💎 FULL REVIEW VILTROX 85mm f1.8 AF FUJI X-Mount 😳

[@shadowrevival]

Would you say this lens is better than the Canon 135 f2 L lens? 🥰

[@ecam6687]

This is why I really like Kens reviews... no BS, honest, and straight to the nitty-gritty FACTS!

[@JeDxDeVu]

Would love you to check out the 75mm 1.2

[@dazxmedia]

Finally a real review from someone who actually knows what the hell they are talking about when it comes to lenses, Instead of just shooting a brick wall,talking about corner sharpness and pin cushioning and concluding it's good for "B Roll" and suggesting you buy a zeiss batis instead from the affiliate link below.

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i got tons of Zeiss glass, this is much better than my Zeiss 85mm except in high contrast lighting

[@BenBond]

Daz X 😂🤣🤣🤣😂

[@eoghanhennessy15]

@@KenTheoriaApophasis Really? Better than zeiss?

[@Shaanmojo]

planning on ditching my Nikon Df for a X-T3, a manual wide (not sure which one yet), 18-55mm f2.8-4, 35mm f2 kit, and Viltrox 85mm f1.8 - what do you all think?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

8-16mm :) all good, yes

[@exarrkun30]

I came from the Df, I loved that camera. It got a lot slack, but I enjoyed the feel of it. With that being said, I am enjoying the flexibility that Fuji has given me with light weight gear. You can get as good rendition as that Df sensor as well. Sometimes I miss that full frame look, but it goes away very quickly as the Fuji just renders SOOC pictures so nicely. Regarding lenses, I have the 18-55 for my everyday, I have the 35MM when I know I want to shot at that focal length (one my faves), I also have the 90MM which is my go to for portraits, and have paired it with the Voigtlander 58MM 1.4 manual focus, when I want to challenge myself and have fun with manual focus. I would also get (if your wallet) allows, the 50-140 which is a magical lens as well as the 16mm f1.4. It’s a lot of gear but Fuji glass is so amazing it’s crazy

[@joetreadonme]

I have the 18 f2 23 f2 27 f2.8 35 f2 50 f2 and the one lens that I find the least exciting is the 35mm f2. I love 50mm lenses so I thought the 35mm on the fuji would be my go to lens, especially since its so compact and light on the camera. I find the AF is slower than the other primes and the it's not particularly sharp and lacks the shallow dof i'd want for some shots. ehh I'd recommend trying out 27mm pancake or if you want a 35mm looking at the f1.4 which vilitrox makes a version of as well that people seem to like.

[@mariusmocan8491]

Are you gonna review the Mark II edition of this lens?

[@ThorRavnsborg]

Mark II is optically no different just a little lighter.

[@ArgentoRAWRz]

@@ThorRavnsborg I dont think its the only difference

[@incrediblelee007]

you are a genius in photography.. i like your details with humor

[@Ed.Focuss]

Official viltrox ambassador!

[@mr_cramberry]

Thanks ken for verfiying my purchase choice of having bought this lens previously. Viltrox should send you future lens for testing as you sure as hell will pursuade many fuji users to purchase the 85mm after this review lol.

[@JeffWhitephotography]

Jeff from Canada here.. After viewing your review on the 56mm f1. 4 viltrox and the 85mmf1.4 viltox What lens would be best for portraits? Thanks for your time J

[@strangenuggets4304]

Thanks Ken... It's your fault I'm a Fuji shooter! It's your fault that I have way too many vintage lenses! Now it's your fault that I just bought this lens!!!! Based on your history of being correct, I expect to be utterly and miserably thrilled with this lens! BTW... this will be my first auto focus lens for Fuji...

[@kalidesu]

No freewill ay! XD

[@Марк.Фетнов]

Vintage glass is a good vice:)

[@dimitrisaivdemetr]

Can u please tell me which vintage lenses?

[@Innovate-pq9ci]

Thanks a lot Ken... do you think you could compare the bokeh of the 85mm f1.8 Viltrox and the 90mm f2? You often say the bokeh is not good on the 90mm f2 so I'm curious :)

[@davidhedges1729]

Just bought one based on your review, first thoughts are that it's everything you say. Now waiting for the new Viltrox releases and your reviews. Well done and thanks.

[@TheGray01974]

I purchased the mk 2 version for my Sony A6000 . I use it for close goal mouth action for football at night as I can't afford a F2.8 lens . The lens is unbelievably sharp , even at high ISO the images can be soft on my other lens but this lens is unreal .

[@venuslnd]

How do you clean your lens? Any tutorial please

[@peeperpawsmcgee]

As someone who shoots infrared. I'm so glad you always talk about that!

[@SkyNines]

I've been looking into this lens for my XT20 for a while now, Because like you said.. The Fuji 90mm f/2 is terribly expensive. How is this for colour portraiture? I rarely do Black and white. Thanks for the review.

[@Sonnyboy346]

How would you compare this lens to the new 16-80mmm Fuji for portraits?

[@vetocorlion]

if you can help me please , if i have to choose between Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 and Fujifilm Fujinon XF50mmF2 , which one do you recommend and kindly let me know why

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

the viltrox is more useful for more things

[@adomolis]

My only worry is QC. How good is it and how likely one is to get a lemon lens....

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

a defective copy would be swapped out immediately

[@streetowski]

So I already bought the Fujinon 16 1.4 and Voigtlander 50 1.2 M mount based on your reviews. Now I will buy this lens. Thank you for your great work :)

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

its very cheap and fast AF........i mentioned its only "fault", no use in HIGH contrast lighting without an ND filter. $30 filter....... hell the lens is very cheap

[@streetowski]

@@KenTheoriaApophasis You are my lens hero 😎 and I don't like that fedora guy btw 😁

[@eatsimplefood]

Thanks for the review. I wanted to get the fuji 50mm f2 for head portraits... and product photography. The front glas element looks way more impressive on the 85mm. I noticed customers do kind of get impressed by gear. Not sure how to deal with that. I probably will get the 50mm but what is your opinion on that. My other lenses are the 35mm f2, 18-55mm kit zoom, xc 50-230mm, takumar 135mm f3.5 and the 50mm macro takumar f4. Thanks

[@eatsimplefood]

@@eliaspap8708 thanks Elias

[@johnm695]

Have just purchased this lens and was waiting for and hoping for this positive review from you Ken. Thank you for confirming I had made the right decision in buying this lens. I've been following you for a while and love your reviews. Bought the X-H1 partly on the strength of your review of that camera. Thank you for all your advice and recommendations.

[@kobakakhidze100]

This lens is full frame lens, also customers can buy for Sony E-maunt. In China cost clear 320 USD, in Viltrox online shop. Lens use 4 aspherical and 1 ED elements. Christopher Frost also tested it and gave to him high recommendation. Thanks Ken for this review. Viltrox and Laowa now producing very high quality lenses and also some unique lenses too (Laowa), also they began to implemented AF motors. Viltrox also has 7.5mm F2.8 Fish-eye non-AF lens for APS-C mirror less cameras for 130 USD.

[@walterhess1765]

Ken, you’re really looking thinner now. I can see it in your face and it’s getting mote and more visible. Congratulations ! !

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i dont feel thinner :)

[@LordBaca]

He could have been using a shorter focal length lens

[@baraaamir7891]

How is the viltrox compared to the fuji 56 1,2??

[@djtruedomination]

Can this be used as a macro lens like the Fuji 85mm?

[@Lysander-Spooner]

Sorry Ken, your "set" in Ft. Meyers looks like a fugitive hideout where you film hostage video.

[@valdemarpapiernik9320]

Hi great review, will you be looking at the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 xf pro lens please.

[@christiang-berg8490]

Bought this lens pretty much when it was released (and I love it!). This lens is one of the reasons I just bought a X-H1 to replace my X-T2 since I want to be able to use it hand held even when the lighting is limited (and also my Voigtländer 58/1.4) :)

[@IbogaineCuresPTSD]

what are your wonder lenses

[@Nuntjako]

Anything on the Fuji gfx100 recall? So funny when it happened to a few nikon z6s, rigth?

[@76leyka]

Hello. I am Capture One Pro 12 user. VILTROX 85mm f1.8 AF FUJI X-Mount is not in the list of supported lenses. The question is - Are there any problems in processing raw files shot with this lens?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i was processing raw in C1 last night, so no on that "issue"

[@MrRaijinsama]

Any owners of the lens notice "tooling" marks on the front of the lens (the barrel not the element)? Mine has a bunch of scratches and two albeit small dings (look like file marks). The security tap was intact and the box unmolested. Purchased from B&H. Otherwise this has been a great lens so far.

[@user045-key77]

This hit me like a fright train, having found a guru.the folk lore has it that the master finds you not the other way round.respects from India.

[@mariobravo8253]

Love your comment. - Saludos 👋 de México

[@ce2548]

Got my sights on this lens... just needed your seal of approval... thank you great lens buddha... (Gong crash!!!)

[@stephentonkin6942]

Hi Ken. As a keen Fujifilm user I've been listening to your reviews and advice on Fujifilm products for many years and respect your views - particularly on lenses. I recently bought the Viltrox 85mm f1.8 FX for use with my X-H1. Yes, it's built well and feels really good in hand on the body, but it's below par on sharpness and can't compete with the super-fast focussing of the XF90 f2.0, in my opinion. I'm steering clear of Chinese lenses after this experience!

[@stealthworx4371]

Wonder how this compares to the mitakon 1.2. @f1.8-2 it must be close.

[@mattstolzman]

Ken, so what are those "wonder lenses"? Can you list them? Love your unbiased reviews.

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i did list them in MANY diff videos........one is the 80mm fuji macro

[@alexwaller2237]

Would like to see a comparison to the faster more expensive 75mm 1.2 Viltrox that has been released since this video

[@stevenberg8719]

what are your 'wonder lenses' ?

[@DrErickLopez]

Just snagged one as my first Fuji AF lens! Also just grabbed a way cheap Fuji X-T2 as well! 😎

[@zacx6970]

Hi sir! I just bought the Viltrox 56mm f1/4 and I’m planning to buy this lenses in my next purchase. They said that the previous issues of this lenses was fixed by the current firmware. Did you happen to notice it? And also, would you recommend it to someone who just bought 56mm lenses? Thanks a lot!

[@ibrahimsiregar307]

I found no surprise to what you've been said for this lens as it is a really incredible lens for its tag price. But i'm keeping my XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR as i still need its speedy AF. I'm really hoping that Viltrox will soon produce more X-mount AF prime lens filling in focal length in which Fuji X-mount line up has not offered like 70mm and 135mm. Also with an aperture ring in the upcoming lens.

[@marcdewit4729]

Got one. This lens is a true masterpiece. Superb bokeh and sharpness. The sharpness is there immediately at 1.8 Gorgeous front element. Crazy good build. Feels very good holding while shooting. Very very good job by Viltrox company

[@CarlosLacroze]

For your next FF_T&T edition, would it be possible if it makes sense to somehow RATE these 3rd party lenses (eg* this Viltrox 85mm f1.8 AF Fuji X-Mount, the Voilgtlanders' FF_X Mount ? w/ K&F Leica M Lenses to Fuji X Mount Camera Adapter, the Mitakon 35mm Mk II 0.95 you also mentioned, the famous Yashica ML 50mm f2 for C/Y Mount MF that become rare and expensive thanks to your recommendation, and also the "wonder" ones) >>> with your particular scale

[@Las_cacas]

i was just about to buy the 90f2.... now i think im gonna get this 85f1.4 and the 35f2 instead.

[@JavierGonzalez-qu2rm]

Hi Ken. How it compares with the Nikkor 85mm 1.8G?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

sharper , better "microcontrast" and better bokeh...... however worse on high contrast lighting

[@MrJed_s]

I know you mentioned this in the video, but... where are the sample pics? I clicked the flickr link in the description which takes me to your "photostream" but I couldn't see any way to filter only photos from the Viltrox. I'm interested to see an example of the "highlight bloom" you mentioned, so hopefully one of the samples shows that.

[@theeclecticphotographerajr5372]

Would this be a good choice for kids sports?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

itsa actually yes fast enough for that , but better still a 55-200 Fuji or 50-140mm

[@ramblinginmeath4950]

Curious how you might rate the lens against Voightlander

[@jp3576]

Thanks Ken, your advice is always welcome.

[@JacquesGaines]

Just did a review on this lens too. I agree with you. Fantastic lens

[@mr.b4444]

Hey Ken, Great review. I was wondering how this lens performs against the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm F/1.8G. I currently own that Nikon 85 and use it on my X-T20 with the K&F Concept adapter you recommended some time ago. Although no autofocus, that combination works well and produces some nice portraits. Autofocus aside do you think the VILTROX 85mm f1.8 on an X-T20 would produce similar results?

[@enriquebaserga4519]

Hi Ken, what do you know about the new lenses Viltrox for Fuji?. Thanks

[@newcovenantmedia1585]

You mentioned the Fuji 90 f2 was their second fastest focusing lens. What is their fastest?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

80mm

[@gerben4875]

Thx for the review! How is the manual focus on this lens together with the peaking of fuji?

[@ryanstark2350]

I made a comment on another of your Viltrox videos but this is the one I'm actually interested in. That's an interesting point you make about the ND filter because I have used vintage lenses for movies and hence was forced to use ND and the results were coming out better than stills with similar lighting conditions so I was wondering what was going on. It's obviously exactly what you mention here.

[@kr4ezy]

so what are your wonderlenses?

[@gizrichronicles6553]

Any body tested this lens with bayer sensor cameras like X-T100 or X-A5?

[@Nick-bc5cv]

Always good to hear about good quality and value for money options. Any views on its use with the mcex-11.

[@bacsupmtdelfin]

how about in lowlight/indoor shots? does it performs well also?

[@Stevesmith-yw7cr]

Thanks Ken. Your advice on the Viltrox 23 and 33 1.4's was right on. I have the Fuji X-S10 and it works well with those lenses. I have the Fuji 16-80 F4 and it takes some learning to use correctly....but once you do.....WOW. So I have the 56 1.4 on order and when that lens arrives, I will order the 85 1.8 because of this review. 73's.......

[@photojoe1989]

Hi Ken, what do you think about this lens for action? have you shot any fast-moving sports with it? Thanks much.

[@vickianderst397]

I’m looking for an indoor sports lens (volleyball, basketball) would this Viltrox 85mm work well in this instance? Thank you for all you educated honest video’s. I use Fuji x-t3.

[@funkyboogiee]

is viltrox putting out a 56 1.4 AF soon in 2020?!? i saw that on fuji rumors. wow. i didn't know about the Vx 85 1.8 AF for fuji mount till today! sounds like a good fit for my Xt4 since i gotta spend some bigger dollars on 2-3 fujinon lenses! is this the only company to make 3rd party AF lenses for fuji.?

[@muatao9943]

Hey Ken, thanks for your review. I'll have to look into that. I was thinking on my way to work today about I.Q. comparisons between different camera manufacturers. I've noticed when shooting with my XT1 that the images "to my eye" look very close to the way my eyes/brain perceive what I'm actually looking at. Subjects in real life to me don't appear to be in HD. I happen to enjoy the SOC images from the XT1 very much. When viewing out of camera images from a friends Sony a7iii I see more detail, but it's emphasized in a way that is different from the way my eyes perceived the real subject. Kind of like HDTV makes the images pop, but does it actually look better or just different? I realize it's all subjective and this is not meant to be an argument about one camera/sensor/processor being better than another. Just an observation about how do we really see things. If you have any thoughts on this I would love to hear them. If you happened to address them in a video that would be great. Thanks much!

[@robjames9880]

Just bought this mint condition used for £210, thanks to your review, can't wait to start using it!

[@tontonpacute]

sorry noob question: what filter did you guys get? TIA

[@bwheels02]

So which 'picture style' was used for the jpeg straight out of camera?

[@pfzheng6501]

Viltrox will release 23mm 33mm 56mm f1.4 new lens for x-mount and E-mount on November this year

[@MrLNielsen]

Thanks again for your contribution to the photography community Ken

[@douggottlieb]

Great vid Ken. Hope you’re staying safe. How about a wonder lens video? Which are the Fuji wonders? Thanks!

[@TankNSSpank]

When I shoot with this lens at bright neon lights at night, it becomes so hazy. Not sure why. Anyone has any idea?

[@paulgreenstone]

Love your videos. Discovered you a few months ago so thanks for entertaining and educating me this summer. Ordered an xh1 with the 16-55 from B&H on Friday and snagging a 55-200. I want to get a fun prime for portraits and other cool stuff... Should i go for Viltrox 85 or the Mitakon 35??? HELP!!!!. Thanks

[@paulcachia6711]

Hi Ken, cheers for your review. How you do you compare it to the Samyang 85 1.4 pls?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i never test samyang "stuff"

[@paulcachia6711]

Once you did one on Samyang 8mm f2.8 ver II about three years ago. Samyang or Rokinon as known in U.S. do some good lenses and I owne the 12mm f2. It's great lens.

[@andrey-m]

can this lens work with af on older fuji cameras like x-t10, x-e1?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

ohhhhhhh yes

[@KeithShaffer70]

I really enjoy your videos and appreciate the effort that goes into them. I am still confused why you say you pick this Viltrox up 9 times out of 10 over the Fuji if you own both? I understand it may have better price to performance by far but if the Fuji is sharper and faster and you already own both, why are you grabbing this 9 out of 10 times? I am struggling between the two as current prices are within a few hundred of each other. The closer focus range and weather sealing are pushing me towards the Fuji. You are also the only reviewer I have seen say the Viltrox bokeh is better. I value your opinion so if you have further thoughts they would be appreciated. Thanks again for the great channel!

[@Beinhartwie1chopper]

Got mine new for $278. Go for it!

[@eddevries6474]

Hi Ken, I already own the 50mm/f2, is it worth adding this 85/1.8?

[@deiciderob]

I’m from Ireland and if you say like Ken said ‘This lens is as sharp as piss’, it means is absolutely terrible haha

[@jrago8198]

Hi Ken, may I firstly thank you for the incredible insight and help your vlogs have given me since becoming a fuji lover some 8 months back. Id like to ask your opinion if you would be so kind... I have a small budget for an 85mm, and wonder if you would recommend this over the Contax Zeiss 1.4? Its currently a trade off between AF ( this gives me the bonus of street photography use) vs user experience ( I really wanna learn to nail manual focus) any help/opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@emmanuelandal3758]

how does this compare to the mitakon 85 1.2?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

sharper for sure, much better tonality, a looot smaller. and AF of course

[@901pics]

I you tried this on GFX?

[@doc_hira]

This or fuji 56mm f1.2???

[@HantuBorneo]

This dude 😁

[@SkyGW]

56mm 1.2 is probably still Fuji's best Portrait lens and a true bookeh monster but it depends on what you do and if you're willing to pay 2.5 the price

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeo]

I think there's a 56mm 1.4 Viltrox coming out soon

[@heregulmithal7063]

Beautiful photography. I might get back into it after seeing these pictures. Thirty years ago I had a Pentax with a telescoping lens. 35mm film can be unforgiving, whether in the camera or darkroom. But when everything goes right is superior.

[@raygeary1698]

Been updated with firmware 1.3

[@ramironunezjr]

Did you get a chance to test the Auto Focus Speed and accuracy on a Fuji XT1?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i dont own a XT1 anymore

[@JJ-fromDK]

Hi Ken, thax for a good informative video yet again, I was thinking, how would the Viltrox fare against the 56mm 1.2 from fuji in terms of the subjects you mention in this video here :0)

[@franssanders7834]

Hi Ken, since you were also very positive about the 'awesome' Mitakon 85mm 1.2 I wondered if you can do a comparison. Can't find any on the internet and since you are an appreciated honest expert ... 👍

[@bernardosilva7306]

What is better for B&W and low light, this lens or the voigt 58 f1.4? Thanks!

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

this is much larger, but also AF....... both for BW and low light are comparable,...the Voight handles high contrast highlights better

[@Martin-nu6ym]

@@KenTheoriaApophasis Thanks. That was the information I was looking for. Love the way the Voigt 58 renders in black and white. And I already have the XF80 and XF90 so I guess I don't have a reason to get the Viltrox. :)

[@johnpouw3352]

Thanks for the great review, just bought this lens brand new on special and pairing it with my near new X-H1 that I paid the equivalent of your $600 for in mint condition. Looking forward to those awesome Black and White portraits :) All the best. John Pouw NZ

[@ldyrtdyrt8872]

It probably would do extremely well with that monochrome xt3 that doesn’t have af

[@zytrec1]

Ken, I watched 3 other reviews of this lens from other content creators that one can say reliable (at least I trust their judgement). I was ready to order it then 5 days ago you made a short video about how you are going to do a full review of this lens. I waited for your brutally honest review I dare say. Now, I ordered it. 400 $ or not, I have to spend my money wisely. Thank you helping with that. Also thanks for the ND filter tip by the way.

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

seriously doubt you can be anything but happy with it :)

[@zytrec1]

@@KenTheoriaApophasis I collect the lens today from the deliver company. Thank you Ken. Just spending few hours with it, incredible. I thought it will look weird with my X-T20, but not at all in my subjective opinion (I had a L bracket on it but still). This thing is built like a tank. Cheers and enjoy your holiday.

[@Whatisright]

@@zytrec1 How's the lens been for you?

[@zytrec1]

@@Whatisright It is working great for me actually. I am quite happy with it. Lastly I've been to a birthday party for my nephew. Shot the daylight semi outdoor event with xf23f2 and 85mmf1.8. Great results. Definitely has its limitations but I knew and expect them before hand. Highly recommend it.

[@Whatisright]

@@zytrec1 What were the limitations? I imagine it's probably the right Field of view on a crop.

[@mrp3966]

Ken, If available for Nikon how would it be on a D500?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

but its not :(

[@mrp3966]

@@KenTheoriaApophasis Thanks.

[@ashishlimbu-m6m]

YES!! Ambience and its glory to this Lens.

[@craigmorrison6343]

Great overview...You referenced 7 or 8 ‘wonder lenses’...what about a video reviewing these?

[@gwenandersen]

Your review pushed me over the edge for this - I have the 80mm macro which I appreciate for the versatility of macro plus 120mm equivalent focal length, but everyone kept saying lovely things about this lens and its price point and for lowlight .... When you said we’re an idiot not to buy it at $380, and I was seeing it at a little over $300 for Black Friday, my final resistance faded away. Thank you for the 2 stop ND filter tip too. Thank you for the time, experience, and passion you put into the reviews.

[@mattstolzman]

Ok, I have this lens and it's great. Just get it. Thanks Ken

[@walterhess1765]

Thanks for the Viltrox 85mm f1.8 lens review.

[@duaneshort186]

Awesome! Embrace the bloom, man. Sounds like my favorite lens ever, a LTM Canon 90 1.9 (or was it 85???). Fairly rare I think. Used on a Leica M3. Absolutely LOVED that lens. Far from "perfect", but oh was it perfect!