Budget Gourmet Episode 4: Viltrox 24mm f/1.8 in Nikon Z Mount

[@paulconnors2078]

Since you made this video, the cost of this lens has dropped to $379.00. I have three Viltrox lenses: the 16 mm f1.8, the 20 mm f2.8, and the 85 mm f1.8 for Nikon and I am very happy with all three. Thank you so much for such a detailed review with the photo analysis. I may just have to run out and buy this lens now. 🙂

[@homestudioplace]

I bought the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 for my Z6 II exclusively for the possibility of shallow depth of field when shooting indoor talking head video. For this, DOF was important to me and ultimate sharpness didn't matter. If I want that focal length for photography, I almost never regret using my Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S instead.

[@anthonyychapa]

I’ve got the 24mm from Viltrox and I’m in love. I’ve also never shot 24mm in prime but it has really exceeded my expectations with color, contrast, and sharpness.

[@MyBiggiebig]

When I bought my Z6II, I thought about carrying around the Nikon Trilogy set of F mounts I've accumulated. So I thought about trying something new and bought the Viltrox 85MM. I was blown away with the quality and never thought a non-Nikkor lens could match the renowned Nikkor glass. Well it did. So I bought the 24mm Viltrox as well. Again, it couldn't be better. But let's talk about you. Your reviews are the best on the net. You don't play favorites and when you see something good, no matter the manufacturer, you share it. Awesomeness always and your work is phenomenal. Thanks for bringing Claudia on, it was nice to actually "meet" her.

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@Austinite333]

A Viltrox 35 1.8 just arrived yesterday for my new Z5. I have nothing but good things to say about it so far. Impressive build and feel, fast accurate focus and sharp. I did some research before the purchase and could find little said on the negative side. The 24 will be tempting me as well.

[@warrickcoe5576]

For those of us for whom photography is more a passion than profession, these viltrox lenses provide great options covering a variety of focal lengths. They have some quirks and are not as good as native Nikon lenses, but when you can get a set 24, 50 and 85 for the same money as just the 85 Nikkor, they make a whole lot of sense. They perform at 95% of the Nikon natives, with perhaps less contrast pop, but very well indeed. Build quality is excellent. Firmware updates plug right into the lens via USB C, all round a great product.

[@tankerbruja]

I've been curious about viltrox for a bit, and i have to say the optimism from you and Claudia is contagious. And both fantastic artists. Your works always inspire me to create. What a great way to start my day. c: I hope you both are having an amazing week.

[@3BMEP]

So happy you enjoyed it! You too!

[@juliemenken2507]

Really loving your budget gourmet series! Keep em coming! Thanks for all you do

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@ivorgottschalk6432]

Terrific to have Claudia describe her experience taking her terrific street photos and Hugh I must agree with your preference for primes on the street where more images seem to appear, at least for me, with one focal length in mind.

[@zairpaczkowski2598]

I’ve been keeping my eye on the Viltrox 24mm and the Nikon 24mm. I have the 24-70 F4 but would still like something faster for low light and Astro/ nightscapes.

[@kidspacebyelliot8636]

My friend (who got me into Nikon and out of Sony) makes movies and went to school for it. He says the 24-70 f4 is excellent coupled with the ProRes Firmware and an atomos ninja. Nikons new 28mm f2.8 (in the short time I had it) made gorgeous video on my Z7. Only reason why I returned it was that I’m accident prone and the plastic parts made me anxious. It’s a great lens though for 299.99

[@andrewwestreich4899]

Claudia Unleashed! It was good to hear her thoughtful and grounded comments. One thing that bothers me about all these non-OEM lenses is that since Nikon is not an open interface (and I assume that Viltrox reverse engineered their interface to the Z mount) you end up being functionally at the whim of Nikon's firmware updates. This has caused problems with other lenses and adapters in the past (and present).

[@flowyscreations]

SOLD. Just pulled the trigger. Want it for video on the Weebill S as well as for portraiture.

[@wilkbor]

I bought this as a fast prime for the Nikon Z50 and have been happy with it.

[@jtes1442]

Great video, I appreciate how you guys discussed the use of the lens and the user experience.

[@4mooncheese]

Great video. I have a Viltrox for Fuji X-Mount and I think it is a remarkable option considering the price.

[@oligilkes6355]

Brilliant to have Claudia involved. Love both your images on Insta

[@andrewchisholm3665]

I have the 21mm f1.5 TTArtisan lens for my Z5 and it is just a great lens even though it is manual focus and I am half blind yep I am a mad Scotsman. I even used it on a model shoot in September and it gives a totally different and dare I say oldy worldy look to the photos. I have yet to try it on my Z6 yet but hey that day will come

[@JennyDarukat]

I really appreciate Claudia coming on camera, very nice to see a little more of her than "just" her work. You're really not helping my urge to save up and switch to Z-mount right now, also 🙈

[@tankerbruja]

Lol, the Z5 was quite compelling when it launched on that sale price. I can see myself owning one eventually, or if a Z5ii has a fully articulating screen there's a good chance i will pick that up. i def agree this does make a strong argument for the Z mount though. c:

[@3BMEP]

Sorry! 😜

[@JennyDarukat]

@@tankerbruja I can find Z6s for 800-900€ second hand in great condition back in Germany so that's likely what I'll end up going for once I have gathered the courage (and funds) to make the leap from my (much beloved) MFT gear.

[@kaneclements7761]

Hi Hugh. There are a couple of standouts from this. First is the way you two are together on screen. The warmth, respect and support is palpable. Clearly, although normally behind the scenes so to speak, Claudia is a brilliant photographer and her analysis of her own work is great. Second is the lens review. I’m on Fuji and have a couple of Viltrox lenses. I get really nice results. Provided I get my act together. This is a really good review that abandons the ‘specs’ norm for something experiential and organic.

[@3BMEP]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@devilangel4655]

I love the Viltrox, hope they bring the 1.4 later for the Fullframe🤙

[@Renzsu]

Interesting lens, but for street stuff I'm sticking to my teeny tiny manual focus voigtlanders :)

[@airbnbphotography]

how about 35mm version ? debating between 24mm and 35mm one

[@kidspacebyelliot8636]

Fantastic video. I’ve been dying for the 24mm S or 20mm S but a grand has given me pause. My 85mm being 700 felt like a lot for me (one of the many reasons I left Sony for Nikon). Any the reviews of the viltrox 35mm for Nikon hadn’t held its own against the new 40mm … but this video has sold me. The 1.8 over the 28mm’s 2.8 is much more enticing.

[@fazwb]

Such a pleasure to listen to you guys! Top review!

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@dieseldavey]

Thanks Mr and Mrs excellent video

[@MARZILLI]

What a sweetheart ❤ Great work Claudia…

[@Karanja59]

Great video and a lovely couple 👌

[@3BMEP]

Thanks so much! 😊🖖🏻

[@BenjaminSandness]

Great to hear Claudia’s voice in this one. I’m always pleased to see her photography. Though the Viltrox is less expensive, I don’t personally think it is cheap enough or unique enough to justify purchasing over the native Z-mount 1.8S alternative. It quite literally looks like an attempted clone of the Nikon lens, that just performs somewhat less well. A used Nikon just seems like a better value proposition long term for just a couple hundred dollar difference-though I recognize that I am coming from a position of relative privilege on the matter of cost. I guess this brings us to the 28mm f/2.8 from Nikon. It is 2/3 the price of the Viltrox and 1/3 of the Nikon 24mm, far smaller, significantly lighter, and probably carries more compromises optically because of it. My copy of the SE 28 is arriving this week from my day 1 preorder, so the extent of these compromises will come to light soon enough.

[@3BMEP]

Please keep me posted. I am a big fan of the Nikkor Z 1.8s, but Ali haven’t looked at any Z primes which are slower.

[@kidspacebyelliot8636]

Question to anyone, I’ve purchased the viltrox 24mm z mount for my Nikon Z7 through eBay as an “open box”. It’s quick and sharp and focus is as good as the new nikkor z 28mm 2.8. I returned the 28mm in fear of its plastic build. The 1.8 aperture was a welcomed bell and or whistle. Everyone: “get to it already!” Me: “right, sorry “ So the aperture on the viltrox seems to be manual, while everything else is auto. Including focus. Does that sound about right? The lens looks like it could be aperture manu. given the appearance. The ape ring is very noticeable and textured and to me it’s not a deal breaker.

[@miiavega]

Any issues with the lens being too tough to screw on the mount? Side note, your vocal delivery is flawless and enticing.

[@3BMEP]

Thank you. No problems mounting the lens!

[@maze400]

Having not dabbled in primes I feel like I am missing something by not buying one or two. I bought the z5 to take advantage of adapters. I have an M 50 and 35mm summicron but also adapted my NIkkor 50mm 1.8 non ais which is amazing. Would it make sense to buy the 24mm 1.8 or for $100 more get the 24-70 f4 z lens?

[@3BMEP]

Go 24/1.8 to start and prepare to be surprised.

[@detectivejonesw]

Claudia was awesome in this video

[@Fleet42]

I have a question for you sir? I have two SL2S bodies for events but the focusing system on the Leica’s well you know🤷🏿‍♂️. That said would you go with a Canon R5 or the Z7ii? Which colors would match closer with Leica in your opinion if you had to shoot both at an event?

[@3BMEP]

I prefer the Nikon.

[@nancyk9475]

Great video. Just found your channel. 👍🏻

[@3BMEP]

Welcome to the channel!

[@XYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYI]

Claudia is amazing photographer and woman

[@spyhunter6411]

I love these bargain gourmet videos. Side note, any opinions on the new fuji 33?

[@3BMEP]

Haven’t had it in hand.

[@spyhunter6411]

@@3BMEP ah bummer. One day.

[@drthompson65]

We need more Claudia!

[@EugeneMaynard]

🙏🏾

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻