Hey Everyone ! Glad to finally get this video together ! I hope you find it useful in deciding which 85mm lens is going to best for you. Any questions let me know !! As always thank you for watching !
I love your videos especially when looking at sharpness, made my decision on a few z lens option. Recently transferred from d4 to a z6ii and have a Ftz adapter with my 20mm f mount 1.8, I am curiuos how villtrox z mount 20m 1.8 compare to the f mount of same. Any chance to do a comparison?
I know this video is three years old, but there have been a few updates to the Viltrox 85/f1.8 Z. The focus ring is not so tight anymore, you can now operate it with a single finger without it feeling too loose, and the USB Micro connector has been replaced by USB-C. I have just received my Viltrox 85/f1.8 Z and it does not feel tight when mounted and removed from the body. I have seen and heard several people on the internet that the focus ring and the mounting were too tight, and several people pointed out that USB Micro belonged to the past. It's like Viltrox listens to what is being said and adjusts accordingly, which I think is a positive. I've compared it to Nikon's equivalent, and the only two things that stand out are that Nikon's are a bit sharper in the corners and I think the Viltrox has nicer bokeh. However, I have not enlarged to 200%, I have just checked it on an A2 print from my Epson SC-P900, which is good enough for me. On my copy, focus is spot on, there is neither front nor back focus, no need for adjustment at all. And then I just want to point out that I think you are the most serious reviewer I know, and after all I have seen quite a few reviewers here on RU-vid.
I bought the Viltrox a few months ago for my Z9 and needed to immediately update the firmware. Before the update, the image in the EVF was around 2 frames per second and obviously unusable. Updating the firmware, from memory it's now v1.2.4, fixed everything although I've rarely taken off the Nikkor 24-120 f/4 S I bought with the camera.
I’ve been using the Nikon 85 1.8 for about 7 months now and love it. However, if the Viltrox had been available at the time I definitely would have considered it. I hope they make something like a 35 1.8 then I’d be the first in line.
What impressed me was the Z6II and the 50S. The way it holds autofocus on your face, then smoothly transitions to the objects and back automatically, is really nice.
Good review. I got one about 2 weeks ago and the optical quality is definitely better than my old 1.8G 85mm on the FTZ. The Focus speed is darned good. My mount is not overly tight and goes on body pretty much like my Nikon lenses. The one HUGE negative is the lens hood which is hopeless! Wont go on well, get stuck and won't easily come off. Wonder if Viltrox will replace this.
This is heavily biased as you would expect - it's more than good enough for pro work, don't waste your money on the Nikon if you need a fast 85mm. Only extreme pixel peepers would ever tell the difference!
Great review. Owned the Viltrox for some time and for what I need it, absolutely fine. I think you're right, if the 85mm is your bread earner then get the best/native. If not, it doesn't really justify the cost difference... Personal opinion. I really can't wait for the more consacrated lens manufacturers I.e tamron and sigma, to release Z mount lenses. I shoot Tamron and I love the 35mm 1.4 via FTZ on my Z6ii. Would love to see something native from them. Any "whispers"? 😅
First of all viltrox is more than enough in this price range ...am using z62 @!$ viltrox.. it's very smooth and good in sharpness in this price range... And remember we compaing 899 dollor lens to 399 dollor lens
NIkon z lens is easily BETTER. sharper, contrasty, bokah, not as bulky or heavy as the Viltrox. Just buy a used one of the Nikon. Why by cheap glass for the best full frame camera !
I experienced that my Z 35mm 1.8 S lens is also tight as you describe it and needs some extra wiggle to turn off and on the camera. Also I know two lenses from thrid party manufacturers (NiSi 15mm F4 and Pergear 35mm 1.2) that they were not tight enough for the Z Mount. In Both cases the manufacturer already knows about the problem and promised to fix it asap. Guess it wont be different here. :)
Hi Ricci, thanks for the comparison! I am really thrilled that it third party lenses for the Z mount are beginning to be released! I have one question to you. Do you think that the Nikon Z6 will get another firmware update for the autofocus? The Z6II is so stunning with the eye AF and I'm kind of feeling sad for my Z6 to be... well, not so good :D I know that there is a faster processor in the Z6II, but maybe there could be some tweaks in the firmware for the Z6 as well? What do you think?
Great video buddy. Was considering reviewing this lens on my own channel, but honestly, I’m more interested in waiting for the next Nikkor Z 85 to be announced. You think they’ll go 1.2 or 1.4? My money is on 1.2
@@maortheyoungcameraguy175 I’m sure I’m time a 1.2 version of everything will be out, now, if the Zmount starts doing some 1.8 trinity lenses, god how expensive and huge would those be lol
I bought the Viltrox 85 1.8 for my Z6II and was surprised how good it is. Tack sharp and color rendition is spot on. I didn't have chromatic aberration with 99% of my shots. I think viltrox is underrated. Yes of course, the 85 Z is better but more expensive as well. But for general users, viltrox will make you happy enough and save money to buy additional lens instead.
A very useful review, it’s always nice to have a choice. I do think there is something special about the way the best Nikon Z lenses renders images in terms of contrast, micro contrast and acuity especially in low light environments.
I will probably make this my next lens for my Z5. Just bought the 24-200 and blown away with how good it is for a zoom lens even with the variable fstop throughout the zoom range. I also have the 50 1.8 and its just nuts for the price
@@RicciTalks I can't wait to try it on studio shoots when we are allowed, also for under £500 it just is so worth it. I also got the 7 Artisans 35mm 0.95 manual lens, I know a dx lens, and it's a great wee lens. I must be crazy as I am very partially sighted 😎 and using a manual lens 😎
I'm really curious to see if Nikon tightens up & smooths the action of their subject / eye tracking boxes, in future firmware updates. The AF works great - but those boxes are a little hyperactive. Thanks for another great vid!
I found the same troubles when I tried the Viltrox 85mm. A lens mount shouldn't be that tight. Also the focus shouldn't be that tight either - A good lens is just right. I'll stick with my old Nikkor 85mm f1.4 until the new Z 85mm f1.2 is available...
Thanks.. your review decided it for me... I went out and bought the Viltrox and so far it's been all good. I hope you will do reviews for the Sigma and Tamron AF lenses for Nikon Z when they hit the shelves. Its great that there's someone independent out there like you plugging the third party lenses so we camera enthusiasts can get shooting without having to pay the jumpe d up prices that these big name brands demand. You are a credit to independent reviewing. Nikon must be racking their brains to find a way to close you down!
24th May 2024. Based on this, and one or two other, reviews, I picked up one of these lenses today for my Zf. I think quality control must have improved because the lens slid effortlessly onto the camera with the same silky-smooth feel as a Nikkor unit. I did as you suggested and updated the firmware straight away and that too, was really easy. Thanks for this video, Ricci, it was really helpful.
I would hope that Viltrox would be honored (perhaps) for you to compare this to the Z lens. After looking at other reviews, I've come to two conclusions here -- the Z lens is very good, but the Viltrox, for the money (being about half) is not bad at all, and very very good value. Yes you maybe are only getting about 90% of the quality and speed of a Z version, but you're also only paying half. Had the Viltrox been out when I bought my Z 85 (which I love by the way) I would have considered it as a cheaper option, not that I don't like Z lenses, but rather if I had gotten some of the Viltrox lenses, it would allowed me to save money for some of the more premium Z lenses which are out now, so things have been going a little slower as a result in getting my Z kit put together. The only ones I have left really are the 70-200 and/or the 100-400 Z (still debating which one to get as I mostly do landscapes, travel, and any portraiture I do, I've been using the 50 and 85 mostly).
Hi Ricci. I'm using Nikon D5500 with Nikon 50mm f1.8 and 18-140mm. I want to shift to Nikon Z5 or Z6. I have 2 questions. 1st which camera body I should go for? 2nd. As I said 2 Nikon lens I have its good to buy Z5 with FTZ and use my 50mm 1.8 or buy Viltrox 85mm f1.8? I only use camera for family portrait and landscape photos. No video at all. Dont have lots of budget. Please help to choose with camera body and lens I should go far. Many thanks. CHEERS
There is catch of Viltrox lens and I have no complaint as I also bought the Viltrox 24mm z lens. So when I bought Viltrox lens prepare to discard off this lens if break down one day as there is no support service centre after the warranty expire.
I wanted the lens for portrait shots of kids which might be moving. Unfortunately, the video does not really contain an example of this kind. I am surprised, by the way, as to how easily you can see the difference in IQ even in a RU-vid vide. Probably, I will be disappointed with the Viltrox.
The comparison images in this video clearly shows that the Viltrox is at best ho-hum. Just buy the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8 and use an FTZ adapter if price is the driver as it costs about the same new and much less used. The AF-S lens is still amazing even compared to the new Z series lenses. Even better, just get the Z 85mm, you won't need another one for a long time and the extra $400 you pay for it will not be wasted. My 10c...
Awesome video... I actually saw tht Lenz surging for an aftermarket z’mount... my question is should I get a Zeiss Milvus 85mm 1.8 any thoughts...? For my z6
Hi @Ricci Talks (or anyone else using this lens really...), I am using the viltrox with my Z50. I noticed that exposure measurement is correct if I use larger apertures (from 1.8 until 5.6). But anything below produces images that are +1EV or even +2EV is certain settings. What I noticed is that when setting apertures larger than f/5.6, the setting is applied immediately, so for both measurement and recording of the image. But when apertures smaller than 5.6 are used, the aperture "stays" at 5.6 for measurement, and then scales down to the actual setting for the image recording. So when I set the aperture to f/2.8, it's immediately set to 2.8, performs measurement and records photo with ring/blades at 2.8. And the image is exposed correctly. But when aperture is i.e. set to f/8, the ring/blades remain at 5.6 for measurement, and then scale down to f/8 for the recording of the photo, and back to f5.6 after, with the result being the images off at least +1EV. Did anyone else noticed this ?
I was thinking of getting the Viltrox 85mm f1.8 Z mount to be used on my Nikon Z6. But I need to make sure first that it will be compatible with the latest firmware 3.40 especially when using the eye focus function. Please let me know your findings. Thanks in advance.
I made my decision and stopped watching when you got to the auto focus part. The colors in the mossy tree on the right and the black jacket are terrible with the 3rd party lens. Not gonna start with an expensive new camera system and let $400 give me lower results. Nice video!
great video as always - love your samples like with AF have a z6 ii. on the way with this lens - is it possible to map the Display Image button on left side of body to say Fn 1 ? have on order Megadap adapter on order. - Sony FE to Nikon Z with electronics like AF as I am still a Sony user but have had many Nikons in the past and hoping to see if it ciompares ok to Canon and Sony I have the Samyang 75mm F1.8 for Sony and it is fantastic - plan to get their 85 F1.4 - but the Viltrox for Z mount just a must - most get a 85 F1.8 or F1.4 for creamy images where sharpness is not main purpose - yes for a 20 - 24 or 35 or 50 and 200 and higher then sharpness a must Hope Samyang also starts making Z mount lenses and Tamron
If there's one thing potential buyers should consider its the support from Viltrox should anything happen. I had one that was working just fine one day, next day it is bricked with no real option for repair. That being said, the lens was a fantasic performer but really with I had ponied up the money for the Nikon 85mm Z.
Hi Ricci, I think some of the sample pictures of Viltrox is not on focus. I've been using this lense for quite a long time and I can say my lense is sharper than yours. My be it's because you fine tuned that?
you can see the stiff focus ring, that the viltrox is so hard to turn, that the frame is changing.... i would prefer the nikon...better buy a good one instead of 2 cheap ones.
Hello I would like to see how you do fine tune lenses on the Z cameras because on my Z5 I can't see a live view of the image te make the adjustments nor an auto fine tune function is available and when I have asked in some other forums, I get a response form Z camera users saying that on mirrorless cameras there is no need for focus fine tune since the focus works through the sensor so what you see is what it focus until is sharp. You are the first one bringing up the fine tune focusing on the Z cameras
Once I know the difference it would be hard to choose the cheaper one even I don’t really need that. The cheaper one usually is comprise due to lack of money.
Great summary. It looks like the Viltrox doesn't auto focus for video quite as smoothly as the Nikon, as it seems to hunt more in AF-C. Of course for photography, this would be less of an issue. I guess this would depend on your particular use case. Does the Viltrox respond to the in-camera focus speed settings the same as the Nikon?
it does if you change the speed and sensitivity it does react to those changes that could make it fall in line with the level of focus you want in video but I haven't extensively tested this.
3:33 My Nikon 20mm f/1.8G lens was very tight to mount the first few times, almost a struggle, and it did change something, probably the tension springs inside. After a while the mount loosened up a bit but it didn't got back to normal, only my Sigma 105 macro was smooth to mount (oh the irony) with the Nikon 300mm D lens coming in second. Eventually I just left the lens on, either fully mounted or "half mounted" as to even out the tension springs. It worked. And yes I did bring the camera to my local shop and they looked at it, poked at it but they couldn't say if anything was wrong, they even tried mounting my Nikon 24-70 without sensing a difference. This was on a D750. Thank for the review!
I’m happy with my copy the main issue was having to use 5 micro USB cables before it would be detected by windows 10. And I have the same tight mount issue.
I own the lens since mid February (as soon as it was available here in Austria). I love the lens, it is very sharp on my Z6 The mount is not tight, it only turns a little too far when unmounting, but I got used to it. I only find the lenshood somehow fiddly to screw on. I would hope for more third party manufacturer (SIGMA and TAMRON) to release glass for the Z mount, as the NIKON lenses are quite pricey. I own mainly SIGMA lenses for my DSLR gear which still works fine with the FTZ adapter.
Hi Ricci, thanks for sharing, just wondering what your thoughts would be regarding this Viltrox vs the F mount 85 1.8g image quality wise? Sharpness and fringing etc.
Great video! When wide open, at the edges, the bokeh balls are a nicer shape on the Viltrox, but the Nikon is overall smoother by a tiny bit. Stopped down I very slightly preferred the bokeh of the Nikon in that shot. What's shocking is how close they are. But the fringing is not great. Overall, the Viltrox seems like an awesome budget choice. And the AF-C performance is really amazing.
