23mm f/1.4 lens comparison: Sigma, Viltrox, Yongnuo, & Fujifilm

[@christopherfrost]

I'm also aware of the Sirui 23mm f/1.2 and Tokina 23mm f/1.4 lenses. The Sirui I haven't got round to testing yet; and the Tokina is the same as the Viltrox lens. I hope you enjoy the video!

[@MrTwstws]

Great video, thanks! I'm curious where you'd place the Nikon 24mm f1.7 amongst these four for image quality?

[@muttishelfer9122]

@@MrTwstws Because it is f1,7 and not f1,4?

[@Kliffot]

The new Viltrox Air 25mm f/1.7 is coming very soon also ( they went for 25mm & 35mm for that line instead of 23mm and 33mm )

[@holgerokorn3164]

i know 27mm is not 23mm but i miss the Viltrox 27mm 1.2 in your overview. How is it against the Fuji and Sigma ?

[@Kliffot]

@@holgerokorn3164 The 27mm 1.2 is the best ( except weight ( 560 gr ) and the Fuji LM AF is also faster ) Btw as it is oversized you can actually stretch that lens on a FF sensor ( E /Z ) around 23mm (or 35mm FF )

[@RunLiveSG]

The last time I came to your channel was 8 years ago! Glad that it’s still doing great 😊

[@MrWiseinheart]

Why did it take you that long to come back to this channel..? 😅

[@RunLiveSG]

@ I stopped taking photos as a sideline gig. Now just use my phone camera 😔

[@josephseason]

​@RunLiveSG how do you do sideline gig

[@binaryblog]

@@RunLiveSGhaha same here. I've sold all my gear last year but I'm still like to watch his reviews.

[@phild5322]

If Sigma give their aps-c lenses the same build as their FF contemporary lenses they would be great sellers

[@alexeipg]

100% this

[@QuietOC]

I would like the opposite.

[@petrpohnan875]

​@@QuietOCYou'd prefer badly built lenses from.weak materials with squeeky scraping controls?

[@jhirse3547]

@@petrpohnan875 precisely what lenses are you talking about? My Sigma DC DN lenses are well-used, they are working flawlessly and are visually aging very slowly only. Nothing squeeky, nothing scraping, nothing weak...

[@breadandcircuses5644]

Sigma should bring their I-series look&feel and quality down to aps-c size and replace the current line-up. I'm sure those would sell very fast.

[@matthiasg.9658]

Thank you Christopher! Wieder einmal ein perfektes Test-Video, besser kann man es nicht machen ! Weiter so 👍🏻

[@bigtroublejake]

Wow this is exactly the video I was looking for. Just waiting for the Sirui 23mm f1.2 review now because it looks really enticing.

[@maggnet4829]

Awesome, this review will be so helpful to share with people looking for a compact bright prime general purpose apsc lens. Thanks for picking up the request to compare them!

[@opalyankaBG]

Love these comparisons! Hopefully there'll be more to come.

[@rdkevin7729]

Thanks for this comparison. Lots of time and work put into this video. I like how this is done, right to the point.

[@jhirse3547]

Great comparison with quite a satisfactory outcome for me as an owner of the Sigma 23mm.

[@japamax]

Very good comparative video, taking all aspects into account and, above all, with clear conclusions. 👍👏

[@ozuidema]

Great comparison. I own the Fuji and it’s a beast. Also, it produces gorgeous sun stars; would be curious to see that aspect in your comparison as well. All the best.

[@selkiemaine]

That's timing. I bought my spouse the Fujifilm lens used 2 days ago - though it was the older version. Bird in the hand at my local camera store. I tested it in the store, and it's plenty good enough. She's pretty non-technical, and doesn't care for the details. She just wants to pick the camera in any lighting condition and get a crisp shot, and has never had a fast lens before, so this is going to be fun!

[@allaboutky451]

Damn why are you doing this as I was looking at 23mm lenses. Choice is a little more complicated and simpler at the same time. Great amazing review!❤❤

[@31filmz68]

That Viltrox 23mm is glued to 1 of my cameras! At f2 & f2.8 it really comes alive!

[@SamTaylors]

As a long time owner of the Fuji XF23mm I can say it’s a brilliant lens and anyone who picks it up will be very happy.

[@leighhaynes]

They live! Sigma have £50 off until 19 January which means the 23mm can be purchased for as low as £399 from official retailers.

[@Badonicus]

Thanks for telling us watch the native currency prices are

[@Connor-kv5cm]

Amazing comparison thanks Chris!

[@SCEmissary]

Thanks for the nice comparison, it's nice to these lenses side by side.

[@xyphoto]

Great comparison,. Looking forward to the 33-35mm f1.4 comparison soon!

[@peterleo16]

Great video. Hope you will make video comparisons for the 33/35mm and the 56mm. Useful at one go to see the difference instead of searching one by one.

[@clonkex]

I recently switched to an a6700, and I'm rapidly becoming a massive Sigma fanboy. Their lenses just seem like the perfect balance of price, performance, build quality and size, and I actually love their minimal designs. And they even say Made in Japan on them!

[@carlosandreviana9448]

I really would like to know why the image sample of the corners of the yongnuo in this video is completely different of the one in the review.

[@martinphilipps8678]

great comparison. thank you Christopher. I recently got the old Fuji 23mm 1.4 for a good price. I was esp. interested in its focus clutch. Unfortunately its very large, heavy and lacking weather sealing. but the image quality is great, esp. great contrast and flare resistance even wide open. i love it

[@mahidoes]

Thank you. I like these kind of comparision over full reviews.

[@EmanueleOlivetti]

I bought the sigma lens last year with a big discount from one of the major online sellers: the final price was almost the same as that of viltrox / yongnuo. So, if you wait the right moment, even the price of sigma can be very competitive. I'm very happy of this lens, especially because of the excellent minium focusing distance, on top of the reasons summarized at the end of the video.

[@noorur]

How much did you pay for the Sigma 23 f1.4 in the end ?

[@birbs4life174]

Love the They Live reference

[@ChrisFlores22]

I own the sigma on my xs20. When focusing from near to far in camera corrections does some weird jerks in the corner. It’s a bummer. Had I know I would have gotten the Fuji but now I feel stuck

[@ChrisFlores22]

Talking about video

[@anddna]

Nice review, please make the conparison of 16mm lenses from Viltrox, Yongnuo, Sigma, and Sirui…😊

[@PotatoSoKawaii]

There’s plenty of Fuji 23mm 1.4 WR in the used market for $600. Got mine one during last black friday sale for additional discount which comes out at $500. Worth it ✨

[@TheMetalButcher]

I needed this. Thank you!

[@EdvardKALEN]

It would be cool to compare the sharpness of RAW files. Because Fuji most likely corrects its native lens in the camera, while the others do not.

[@alexeipg]

I’m not sure about sigma on Fuji cameras, but sigma lenses definitely have in camera corrections on Sony bodies

[@carlosandreviana9448]

The image sample of the corners of the yongnuo in this video is completely different of the one in the review. Why?

[@hassanfun2359]

can you review these lenses? ttartisan 35 1.8 ii for sony and viltrox 35 1.7 for sony which one is better🤔

[@breadandcircuses5644]

I'm on Sony aps-c and currently I would almost always opt for Sigma i-series primes. They are FF but size and look&feel fit perfectly to the a6700. F2 is bright enough for dusk, dawn and indoors. And the optical quality is at least on par with the fuji in this test. I got the 35mm version on a deal for under 500 EUR this weekend. If I ever feel the need for more wide angle, I'd happily get the 24mm f2.

[@future62]

Man I would have loved all this choice when I was shooting APS-C about 10-15 years ago.

[@traffbros]

Nothing wrong with going from ff to aps-c. did that couple of years ago and don't miss the weight of the lenses at all

[@1bozina]

FYI and don't forget... The Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4. As of my writing, this lens can be had new for $224.10 (at a popular NYC store in the US 1/6/25). I'd rate this lens slightly better than the older Viltrox but below the Sigma. Additionally, the Viltrox 23mm lens profile in Lightroom seems to work well for this lens too.

[@ArminHirmer]

not many options for L mount here :) so I have to stick with Sigma. All new lens companies do not make them for L mount somehow, sadly

[@thomasfransson]

I've been using the Viltrox 23mm f1.4 for Video and the occasional still on a Fujifilm X-T4 for a couple of years and it’s rare that I've run into any actual issues with visible CA on that lens in real life scenarios. But I know that someone people really love to hate it. For video work my copy has been quite excellent.

[@muttishelfer9122]

Ok but for a photo there are better options than the Viltrox 23mm. This lens belongs to the old generation of Viltrox lens which are in many ways inferior to the newer ones. CAs are a serious issue, esp. wide open.

[@AWAShowme]

I don't yet own a 23mm prime. The fuji for the win! Thanks for the content.

[@sjc9832]

I tried 3 copies of the Viltrox they all had awful aberrations away from the center when focused at portrait distances

[@coafad]

There is a newer version of the Viltrox 23mm f1.4, The new version offers better image quality, faster and quieter autofocus, and added weather sealing over the one you used in this review.

[@richbottarini86]

Keep the comparison reviews coming

[@cirno6697]

Sigma contemporary 30mm 1.4 was a really nice lens!

[@davewagner980]

I love the sigma option, although as a fuji shooter, the lack of aperture ring that i am so used to having is a deal breaker for me. 😢

[@BlueBomberTurbo]

I had the Viltrox for a few hours. Why so short? Because I got it delivered, went out to shoot with it, came home to review the images, boxed the lens back up, and sent it back. It was absolutely terrible if you want to shoot wide open (the whole point of 1.4!). The bokeh is incredibly busy and the image is quite smeary at anything but close up distances. Flare is absolutely absurd, as well, taking on never-before-seen shapes. I've never been this disappointed in a lens in my 15 years of owning ILCs.A Also, looks like the Fuji has some extra sharpening going on in the sharpness tests, artificially improving their 23's appearance. It has halos around high contrast edges that none of the other cameras create.

[@maggnet4829]

Did you have a bad copy of the lens? I only had good experiences with it in every way and I'm a pixel peeper. Only slight weakness I could see was in sharpness at f1.4, but that went away already at f1.6. No need to stop down to f2. This has to be seen of course in regard to price, but it's a lens I'm happy to recommend anyone that is on a budget or feels the Sigma is to big.

[@GK-dd5ci]

These lenses look good only on paper. These are basically f/2.8 to get any decent performance. The only good option from these is Sigma and Fuji.

[@traffbros]

I would also add that my copy of viltrox lens was absolute garbage at infinity focus. Anything past a few metres would become a blurry mess

[@maggnet4829]

@@traffbros That sounds like the lens needs readjustment.

[@traffbros]

@@maggnet4829 that sounded to me that the lens needed a new owner. I miss it tho, close portraits was nice and had some character

[@adleneboulebtateche156]

Nothing compares to Christopher's comparisons

[@mamaylomay9186]

Please make a same comparison on 85mm f1.8 (yongnuo, 7artisan, viltrox, meike pro and sony) or the 85mm f1.4 of (sirui, meike pro, samyang, sigma and sony g master). Please 🙏🏻

[@sherice1730]

I hope canon makes the 22mm for the Rfs mount.

[@HR-wd6cw]

They might, but it depends on Canon. If it's like Nikon, they don't want competing lenses (one reason why Sigma doesn't have a 23mm for Z APSC).

[@trulsdirio]

Nikon has a partnership with Tamron, using some of their designs for their own branded lenses. I highly suspect Tamron tied that partnership to keeping it's main competitor, Sigma, from the Z mount in return.

[@YannickKhong]

Sigma owner here and I have to admit I've been bothered by those bokeh outlines but don't feel like swapping it for the fujifilm.

[@ilikememesandcars]

Hello, love your videos. Could you take a look at the Meike 35mm F/2 for Sony ?

[@NoSuRReNDeR001]

Wow, you can really see if pause here @6:36 what you paying for in the fuji optic and the compromises you make as go down t the cheaper options.

[@EdvardKALEN]

Or the Fuji camera simply improves sharpness, since it has built-in profiles for the native lens.

[@awake780]

Now do the Viltrox 27 f/1.2 comparison. Focal length is different, but still close enough IMO.

[@AirSKWolf]

The Viltrox 27mm is much heavier and larger. It would destroy all of these in pretty much all metrics though

[@OkwyUgonweze]

There is no comparison,the viltrox 27 mm is the sharpest lens in that range.

[@awake780]

For the life of me, I’m not sure why you’d bother with the 23 or 33 when you can just get the Viltrox to cover both. Better sharpness, brighter, character, and beautiful build quality. Yeah it’s bigger, but it can displace two lenses.

[@EdvardKALEN]

@@awake780 LOL of course not. How a 27mm lens will replace a 23mm lens for me? This is different viewing angles. The equivalent is 35mm versus 40mm. This is a noticeable difference.

[@awake780]

@@EdvardKALEN ever heard of “zooming with your feet?”

[@fabfour289]

Viltrox, please make the apsc 27mm f1.7 . Thanks for the vid, man.

[@markdecoveny1785]

Thank you, this most helpful

[@kurtl.3773]

Please compare the 33mm next

[@rayyancr]

I just hope @Viltrox going to update their Air lens series with 23mm F1.7 , or even 16mm / 18mm wide lens. That’s could be a killer lens

[@LoftySkinner]

The most recent rumour is they are making a 25mm F1.7 Air right this instant. It's on the Fujirumors website and their rumour accuracy last year was 96%

[@noorur]

It's no longer a rumour, it's true, Viltrox are working on 25mm f1.7 for aps-c and looking for testers

[@muaathe78]

Exactly what I m looking for, well done Christ

[@LoftySkinner]

As a Fuji shooter this is the only focal length neighbourhood I went "rogue" and got a Samyang 21mm T1.5 manual video lens with gears. The Fuji is great but it's not suitable for video work, and 21-27mm is the domain of video on APS-C. I do not care for those focal lengths for stills and for the rare times I do want to take stills in that range I have the Tamron 17-70 F2.8

[@arivicivokkey]

Can you do this test with lenses that do not have af? especially chinese ones : )

[@michael2968]

a pancake 23mm prime would do huge numbers, i wonder if fuji have a contract with 3rd parties to prevent them making one to stop competition with the x100 series.

[@shawnfoodfever]

thanks for great sharing

[@TheSoccerseeker]

I own the sigma 23mm 1.4 , low light performance is great, the only problem is chromatic aberration

[@ramonarias1234]

I have the Fuji but prefer to use the Viltrox 27mm f1.2 wich I only feel not good if you shoot directly to the sun.. otherwise is perfect

[@obscurelines]

It's a shame the YNlens logo looks a little cheap. If they'd worked on that it would be magnificent (I know it's only cosmetic).

[@budthecyborg4575]

Anyone looking at the Fuji 23mm f1.4 should REALLY take a close look at the Fuji 18mm f1.4, which is an overall superior lens.

[@Your_Egyptian_Papi]

I choose the Sirui !!

[@domtomas1178]

I picked up the Fuji 23 1.4 LM WR used, two years ago, and so glad I did! - it comes very close to the Leica 43mm f2 on the Q for image quality and is built like a tank. Love it paired with my X-Pro2. Thanks for the review Christopher!

[@ZappaBlues]

The only reason I would by an f1.4 lens would be to use it in the F1.4 to f2.8 range. I have no reason to do so at this time.

[@muttishelfer9122]

The Sigma with better built and an aperture ring WOULD be a bargin/ no brainer!

[@candidonthestreetanupamgos5283]

The viltrox lens is still better is you look closely. Particularly in corners. So there is a difference between the viltrox and yonguno. So rank wise it will be Fujifilm 1st, Sigma 2nd, Viltrox 3rd and Yonguno 4th. Besides, quality interns of price, Viltrox is unbearable. So for most budget shooters the Viltrox should be the choice.

[@zyxyuv1650]

Viltrox reached for the stratosphere and had numerous triumphs and mighty successes, but the APS-C 23mm and 33mm f/1.4's were not their greatest moments. Viltrox had 15 successes and 4 fails so far. The fails include the full frame AF 35mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.8. The 35mm f/1.8 was so bad that Viltrox had to pull it from the market, you can't even find it now. But I love to see Viltrox's agility and fast turnaround. I surmise that they're redesigning the 35 and 50, and probably working on Mark III of the 23 and 33. The new Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 Air will likely be sharper and less fringy than the older f/1.4. Viltrox is a very respectable name. Personally I regard Viltrox higher than Zeiss. Because Zeiss gave up, now Zeiss is just a brand name for marketing, I.e. a "Zeiss" logo on a phone or something. Viltrox took up where Zeiss left off -- Cooking primes.

[@sarutchoothian1232]

They are releasing 25mm 1.7??? That would be my dream lens!

[@zyxyuv1650]

@@sarutchoothian1232 Yes sir, it should be released soon, you can find more info on the rumor sites. "Viltrox is looking for photographers to test their upcoming Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 lens" ...maybe one of those testers could be you 🥰

[@tringuyenminh3836]

Zeiss is still working on optics for medical applications, not to entertain some random chinese fanboy like you.

[@nickorafael3887]

updated 35mm battle

[@jmtphotographymedia]

Sigma for the win

[@Username_CC_]

Dont you just hate it when you actually get what you pay for!

[@obscurelines]

Hate to say it, it's probably better to have fewer, high quality lenses over time rather than a bunch of 3rd party inferiors.

[@Badonicus]

No £ mentioned Chris? Playing up to the American audience?

[@enmirc9938]

That's why fuji costs so much.

[@awake780]

Now do the Viltrox 27 f/1.2 comparison. Focal length is different, but still close enough IMO.