The ultimate review: Is the VILTROX 27mm F1.2 lens worth it?

[@NeilWNC]

Ultimate review? Not exactly. NO sample images, no discussion of strengths and weaknesses, not even mention of autofocus, weight, flare, you name it. I call this a total fluff piece where we get to see Mr. Storer walking around talking mostly about the location, and less about the lens. I see other reviews praising this video, to each their own. Useless to me.

[@JacobNates]

Got this lens a few weeks ago, and I've been having a great time with it! I'm liking it for portraits with a bit of environmental context. I've been impressed with the image quality for the price

[@Racsophoto]

Much more could have been said about this lens so, I would not call this an “ultimate review”, instead a First impression. As a lens owner for 2 weeks, I’ll try to add some info here for the readers that may be important (or is to me) considering I use this lens mostly for street and documentary photography: note, some strengths or weaknesses to me might be the opposite to someone so I will not catalog it, instead I just mention it. First, it’s an heavy and bulky lens for APSC system or at least to Fuji system. I get used to it because is not twice heavy as the last f/1.4 WR Fuji lenses but you feel it. I got a hand grip for my xpro3, maybe not so noticeable in a xt5. Some may ask why so bulky lenses on APSC, starts to look like a Full Frame kit already. I’m a Fuji guy and I don’t think this lens is bigger than a GMaster at Sony but ok, there goes the magic of travel light scene with this lens, that’s the price to pay for what this lens delivers. The lens is bloody sharp, how sharp? Maybe too much sharp… to the point that becomes too clinical to me (like my Fuji 18mm f/1.4 WR). It’s great for client work not so great for street and documentary. But I rather remove sharpness than “add” sharpness even if removing in Lightroom it’s just possible to a certain point, I solved this matter with a Tiffen black pro mist 1/4 filter that I add when doing street. Some say this lens is on par with the last Fujifilm f/1.4 WR lenses, I disagree: the lens is amazing on sharpness, colors, bokeh rendition and all that BUT, there is just a tiny difference between this lens and my 18mm f/1.4 that is maybe at micro-contrast level, I could not figure out exactly what yet, my Fujifilm 18mm it has a more alive 3d pop than this Viltrox but not spot noticeable between photos, and the f/1.2 from Viltrox helps on pushing up for the 3d pop and it’s good to be reminded that we are talking about lenses that cost twice more. I’m also comparing the Viltrox 27mm with (for me) the best Fujifilm lens, 18mm f/1.4 WR so it’s fair if a lens that costs half the price, delivers close to 98% of the same result. Viltrox shows noticeable vignette at f/1.2 to maybe slightly at f/2.8, completely gone at f/4. Not a problem to me but worth to mention. I was surprised by an amazing build quality and nice to know how good it is weather sealed, not only at the mount but also every ring and front. About focus speed and precision, I would say this lens was not supposed to be at the same level as the f/1.4 WR Fujifilm lenses: those are LM motor and Viltrox 27mm is “only” a STM motor. Theoretically should be slower focusing but I can see no major difference between Viltrox and Fujifim, both are enough fast to me and both nail focus amazingly but two notices: 1 - I do not use continuous focus, 2 - Maybe the LM of Fujifim can shine versus the STM of Viltrox at a more recent camera such as a XT5 (not my xpro3). What I can say is that I find Viltrox very fast and accurate at the AF department. For video guys there is some focus breathing, to me this is a no issue. There is a plastic built hood that I don’t use. I see no big flare issues with this lens. Maybe shooting wide open with sun in front I can see a bit of character (more than at Fujifilm) but not a deal breaker to me, I do enjoy it and if I step to f/2.8 gets better. Typical from bright lenses used wide open with strong light in front. Aperture ring is a joy to use, a lot better than any Fujifilm lens. 27mm (40mm FF) is a debatable focal length but if you are viewing this review, you’re already sold to the focal length. To me, this lens is a gem for the price and performance. If it would cost twice the price would be a great lens to buy anyway. This is not a competition but the fact is I’ve chosen the Viltrox 27mm over the Fujifilm 33mm without any doubt after watching every KZbin review and made my conclusion at the store trying out the lens. Viltrox has stepped up on the game with the Pro Line and there is nothing bad to say about that, it’s good to have options from a consumer perspective side. Viltrox nailed it with this one.

[@scotty4418]

From a pricing perspective looks an attractive offer for a prime lens Matt and could be a versatile addition to the bag dependant on what it would be used for. I guess the question whether to buy would be influenced is if filling a gap in the line up of what you have. The f1.2 aspect will be an attraction so look forward to seeing your astro results

[@mikefoster6018]

Looks so good. The main reason I'll not get it is its stepping motor, which makes it a little bit juddery for the Continuous focus I use so much (if the subject is moving towards or away).

[@dan.allen.digital]

Nice video Matt. Looking forward to seeing how that does for astrophotography

[@dandanu2526]

Great drone footage.

[@mex5341]

it's kinda strange debating about this lens and using it for the landscape photography )

[@brownbear100]

How do you find the swirly bokeh in landscape? Both the 27 and 75 have it, and I do find my eye is drawn to it in images. The XF 33 and 90 offer much smoother bokeh and corner to corner uniformity. Stopped down for landscape less of an "issue" if you can call it that I guess? I'd call it character, but I'm rarely looking for character in landscape, but rather uniformity. No cats eye bokeh balls, no swirly bokeh, no Viltrox flare (both these lenses have it at times, hoods or not). Good lenses both, but trying to see where they will fit into my photography as I do find the 33 and 90 optically better choices for what they are primarily used for.

[@jjchockey]

The swirly bokeh is one of my favorite things about them. They are optically top tier but that adds a bit of vintage flare to them imo.

[@brownbear100]

@@jjchockey oh I agree. It's like an Uber expensive Helios! Although optically much better of course. But at the same time there are environments when you don't want it, or simply not in every shot with busy background. Character lenses for me. But for speed, reliability and consistency, I'll be packing the Fujis.

[@jonfletcher147]

You still got Nikon kit too?? You think you’ll stay Fuji?

[@yosir1980]

Best all around prime lens ever

[@thnkvoid16]

We need a comparison btw this and the sigma 30mm with some video tests.

[@rsat9526]

This lens will beat Sigma 30mm any day. Owned both...sold Sigma 30mm F1.4 a few weeks after I got this Viltrox 27mm. Sigma 30mm suffers from CA pretty noticeably and not as sharp. The only thing that I miss about Sigma 30mm is its size and weight. Other than that...Viltrox 27mm wins.

[@ruki9043]

When is the best to to shoot astrophotography/milkyway in Australia I would love to get some shots but have no idea when to search for to look up the best time of the year.

[@sijilo]

😊

[@raulo1428]

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