Viltrox 85mm Fuji Lens Review

[@ThorRavnsborg]

I'm an amateur photographer who recently invested in an X-T3 and the Viltrox 85mm. Currently that's actually my only lens but I'm having a lot of fun. This channel has already been super valuable to me and taught me a lot so I just wanted to say a big thank you. Btw. someone had fun with that intro.😄

[@pal2tech]

Thor R. I’m so glad to hear that Thor!!! That’s AWESOME!!!! And yep, intro was a BLAST!!!!

[@atsylor5549]

I’m in the same exact position as you except one year later. Except my one lens is the Fuji 18-55mm and now I’m looking around for a 2nd lens.

[@jameshobden3499]

I follow a lot of reviewers and film makers on YT and your content is amongst the very best. You should have way way more subscribers.

[@-OEG]

Im new follower to youre channel and i must give you creds for the job you do. So well explained, talks in perfect speed so its easy to understand you. 10/10 from me. Thank you! From Norway

[@akko4871]

I love this video. The legit and true honest review I've ever watched so far.

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much!

[@EduCrakie]

Damn Chris, you really are pumping up the quality of your videos in a short span of time. I received my Fuji X-T3 the 25th as a Christmas gift and... as you're probably are expecting, I wouldn't have bought it if I hadn't discovered your channel. Thank you so much for this unbiased review.

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much!!! I am sorry for the late response. I've been buried in comments lately so getting to this just now.

[@grafixnetz]

This is my all-time favorite EVER intro!! Thanks again for your humorous creativity.

[@TheMPTV]

you have the most informative and honest review of this lens, unlike other youtubers who keeps shooting mugs , dogs, flowers, and random stuff, you actually went from portrait studio, outdoor portrait, and live shot with your dog to which this lens matter and what is made for....thank you

[@pal2tech]

Wow! Thank you so much!!! 🙏 🙏 🙏. That really means a lot to me and you've totally made my day!! Please do keep in touch and I know you'll be doing some excellent things with your camera! I'd love to see your portfolio sometime, so don't hesitate to connect with me on Instagram. I'm at @pal2tech. All the best to you and please stay in touch!!!

[@imagesbydavide]

My partner has starting getting jelous, she always hears your voice in background and she thinks I give you more attention than her... But I keep learning so much from you and finally this week I received my first job booking for a shooting session

[@kevinpritchard6260]

I have been looking forward to this review, I bought this lens 6 months ago and it really has impressed me it feels and performs like a premium lens and for me it was wife approved when it came to price unlike the fuji .... so your great comparison review has made me feel even more contented with my purchase ..love your presentation style as always and looking forward to your channel growing in 2020...happy new year to you all.

[@pal2tech]

Thank you Kevin! "wife approved when I came to price..." LOL, a major factor in a lens purchase to be sure! Thanks for kind words and happy holidays to you sir!

[@YonahMusic1]

Cool intro, Chris... very impressive. Thanks for the excellent review on the Viltrox 85mm. May you and your family have a great new year and may you have clarity of your KZbin plans with twenty, twenty vision.

[@thegrayyernaut]

The astronaut joke nailed you a new subscriber. Well done my friend.

[@pal2tech]

Hahahaha Bao!!! I think you are the first person that ever mentioned that! I thought that no one had noticed - but you have proved me wrong and that is so awesome! Thank you so much for the kind words and I look forward to seeing you around here again real soon! Take care buddy!

[@thegrayyernaut]

@@pal2tech You take care, too. I'll be watching more of your videos now!

[@violian5]

Having done a handful of corporate photoshoots (some as large as 300 people), I can tell you that a majority of people prefer pictures of themselve that aren't too sharp! So in that regards, perhaps the Viltrox being softer works better for portraiture especially if the person is older (e.g. lots of wrinkles on their skin). Some people find the sharpness of their photo super appalling - because the picture shows all of the finest imperfections on their face when viewing image on a large 22" monitor. When I show them the preview of their picutre onsite, they literally told me to just keep the money, and not send them any of the photos.

[@ruggieromanente4855]

Clicked on "like" first; watched the video second. Entertaining, yet very informative and detailed as always. Thank you.

[@Joep00]

Awesome review Chris! Best one I've seen for this lens! Could you do a 50mm f2 wr lens review. I'm looking to buy one for my xt3 and I want to know if it suits my needs:)

[@Wiseash2023]

Can wait to get this combo. I feel like I put off hobbies I love and now with this review I know exactly what I want to go get and start a business ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@silklion7375]

Almost every youtuber is talking about the autofocus and avout how smooth the focus ring is, but nobody is talking about how the focus by wire on manual focus performance is. Especially interesting for videographers. I know, a cine lens is always better with true manual focus but it doesnt hurt to talk about it. Especially since sharp, fast cine lenses are super expansive.

[@Zzzerof0xxX]

Kinda undecided between the viltrox 56mm and the 85mm... Mainly looking for street photography, night shooting, music gigs... what do you say?

[@imaansingh7683]

Just wanted to know , how is the color reproduction straight out of camera compared to 56mm f1.2 Fuji?

[@icezz9]

By far, it's the best lens review I have watched..seldom do I laugh out loud watching a lens review.. please do more such review..well done👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@hand-heldblender8107]

icezz9 Absolutely!!! This indeed the best lens review I have ever seen!

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much!!!!! 🙏 I am sorry for the late response. I've been buried in comments lately so getting to this just now.

[@samuelgoad7320]

thanks for the review, I'm a wildlife photographer who is getting my first dedicated portrait lens and I found your review very helpful. Its nice to know that it stacks up pretty favorable against a well acclaimed lens like the 90mm, my only other lens I use for portraits is a nifty fifty so I imagine this will blow my socks off!

[@jamesfinderup452]

I bought this lens over the weekend after watching you video and I love it, I have owned many L series lens before I switched to FUfujifilm. This Lens is right up there with those lenses. Love it love it !!!!!!

[@MikeKleinsteuber]

Well, to be honest, it isn't just a 'telephoto portrait lens' but many other things too. I use it for street photography for instance....It really does have more strings to it's bow and a truly great lens for the price. And even irrespective of the price....

[@Dezgadgets_n_things]

Happy holidays!!! Thanks for the great review on the Viltrox 85. and thanks for the great content

[@Nscalemike56]

I finally purchased my own 85mm Viltrox lens. Just playing around with it at home..love it's feel and weight balance. Interesting though...the day it arrives from Amazon...it is on sale for 15pct less..lol

[@harrislapostre7925]

just got into hobby can you explain whats the crop equivalent does it mean 85mm FF on apsc will more compressed? and putting 56mm in apsc body will give me true 85mm in FF?

[@gregoryjamesboyce]

The intro and outro were fabulous. And like always, great info in between.

[@BOLOGNAINTHEHOUSE]

I just picked this bad boy up....and wowee, i was blown away. The new firmware speeds up the AF and for the price, it can't be beat.

[@sclogse1]

Always good to watch the oldies. Great stuff!

[@pal2tech]

Thanks!!!👍👍

[@alexisrivero6790]

Its better get the Viltrox 85 or get a Fringer Adapter for the Canon 50 1.8 STM?

[@kevinchongntt42]

Wonder if this lens can fully resolve the newer 40mp sensor

[@tiennguyenduc2953]

you put in very creative way LoL, I really smiled at the opening, keep up mister.

[@paulthomas8986]

I am loving the 3rd party lenses for my Fuji. Samyang 12mm, Mitakon 35mm. I use some adapted manual focus lenses too with great results. But when you want the best overall performance the Fuji lenses are tough to beat. Thanks for the detailed review. This lens looks wonderful for its purpose.

[@nicholasneriholmen6625]

Thank you for this nice and helpful review !!!! And happy new year !!!

[@901pics]

Will recieve the new version of this lens tomorrow...thanks for all the effort and great content presented with a kind of joyful passion that is inspiring. The world needs better lighting video from a to z

[@pal2tech]

My pleasure!

[@evtimstefanov8377]

Thank you so much for all the great videos Chris!

[@juancarlosplaza8301]

Great review Chris!! And you are the Master of the Intros!!!

[@theCameraVille]

SWEET!! love the plug in feature on this lens!

[@MomentsFound]

Fantastically creative intro! Love this channel!

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much Alan!!! Appreciate it man!!

[@timpankov]

YOU ARE THE BEST! 👊🏻 WITH LOVE FROM RUSSIA!

[@pal2tech]

Tim Pankov Thanks Tim!!! I LOVE Russia!! I once took a train from Helsinki to Leningrad but my return ticket was from St. Petersburg to Helsinki. They changed the name of the city while I was there for a few weeks! Nicest people on earth!!!

[@MrCons21]

i am having problem updating my firmware on my viltrox 23 1.4 v2 my pc cannnot detect the lens i hope you can help me

[@brochg]

Which battery grip are you using in this video? It appears smaller than the Fuji grip.

[@rogerlin9151]

Great review. You mention you don't recommend for indoor sports, what lens do you recommend besides the 90 f2 for this type of environment/shooting?

[@mydemon]

50-140mm f2.8?

[@katherinemuirhead1166]

Hi have you tried v2 of this 85mm Lens for Fuji, I have just received mine today updated firmware to 1.09 works great handheld on my xpro1 and xs10 After watching some of your videos I have set shutter speed to 250 on the xpro 1 and auto iso/aperture to avoid camera shake, Thank you for all your videos I am learning a lot about photography thanks to you.

[@illdee04]

Nice review... I was thinking of getting the viltrox but... I love having the aperture ring .

[@stoneblue1795]

A bit late to the party here, but thought I would say you earned a sub with that intro. I think too sometimes, about 'what the F' when it comes to firmware updates. But then you took it way, way outside the box, didn't you? I dig outside the box stuff. Man, you went deep, it was good.

[@pal2tech]

LOL, thanks JP!!! Awesome and I'm loving hearing that. Thank you sir!!!

[@jobanski]

So is the viltrox 56mm sharper than the 85mm?

[@anandhua.b4589]

i just discovered this channel and absolutely love it

[@pal2tech]

Thank you!! 🙏 I am sorry for the late response. I've been buried in comments lately so getting to this just now.

[@mistermatsuda]

This was the best video I've seen of this lens. Thank you

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me and you have totally made my day! All the best to you…

[@RebelSoul556]

do you know if this currently will work with an xt 4?

[@T1C3Y]

Very nice comparison! Thanks for making this video 👍

[@kesonelectronics]

Thank you so much.Kind regards from Zimbabwe,Africa

[@pal2tech]

Thanks for watching!

[@crisbde9970]

Hi Chris! I recently tried to update my Viltrox MK1 to the brand new firmware - the one realeased Nov 4th- but my iMac seems not to see it at all. I plug it in and just nothing happens. Same on my PC. Tried also with other USb cables, no way! But it did work in the past. Attached to my XT3 everything seems to work just fine... any idea what the issue could be?

[@YogaOclock10]

Hi, how can ajust the aperture from a fujixt3 sigma 1.4 lense in video-mode please!?

[@abzulutelyfun7525]

Hello, is it OK for me to use viltrox 85 mm for my fuji xt30?

[@barsasa671]

Nice review. In my opinion fuji way better in this challange, dream lens. I'm looking positive to the viltrox, also ordered their 56mm 1.4 lens for my x-t4. But in this review, viltrox couldn't attract me with it's performance. I want to ask you a special question. I'm also planning to buy 50-140 xf lens for mid range zoom and portrait. Do you think that will i need 90mm fuji lens for portrait? I really like taking portraits.

[@freuddy04]

HI, nice review, will you recommand it for dogs portrait and action? I'm semi pro

[@orczville9258]

how about for video 85mm viltrox good?

[@edwardunger2731]

Thank you for an entertaining and valuable review. FWIW this lens underexposes about 1/3rd stop compared to other Fuji lenses on my XP3 and about 2/3 stop compared to what my flash meter gives that is just right for my Nikon lenses. Looking at your photos I don't see this, maybe it's sample variation or a quirk of the XP3. Anyone else use this with the XP3? What's your experience? I am using the newest firmware for the lens as you indicated.

[@jaycho4677]

I’m new to photography and recently got this lens for my Fuji xt3. Does anyone know why the brightness/darkness of the photo that I take is different than the preview? With this lens I always have to take a test photo to see if I need to adjust the ISO/aperture/SS. I don’t have this problem with Fuji lenses

[@tammysypniewski1891]

Great budget option and I love that opening! Very original....of course! 😂

[@pal2tech]

Thanks Tammy... if this photo/gear/tech YT thing doesn't work out, I always have my amazing rap career to fall back on.

[@gilbertogranados7941]

@@pal2tech I have a Tamron 85 F1.8 and im trying to use it with a commlite on my Fuji XT3 and it wont let me use it with the 1.8 aperture, it automatically starts at F4 and I just cannot seem to get it to open up more! can anybody help me please !

[@frankiecalabro2617]

Thanks so much for the excellent review !!!!

[@Sonnyboy346]

Th e 85 or the 56 for portraits?

[@a97b18b]

How are you importing the rags into light room? Do I need to get a file converter?

[@sepp540]

Very good review!! Fun to watch!!!

[@bklynhubby]

Hi Chris. Looks a nice lens and about half the price. Quick question: So I have the 16-55mm on my x-h1. The lens has an aperture ring. I assigned aperture to the front command dial, but the aperture doesn't change when I rotate the dial. I rotated the aperture ring to "A", but the still no luck with the command dial. Am I doing something wrong or is this by design? Thanks!

[@pal2tech]

Hi there... unfortunately I don't own the X-H1 so unable to troubleshoot. Maybe post on the boards at www.dpreview.com/ and see if anyone has a solution?

[@bklynhubby]

pal2tech Will do. Thanks 🙏

[@bklynhubby]

pal2tech Maybe you can show how on your xt3 if you have time. Might be similar to xh1. Thanks! 🙏

[@zyakster8064]

Viltrox has quality control issue and no tech support. My 85mm stopped being recognized as a USB Drive after the first firmware update. Only got a standard email response and nothing else afterwards.

[@andrealfred5217]

Great video and intro...I noticed you used a long throw reflector for your sample shots...how did you like the light output

[@pal2tech]

Was great considering the overall shoot setup and how fast we had to move!

[@andrealfred5217]

@@pal2tech I was surprised that the light wasn't hard

[@DeusExMachino]

How is it in low light situations?

[@ozwrangler.c]

Any thoughts on the II version, please?

[@FrankyGOfficial]

im new here! im investing a lens for my camera fujifilm xa3 - this lens is good

[@jzayas5698]

There is an article that this lens damages the XPro3. Is not a funciontal damage, is just that when you "screw" the lens into the mount, it rubs against the release button for the lens so it may damage the paint. But so you know.

[@pal2tech]

That is absolutely correct. In fact, I specifically mention this toward the end of the video and strongly recommend that anyone who owns an XPro3 to not purchase this lens. It's about during the last one quarter of the video right talk about my final recommendations. Even Viltrox released a statement offering refunds for the lens and recommending that people not purchase the lens if they have that brand of camera.

[@jzayas5698]

@@pal2tech Haha commented before I finished watching the video. Whoopsie. Love your content btw, greetings from Costa Rica.

[@ahmetdeniz4033]

Thank you. your videos helps my decision while purchase.

[@pal2tech]

Great to hear! Thank you my friend!!

[@Questplayerone]

Lol I liked your terminator analogy at the end .

[@edwardsblake3630]

Love the terminator reference

[@chrischance5509]

Will this work on the Fujifilm x-t100? I can't see how the digital aperture would work as it can't be allocated to a dial

[@pal2tech]

I don't think so. But a very good question. There's no aperture dial so you must have some way of controlling it on the camera.

[@dawnaiello]

Has the most recent xt3 firmware upgrade affected the compatibility of the viltrox 85mm autofocus? I haven’t upgraded yet but need to. Thanks!

[@pal2tech]

I think it's made it much better. I am sorry for the late response. I've been buried in comments lately so getting to this just now.

[@AM-hs4bz]

Does this lens fit the XT-1 ? I heard it doesn’t

[@kostaschelioths6608]

What the difference with mkii?

[@lutzbassin9321]

A really good review! Thank you!

[@JungleCatImages]

I've been saving for months to get this Viltrox, but now I'm thinking that life is too short to not get the Fuji. I love a good deal. I shoot a 15-45 (that I got for $110) instead of the brick bc I don't shoot zooms very often. I have the 18 f2 instead of the supposedly magical 16 1.4 bc I don't shoot wide that often. I always shot the AMAZING Canon 135 f2L when I had the 5D3, so anything less than the best would be a real disappointment

[@marcpinlac9617]

The Intro🔥

[@jayryanlopez7393]

Hi Pal, is it just me or the minimum focus of the 85mm got closer with the new update of 1.1.1?

[@pal2tech]

Hmmm, I'll have to check that. Interesting.

[@ramdalaitilak9441]

How is the zoom capacity of this lens

[@JimFeeley]

Would love to know what you think of the new version II edition of this lens!

[@pal2tech]

yeah, I need to check that out!

[@jimgibson5265]

Holy Sh!% Thats funny! You've outdone yourself...Again! Great work Chris

[@pal2tech]

LOL, thanks Jim!

[@XavierMinguellaPhotography]

What about a match between a Fujinon 90mm f:2 versus a Tamron 90mm f:2.8 macro vc + Fringer ef-fx adapter?

[@pal2tech]

YES!!! Need to get some more $$$ as I don't have the 90mm Tamron. One day!!

[@XavierMinguellaPhotography]

pal2tech just call to Tamron USA for a test... Half the world is waiting for...

[@jayryanlopez7393]

Im thinking of getting this lens for it price. but will you use it for any of your professional work? like may weddings?

[@pal2tech]

That's more difficult to answer. For weddings, you have ONE SHOT (pun intended) to get the client's memory right at the event. Because of the faster AF and what I think is better AF-C, I'd go with the 90mm for that. Maybe give the 85 to your second shooter?

[@jayryanlopez7393]

@@pal2tech thank you for your advice. More power to your channel! 👊😎

[@Nightmoss]

Great music video. Looking forward to a Star Wars themed intro at some point? Excellent review on the Viltrox! Thanks!

[@Kaddy2727]

What a review , thanks for the video :)

[@santiagopalaciossalazar5958]

Best intro ever!

[@danniel0143]

In autofocus test at 11:10 the viltrox got 1? fuji got all? Doesn't look like what you said :)

[@findus605]

Excellent video as always 👏👏👏👍

[@yomango35]

Hi Sir , i am shopping for an external display screen for my Fuji Xt-3 , what do you recommend ??? I found this one on Amazon ( FEELWORLD F6 + Storage Case + F750 Battery + Charger, 5.7" for $139 )

[@pal2tech]

Hi Philippe, are you planning on also needed an external recorder or is this just purely for seeing yourself and/or a larger screen while shooting?

[@yomango35]

@@pal2tech Well , I will use it for video of myself playing table tennis and also looking at the photos i 'am taking with my fuji XT 3 to make sure the right exposure or the photo doesn't have too much noise ,etc.......

[@crisbde9970]

Hi Chris, very useful thanks again for sharing! I own one of these Viltrox firmware V1.03, I realize though that eye tracking may seem very accurate on the LCD/EVF - one sees this little square jumping around following your eye - but when you then shoot, it hardly really nails focus... actually I noticed this also with other Fuji lenses especially when the subject is moving back and forward ... but maybe it's just my XT3 ... :-/

[@rezzoc91]

It's your xt3 updated with its firmware? My xt30 doesn't have that problem too much

[@TaylorSmith-xj3tp]

That ending was adorable,...

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much Taylor!!! 👍

[@rightsbasedsocialpolicy5086]

Informative, engaging and fun to watch. Great channel.

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much!

[@ramiramitto9679]

Thank you for the review

[@Itscocof]

I'm waiting your mark 2 review!

[@gavinchan9118]

I will go for the T-800 for SURE

[@pal2tech]

LOL... Right on Gavin!

[@root9065]

LMAO you weren't joking when you said you're still that kid :D Only you would try to store an MP3 file inside a lens 😂 actually come to think of it now, I would be disappointed if you didn't. Oh man and that ISS joke was just pure gold 🤣 2:55 - here I included the time stamp this time so you don't need to rewatch the whole video haha.