Viltrox 135 vs Sony 135 vs Samyang 135 - Who Is The Best

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Mark, well done comparison. Your findings are extremely consistent with my own.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks, Dustin!! Yes, I noticed that as well. I have been sending people over to your comparison when they ask why the ISO's vary slightly in the comparison pics - thankfully you explained it it yours - haha,

[@NorCal-yeti]

I have the Samyang 135 f1.8 and I am very pleased to say the least.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

It's a really great lens even BEFORE price is factored in

[@gitithadani]

It is an ergonomic lens & I love the rendering. I am not going to lug around a 1200+ gm lens for outdoor work. And with so much software possibilities the extra optics of the viltrox gives diminishing returns.

[@parishino1]

@@gitithadani Rokinon for me too...

[@funtaril]

That face of determination during focus tests!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The look of a true professional 😂

[@mlentsch]

gosh - Viltrox is killing it.

[@brettyg76]

When you were doing the focus tests, bobbing up and down, in and out of frame, I suddenly had visions of Sheldon Cooper (Big Bang Theory) in the classic scene of Leonard chasing Sheldon through the ball pit and Sheldon screaming “Bazinga” every time his head popped out of the balls🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

😂

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video Mark! Thanks for making it.

[@pexarglobal]

Thanks Mark for your nice review ❤❤❤ You look even more handsome in our 2k display! 🤩🤩🤩

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🤣🤣

[@BrandonMitchell-y1w]

Wow, this lens looks amazing. Third-party lenses are crushing it! I’d love to see TTArtisan challenge Viltrox in the telephoto space.

[@sammyh9542]

I recommend the samyang for anyone looking at a 135 1.8 it’s sharp light and priced well I love mine

[@dannyli9424]

I would also recommend the Samyang until I got my hands on this Viltrox, the AF on the Viltrox is day and night better than the Samyang.

[@julievegan]

Great review, I was patiently waiting for a minimum focusing distance comparison, it would be a great addition in future lens comparison reviews, great work though, thanks a lot!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I will try to include it from now on

[@benicio1967]

Thorough review Mark. Thank you!

[@neutrinostorm]

Another great review of Camera Crisis!!! You ask and I will answer: Yes, I owned the Samyang lens a few months ago and I think it's a nice, cheap, almost perfect lens. The only issue I had was with the AF performance of my a6700. However, due to this particular issue, Samyang has released a new firmware. I had v03 on my lens. After the update via docking station (~25€ on eBay) the problem went away. I decided to buy the Samang instead of waiting for the Viltrox as I am a DxO user and the delay of the Viltrox lens modules in the Sony range was the point!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks for telling us your experience. It's a really great lens

[@BorisG491]

Just got the viltrox. Dang this thing is SHARP

[@eokorie.photography]

Definitively happy with my Samyang 135mm. It has been a great lens for me ever since I got it over 2 years ago. It has one feature which is invaluable for me as I shoot astrophotography and that is the Astro mode.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@eokorie.photography awesome to hear!!

[@parishino1]

Me too!!!

[@alanaperture]

Thank you for this educational comparison!

[@ernstvandijk6342]

I would definitely choose the Viltrox for its superb price/quality ratio.

[@OneRiley]

I’m using Samyang 135mm f/1.8 AF for almost two years now and it still works perfectly, had it on Marathon, Events and Weddings. I can feel how heavy it is after shooting for a couple of hours, I can’t imagine carrying that 1.2kg Viltrox compared to 772g from Samyang. I can attest that it’s weather sealed after shooting with it on light rain for an open event. Samyang’s Astro Mode is a handy feature too. I have several videos about it on my channel too. Great video mate.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks for the experience comment. I must say I really do love carrying the Samyang vs the Viltrox. And since the image quality is so close - I can see many people choosing the Samyang

[@OneRiley]

I agree Mark, clients love the photos coming in from my Samyang 135. The Viltrox 135 is even heavier that the Tamron 35-150 f/2-2.8 aye? I guess the reason why it’s also longer is because of that built-in USB-C port for FW update, Samyang uses a separate device called Lens Station.

[@Alex-y3w1p]

This review sold me on the 135mm focal length! I’ve been experimenting with TTArtisan’s primes and might try this next.

[@qbanadachu]

I have Samyang, and it is perfect for me. I am super happy with this lens. I was waiting a long time for Viltrox, and when it was finally lauched, and first reviews appears, I was imoressed with the image quality, but was disappointed with the weight of this lens, what is very important to me, and eventually I decided to buy the Samyang, even if it gives a little worse image than Viltrox.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yes - it's a huge lens - and in many situations - you won't notice any difference between the two

[@ccudjoe89]

The samyang/ rokinon is def weathersealed. i got soaked in the rain with it andits still kickin strong. suprinsingly i had my non weathersealed samyang 50 f1.4 version 1 as well and it too is still kickin no issue

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

great to hear!!

[@ooharloo]

I took my Samyang out in some moderate snow fall and didn't have any issues.

[@parishino1]

I dont use my 135mm often but, when I do, I love the images that I get out of my Rokinon lens... NEVER have I had a client tell me how much more they like the image quality of my GM lenses in comparison. I LOVE the weight of the Rokinon - the image quality is a B+ I think I paid 600.00 for the Rokinon which is MORE than a bargain. I also have the the Rokinon 85mm f1.4 another really good lens - GREAT value.

[@jonoy4375]

For 135 portrait lens hand held, fast focusing is the priority.

[@keirux]

I think an interesting area to test would be how good Catalyst Stabilization works with these as that is normally where Sony lenses offer a massive benefit for people recording video

[@marekratajczyk6735]

First! Still waiting for 50-150 f2.8 for Sony APS-C 😅 hope it will come one day ❤

[@djxcel23]

We needed that like yesterday

[@jliang70]

To be honest I actually own 5 lenses of 135mm focal length. The old Pentax Takuma 135mm F3.5, which is the cheapest, Canon EF mount Zeiss Milvus 135mm F2.0, Sigma ART 135mm F1.8 , Sony GM 135mm f1.8. Takuma is contrasty and has very punchy color reproduction but it has more chromatic aberration like most of the vintage glasses. Milvus is about as optically perfect as it comes, it is sharp, has greater micro contrast with it also greater detail than any 135mm, absolutely brilliant color reproduction but it does not have the convenience of auto focus and whole metal construction means it is rather weighty than even the heavier Sigma ART. Sony has the quietest and fast autofocus, neutral in color reproduction, nice lens but the image quality is not like Mivus. Sigma is almost like Sony in image quality with slightly warmer color. Viltrox will be my last 135mm lens, it does have the looks that very much like Zeiss, even though it weighs about 150 grams more than Zeiss but it is much easier to handle 1.26kg lens with auto focus than needing two hands to hold 1.1kg Zeiss and manual focus. I have watched a lot of review on Viltrox for me it does look like a lot of work has been put through with this lens, it is also very close to the APO design of Zeiss with almost no distortion, Viltrox does have that tonality very close to the look of Zeiss.

[@EmoEmu]

I've got my eye on the Samyang. The weight is a HUGE advantage for me as someone with a ruined back and neck. Whenever I can shave weight off the kit, it's a good day.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The weight is VERY noticeable

[@Jeo-What]

Thanks for this review. I have tested both the Samyang and Rokinon extensively before I returned them. For indoor sports use usually at 1/1000s+ and ISO 6,400~128,000 for indoor succor and indoor roller derby, these two only had less than 25% hit rats. I than purchase a 30 days returnable used Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM lens and the hit rate was 90%+ even at 30fps. As tempting as the amazing IQ and 50% off price it is to purchased the Viltrox and sell the Sony to have some good amount of cash back in my pocket... I will be keeping the Sony for now.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks for the real world tests

[@MeocTuTaaa-m1l]

I have a Samyang and I think that is a good option. It is lightweight.and affordable, which make sense. 135 primes are speciality lens and in most cases, you will have to pair it with other lens for different perspectives. It is 500grams lighter than the viltrox and you can add a 35gm or 501.4 prime in the camera bad and still get similar weight. For image quality, subjectively I feel the image come off it is little bit less contrasty and saturated. And in some case I just feel like it is sharp but not crazy sharp. But I think it can get thw work done and I like the final product. I wish the samyang could focus a little bit faster. I frequent miss focus shooting moving object even the model is simply walking slowly.

[@MrChrissk]

May have already been said, but the focus ring doubles as the aperture ring if like my 35mm lens, that's what the M1 and M2 switch is for, so if your using auto focus you can have the ring to control the aperture.

[@GilbertTV]

I'd love to have a 135mm but reluctant to spend a fortune on a lens I would not use that much so I guess the Samyang would be my pick , I do love my other Samyang lenses & the rendering is very nice for portrait work

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Sometimes you can get a great sale as well. Keep an eye out during this holiday season - you might find a steal on it!!

[@dannyli9424]

I have the Samyang myself and always thought it is a nice 135mm lens, but until I get my hands on the Nikon 135 Plena, and now the Viltrox. I realized how big the difference between a good lens and a great lens. Ok, the Plena is $2500 so it " should be" good, but a $765 USD lens ( currently on sale at B&H) can be this good is simply amazing. My Samyang is currently on local Craigslist now.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks for the real world experience comment. Yes, it’s hard to really describe how good it is to shoot with a great lens. You almost have to experience it yourself.

[@Alexey46]

Thanks for advertising Viltrox!

[@TW-iu9zy]

😂

[@Nathan_Lundstrom]

The Sony focus rack was lightning fast, but I actually thought the SamYang focus rack looked the most pleasing despite it being slower, it felt more natural for video. I could see how the faster focus motors would be preferred for photo, though.

[@frankfeng2701]

I believe you can adjust the AF speed and sensitivity in camera.

[@Nathan_Lundstrom]

@ you were able to adjust the focus speed to compensate for some of the shortcomings in a lens, but assuming Mark left all the settings the same it shows how responsive the lenses are to the same digital command from the camera. If we were to increase the focus tracking speed in the settings, the Sony would likely still be the fastest to grab focus.

[@mongini1]

in photo mode and AF-C its noticably faster than the video test showed.

[@kentsoderstrom8378]

I’ve been using the Sony Zeiss 135/1.8 with Sony A-mount plus a Sony native adapter to FE. Lens is just a shy under 1kg plus the LEA4 adapter which brings it close to the weight of the Viltrox. The Zeiss is heavenly, but it’s heavy. If I buy another 135/1.8 it will be the Samyang.

[@noelwilliams2741]

Christopher Frost considers the Samyang sharper than the Viltrox. down to individual lens batch differences maybe? Dustin Abbot also errs towards the Viltrox regarding sharpness. I have the Samyang but have no brand loyalty whatsoever. Three great lenses !!!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I agree both are great lenses. Dustin only said it was slightly sharper in the corners at certain apertures - overall he thought the Viltrox was sharper. Not sure if Christopher Frost has tested the head to head yet, but he did say the Samyang he though might be sharper from memory. Honestly you can't go wrong with either and they're both really sharp. The Viltrox is crazy heavy though.

[@ChristopherAshworthpage]

There is an update for the Viltrox focusing on older E mount cameras. So I hope you show us more with the newer update.

[@jeroenvdw]

Pretty surprising that the Sony isn't the sharpest! Love my Sony 135 GM and on the A7RV it's razor sharp. I used to buy 3rd party lenses, but as you mentioned, the AF speed isn't great with fast moving subjects. I mostly photograph dogs that are running all over the place, the Sony doesn't fail me.

[@dirkziegler9580]

I would prefer the Samyang for its lighter built.

[@ooharloo]

I got the Samyang 135 a couple years back for is price to performance. The value is hard to beat. I got it on sale at $165 USD. It's a focal length that I don't use often so I didn't find it practical to spend too much on it.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@ooharloo $165!! Wow.

[@KeAiFu]

Event photography with little light, changing light und changing light colors, you will feel the advantage of the GM AF..... so I am happy with my Sony.

[@XIIVSander]

I bought a samyang a for ~500€ new, its was a crazy offer. I like the pictures coming out of it and the light weight, but I'm looking at the lab now because of the image quality, only issue is that it will nolonger be a travel lens. And I allready have a 105 f 1,4 as ultra heavy champion. But my biggest wish would be that the focusing would be better then samyang on the lab

[@TW-iu9zy]

… what? Wait, just 60% keeper rates for the Samy and the Viltrox at 10-15 fps? Thats‘s bad 🤔 Thankfully they are not able to shoot at 30 or 120 fps with the a1/a9. 😄 So the GM is a no brainer for my journalism work: fast and reliable AF, the same great IQ, not to heavy, breathing compensation, linear AF and it has an absolutely quit AF motors. 🙉 Anyway: Great video, thx! 👍🏻

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yes - the GM is the way to go for you.

[@Acura1NSX]

Sony is superior in image quality and the focus is incredibly fast. Big advantage is the weight & size when you're carrying this glass around on an extended shoot the Sony reigns supreme.

[@mentalost]

I really just can't decide which lens to get with my new a7C II. Do I want 50mm f1.4 ? Or the good ol' classic 85mm ? But what about the Samyang's BBG 135mm (big beautiful glass) 😭 I just can't decide.. I'll have to think more about what I actually need but perhaps the classic Sony 85mm f/1.8 is the answer.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The 85 1.8 is a great place to start - doesn't break the bank, small lens - beautiful photos

[@patrickschonknecht4796]

Think about the Samyang FE 50/1.4 II - if I had to choose one lens for the beginning, with good price/reward, I would go for this.

[@mentalost]

@@patrickschonknecht4796 Thanks for the suggestion! It seems like I've already went with the Sony 35mm f1.8, which is amazing. I also have a Viltrox 85mm f1.8 II on the way, because I've found extremely good deal on it, 1/3 less than the Sony 85mm 1.8. I'll see what I can do with these 2 lenses, and decide from there on if I need something wider/longer. I'll still keep an eye on the Samyang 135mm f1.8, since it's one of my dream lens, although I just can't imagine myself traveling with it, it's really not as versatile as the 85mm are.

[@larsmichael7162]

more noise in the Samyang photo. Probably due to the fact that the ISO is 2500 vs. 2000. I think these tests would have been more useful at ISO 200 to avoid any noise issues / artefacts.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The camera was choosing the ISO as I was in aperture priority so the lenses could be a constant f1.8. The tests were about image quality and not noise. Noise is a camera sensor issue and irrelevant to the lens. This is why I didn't mention noise at all.

[@jliang70]

I think it is also reflection of the light transmission of the two lens. I have both GM and Viltrox. In darker condition that Viltrox is shooting at lower ISO when both lens are set at F1.8.

[@ZACKLIFETH]

GM ALL WIN.

[@damianbereza6901]

Actually I can't wait to see new 35, 50 and 85 viltrox lab f1.2 - Hope to see your test and opinion about them

[@MegaUltraSuperDuable]

I shoot but with full frame and aps-c cameras (sony)... I own both the viltrox 27mm f1.2 and the 75mm f1.2. both fantastic lenses. But for the full frame 135 range i went with the samyang... Lighter, and fantastic optics. I however have noticed its important to install any and all firmware updates... I bought the samyang 135 on release and it was for some weird reason draining the battery in the camera crazy fast... Update came and problem was solved. (Downside is it do need you to get the lens station to be able to update the firmware)... But the lens station is a one time buy and do not cost that much.... Currently i am waiting for a 56mm f1.2 viltrox for aps-c

[@my_lens_moments]

It looks to me like the depth of field on the Viltrox is slightly wider than the other two. I wonder if that plays into it appearing sharper? Maybe it’s not a true 1.8 and the other two are? Seemed like a slower drop off on the bokeh tests with more of the subject looking sharp. What do you think? That Sony is clinically sharp too from experience. Nice summary of the three overall but that was just something I noticed. Apart from the size and weight, Viltrox seems like a great buy and a friend has the Samyang so I know that’s great too. Three great options.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

It's always possible. Since these are photography lenses not measured in T-stops, there is room for a little variation. For instance, the Viltrox exposed a little brighter at the same ISO's than the Samyang. But the viltrox does seem sharper even at the point of focus - however, the other two lenses are PLENTY sharp.

[@matthewcullen7106]

This review is relevant to my interests but I'd like to see the ZA 135mm f/1.8 included in this kind of shootout considering they're available for around 600-800 USD used. (Not including the adapter)

[@cobra2079]

Samyang p4p champ in my book considering price and weight.

[@parishino1]

its really the weight for me... the image quality is near perfect for 600.00?!??!? Stop being dumb - save your money!

[@patricktobiasz532]

I picked up the Samyang. On sale was $600ish and so light. Very good lens! One of my favorite lenses. No doubt the best lens under $750. Mark is correct on all accounts but I don't want that huge Viltrox nor that huge Sony price tag. There is so little difference between them (barring sports shooting) that the Samyang is the value champ for me. BTW on my Z8 and Sony A7111 I was getting an almost 70% hit rate for fast action on the Samyang.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks for the real world use. I agree - it's a great lens and likely the best lens under $800 for any system

[@zachlewmedia]

I bought the samyang used for about $500. If you can find it for that price definitely jump on it. I have not been let down

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yes - an absolute steal!! Nice grab

[@ruchirsajwan]

In terms of the practical uses, I would pick Samyang. I don’t think any shortcomings of samyang matter in real life situation much other than AF.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@ruchirsajwan it is much more practical on a day to day basis

[@holgerokorn3164]

Will use Viltrox 75 1.2 in crop mode. Bought it for Eur 435 new. 112mm i easier to use ndoors. About half the weight of the Viltrox 135mm 1.8

[@DrWasim]

I would own the Sigma DG DN (TBA)

[@frankfeng2701]

The DG version is good enough for 135 that is used often.

[@mongini1]

@@frankfeng2701 the HSM? its okay, but i'd rather take the Samyang at this point. The old Sigma design is huge, heavy and slow AF compared to the Samyang...

[@ChristopherAshworthpage]

I want someone to make a raised aperture ring sticker for this Viltrox lens and a linear aperture option through firmware update.

[@bromoboy]

samyang is waaay cheaper in my country, and it renders color better and more neutral

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

It's a really great lens

[@jasperjohnclaro2663]

why is the viltrox photos were shot in a lower ISO compared to the two? :) btw, thanks for the comparison video. ;)

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

the Viltrox exposes brighter - check out Dustin Abbott's review where he talks about that on the viltrox

[@thephotosandvideos1773]

Doing such tests using ISO 2000-2500 is very funny. I hope I never see this again in my life:P

[@TW-iu9zy]

… why? It ISO 2000 a problem for modern Sony cameras? Maybe Canon has a better performance at such ISO levels? 🤔

[@jliang70]

Not when you shoot in AP mode, testing in ISO 2000-2500 also suggest something about the light transmission difference between the two lens. I know Viltrox under dim lighting condition can shoot at lower ISO than Sony GM. It is an advantage for Viltrox. That also underline the optical difference between the lenses.

[@QuietOC]

Having tried two copies of the Samyang there is quite a bit of alignment variation.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

interesting

[@johnmccrary6712]

Why not include the Nikon Z 135 1.8 Plena in the comparison?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I don't have any nikon full frame cameras.

[@MrKokom]

Hey can i give u suggestion. I bought 2x Viltrox 1.2 Pro from your review but i ended up returning it as them both keep pulsing on static head shots in every 2 minutes or so even at the lowest focus speed setting. Can you include a 5 minute head shot test and see whether it pulses in and out like the pro series for whatever 3rd party lens you'd review next time?. I was using A6700 and it has the latest focus tech from sony. So it was a very disappointing lens for video.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Sorry to hear that. I have never experienced it and I used the Viltrox 27mm 1.2 for much longer than 5 minute doing talking head videos. If it's a lens for video I always test a talking head shot for 10 mins or so. But I will double check my viltrox. Are you using that exact same setup with other lenses and getting good results? If so, what is the camera and lens combos that's working in that environment.

[@MrKokom]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis same camera same setup, lowest focus speed on both subject shift and focus shift. Same two brand new lens. With same brand new camera. A6700 Viltrox 27mm F1.2 Pro

[@Your_Egyptian_Papi]

Hello Mark, Will you announce the giveaway winners ??👀

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yes - I put it in the pinned comment of the community post and the video. But I will make a special post

[@kentsoderstrom8378]

No brainer for me. I will choose the Samyang because it’s the cheapest and the lightest by far. To be light is the reason to use it or not. Would never carry the Viltrox.

[@testusersg]

Will there be a review of the viltrox EF-E booster (vs metabones?) and maybe viltrox filters?

[@wakeywarrior]

Good comparison and interesting because Christopher Frost says the Samyang is sharper on his tests- wonder why? I love Viltrox ever since I bought the Nikon Z mount APSC 13mm F1.4 which is a fantastic lens with very nice look to it. Based on this review the Viltrox seems the best subject to price and weight not been an issue. The Samyang is expensive currently in the U.K. actually and the Viltrox is cheaper. However they are both over £700 currently I’d like to see them getting into the £500s before biting.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Dustin Abbot found the same thing I did. I’m not sure Christopher Frost has actually tested it yet head to head. perhaps he’s going by memory. Hopefully he’ll come out with a direct comparison soon

[@marcelo_afonso]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis or maybe he got a better version of the same lens. One thing that concerns me in Samyang is their quality control

[@Riskbreaker2009]

SONY GM +21 (best for sports) SAMYANG +19 (best budget lightweight travel) VILTROX +23 (best optics also good af but big and too heavy) Price SONY GM -2 SAMYANG +3 VILTROX +2 Weight SONY GM +1 SAMYANG +3 VILTROX -2 Size SONY GM +2 SAMYANG +1 VILTROX -1 Build quality SONY GM +2 SAMYANG -1 VILTROX +3 Contrast SONY GM +3 SAMYANG -1 VILTROX +3 Sharpness SONY GM +1 SAMYANG +3 VILTROX +3 AF SONY GM +3 SAMYANG +1 VILTROX +2 Vignetting SONY GM +1 SAMYANG +3 VILTROX +3 Distortion SONY GM +2 SAMYANG +3 VILTROX +3 Flare and glare SONY GM +3 SAMYANG +1 VILTROX +3 Sunstars SONY GM +3 SAMYANG +2 VILTROX +3 LOCA SONY GM +3 SAMYANG +1 VILTROX +1

[@nickorafael3887]

Can we get raw files from this lens comparison please

[@silviatricks17]

Did you update the firmware on the Samyang? Because they do not come with the latest firmware and it makes a night and day difference in video for autofocus

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yes - running the latest firmware. The autofocus is great - just a but slower than the Sony

[@RUFFSTUFFMEDIA]

The Viltrox 1335mm finally came in today and out the box there was something I had to know... YES, it is shorter and heavier than the 70-200mm GMII. Looking forward to see how it shoots. Did read a reviewer that chose the Samyang over Viltrox. Interesting.

[@I922sParkCir]

Wow… the Viltrox is heavier than my Tamron 35-150mm. That’s going to be a no from me.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

it's a hefty boy for sure

[@jayrichjlr]

why are you shooting at higher ISO with the samyang? I would have preferred sample photos from the same settings as well

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

those are autoexposures. That’s what the camera chose to get the same exposure. If I had used the same iso, the saImyan photo would have been darker. The Viltrox exposes brighter. check out Dustin Abbott’s review where he explains that more in depth. also, that tiny variation in iso makes no discernible difference at those levels

[@jayrichjlr]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Sure. I don't disagree with what you are saying. I just think it would have been great for us, the viewers, and potential buyers to visually see that during your tests. It would have been, maybe, an extra 2 minutes of testing. That info could be beneficial

[@auroraflash]

What is it good for?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Most people use this focal length for portraits.

[@sda0073]

Do the same for the 85mm f1.4

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I did do the 85 GM 1.4 vs Meike 1.4. I will compare the Viltrox LAB lens if they release it.

[@sda0073]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis samyang mark II vs meike, both super budget

[@dexteroiio]

When you compare sharpness. First of all, it is not correct to do it at high ISO, moreover it is different on cameras. So on Viltrox it is lower and accordingly the picture is cleaner. Then when comparing Sony and Samyang it is clear that GM simply missed the focus. What kind of comparison is this...

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I used autoexpose and never mentioned noise. Check out Dustin Abbot's review to see him talk about the Viltrox being slighlty brighter overall than the Samyang and GM. The Sony did not miss focus. It's just not as sharp as the other two. I really don't care what you buy. Those are the tests. Watch other reviews and you will see the same results - or better yet - go get the three lenses and do the tests yourself - you will find the same results.

[@marc_likes_marketing]

i just use my sony 85 1.8 on my a6100 (or in aps-c mode on a ff). i can't see myself buying a 135mm when i have a 70-200 2.8.

[@akji48]

Why viltrox has lower iso than others?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

It exposes a little brighter. The camera was set to autoexposure. Dustin Abbott talks about it on his videos of the Viltrox.

[@Alex-fe2vv]

14:30 I saw that.

[@AStCG1989]

I’m confused the 135gm was Sonys sharpest prime a few months ago, barely tell the difference vs the plena. Now it’s noticeably softer than the viltrox? How does it stack up to the plena then?

[@bradsimpson4899]

LOL....Don't hold your breathe while waiting for him to answer!!!

[@MeocTuTaaa-m1l]

There is one influencer in China tested 2 gm, one viltrox and one samyang with imatest. one gm is better than viltrox, then the other gm sample then sanyang. if the lens is in ideal condition gm should be the sharpest, but there is sampling variation, and some samples gets a little bit soft after years of use. Also, the viltrox lens is a sample for test from the manufacturer, there is evidence but it could be possible they send a better copy for test. The slight difference may not influence the photo in any practical term but you can find the difference when pixelpeeping

[@bradsimpson4899]

2 weeks later we still don't have a response. I guess you shouldn't bring logic into an illogical discussion.

[@bradsimpson4899]

I get your idea but this is only conjecture and way overreaching to come up with a logical explanation for an illogical conclusion. We'd love for him to respond to the original post which points out the nonsensical (probably money related) conclusions to the findings. I'll give you a thumbs up for the attempt though!

[@AStCG1989]

@ the only thing in his defence is he’s never claimed the Sony 135 gm was the sharpest Sony lens. People like Christopher Frost and Dustin Abbot did. When I look at Christopher Frosts reviews, he’s by far more comprehensive in his tests than Mark. So we do have to take this for what it is, an advert with sensationalised click bait claims.

[@leechinheng7908]

Hi Mark, do you think Viltrox 135 can be used in A6700?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

it can - but it’ll be huge on it!!

[@LMoProVisualComm]

What about the Sigma 135

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

That's an older lens adapted from DSLR cameras. Sigma doesn't even sell it anymore on most of their global websites. They need a new one built for mirrorless. Hopefully soon.

[@LMoProVisualComm]

@MarkBennettCameraCrisis yet it's probably still the better lens.

[@jliang70]

@@LMoProVisualComm IN many way that Sigma has the image quality that is very close to Sony GM with warmer colour but it is very very sharp lens. I have both GM and Sigma, GM is better specially in how quiet, accurate and quickly acquires focus. Sigma 135mm does focus faster than 105mm Sigma but slower than the newer 85mm DG DN. I don't think you will be disappointed owning a Sigma. Sigma ART has delivered a large number of great prime with their ART HSM series but their product development seems to be slowing after HSM series and they are not quite as active in putting new lenses on the market.

[@Faczz]

love the video but the title says f18😅

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@Faczz thanks - fixed it!!

[@jtouch2859]

gm focus not accrue with image quality compare .

[@noisackda2564]

Hey Mark sell me the LAB. You don't need it 😬

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

ok - and then I will buy a new one though your affiliate link. This is working out great for you.

[@noisackda2564]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Hahahahaha! Dead. 💀

[@devilangel4655]

Viltrox 135 is the best, they did it right!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

It's a great lens.

[@LindonSlaght]

Everyone's complaining about not many E=mount 1.4 primes made by sony, imagine they come out with a 135 1.2 😭

[@frankfeng2701]

Viltrox next LAB lenses would be 35 and 85 1.2

[@mongini1]

they'd never do that... it would require a front lens element of at least 113mm, plus the space for the housing etc. That lens would have a diameter of at least 120mm and weight would be around 2 kilograms or even more. Not gonna happen 😅😅

[@LindonSlaght]

@@mongini1 hey. dude. can you let me have my fantasy please?

[@mongini1]

​@@LindonSlaght I would love to, but physics says no XD

[@LindonSlaght]

@@mongini1 well... physics says yes. Practicality and cost say no.

[@iuanders448]

but the drawback is the weight of Viltrox

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

it's heavy for sure

[@jliang70]

It really depends on you. I have used both Milvus and Sigma. To me 1.2+kg autofocus 135mm is not that bad since I also used 105mm F1.4 Sigma which weighs 1.7kg. Milvus at 1.1 kg but manual focus is much more tiring to use than Sigma 105mm that is 0.6kg heavier.

[@stjepanjina]

Sigma, Plena?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

haha - I should be including that scale. Sigma's 135 is an old lens adapted from DSLR. They need an updated one. They don't even sell it on the official site anymore

[@jliang70]

I don't own Nikon camera so never had a chance to play with Plena and Viltrox, My viltrox is still to be delivered. There are a lot of similarity in PQ of Sigma and Sony GM, Sigma is warmer and Sony has that usual Sony signature to its color, very neutral and Sony is a little big more contrasty lens than Sigma. I also use Milvus which of course is with manual focus and it is almost the optical perfection for this focal length.

[@darrenddmp]

i have the Samyang 135f1.8 and believe it or not, based on how i edit, i prefer to add contrast in post if needed vs toning it down.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

interesting!!

[@NeverMimd]

Hi Mark! Thank you for your great videos. I like your sense of humor. If you don't mind, I have three questions: Is it worth buying a used A6300 in 2024-2025? I'm doing talking videos, unboxing videos, and things like that, so shooting 4k and having a good focus is essential for me, is A6300 good at those? Do you think which is a better choice, a used A6300 for $430 or a zv-e10 for $530? and in your point of view does the number of shots impact on quality of the camera's videography? By the way, I think it's not a bad idea you do a video about the best setups for unboxing videos.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I would get the ZV-E10 for sure

[@NeverMimd]

@MarkBennettCameraCrisis ❤️

[@senaritradutta]

Too heavy to carry around Samyang much lighter

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

valid

[@Cracker9876]

Just saved a lot of money. Did not buy any of them.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🤣

[@pentagramyt417]

I'd like to see 135 mm f1.4 GM 🫠😃 You might call me a freak, and say it will weigh a lot more, but I can guess it wouldn't be that much heavy today with Sony abilites to reduce weight in their lenses.