for astrophotography. But how is it useful for taking landscape pictures with foreground and background details? If you are in a low light situation, I suppose you'd still want to use a relatively small aperture such as f/3.5-f/5.6 and bump up the ISO to get more things in focus. So is the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 only useful for astrophotography and cases where you wish to capture people and close-up subjects? I see limited usage in landscapes. A wide-angle zoom could suffice. Please discuss further! Thanks.
Thank you for this video Chris, I received my 13mm last week and I'm very happy with it for the same reasons you give in this review. Unlike the Viltrox 56mm which disappointed me a lot, this 13mm is really good.
Hi, I would love to put this lens on my x-t30ii but size and weight is HUGE for me. When I'm home, my 56mm 1.2 does the job but for my street and travel photography I really need something much lighter in weight. What would you do if you were looking for a much lighter weight Fuji lens for street and travel? BTW, I had NO idea you were in Peachtree City! Hello fellow Georgian :).
Now i am really confused between sigma 16mm f1.4 and viltrox f1.4. i guess sigma is a safer bet when it comes to customer support across the globe but i really like the output of the viltrox. 😭
I couldn't get comfortable with this lens. It just looked like everything I took a picture of was too far away. I went to take some architecture shots and they were just too distorted/warped. I also used it a lot for video and it wasn't an attractive look for people unless they were at least a good 10 feet away and then it looked like they were too far off. Or if they hold something at the camera it looks like they just extended it two arms lengths at you. I incorporate a lot of motion and it just looked like those POV shots in films, focusing in on an object you had to get within inches and at that point distortion comes into play. This is all to be expected for a 13mm I suppose and this may be the look you want. So while this is a very good lens in almost every aspect, it may not be the look you're going for.
I just found the following comment/review on Amazon, did you notice this problem? (I'm sure you would have said something). Here's the comment "I won't go through the troubleshooting steps I took to ensure that this lens indeed has problems, but on my copy of the Viltrox 13mm 1.4, tested on both an Fujifilm X-T3 and X-H1 camera, the lens contacts cause the LCD panel (and EVF) to repeatedly flash on and off. I removed the lens, mounted a FujiFilm XF 14, and there were no issues; I tried the new FujiFilm XF 23 1.4, and again no issues. When I remounted the Viltrox, the EVF and LCD panel both start flashing and you cannot use the camera". Did he just get a bad copy?
I own 16f1.4 and 90f2 and 35f2 from fuji and i am very happy with except for 35f2, and i need a 50mm or 56mm or 33mm , the problem i can't decide between viltrox , fuji, or sigma ... can you tell me suggest a single lens... thank you so much
What's wrong with XF35 f2? I hear it's an awesome lens. Was confused between it and the Sigma 30 but went ahead with the Sigma. Should receive it next week.
For me - focus breathing that is annoying even for stills and close focus image quality - other than that it's mostly fine. The Sigma 30mm is also the worst lens of the Sigma trio, but good price performance ratio - better than Viltrox 33mm.
