Viltrox 56mm Fuji Lens Review

[@vladislavscripcenco5007]

I was waiting for your review before ordering 56 viltrox, now I’m convinced, thanks!

[@pal2tech]

Awesome Vladislav!! I think you'll love that lens!

[@mauistevebear]

Holy Moly! Viltrox now has my full attention !! What a blessing for those, like me, who have always wanted to add an additional lens or two but could never justify the Fuji cost. I have accepted that the only two additional lenses I bought would be the end...until now! I checked the Fuji 56mm out when it was released and loved it but couldn't afford another 1200.00 (the then price) and have been watching it in the hopes of it becoming affordable. Thx so much Chris! I did pay full price for the Fuji 16mm f/1.4 ...and thought it to be my last Fuji purchase. Viltrox, here I come!

[@pal2tech]

Thanks Steve!!! Yeah, I was shocked at the quality vs. price ratio for that 3rd party lens.

[@parmanduke]

I have quite a few of Fujifilm's best lenses including the 90mm f2 (awesome awesome) and on a whim got the 56mm f1.4 Viltrox. I must admit that it's WAY better than I was expecting. Very very sharp wide open, beautiful bokeh, just an overall great lens. It's a keeper for sure. Great review and thank you.

[@enshongmiranda]

When I finally bought the Viltrox 23mm, I was so impressed despite the fringing. It is light, compact, and the AF is fast. My Fujifilm 16mm 1.4, 35mm 1.4, and 56mm 1.2 all exhibit fringing and flaring (which I like) but the only one with fast AF was the 16mm. So it was then that I decided to finally let go of my Fujinon lenses and ordered the Viltrox 56mm. I'll be checking out the Viltrox 13mm if it comes out too as a replacement to the Fujifilm 16mm (which is now too close in range to the 23mm). Only the Fujifilm 35mm remains but I have already ordered a Mitakon 35mm 0.95 and I'll see if I'll end up selling it too. Viltrox is on a roll with their Fujifilm lenses. Great value and more compact, faster in autofocus, and has the same filter sizes (!!!).

[@dougmapper3306]

I have the Viltrox 23mm, 56mm, and 85mm. While the only Fuji prime I own is the 35mm f/2, I have nothing but good things to say about the Viltrox primes. For lenses performing almost undetectably shy of the Fuji offerings, the price says it all. I'd have to be a professional to justify $400 extra per lens for a sliver of corner sharpness at wide apertures.

[@RCGJR_]

When i got into photography as a relaxing hobby, i told myself i will never buy third party lenses, for the longest time i’ve been buying the original lenses for whatever camera i was using, that added up into my debt really quick, gave this one a try on my XT5/XT30II and i love it! Selling some of my fuji lenses at the time of posting this comment.

[@RichardRosiles]

Great video. If I could suggest one thing it would be to add a section in your videos where you just show comparison images side by side with no zooming in, and let them stay on screen for maybe 3 seconds before moving to the next set of images, with about 10 sets of images total. This would give us a chance to see how the whole images are rendered and a more accurate representation of how we actually consume images. Thanks again for the in depth video, you strike a good balance between a technical and actual use review.

[@pal2tech]

Excellent suggestion!!! Consider it done and for all review videos moving forward. I really appreciate your feedback!! In the meantime, check out the RAW files that I posted in the description and hopefully some of those can assist. Cheers! 👍

[@MLA50]

What I did was just pause the video and analyzed the photos. It was so obvious that the viltrox image fidelity had more contrast and more beautiful color saturation straight out of raw. Maybe that's why fuji has less chromatic aberration because all lense designs have to make some compromises. For less CA, the Fuji lens colors are less rich.

[@dean_to2878]

I really want to see how the Tokina lenses will compare to these.

[@trym2121]

Same stuff. No need for comparison as It's already known that Viltrox and Tokina rebadged lens from third party lens designer. Hard proof is Viltrox 85mm mark II is the almost identical optically compared to Tokina 85mm (ayrn.io/tokina-viltrox-85mm-f1-8-same-copy-rebrand-rebadge/amp/#update-it-seems-as-though-the-tokina-85mm-might-actually-share-more-commonality-with-the-viltrox-85mm-f-1-8-mark-ii)

[@RobinHood948]

@@trym2121 do you think we get some discount on the viltrox lenses after the tolina release? I need a 33 and 56mm prime but I want to wait for a good offer

[@weilin9815]

Tokina very likely will have better coating than Vitrox, which reduces more if the purple fringing and flare. It’s similar to the Batis 85 f1.8 vs Sony 85 f1.8, both share the same optical structure but Zeiss one has much better T* coating.

[@nicolasdumont2311]

@@trym2121 i m not sure.. Viltrox is chinese & Tokina is Japanese apparently and untill now the manufactured is still japanese.. I m waiting more reviews to make a choice..

[@Autumn-Foxxo]

I wonder how this performs vs the Fuji 50 f2

[@savanp228]

Love your reviews. All your Fuji reviews alone made me buy XT4 and all related lenses!!!

[@yongkysiaw6597]

This is such a steal for my fuji. The 1.2 is way too expensive for me even from second hand.

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

is it sharp, is it sharp, is it sharp,is it sharp, is it sharp, is it sharp, is it sharp, is it sharp, is it sharp, is it sharp, is it sharp, is it sharp.....hehehe

[@anandhua.b4589]

are the backgrounds blurry tho *toneh*

[@pal2tech]

Hahahaha! I need to program the parrot to scream that in the background.

[@TCGhits]

SHARP & the Micro Contrast on this baby is astounding!

[@cryptodawk]

Haha I see Ken spies on the competition... make your own review. Oh wait. You did :) it was good

[@petergabriel8448]

Yes, but is it sharp?

[@ZachTigue]

Color looked more pleasing too! Can't wait for mine to come in. Apparently they are bringing out a 13mm f/1.4 early next year. Excited to see that one!

[@kingsamvisuals]

That should be interesting!

[@kakao6600]

This is maybe the 20. review I watched about Viltrox 56 mm. And I can honestly say that your review is the best. Thank you for this review.

[@pal2tech]

Thank you!! I really appreciate that! 🙏

[@Bob71650]

If people are going to be looking at the corner of your photos, then the photos were not that interesting to begin with. To me, I would think the center sharpness is the most important feature as you explained at (5:45 / 13:53) in the video.

[@longmeistergaming9740]

Excellent review, sir! I hadn't considered buying a "non-Fuji" lens for my X-T3 until watching some of your Viltrox reviews. It's nice to know that there are more than adequate options available for my camera when it comes to the lenses!

[@KeithMasonPhotography]

I've just ordered it on the strength of this review, Chris. I'm shooting a wedding in a couple of weeks and hope it will be a very useful addition to my lens quiver. The rest of my X-mount lenses are Fuji so I'm a bit nervous but hope the results will please the clients.

[@petergabriel8448]

I am always mostly interested in the tonality of lenses. That is why I love how my Fujinon 35mm f1.4, 60mm f2.4 and 27mm f2.8 renders, and why I sold all my Fujinon f2’s. I just didn’t like how they rendered - something about how they handle light falloff. I now own the Viltrox 23mm and 85mm, and I love them both. They are sharp, yes, but most importantly they render beautifully, and if you are like me and hate post, you want your images to be close to perfect sooc. Will I get this Viltrox? I think so, but still can’t figure out if it will be redundant to my 60mm.

[@trym2121]

60mm is half macro. I'd get 80mm macro if that's your purpose of having it

[@andywhiteside16]

I got mine yesterday and have to agree this lens is solid and sharp and for the price WOW defiantly one to get I'm well pleased with mine.

[@dougdavies1089]

What is great with the Viltrox is that with Ibis and the f1.4 you dont need a tripod or monopod thank you for the review

[@breakaway2x]

Not sure if you mentioned it or not but I wonder what you think about the new F1.0 50mm lens? That seems to be the best one but it's really expensive I guess.

[@raymonddelacruz9776]

I have the viltrox 23 . 33 and 85 mark ii on ny sony a6300 .planning to get the 56mm i love them for using in video and photo

[@argmax11]

Your dog at 4:49 made me chuckle ! haha He/She looks very surprised . Great review btw

[@SkyGW]

If you had the budget for 1 nice "portrait lens" would you take the 56mm 1.4 or 85mm 1.8 mk II?

[@trym2121]

Outdoor or tight indoor? Tight, I'd go for 56mm. If space is no problem, I'd even go further like 135mm but it only exist in zoom lens form.

[@vpr5562]

Great, but why on the wall-shot i see different colors and contrast? @ 6:00 i see white paper is white on fuji and some greyish on viltrox?

[@Nelwyn]

I only have the Viltrox 23mm f1.4 for comparison, but I thought it was awful for video. The motor is very noticeable compared to my other lens which is Fuji 16-80mm. Also if you don't lock the aperture you can see it stepping the picture brighter or darker. The effect is so smooth with the Fuji. As for photos though, it's a great prime lens for the price. I have the first version of the lens with the different font so I don't know if this was taken care of in the newer version, but I have the latest firmware for it.

[@visualsofisa]

This is the most wholesome review! Loved it! Pulled the trigger on that lens!

[@ArgentoRAWRz]

it is weather or water proof i dont remember which one exactly really, but it does

[@wilsonmendes1270]

Qual seria a melhor Viltrox 56mm ou Sigma 56mm para Fujifilm?

[@JochenStrobel]

Hi, thanks for your interesting channel. At 7:30 the Fuji image is taken with 1 stop less light and the background looks very different (greens). Just curious if the light changed at this moment?

[@jberenden]

I’m really in doubt between the fuji 50mm f2 and the viltrox 56mm f1.4. How do they compare in terms of image quality? Which one of these two would you recommend for portraits?

[@sirbondman007]

I have this lens on my X-E3 and really like its performance in all areas. However, I would like to see a spot focus sized indicator for more accurate, pinpoint focusing. Thanks so much!

[@meyou58]

Appreciate your effort in this thorough review of this Viltrox lens. I'm impressed with the overall performance and Fuji's 56 lens comparison.

[@mariostevenquijivix5752]

Ordered mine and I can’t wait to use it

[@prolificstudio3505]

sir..how about image quality between viltrox and sigma? for 3 types of focal lengths?

[@kraigd7890]

So, I was planning to get the 23mm f2 and 50mm f2... or so I thought. Then I saw that Viltrox's 23mm f1.4 and 56mm f1.4 are on sale for $260 each for prime day, which is very tempting compared to used Fujicrons for $300+ each. I know that they are similar in focal lengths but differ in other ways (extra stop of light, weather resistance, size, aperture ring, and etc). I know Fuji's f1.4 versions are magical, but I prefer to not spend that kind of money at the moment (plus with kids and dogs, I prefer faster AF). Any first hand thoughts and feedback on one vs the other?

[@pal2tech]

Overall, I think best focal length is 23mm for the Viltrox. They did a really nice job on that lens.

[@CraigPatrick839]

Thanks so much for this review. I purchased the 33mm Viltrox a few months ago and it hasn't come off my XT-3 yet. It's an excellent lens for the price. May have to start saving for this one. This, coupled with Ken Wheeler's review has me sold!

[@iRas479]

You have the best reviews,keep doing videos

[@pal2tech]

Thank you!

[@raymorgan4337]

Well, I've only gone and ordered one on the back of this and a couple of other similar reviews. Thanks: your videos are so helpful and informative - and a little zany!

[@abuanwp]

This is the only review of this viltrox 56mm1.4 that convinced me to buy it. lol! Thanks for sharing this review, definitely what I was looking for but I still need to see the viltrox 85mm first before I decide.

[@dant1241]

Chris, I love your videos and appreciate all you do for our Fujifilm community. I have this lens and have had it for some time. I love the images I see on the LCD when reviewing on my T5, T3, T30 and E3 when I had it. However when I import them into my iPhone via the SD card the images are not the same as what I see on the back of the camera. The iPhone seems oversaturated and the shadows are much darker. The phone seems to obliterate some of the detail and has caused me to not use it that often. Have you heard of this ? Do you have any ideas on what I can do to correct this ? I am importing JPEGS and can not seem to get them to match. Am I not understanding something here or is there is something else I can do ? I really appreciate all you do for our photography community and look forward to your response. TY Dan

[@spandsbab]

Can't wait to get this lens so I can shoot portraits of my daughters and my wife, awesome review (as usual)!!

[@benblitzkrieg]

What do you think about the XF50mmF2 compared to the Viltrox 56mm? I just got an XT3 and looking to get the XF50mm for the WR.

[@kylecouture1917]

How is the viltrox 33 vs the 56 for portraits? Leaning towards the 56..

[@Infinite_suite]

Great review Also at 8:34 was this taken at Starrs Mill Waterfall?

[@pal2tech]

Thanks Spence, and yep, that was shot there!

[@Infinite_suite]

@@pal2tech any interest in selling the Viltrox?

[@killer0178]

When comparing both lenses at the brick wall is there a reason why the fuji ones are brighter than the viltrox?? Because it's annoyingly differente

[@albertloan396]

The sharpness differences at center look more like differences in exposure--the Fuji being brighter causing the blacks to grey.

[@93wilke]

What do you think of the Sigma 56mm 1.4 for fuji? I am doubting between the two, have you been able to give the sigma a try?

[@ravi201060]

you know i just watched your this VDO as i am new to fuji system, wil you say with software updates is VILTROX still a better choice. TIA

[@morrieglick4137]

Thanks for another wonderful video. How would you compare the the Fuji 50mm f2.0 vs. Viltrox 56 in terms of sharpness & image quality. I know the Fuji is weather resistant, smaller& lighter.

[@kevinlee3597]

Thanks for the great review! One observation about the Vitrox with the brick wall sharpness test is that it seems like the Fuji 56mm is about 1/3 to 1/2 stop overexposed with the same exposure setting vs. the Viltrox This explains the lack of contrast.

[@tonyelsom]

Good review Chris, I have the Fuji 56 1.2 and see nothing to make me go Viltrox, but if I had the option to re purchase the Fuji or Viltrox I would be seriously thinking Viltrox . Thanks again to you and the great model for this review.

[@pal2tech]

Thanks Tony! Yeah, if you already own fuji 56 there's not much difference to update from that.

[@caitlynwest2896]

I have my first wedding in July and looking into getting a new lens...would this be a good wedding day portrait lens? And some further away pictures of the ceremony? Thanks!

[@boahandarrowsproductions4326]

Thank you for the review. Does the lens adjust with the fine focus options in camera? Thank you.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

Thank you very much for your review!

[@pal2tech]

My pleasure!

[@blindboymusic8262]

What is that program?

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Loved loved loved the review and you helped me pull the trigger on this one. Oh and 08:10 - I'd get this excited about this too!

[@djtruedomination]

I have the 56mm Viltrox lens and love it!! I love the 23mm also. I now use the 23mm more than any other lens.

[@srinivassridhar5151]

which has better image quality? i'm super torn between these two lens.

[@djtruedomination]

@@srinivassridhar5151 Everyone has an opinion. I have heard different opinions about the Fuji 56 1.2 and the Viltrox 56 1.4. I would you can’t go wrong with the Fuji 56 1.2. And I am perfectly fine with the Viltrox 56 1.4. I have done professional work with the Viltrox 56 1.4. So I do not want to tell you what to do.

[@simonwilliams2109]

Thanks for you review. May I ask if you have looked at the V2 of the 85mm?

[@tUBEROCKErPriyankar]

Who's auto focus is faster??? Viltrox 85mm or Viltrox 56mm??

[@jean-philippeperetti8463]

I am getting increasingly interested in this lens but, I presently own the 50 mm F2, a weather resistant lens that I don't use as much as my 16 mm F2 and 35 mm F2. Hard to decide.

[@fredbloggs545]

A fair number of firmware updates have been released since this review, worth grabbing the latest from Viltrox and constantly checking their site for improvements. Just this month (March 2021) there has been another update.

[@projectambr]

AF 56 / 1.4 XF V1.1.0 😊

[@fredbloggs545]

@@projectambr March 2021 latest is 1.1.2

[@projectambr]

@@fredbloggs545 oh there's a new one already!?! Checking the site rn.

[@fredbloggs545]

@@projectambr It's a couple of minor things.

[@WalkingHeadPro]

the fuji just pops more. but i guess you can add pop in post

[@cirmothe9]

You just put this lens on my list. I wanted something for portraits on my fuji but it was hard choosing between the 56mm f/1.2 and the 50mm f/2. But this seems like the best of both worlds. Wide aperture, low cost, light, quick autofocus. Could be my favorite lens when I get my hands on it.

[@VictorAmaru]

Realmente amo tu sinceridad! Gracias por animarme a comprar ese lente, actualmente tengo el 55mm 7artisans manual Focus.

[@la2toronto789]

I have same camera same lens and I can’t get it to focus this well :( could you do a focus tutorial?

[@durzog3668]

I know this is now an older video, but I was wondering if you'll be doing a review of Sigma X mount lenses any time soon? I purchased their 30mm f1.4 lens couple of months ago and I'm quite pleased with it. From what I heard, their 56mm f1.4 is a beast for the price and outperforms the Viltrox lens in every way, while being just a bit more expensive. Cheers and keep up the good work! :)

[@armandonaralsina4298]

I read about the incompatibility with the x pro3(may cause some damage), but i dont have a lot information about. there is some new model who fixed the estructural problem?

[@febryanvaldo]

How about TOKINA...?

[@ericbell7529]

So, how about the Viltrox 56mm vs the Fujinon 50mm f2? I’m stuck trying to decide between which one to buy. I have the money burials hole in my pocket

[@MSladekPhoto]

Thanks for this review! So great to hear that there are third party options for Fuji that have autofocus and great image quality at less $$$.

[@pal2tech]

My pleasure!

[@victormarcios]

I had the XF35 f1.4, xf90 f2, I have the xf55-200, I'm looking for a "magic" lens to photograph details of cars, planes and motorcycles, I'm in doubt between the Viltrox 56 or 75, what's your opinion?

[@salarycat]

Thanks for the review! I have the Viltrox 23mm and I'm quite happy with it. I do have the Fuji 50mm F2, do you think it's worth getting it for just 1 stop more? I was considering a used Fuji 56mm F1.2 instead which gives almost 2 stops. Also I'm always worried about the long-term compatibility of the Viltrox lenses.

[@Michaeltje2.0]

How do you like the 50mmf2 i am debating to get one.. But im not sure since this came out lol WR is a big bonus but also love that depth of field of the viltrox....

[@nivin3]

Michael Moerkamp I have a xf50F2...super fast AF on my XH1, nice colors. Sharp and pleasing output...currently my fav with 35f1.4

[@sme911]

Great video!! I am so thankful for your channel

[@pal2tech]

Thanks Christian!! I really appreciate it man!! 👍

[@richfelder9771]

Totally happy with the 23 33 and 56 all 1.4. All three under $1000. Also they are all about the same size and weight which makes replacing one for another on a gimball a little faster

[@legend240891]

Finger cross VIltrox is developing an autofocus ultra-wide-angle prime lens with this quality. 12mm f2/2.8 would be absolutely mind-blowing and I would switch from Sony in a blink.

[@iamfyrus]

Can anyone confirm does this lens work in msnual focus pull?

[@arrivisualmediacreation8065]

Pls upload xh1 and 56 1.4 viltrox review 🙏🙏🙏

[@BojanBojovic]

I know it is a personal thing, but what would you say about not having 35mm if already own 23mm and 56mm?

[@timjones6898]

Question for you pal2tech... You mentioned the 56mm Viltrox lens did adjust aperture when set to Shutter Priority. Will this lens work well in Aperture Priority and automatically adjust the shutter speed. Using Fuji X-T30.

[@ilarvie]

Any chance you could review the tokina 56mm f1.4 and do a comparison, thanks and keep up the great work.

[@mattwruff]

For my shooting, I went with the Fuji Film Red Badges Lens of 16-55 and 50-140 f/2.8 lens. I did find the review helpful if I ever need that lens. What's your thoughts on the MKX 'Cina lense' from Fujinon 18-55/50-135 T2.9

[@shanecole456]

Great video and channel! I just purchased this Viltrox lens. The focus ring is not responding?! I have it in Manual Mode on front of camera and the focus ring does not focus at all... Auto mode works fine when I use the touch screen to focus on different areas. Quick and snappy, but when I use the focus ring in manual mode nothing happens. I also have the Viltrox 33mm lens and with current settings on my XT3 the focus ring works just fine. I pop on the new 56mm and nothing! Any thoughts?!

[@davidangeloz3308]

very nice video ! Thank you for your help

[@Mahifotography]

Hi sir iam from india how to get lence hear not available

[@Reqnr]

Great review!

[@websiteckron8591]

Exactly what I need right now. Thanks a lot. How are your settings for video for the XT4?

[@orczville9258]

for video shoot which lens is good viltrox 56, 75 or 85? hope you can help me

[@marcustangent]

This is a great review. I'm about to purchase a fuji camera for christmas body only and is looking for a first lens that is not so expensive. Thanks for this video

[@arkadiuszd9124]

What about 56 Viltrox vs Fuji 50 f2 ?

[@pal2tech]

I wanted to do that one. But could not get a test copy of lens from Fuji and didn't have $1500 to spend to buy for video. So, I used the 56 f/1.2 which I already had. I did try contacting Fuji, just sayin!

[@arkadiuszd9124]

@@pal2tech I am asking about chip F2 version... ;)

[@sandeep-rp9dd]

I'm sorry saw ur review and bought this lens. it's soft at f1.4 even in the center. dunno if my copy is defective

[@pal2tech]

That's terrible. It must be defective. Return it right away for either replacement or refund. It should NOT be soft.

[@sandeep-rp9dd]

@@pal2tech Got refund. I'm skeptical to get another copy. but there is no other fuji portrait lens in this price range.

[@pal2tech]

@@sandeep-rp9dd Yeah, very few vendors at the moment with 3rd party lenses in that range. Hopefully will change in future.

[@sandeep-rp9dd]

@@pal2tech Iam going for another copy of viltrox 56 or 85 . Hope its good one this time

[@msandersen]

Wasn’t aware this was coming out; perhaps not surprising since Viltrox has been putting out cheaper alternatives to Fuji’s other key primes. But the speed they’re putting them out is a bit surprising, obviously it’s been in the planning for some time, as it happens, I recently got the Fuji 56mm on sale, knowing their 50// f1 was coming but was likely to be big, heavy and very expensive. It’s gotten some very good reviews, but overkill for my purpose, This looks like a good alternative though. I’m wary of 3rd party Fuji lenses, esp without a history, but it seems Viltrox is establishing one very quickly. I seriously considered the 85mm, but the,no aperture thing and it seemingly being a converted full-frame lens, made me go for the 56mm on sale. I might consider a replacement for my Fuji 35mm though, much as I love it’s rendering; it’s focusing motor is slow and noisy, not good for street shooting. But then, I don’t need f1.4 for that particular purpose. For that, their small f2 series is ideal, though with the proviso it relies on lens profiles to correct image distortion to keep the size down.

[@jberenden]

How does this viltrox 56 compare to the fuji 50mm f2?

[@jeanandrecastillo8476]

Do you recommend 56 mm 1.4 or 23 mm 1.4 for portraits and street photography?

[@AxCYeR]

got the 1.2 a few months ago used for a little less than 600€. it's a cool lens and it makes me wanna shoot with it, but if i had to choose again, i'd go for the viltrox. you simply get a lot for your money, i already did with the 23/1.4. i'm surprised the bokeh looks that smooth on the cheapo viltrox!

[@paolocitti7086]

Great review, great channel I like your style keep doing video like this. Very helpful thanks and Ciao form Italy 🇮🇪

[@eliaspap8708]

Sorry but im not seeing a softer background on the Vitrox, you were showing the different parts of the foliage and was very difficult to compare, I think your commentary was suggesting there was a difference but it wasn’t evident from this youtube quality clip. But looks good either way and for much less money. Its win win for fuji lots people will still be likely in buying into the eco system.

[@ecitizenmichael]

Hi Chris, thanks for another great video. Can you test the lens on an XT3 please?

[@N0cky007]

Would it be possible to have raw file wide open with the t2? Great video!!

[@andyjs277]

I just got the viltrox 33mm f1.4 for my x-e3 I cant work out how to adjust the aperture with the command dial on the camera, any tips or any settings i should be looking for?😊