The Viltrox 27mm f1.2 is the Best X-Mount Lens Ever - Here's Why

[@markwiemels]

THE LENS IS NOW AVAILABLE! - geni.us/ec01VB (amazon) - viltroxstore.com/?ref=juhnPRG_WTg5v (direct) PROTECTIVE FILTER (67MM) - These are both just as good, just buy the cheaper option, as prices vary. Option 1 - geni.us/QIkR Option 2 - geni.us/L4X3D

[@tommasoavati]

The lens is amazing, for sure; I have the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 and it is on par with the 27mm. The point though is not image quality and sharpness and subject separation. Not only. This video compares this Viltrox lens to a 35mm full frame, not shown. The question is: how big and heavy is a Fujifilm camera (anyone) with this 27mm attached, compared to a Full Frame camera (anyone) with a 35mm 1.8 lens attached? My Sony A7c combo is pretty small and much lighter than my Fujifilm x-e3 with this Viltrox 27mm. So, again, what's the point actually in having a crop factor camera?

[@martinruiz398]

You are one of the only person that explained the reason for FF having blurrier backgrounds than APSC in a clear and concise way!

[@markwiemels]

Thanks! Yes, I plan to make a complete video about this, there is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there about this topic, and APS-C vs Full Frame generally.

[@twyanggg]

After 10 years in photography, I finally grasped this concept

[@markwiemels]

@@twyanggg You are not alone! Took me a while too. I'm working on a "crop factor" video, most of the information out there is incomplete or just plain wrong.

[@thestudentsyes6982]

@@markwiemelsthe majority of video and photo professionals do not even understand this concept. When I used to freelance as a videographer crew member I’d sometimes get rejected from the gig because the production company owner didn’t understand camera specs. In my experience I’m not exaggerating when I say that more than 50% of professionals do not understand these basic concepts.

[@yhtey14]

I am starting to love the 13 and 75mm from Viltrox for my documentary photography work. In some cases, i use them over the usual 18, 33, 56 XF lenses. Now I am thinking if the 13, 27, 75 can be the new trinity lenses that i carry.

[@lukazupie7220]

Makes sense to me:) one year later, do you use it like that?

[@ebouwens]

Thanks!

[@markwiemels]

Thank you.

[@kevindiossi]

Viltrox lenses used to be piles of garbage, if I’m being honest. But then something happened…they made the 13mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm and caught EVERYONE off guard with the premium build and optical performance. It was just missing weather sealing! When the rumors started circulating about the 75mm f/1.2 Pro, I knew I had to get it. The Fuji XF 90mm f/2 and 56mm f/1.2 just didn’t wow me enough to keep them in my bag at their price. So that 75mm was almost a Goldilocks lens for being in between the 56mm and 90mm. Now I’m currently torn between the 23mm and 33mm on which one to take out. I will certainly be buying this lens and seeing how it works for me and my needs. It’s very clearly another impressive lens from Viltrox - a company that has very quickly earned a spot amongst Sigma and Tamron for affordable performance and innovation. (I LOVE that Viltrox is making these uncommon focal lengths, too!)

[@markwiemels]

Thanks for sharing, totally agree.

[@Omgiamsotriggered]

Big up on the wierd focal lengths, makes them sit unique in the market

[@chewkenghong]

My last 3rd party lens was 2001..tamron 24to135in 2002. Had a few others before n mostly crap. Since then it's all Nikkor n now Fuji lenses. Until I got the 75f1.2 by chance at USD 367 like new in box in Japan...it's so good that I keep using it. Stays on the camera more than the 56f1.2

[@janjamesramos247]

but are these focal lengths useful enough? im just asking.

[@chewkenghong]

@@janjamesramos247 I ended up buying 56 n 75 1.2 U can say that between them is just a few steps. But I find myself mounting 75 more often than the 56. Put it this way...if u are shooting from the opposite side of the street...75 frames better. If u are shooting from the same side of the Street then 56 or 35 makes it easier to get at least 1 half body in frame. 56 from across the street covers too much most of the time. Of cos too much on the other hand allows u to crop later

[@EasyRico99]

Mark, I'm planning on purchasing a Fujifilm XT5 and have been doing my due diligence on lens. I already have two Viltrox lens on my list, but YOUR vlog pushed me to my first lens purchase. Awesome information, keep it up. You earned my "thumbs up" and a new subscriber. Thank you.

[@JennerValiantDuran]

I almost bought the classic Fuji 35mm f1.4. Then this bad boy got released. Ordered this instead and I’m so excited once this arrives. Thanks for the detailed info for this lens 🙇‍♂️

[@ebouwens]

Thanks for this great review. Just did a portrait shoot with this lens and am blown away by the results.

[@stuartcreighton3410]

Exceptional review Mark - you've really sold the value of this lens. I like your pro level imagery on a budget philosophy. I see you are also in Melbourne. Really helps on the stay with Fuji APS-C vs. migration to Sony E / FF argument.

[@markwiemels]

Thanks. I think we will see more of these f1.2 lens too.

[@Iamtongue]

Viltrox has been killing it lately!

[@markwiemels]

I'm not even sure how they are doing it. I suspect they have brought in a new lens designer/engineer or something.

[@RajeshG_vlogs]

Which one best vitrox 75mm f/1.2 vs 27mm f/1.2

[@saurabhprasad4499]

Great explanation of full frame vs crop sensor and how lens choice matters. It took me months to understand what u explained in 5 minutes. Kudos.

[@ThanhNguyen-sk6uc]

Viltrox really stepped up big time ! i got the 75mm 1.2 from them and it's such a beautiful lens.

[@anups7958]

Wooow! Your is the best review for this lens! I have been looking for reviews on this wondering whether to buy or not and this is helpful.

[@jorgerobles628]

Very Nice video with Excellent Explanation for the exposure and depth-of-Field (DOF). Lamentably, I don't have Fuji. I have a Canon EOS 5D MkII with the USM 50 f1.2 and the 28-135 USM IS zoom lens. I got that 1.2 lens as a refurbished lens in 1989 when I got my Canon EOS 620, and had it ever since.

[@thebitterfig9903]

Something that seems special about this lens is the relatively wide angle. It’s not too hard to accomplish good shallow DOF on APS-C with longer lenses. Fuji’s 90/2 or 56/1.2, cheap but lacking aperture ring Samyang 75/1.8, the tiny Sigma 56/1.4, or Viltrox’s own 75/1.2 are all great examples. But something like this on then wide edge of a standard field of view is harder to come by, harder to accomplish.

[@markwiemels]

Agree! I think this caught a lot of us by surprise.

[@brownbear100]

Except the fuji 33 1.4 has a shallower depth of field at same distance to the sibject and is half the size. Same can be said even for the cheap Viltrox 33 1.4 and the Sigma 30 1.4 (but only just). The focal lenth is of course key. 27 is not 30 or 33. But this is being billed as a portrait lens, and for those purposes there's not a huge difference unlike with ultrawides. So if you are primarily after shallow depth of field there are numerous (affordable) lenses that achieve an even shallower DOF without having to resort to the muscle car approach of just make it bigger.

[@jeremyg9305]

​@@brownbear100 why would you be at the same distance? You wouldn't if the framing of the subject is the same. Also DoF/Bokeh quadruple when you double focal length, 33mm is only 22% longer which would result in a 48% increase if they were both f1.4, but their not, and an F1. 2 is 50% more..

[@MichaelFrederickPhoto]

I have a FF rig with 1.4 primes and a X-H2 with some 1.2/1.4 primes. What lead me to Fuji was A. Tired of the cost of FF lenses B. Wanted a lighter rig C. Wanted a system that the incamera “recipes” required little to no editing. I shoot portraits/headshots, so far my clients are really liking the variety of files when I shoot both rigs so the shoot has a unique look. I have the 75mm 1.2 and it’s awesome!! I will be adding the 27mm 1.2 as well. I hope they make a 50mm 1.2 PRO as well.

[@markwiemels]

Funny you mention the in camera colors, I have gone and done shoots with Fuji, Shot JPG and RAW. After editing the RAW files, they didn't even look as good as the JPG's.

[@braxtonjens7839]

Unless I NEED the raw….. I shoot I’m just jpg

[@al404]

In some case having less DOF ( without stoping down ) and more light can be useful

[@moodybagz]

I’m also using x-h2 with a 75mm I’m getting this lens next as well

[@MichaelFrederickPhoto]

@@moodybagz honest feedback, if you are more of a portrait shooter, get the X-H2S, the H2 is very lens dependant on the eye AF accuracy wide open. The H2S is a better option.

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

4:10 with the added benefit of having a more practical shallow depth of field. Its a match made in heaven at this price and quality.

[@jpl980]

Do you have any opinions about how the AF-C eye tracking with moving subjects compares to the Fuji XF 33 1.4 WR or Fuji XF 23 1.4 WR?

[@yusdeni168]

Thank you so much for the great review.. You give a lot of value information during this video, you should mark it on the timeline so viewers know what to expect in this 20 mins video..

[@joelnormann]

This lens and the 75mm were very very close to keeping me in the Fuji system. Unfortunately as I move primarily to zooms and do more landscape work, and do less and less weddings, Sony full-frame has made the most sense for me. Just traded in one of my X-T4 and all my Fuji zooms for a Sony A7iv with Tamron 17-28 and Tamron 28-200 for a two lens landscape solution. I will definitely miss some aspects of shooting Fuji, but hopefully the Sony will work out for me.

[@markwiemels]

The zooms is 100% the issue, if they could make some f2 zooms, it would overcome that issue like the f1.2 primes do. Once you get comfortable with Sony, you won’t look back, I mostly shoot Sony now. Fuji is more my fun camera.

[@joelnormann]

@@markwiemels to be honest it was the lack of good wide and medium telephoto zooms that did it for me, plus the flexibility of the files in post-processing. There's nothing like the Tamron 28-200 in Fuji-land, the 18-135 just doesn't hold a candle to it. Plus the wide-angle zooms are either just okay (10-24) or heavy and expensive (8-16). I'm ending up with a full-frame kit which is about the same weight and price as what I could get from Fuji. If I gel with the Sony I think I'll sell the rest of my Fuji gear (additional X-T4 and various primes) and pick up some f/1.8 primes for the Sony.

[@neethuandthomasphotography]

@@joelnormann I think you should purchase an X-H2 with Viltrox 27 and 75 , X-H2 is an amazing camera hands down , just as good as Sony A74. I've both Fuji X-H2 and Sony A7 IV and I enjoy shooting with both systems.

[@joelnormann]

@@neethuandthomasphotography Haha I was just thinking about this comment I made, as I've just listed the a7iv on eBay already! It wasn't for me I'm afraid. I'm going to switch to the X-T5 (I prefer the ergonomics over the X-H2) and grab those two little sigma zooms and maybe something a bit longer.

[@tridinh1011]

@@joelnormann the 18-135 is honestly quite bad while the other superzooms either have poor IQ, dark apertures or both.

[@ПазарджикПет]

another thing worth mentioning is the focus plain while shooting wide open. Shooting with full frame 1.4 and 1.2 lenses, most of the time the focus plain is so shallow, that you might get the eye of the model in focus, while the nose and cheek are blurry, while maintaining the same field of view, shooting wide open on APS-C you have deeper focus plain, and you will have the face completely in focus, which generally is what you want to do. This way you get the light gathering and low iso, while retaining perfect focus! People need to get into their heads, that more bokeh isn't always the best practice!

[@hellni79]

you're not actually getting the 1.2 opening on aps-c, that's why you get more in focus, you're looking into a cropped frame of the 27mm 1.2 that result in a 40mm 1.8 or something like that, not a 40mm 1.2... just close the aperture on the full frame then if you want the nose in focus

[@mattcero1]

I'm loving my Viltrox 23mm and that focal length and tripod distance combo. is perfect for my situation and YT videos. I still may buy this lens though.

[@Racsophoto]

I was about to exchange this lens that I own for the xf33 f/1.4 wr because (only) the weight but reviewing this video made me keep for now because indeed the images I get with it are amazing. After 1 year I must admit I do not travel that much with this lens because weight or take it out of my bag for anything but professional work. That bugs me a bit and I knew it was the price to pay for the f/1.2 but I found out that is also hard to make a full day photowalk with this lens on a strap so sometimes I feel biased of such an heavy lens on APSC.

[@PsychoUncensored]

Will they ever release for canon?

[@youreELILILiiIll]

Appreciate the review!! In theory, to get the same amount of light, you may need to compare such as, - APS-C 23mm F1.4 at ISO 4000 - FF 35mm F2.0 at ISO 8000 Then you should get almost the same dept of field, same noise as well as same shutter speed. Therefore, you should choose between, - Smaller body(Cheaper body) + larger lens(More expensive lens) - Larger body(More expensive body) + smaller lens(cheaper lens) I am not sure which is better set or combo, but these days, FF is getting smaller and cheaper, APS-C is getter bigger and more expensive...so I think FF is better option(I am a Fuji person, and looking for Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 though...).

[@jeroentune333]

Mark , go get the 75mm F1.2 and you will find out that this 27mm is actually the little brother ! Great review, well done. I hope I will receive my copy soon.

[@markwiemels]

Thanks, yes, I have my eye on that one!

[@rsat9526]

Own both and 75mm is sharper in the center but it drops of toward the sides. It's by no mean a bad things since it is for portraits which the subject is generally in the center anyway. However, 27mm is more consistent across the frame and tact sharp but 75mm looks slightly crispier. I tested both extensively and very pixel peeping though lol....later to find find out there is a thing called MFT charts which also provide consistent results to my findings/experience.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Nice review! I wonder how it handles the new 40 MP sensor from Fujifilm.

[@markwiemels]

The reviewers that have the 40mp cameras have reported it's perfect.

[@SensibleChuckle]

I have the XT5 and the Viltrox 75 1.2 on it hass indistinguishable IQ from my Fujifilm 1.4s. it is The quality of the best Fuji lenses. I suspect high chance this 27 will be as good as the 72. But I have the new Fuji 28 1.4 already so I don't need this. I'm just adding a experience with the new Viltrox lenses has been rewarding.

[@transikk]

What would be your top pick between 75 mm 1.2 and 27 mm 1.2? I do a bit of everything product,landscape and street photography I aleeady got 13mm 1.4

[@markwiemels]

Hard one... 27mm for street and general purpose, also useable for landscape. 75mm for product and portrait. 27mm is a much more versatile focal length overall, but 75 is a more dramatic focal length with image compression and background blur.

[@ShadyJay77]

I don’t watch too many 20 minute reviews especially, about lenses and cameras that I don’t have. With that said, I really enjoy knowing about this lens and Fuji Film cameras. Viltrox is really knocking it out of the park with their PRO line of lenses. 👍🏾

[@markwiemels]

Thanks!

[@visionz_n_media]

I love what Viltrox is doing with their pro series lenses. I currently own the 75 1.2 pro and the 13 1.4 and love them both on my Fujifilm bodies. This lens will definitely be added to my Viltrox collection. I hope to see a 56 1.2 or a 50 1.0 from Viltrox in the future. Amazing breakdown of the lens features.

[@markwiemels]

Yes, that would be great!

[@LOUDSTREET]

Just bought this lens and the 75mm 1.2 for less then 950 on B&H! Its on a huge sale 465 for each lens and extra saving if using their card which I always use.

[@vaughnvalle]

New or used? Bc right now the 75 is priced at $579

[@RiccardoPearlman]

Yeah they need to fill this out to a trio and I'm on it. Perhaps north of 50mm equivalent, like a 35mm 1.2. Get that in the series and I am grabbing all three together.

[@evasabzacami]

In order to be completely precise equal f stops on FF and APS-C give you the same exposure, not the same amount of light. This might be a bit confusing. Otherwise a great video 👍🏼

[@markwiemels]

Good point.

[@Haulien]

If you're wide open at f/1.2, and focused, then decide stop down, have you found the focus to shift? It's almost like focus breathing.

[@Beaver-be8vk]

Omg!! Is that poodle your dog? So cute. I have a golden doodle and he was supposed to be that color but he turned a grayish brown.

[@markwiemels]

Yep! That's Maple, she's 8 month old. She a Cavapoo, or Cavoodle, depending on where you live.

[@Holyfamily71]

Can compare size difference b/w different full frame lens.

[@Strokkkk]

Great vid, just an idea, as I haven't seen any videos on YT yet, could you make a comparison video between Viltrox 27mm f1.2 and Viltrox 33mm f1.4 ? Thanks

[@markwiemels]

I don't have the 33mm, unfortunately. It's a good idea for a video.

[@ricferr6945]

i wonder how will it behaves in the XT200 ....

[@janrrob]

Thanks so much Mark for a fantastic review of this fantastic lens focused mainly on practical usage. I have the 33mm Fujinon lens and I'm honestly bent on selling it for this do-it-all phenomenon. The 33mm is like new but I've already checked and I'd be losing £300 from brand new price if I decide to sell it. Any thoughts? Really torn here.

[@David-pm9nm]

Greeting! Could you please make a video comparing the Viltrox 27mm 1.2 and the Sigma 23mm 1.4 for video recording? Or tell me which one is better for Fuji X-t 4. I'm a videographer and I'm not sure which of these two lenses to buy for video recording. Similar focal length, but I prefer the bokeh on the Viltrox. It seems to me that both lenses have a problem with autofocus for video and with focus breathing. Can the new firmware fix this problem? Thank you!

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

If primes are what you need on Fuji and size is not that much of a concern, i recommend Viltrox's 13, 27 and 75 clubbed with the old Fuji 56 and you're done.

[@davidfirth1]

I had jettisoned my third party lenses in favor of Fuji f2 primes. You know, size with decent performance. Viltrox was a lure on price but until recently, nobody went to them for performance. This lens is too good to pass up. I just picked one up used, probably from someone who said it was too big. My win.

[@ghuhk1]

Thanks for the review. I am E-mount user bought the 75mm F1.2 and waiting for this lens

[@markwiemels]

Yea, I'm looking forward to that too.

[@CRaul87]

I got both the 27 and the 75 1.2 but I'm afraid viltrox won't be coming out with any more 1.2 lens for Fuji on the near future😢

[@JeremiahBostwick]

The 35mm f/0.9 just released. So basically now there is a "trio" that exists along with the 13mm f/1.4 for wide angle. It's true that it's not consistent aperture across "the set" but it also doesn't need to be.

[@RoyAlf]

Thanks for the video. Would this lens be good at studio talking head videos or interviews?

[@markwiemels]

Yea, would be perfect. It’s a really good focal length for that. Will give that documentary interview sort of look.

[@lionheart4424]

Thanks for the video, Mark! I just jumped the shark this week and committed to my very first brand-new camera: the Fuji X-T5 in a combo with the XF 16-80mm. I hope it arrives to my country next week. I went with Fuji for the retro look, dials and the in-camera film simulations. But I am planning in building my Fuji setups for doing landscape photography aided by the weather sealed body and lenses, so this Viltrox lens sounds like something I should look for when it releases. I eventually plan to acquire the XH2s specifically for bird photography (that stacked sensor) but also for video, and plan to rig it with the Sirui nightwalker lenses. I hope you do more videos about Fuji stuff!

[@markwiemels]

You won't look back. The X-T series of cameras are a joy to use, my very favourites.

[@mgscheue]

I have an X-T5 on the way, too. My first new camera in a very long time. I hope you enjoy yours!

[@lionheart4424]

@@mgscheue I can't wait to have the camera in my hands. Have a blast with your Fuji too!

[@mgscheue]

@@lionheart4424 Thank you! Very excited.

[@jamesstanley7263]

16-80 is the perfect lens to pair with some fast primes :)

[@JorgeRosado]

Can’t decide between the 27mm 1.2 viltrox or 24 GM 1.4 for my FX30. What would be my best bet ? ( I don’t care about the price 😅) help a brother

[@markwiemels]

For me, I prefer field of view of 27 on aps-c over 24. Not a huge difference, but that is how I would make the choice.

[@JorgeRosado]

@@markwiemels GOATED for the prompt response. I appreciate your work, Mark.

[@paulthomas8986]

Love seeing the quality 3rd party lens options for Fuji but their are some negatives trying to get equivalent on a smaller sensor. It usually means a bigger and heavily lens than full frame. Fuji rated iso is about 2/3 stop under the competition. Ans using the 1.8 lenses on full frame means their is not much if any cost savings shooting apsc.

[@markwiemels]

Yes, I compensated for that ISO factor in my test images. Thats why I didn't even mention the ISO, as it becomes a confusing conversation for most people. So I just used the ISO required to get the correct exposure, or as close as I could. A comparable IQ f1.8 is generally about 50-100% more. It can be hard to compare because, Canon for example, make terrible f1.8 lenses to get you to buy their f1.4 lenses. The Sony 35mm f1.8 is more comparable, $750 instead of $550, and image quality is not as good as the Viltrox, but not far off, and the Sony is smaller and lighter.

[@zacx6970]

I would love to see in the next 2-3 years when these companies start releasing f/0.95 lens with AF. That will surely break the market for needing FF .

[@MC-hr1py]

Just wish I could get a 45mm equiv lens that isn't a pancake that is not fast but also isn't a big lens like this at 1.2 . Hopefully they'll make an in between size at 1.4

[@davidjennings6452]

Best review of this lens out there! Day 1 purchase for me replacing my Zeiss 32mm 1.8. This and my 75mm will be my two camera prime setup for low light events along with 10-24.

[@markwiemels]

Thanks for the kind words. Took me ages to make the video, a lot of testing an research. That will be a great lens line-up.

[@yhtey14]

@@markwiemels I start to like the Viltrox 13mm to cover the wide end now.

[@alexwaller2237]

If you happen to see this would love to know how you like it compared to that Zeiss 1.8 or anyone else that has used both. thanks!

[@davidjennings6452]

Would choose the Viltrox every day. It’s bigger but the images out of it seem better quality and the autofocus speeds are a huge improvement.

[@djdarroo]

What’s a good fujifilm lens for vlogging on X-h2s

[@XavierMinguellaPhotography]

Did you test the lens with protect filter or without? I see in your unit a filter. Some Fuji lenses have problems fitting a protect filter, like the 18mm f:1.4 or the 10-24mm. Did you see extra flare in your images?

[@markwiemels]

Yea, I used a filter for the samples. Under the right conditions, filters can give you flare issues, with any lens, using the lens hood helps a lot. Most of the time filters do not effect the image.

[@XavierMinguellaPhotography]

@@markwiemels Not always, in a 10-24 not.

[@bwellington3001]

I use X-T30 camera from 2019 and i also have Pentax MX 35mm film SLR At first i sold the small kit 14-45 lens and got 23mm F2 Then i bought the Tamron 17-70 2.8 and sold 23mm f2 because honestly this zoom matches the image quality at equal apertures. I'd even say it's better and it covers a lot. But the camera is not a compact anymore, that's for sure (maybe i should have went with sigma instead).. lookin at how insane the prices are for new native fuji lenses (This Viltrox is LESS THAN HALF of what fuji 23 f1.4 costs where i live) i was thinking selling this kit and jump into Nikon Z or Canon RF.. but realistically i can only afford Nikon Z5 and similarly priced Canon and both dont have much more to offer in comparison.. Nikon got IBIS, but Fuji got BSI X-TRANS and i love the film simulations that i borrow from fujiweekly so it's not an easy decision. But now i am thinking maybe i should give this lens a go? It's not gonna bankrupt me and has this fuji-aperture ring quirk too.. But it's gonna be as heavy as my zoom and almost as big.

[@ziga1218]

As far as bokeh and DoF is concerned f1.2 in crop is equivalent to f2.7 on full frame. 1.2 * 1.5 * 1.5, right?

[@ziga1218]

No, my bad, just 1.2 * 1.5. So equivalent to 1.8.

[@ziga1218]

PS. Looking forward to your review of the 56mm f1.7.

[@gephetto]

Fantastic review! Thank you for not being hung up on the size and weight of this lens. So many Fuji fans keep mentioning it, and while I understand the compactness of the system is a main factor there needs to be lenses at this level that gather the light to help the ASPC sensor deliver and compete with FF. I shoot Fuji professionally. I just got the Viltrox 75mm 1.2. That lens is outstanding I will be doing a photo session today with it. Again, noting the importance of the large aperture for light gathering is so important. While for FF this might mainly be a talking point as it relates to subject separation, in the APSC world the extra stops do so much to help with lowering the ISO. A very much needed element when shooting with a crop sensor. I already have the XF 23 1.4 LM but again going back to light gathering and seeing how sharp this lens wide open -- I am seriously considering getting this to replace that lens. I'm not a fan of 35mm. The focal length just doesn't spark much interest in me. I use it because of its utility and it's nice to just carry one lens , I prefer the 50mm look... I hate to be buying more gear but it's a nice headache to have as a Fuji shooter.

[@markwiemels]

Thanks! Yes, the size was not even on my radar, it's similar in size to a number of the Fuji Zoom lenses. It just felt normal to me.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for the video. So when will Viltrox have this available in Sony E mount? Just got the 75/1.2 for Sony and I need to get this to pair with it.

[@markwiemels]

Usually a few months later.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

@@markwiemelsEnded up getting the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 for Sony E mount and my APS-C A6700. Even though I usually shoot full frame this combo interested me and I’m very happy either way it. I only get 26 Mpixel with Sony on this combo but very well done. If you are ok with the weight I highly recommend it. Thank you and take care.

[@abfutrell]

Will Viltrox be making a Nikon Z version of this lens?

[@DmitryBrodsky007]

I there are a lot of stellar F1.2 lenses, I own a Sony 50mm F1.2 FE which is astounding wide open and Canon RF 85 1.2 basically has no faults. I am hearing good things about Nikon's Z 50 and 85 1.2s. But I agree with you regarding this Viltrox series. I pre-ordered and got one of the first 75 1.2 is this lens is brilliant at 1.2 For $549 it is crazy. And now this 27 1.2 every review I watch people say it is jaw dropping. Again for $549. Then the 13 1.4 is one of best wides for Fuji. Yet I know many Fuji brand loyalists will never touch a 3d party lens. Can't wait for Viltrox to make a zoom lens!!!!

[@markwiemels]

I hear that a number of these 3rd party lens makers now have zoom lenses in development. The challenge with full frame f1.2 lenses, are the prices, and optically they aren't any better than the Viltrox 27mm. I would put the Canon 50mm f1.2 and Viltrox 27mm on par with each other, in image quality, and the Canon is a $2500 lens (obviously full frame though)

[@rodcage1111]

It looks like a great lens for the X mount but a little weird regarding the focal range, I would definitely pick one up if it was a 50mm equivalent on a 35mm but I don't know if it would suit my way of shooting. great video anyway.

[@catalin-ap]

What's nice about the very recently released (and recently started) Viltrox Pro line of lenses, is that Sony APS-C users also profit from it, when they get released by Viltrox for Sony. :)

[@markwiemels]

For sure.

[@rsat9526]

Bought this lens with me to Turkey. Honestly, I was nervous to bring a prime lens on a trip as I normally carry F2.8 zoom with me on any trip for flexibility and I received the lens only a few days before my flight. Oh my.... I took around 1000+ photos during the trip with this lens alone and it blew my mind. I made a pano shot stitched together from 6 shots taken on this lens and I could not find a flaw on the final stitched picture where I normally would with just 6 shots on a zoom lens (some part of the pic may be blurred a bit toward the side of the photo being stitched due to zoom lens' optical flaw). The bokeh is also so clean compared to other sigma prime I own (56mm) and has a surprising swirly character which I like especially for portraits as it helps draw attention to the subject. I give this lens 9.5/10.....the -0.5 is due to its weight lol It's not bad at all but I cant really can't find anything else to complain about.

[@stanobert3475]

I haven't noticed much difference in high iso noise with my 45 megapixel Nikon Z8 vs my Fuji X-H2s. The ultimate high iso lower noise goes to the 24 megapixel full frame cameras with their larger photosites.

[@grahamcullimore6660]

The wider 1.2 aperture on the Viltrox only allows lower ISO (and hence noise) on APSC compared with a typical equivalent focal length 1.8 on full frame when shooting at or near wide open. Much of the time shooting wide open does not give the depth of field required so is not an option and hence the 'advantage' is academic much of the time for many people.

[@thnkvoid16]

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

[@markwiemels]

Great idea

[@AdamAllen]

It's baffling how much of an increase in product development Viltrox has been able to achieve since their first products.

[@cow77cow]

Just got mine yesterday. Great bokeh and smaller than the 75mm version.

[@cyano3d]

I wish fuji was aps-H instead. I love my XT5 as the first professional camera but the tech nerd in me wants the best of the best in the most vfm. As for this lens i cant wait to have this in my kit

[@judoubledb]

The other major reason people leave Fuji, or don’t buy in to the system is the relatively poor continuous auto focus performance compared to Canon and Sony. Not so much an APS-C vs full frame issue though.

[@markwiemels]

Yea, that’s a genuine issue, especially for video.

[@superelectic45]

Problem is that making a crop sensor lens to have the same shallow DoF as full frame means making it faster and hence the same size and weight as a full frame lens. For me if I have to carry gear the same weight I'd choose full frame.

[@maciejszymanek922]

Viltrox 27 1.2 vs Sigma 30 1.4 - What is your choice?

[@markwiemels]

The Viltrox is superior.

[@salarycat]

f1.2 on aps-c is roughly equivalent to f1.8 on full frame, the same equivalency goes for the total amount of photons of light that fall on each sensor. The lens looks great, but it's understandably humongous. That's tolerable for a portrait lens like the 56 or the 75, but 27 is an all-around focal length and it would become a hurdle to use, especially at street photography. A full frame 40mm at f1.8 would be quite small and better balanced. It negates the "benefits" of the smaller sensor if the package is bigger just to keep up with standard f1.8 lenses. If someone really wants that kind of setup, it might be a better long-term strategy to get into a full-frame system.

[@markwiemels]

I plan on doing a street photography video with it. I actually don't find the weight to be any sort of burden, but I have used the Fuji Zooms that are similar in size. I do worry about how "obvious" the lens is, for street, compared to a smaller lens, but I also wonder if that's just in my own head. I understand the light photon/pixel density concept, in my real world testing the f1.2 did perform similar to f1.8 FF, but this is a broad generalisation as every camera performs differently.

[@samhawkes6597]

i just picked this for my sony fx30

[@AndrewVanBeekOttawa]

Viltrox 27mm F1.2 - 560g, Sony 35mm F1.8 - 280g. There's always a price to pay for equivalencies. I'd like to see more F1.8mm APS-C lenses and make them as small as possible. That's the real strength of APS-C.

[@thebitterfig9903]

There are the excellent “Fujichrons”-23, 35, 50mm f/2. Metal build, weather resist, aperture ring, and compact size that won’t block the OVF on an X-Pro. I only have the 35mm, and it’s a really sharp lens (almost too sharp… I keep dreaming about the old-school vibe of the original 35/1.4).

[@barracuda976]

The 50mm f2 fujinon is sharp as a razor blade.

[@5000Helme]

If you are working, if you do your weddings and events, you shoot a 2.8 zoom. There is no f2 16-55 zoom for APSC to equal up. And if, it would be terribly unbalanced. THIS is the reason you buy into the bigger sensor. 2.8*FF is the better average output.

[@markwiemels]

I agree, this is the most compelling argument for full frame. Although you can shoot events with primes, and some do.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

Their is more to photography than a blurry background, in fact during the time I photographed events on top of a full frame camera I also used APSC and micro 4/3 because not every photo needs a background totally blurred out, many photos I took the background was an important part of the photos.

[@markwiemels]

Yes, for sure. This is a key choice the photographer makes with each shot.

[@chewkenghong]

I have th 75f1.2. but almost don't shoot at 1.2 cos if the extreme shallow depth of field. F2 is more forgiving w focus. At 1.2, miss a little n the shot is useless.

[@markwiemels]

27mm means a deeper depth of field, so f1.2 is more valuable at 27mm.

[@Risayogi]

I remember back in my DSLR days, all third party lenses were very bad. Not sharp, weird colors. Look how far they’ve come. Crazy good quality with more affordable price.

[@markbernhardt6281]

FF and crop get the same amount of light intensity but the photosites on crop are smaller and the sensor by area gets less light.

[@markwiemels]

This is generally true, but there are even more factors than that. Including the sensor tech and processing. So you really have to compare camera to camera, or use an objective rating/ranking system to be sure.

[@ikneadphotography]

Probably one of the best Viltrox lens reviews. Even though I just got a Rokinon 50mm f1.4 for full frame this lens makes me wanna switch back to Fujifilm so badly.

[@jjchockey]

Only thing is a full frame with a 1.8 lens is smaller and lighter than a Fuji with this 1.2 lens. Then you have the option to go to a 1.2-1.4 on full frame and have something the Fuji can never accomplish. The Sigma 85MM 1.4 is a little smaller than the Viltrox 75 1.2. I have both Fuji and LUMIX. Both spectacular.

[@al404]

I don't really agree with you, there are a lot of Fuji f1.4 primes and the difference between f1.2 ( f1.8 equivalent ) DOF and f1.4 ( f2.1 equivalent ) is negligible. On the other side this lens is bigger and heavier. Viltrox 27 f1.2 is about 560g Fuji new 23mm f1.4 is around 375g and old one 300g and even smaller. I own Viltrox 75mm f1.2 and really like it but I can't really see the point for this lens, maybe a 18mm f1.2 could fill a gap but Viltrox should also keep an eye on size and weight since me ( and I guess many others ) picked Fuji APS-C over FF to keep size and weights down.

[@markwiemels]

I think f1.2 chips away at that full frame advantage. The other thing to keep in mind, is that this lens is razor sharp across the frame and into the corners, in a way that very few lenses are. So it’s an f1.2 that performs like f2+ on many other lenses. If you are into Fuji for the size, this probably isn’t the lens for you, but neither are most of the Fuji zooms.

[@al404]

@@markwiemels but this a prime, a huge prime

[@markwiemels]

@@al404 Um, yes, I was pointing out that if this lens is too big, so are the most of the fuji zooms, bar one. Fuji 90, 50 f1, and 200 are our too. So a lot of the Fuji lenses.

[@al404]

@@markwiemels tele are always bigger, this is a wide lens. As I said with 35mm f1.4, 33mm f1.4 and 23mm f1.4 new and old this lens doesn't really fill a wide enough gap and its size and weight is greater than Fuji primes

[@JacobNates]

I mostly shoot medium-small concerts and always feel like 35 is too tight and 23 is too wide. Hitting that Goldilocks focal length with 1.2 made this a no brainer purchase

[@kylecouture1917]

Better than the 75mm 1.2?

[@markwiemels]

For me, yes, 27mm is far more versatile than 75mm. If I was strictly doing portraits, I would go for the 75.

[@kylecouture1917]

@@markwiemels I think this is the lense for me. Im new to photography. Portraits are my favorite, but I have the inferior viltrox 56 1.4 and its good enough for me for now. I dont have a good lense for indoor shooting. I only have the 56 and the 18-55 2.8 kit lense. This I think would be a great addition for me lineup. Ill get the 75mm down the road.

[@markwiemels]

@@kylecouture1917 It's a pretty special lens, and a lot of lens for the money too.

[@danfarmer_photo]

Seriously, the amount of time I am on my 35 (equivalent) thinking maybe I need my 50. Or on my 50, thinking it’s a bit tight, so I best switch to my 35. Annoying. So, I always take them both. Not anymore! This lens will replace them both for me. I can just take a step back, or forward in a given scenario with this lens, and I can essentially replace them both. Thanks Viltrox!

[@markwiemels]

haha... I hear ya! This 27mm/40mm focal length seems very popular with photographers, but is somewhat ignored by the lens makers.

[@MOTOJendays]

@@markwiemels Sony 40 2.5 is amazing. But the Viltrox is gonna achieve better results than that lens now. Granted the 40 2.5 can take advantage of a 61MP FF sensor for landscapes lol.

[@neerajnongmaithem392]

Negates the benefit of shhooting fuji if the lens start weighig over 500 grams(560 here) grams. The receipe that works for fuji success is a an overall setuo which weighs no more 7-800 grams. They coulf have a lens with a smaller fiem factor weighing less then 300 grams with an aperture of 1.4. my setup weighs less then 500 gramd and inspirrd me to rake my camera out more( except the pro work)

[@PhillipRPeck]

You got a Fuji? Is this new? What Fuji camera is it? Tell me everything. This lens is insane

[@markwiemels]

I shot all my KZbin video’s with Fuji, until about a year ago. Then I sold out of the the system, when this lens was announced I bought back in, with a X-S20. I have some Cine lense coming for the X-S20 too. Shoots open gate 3:2 6.2k 10 bit log footage, for $1200. It’s a real sleeper, not enough talk about this camera.

[@PhillipRPeck]

@@markwiemels Yeah, I've been thinking about renting one to compare against the Sony aps-c cameras

[@trym2121]

​@@PhillipRPeckhahaha, good luck with that. After that experience, you either go FF or go Fuji

[@Aleksilausti]

@@markwiemels Same, got back into Fuji because of the X-S20 after a long time with Sony. My Sony A7RV became faulty just before travelling and I needed a good alternative quickly and got the X-S20 and it is so much better than I expected that I might just stay with the system again and add this Viltrox to the setup. X-S20 - a real sleeper - like you said.

[@jseasphotography8627]

I’ll admit I was sleeping on Viltrox at first. Then I saw this lens and that 75 …..someone over at Viltrox is ready to change the game.

[@markwiemels]

Yes, their new lenses are as good as anything out there.

[@bernverified]

I just picked up this lens at some discount from an acquaintance who found it too bulky/heavy. I plan on pairing it with my often-neglected X-T1, which I know you favor. I’m really curious what kind of creative surprises I will find when it’s opened to the Gen2 sensor! Of course, I’m a little worried about the lack of image stability in my old man hands, but the weight of the lens just might benefit me there. Do you think the many advances of this lens will be fatally muted on the X-T1’s older tech(lower res, iffy AF, etc)? Does it need the X-T3+ to really shine? Super nice review. I’m pumped to get it into the rotation.

[@bernverified]

PS: Shooting mostly monochrome street with Sony A7lll for personal cloaking. I do love the X-T1 IQ, though.

[@jeremytok]

The rubber on the Sigmas DO NOT disintegrate after four or five years. They take on a whitish, chalky appearance. It's called blooming. Just remove the rubber rings (they're not glued, they come right off) and scrub them under the tap with a toothbrush and detergent. They look new after that.

[@rickslijkhuis6822]

Despite the fact that the Viltrox is an awesome lens, there IS a new version of the XF 27mm f2.8 with much better IQ and AF. I agree that this Viltrox cannot be compared with the old XF lens. The IQ difference is to big. However, the new pancake is VERY good. I might pick that lens for the pocketability on the street.

[@cow77cow]

Close to rhe closest focus actually very soft.

[@eddmarques-mortimer7129]

So you'll be selling your FF gear then?

[@markwiemels]

I actually shoot Sony FF for the Autofocus and lens selection (not really for Full Frame). I had sold all my Fuji Bodies, then bough back in with the X-S20 specifically because of this lens.

[@ahmadnaufaldai]

We do have xf56mm F1.2..

[@treypalmer5105]

Autofocus is awful on the old version, which I have. I've read the WR version isn't improved that much, and it's twice as expensive as the Viltrox Pro lenses.

[@chimpmunkboy8850]

Looks like my Nikkor 105 f2.8 😮

[@babycute2214]

I love my 2 mm viltrox 0.95 ff

[@branimirteodorovic2297]

"f/1.2 on a full frame camera lets the same amount of light in as a f/1.2 on a crop sensor camera. Both of those are getting the same amount of light" - no they don't. They get the same light intensity but the total amount of light is not the same because FF projects a larger circle. Same intensity but larger area equals more photons. That's why you must apply crop factor to the aperture. Full frame sensor with f/1.8 lens will receive the same amount of light as an APS-C sensor with f/1.2 lens. That light will be spread across larger surface, therefore the image will be darker and it will have to be brightened (e.g. higher ISO value) but the noise level will be the same on both cameras.

[@tomapaunovic]

This lens competes very well with FF equivalents in all areas, except size and weight. Lenses such as Sony 35mm 1.8, Samyang 35mm 1.8, Nikon 35mm 1.8, Canon 35mm 1.8, Samyang 45mm 1.8, Viltrox 35mm 1.8 are all significantly smaller than this one. Viltrox 27mm f1.2 is even slightly bigger than Sony 35mm F1.4 GM. But on the other side, Viltrox 27mm f1.2 is optically better than any of those FF 1.8 lenses, especially considering the price.

[@barracuda976]

Masterclass of what happens with dep and noise depending on the size of the sensor.

[@markwiemels]

Thanks!

[@RandyPollock]

So your saying that this lens is better than the Fuji 16mm or the 56mm or the 90mm or the 50-140mm...your saying this lens is better than the Fuji 200mm....I might have missed this in the video but there is no way you're not an ambassador for Viltrox, I own each of these lens and the Viltrox is an OK lens especially for the money, but it doesn't hold a candle to any of the Fuji lens I listed and own.... but hey we all have opinions that's what makes the world a wonderful place.

[@markwiemels]

I have owned, and enjoyed, all of those lenses, except the 200, and yes, it's my opinion that it is the best X-mount lens. I do put preferred focal length as a pretty big aspect, of any lens. and I really like that 27mm. Hand on heart, if this was a Fuji branded lens, people would be going nuts over it, and the price would probably be $1300+. This lens is not like the old 23, 33, and 56 Viltrox made, this is at big brand, first party level, or even better.

[@RandyPollock]

@@markwiemels Awesome glad you enjoy it