ULTIMATE 85mm f/1.8 Lens Test - SONY vs ZEISS vs VILTROX vs TOKINA vs YONGNUO

[@mulliganpete]

I’m looking to add a 85mm lens to my bag and I am reviewing all options. I like your in depth testing and the Tokina stood out to me for obvious reasons, sharpness, bokeh, quick focusing etc. One thing I found in comparing these lenses is warranty. The Sony, Viltrox, and the Yongnuo only offer a 1 year limited warranty. The Zeiss offers a 2 yr limited expandable to 3 yrs with online registration and the Tokina offers a 3 yr limited warranty (B&H warranty comparisons). Seems the Tokina backs up it’s lenses a little more than the competition. Something to also consider when making a lens purchase.

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for the info! Just to clarify too, this test doesn't cover ALL of the 85mm lenses available for Sony - just the f/1.8 options. If you're interested to see which is the best 85mm of the lot, then I'd recommend checking out this video too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWjSZ5KYZZimgLM I hope it helps!

[@megapixelphotos338]

Yet another stonking episode Tom! Great work and interesting results!

[@TomCalton]

Thanks bro, appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@TheSteveKinney]

Zeiss.... by far is the winner. Great video!

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for watching!

[@paperchaser159]

Your videos are honestly the best when it comes to product comparisons. Why did you leave out the meike?

[@reueljosephmanalang6765]

It's hasn't been made the time this vid was made

[@awkke]

Epic comparison! I was curious about your thoughts around some claiming that Tokina and The viltrox are the same. Supposedly a rebrand? Also do you feel weather sealing is a big factor when deciding on a lens? I imagine if it's really rainy out, it won't make a difference?

[@TomCalton]

Thanks! Yeah, I've read about it. If it's true, then Tokina have definitely tweeted the design somewhat because the Tokina is much better optically than the Viltrox. Personally, weather sealing doesn't bother me too much as I never shoot outside in bad weather. However, it's certainly a nice thing to have on a lens just incase! But just to be clear, that's just my own preference and you should always pick a lens that will cater to your own needs and shooting preferences.

[@scottish_lowlander3325]

The most under rated youtuber loving your content

[@TomCalton]

Thank you! Very much appreciated 🤜🤛

[@scottish_lowlander3325]

@@TomCalton based on your knowledge i can get the 1.8 sony for £400 or the tokina for £480 ? hmmmm if this was your position what would you do ?

[@ClimbingColo]

I had significant issues with the Viltrox mk2 completely losing focus when shooting a puppy running towards me. sony 85mm handled it just fine and the AF seems to be much faster. Maybe something important to add to future tests.

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for the interesting comment Ted - appreciate it. To be fair, none of these lenses market themselves as a sports lens, so tracking very fast moving subjects would be a challenge for most of them (especially when shooting wide open) as they're usually designed for portraiture work, which is obviously much slower paced. This is why it's not something I include within my test videos currently as it feels a little unfair. I hope that makes sense.

[@ClimbingColo]

@@TomCalton For reference, I can take photos of bike racers coming directly at me at full speed with the Sony 1.8 and it nails the focus every time.

[@TomCalton]

Thanks, good to know

[@dung1youtube582]

great video! You are doing gods work. Love it and keep up this kind of style video.

[@ceejaicuenza]

sick video man, great content as per usual. needs more attention!

[@TomCalton]

Thank you, really appreciate it 🤘

[@SkipperGeffen]

Thanks for the great comparison! In my country the Sony and Tokina are priced the same so I'm a bit on the fence here. What would you go for?

[@TomCalton]

Good question. It depends what you treasure more. The Sony has an MF/AF switch, a customisable button, is lighter and has proper weather sealing. Though, the blue fringing is a bit of a problem. The Tokina isn't weather sealed and has no manual shortcuts but is solid as a rock (all metal design) and is the sharper and better lens optically. In either case, you're looking at two really good lenses here so can't go all that wrong!

[@wilsentwins]

Pls do the 50mm versus. With sigma 65mm f2

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for the suggestion! 50mm's are on our list so keep an eye out for that in the near future 👍

[@Gjuby]

I just got the TOKINA 85/1/8 - 2 days ago. Have shot around 100 frames before it completely froze my Sony A7III (with latest firmware). I had to reboot the camera for it to start working again. Much as I love the lens and the build and feel, I must say I was really disappointed, because otherwise the image quality is on par with the Sony GM or Sigma DG DN ART...for a fraction of the price. If it happens again, I am sending it back

[@alvarolavinph]

Sorry, have you any problem again with Tokina?

[@RoolLsable]

I had the same issue with a7iv body. I had to remover the battery to reset it again. even the power button was unresponsive

[@어설픈남자-k5b]

@@RoolLsable Update Tokina 85mm f1.8 to ver 02 throught Tokina oficial seller.

[@Gjuby]

@@alvarolavinph I returned it. Got the amazing Samyang 85/1.4 and all happy about it.

[@theoell2049]

Great video with humor and style! Why the headshot look bigger on Zeiss at 5:48?Thank you!

[@TomCalton]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I was stood in the exact same spot for all of the images, so it may be that the Zeiss isn't exactly 85mm and is actually slightly longer than the others? I know that half the time lenses aren't the exact focal length they profess to be.

[@ColdCoffeePhotography]

Great detailed thoughts as per the norm, but I have to say its very hard to concentrate on what you are saying with such a stunning muse!

[@TomCalton]

Haha! Totally understandable 😂

[@begr_wiedererkennungswert]

I agree, and I'm female.

[@asamxs]

6:38 ZEISS len is the correct white color balance but the other lens is show Red blue green and yellow tone.

[@j9hnxy]

Excellent Tokina 85 f1.8 and also excellent price, I am very happy with it... Great review!

[@aok3703]

hey dude i hope you answer it in my place right now theres viltrox used and new yongnuo with the same price , what should i buy? just wondering.... and same price too with samyang 75mm ahh im confuse rn

[@TomCalton]

From my expert, the Viltrox is better in terms of AF performance and image quality than the Yongnuo, so I would go for the Viltrox. Just make sure that it's the MKII version of the Viltrox you are buying and not the MKI as this original version is bigger and heavier. I hope this helps!

[@zany1616]

I just bought a viltron 85mm mark 2, it makes a lot of noise when focusing for some reason :(

[@TomCalton]

For the price though, it's a fantastic lens! Do you like using it?

[@FikretinDunyasi]

Is Viltrox not a Tokina? I can de wrong but i think Viltrox is Tokina.The only diffarence is Tokina don't bring firmware updates and Viltrox did.Maybe Viltrox change little things from Tokina lenses but the 85mm of Viltrox is for 100 percent a Tokina lens without any change

[@ellaabude4669]

I love your comparison really helps me which one should I buy😊🥰

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for watching Ella! Glad you found it helpful! 😊

[@mygoldkenns5623]

Results of yongnuo contradicts with dxo for sharpness. Which is true On dxo, yongnuo is even sharper than GM 1.4

[@jonoy4375]

When testing the bokeh of lady portrait, the background is not an ideal to compare

[@ohjajohh]

Great video, I love lens comparisons

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@TheObservantEngineer27]

Great comparison... thank so much. Tom..

[@TomCalton]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@miket2164]

How about the Samyang 75mm weather sealed ? Same category.

[@TomCalton]

As I mentioned at the start of the video, this is a test for 85mm f/1.8's only. Purely to keep a level playing field.

[@Dave_Andre]

Have you reviewed the tokina already?

[@TomCalton]

No, this is the first time I've managed to test it in a head to head test.

[@mikey7326]

Good stuff, thanks.

[@TomCalton]

You're welcome Mikey! Thanks for the comment and for watching 👍

[@pawelmod3292]

Nice comparison, thank you! I wonder what is your rationale to give prices only in GBP and USD?

[@TomCalton]

Thanks! Simple - the data shows that most of my viewers are from the US and UK.

[@jonnyfarmer]

The Tokina and Viltrox look like the only difference is the branding and maybe housing, otherwise They look like they are the same lens and on my monitor the two l are VERRY close.

[@TomCalton]

Good spot. That's because they are essentially the same lens - or so the reports say. Apparently Tokina have bought the rights to use Viltrox's lens design and then made a few tweaks.

[@johnvillanueva4962]

What happen to the 85mm Sigma?

[@TomCalton]

The Sigma 85mm is f/1.4, so doesn't fit in to this f/1.8 test.

[@johnvillanueva4962]

@@TomCaltongreat review, i myself have the Sony 1.8, love this lens, I think I should've waited, but it is what it is, just need to make do, thanks for replying back.. looking forward for more of your great content..

[@TomCalton]

Thanks John! The Sony is still a fantastic lens, so I wouldn't worry too much! It's lightweight, well built, has manual buttons and is just a solid all-rounder. A lot of people still swear by it. 🤘

[@martinhotmann7868]

Nooo .. why is the SIGMA not there? Because if F1.4? If so you could just set it to F1.8 and compare .. this really would be very interesting for me. Thanke for the Video anyway! :)

[@TomCalton]

This is a test between all of the f/1.8 lenses. I've also made a video to see who would win between ALL of the 85mm lenses, including the Sigma - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWjSZ5KYZZimgLM 😊

[@martinhotmann7868]

@@TomCalton Thanks man, I did not find this one .. will definitely watch it

[@marcelkressner]

I bought a Tokina ATX-M 85mm 1.8 for my Sony A7III just for 280€ ( or 330 US-Dollar) it is really good fast and good AF, Sharpness is good too But i have one Problem i was on a little Walk with it and 2 Times it "crashed" the AF made Problems then my Screen Freezes Turning off the A7III reattaching the Lens and it worked again that happened 2 or 3 times had anyone these issues too?

[@mallikarjunvenna2760]

i have same issue

[@TomCalton]

Have you tried updating the firmware? I've had a similar issue with Samyang lenses in the past and some have said that once you update the firmware it fixes it. Might be worth a shot?

[@RoolLsable]

i had the same issue. did anyone find a solution?

[@nogerboher5266]

This is all fine and dandy but what nobody seems to take into account, is how each lens projects saturation and contrast of the light onto the camera sensor aka. ''micro-contrast'' which also gives the images so called ''3D pop.'' This is way more important of a thing to compare, than comparing sharpness, AF performance, noise or any other irrelevant tech stat, looking at lens charts. When it comes to projection of saturation and contrast aka. ''micro-contrast,'' most of Zeiss, Voigtlander, Nikkor, Hasselblad, Contax and Leica lenses have any other lenses beat BY A MILE! Same applies to this very 1,8/85 Batis from Zeiss. Not a single lens here, nor 90% of other 85mm lenses on the market, including the expensive 1.4 and 1.2 versions, beat this ''cheap'' 1,8/85 Batis when it comes to ''micro-contrast.'' That's what you're paying the ''premium'' price for with Zeiss, Voigtlander, Nikkor, Hasselblad, Contax and Leica lenses and that's the thing that gives these lenses ''that unique look.''

[@TomCalton]

You're so right! You wouldn't believe the amount of clients who turn my work away because of the lack of micro contrast. And all this time I've been thinking that providing them with a set of sharp images is what they wanted. Boy, do I feel silly...

[@nogerboher5266]

@@TomCalton I am not sure if I'm sensing sarcasm or not but tonality, saturation, micro contrast... All of the aforementioned gives not only character to the image but also depth and draws your eyes into the image - especially with tonality and micro contrast and that's not to mention the ''3D pop!'' which clients love, which you can only get from lenses that perfectly project tonality and micro contrast onto the sensor. This won't matter in the studio setting as much, as indoors, difference in tonality is much less distinguishable and with micro contrast you can't even tell the difference, however, step outside or shoot studio/outdoor B&W and even someones technically illiterate grandmother will immediately be able to tell the absolutely huge difference in image quality. Some of Zeiss, Contax, Leica and Voigtlander lenses have such good tonality and micro contrast performance that you literally can't tell if the image was shot with a 50,000 EUR PhaseOne body or a cheap 2,000 EUR commercial grade Canon/Sony/Nikon/Fuji/Leica camera. In fact, speaking of PhaseOne, Zeiss literally engineered their Otus line of lenses to mimic tonality and contrast of medium format cameras, they even market the Otus lineup as such!

[@TomCalton]

Someone once told me I have a "micro penis" - is that the same thing?

[@boristahmasian1644]

@@nogerboher5266 Sarcasm aside, I think you have a valid point. The Zeiss has the best contrast of all the lenses. The other more important feature that Tom did not account for in the final score is the fact that Zeiss is the only stabilized lens in the group. That is huge when shooting in low light and low shutter speed situations. I have shot with the Sigma 85 f1.4 (loved it. so did Tom) and recently tested the Viltrox V2 and the Zeiss. As much as I love the Sigma, I think the Zeiss wins for better contrast, edge-to-edge sharpness and the all important stabilizer.

[@boristahmasian1644]

@@TomCalton I was told once I have a "macro penis." I told them it seems so because they are too close to it. In reality it is a "micro!"

[@jolladevices]

It's official Tokina has cat inside. A new animal after the SIGMA mices inside legacy lenses (pre-contemporary/art phase).

[@enfieldlover8145]

you have the.best.tests.ever, mister. if you compare 2000 dollar lenses... me no watchy :))) wallet not that deep. thanks man!

[@cameraprepper7938]

There are a lot of Lenses around 85mm for Sony, of new Lenses produces the last years, I picked the Voigtländer 65mm 2.0 Macro Lanthar (yes 65mm !) which outperform every other in sharpness. If I should recommend a Lens of those in your review, it will be either the Sony or the Zeiss, if you do not have IBIS in your Camera the Zeiss will be the best pick. Oh yeah a not 85mm 1.8 that a bit better and lighter than the above mentioned in the review are the Rokinon/Samyang AF 75mm 1.8 which are a very good buy !

[@manichaean1888]

Tokina and Viltrox are in fact the same lens. Only Tokina charges additional $100 for the name.

[@FuadOrko]

You cant have an "ultimate" comparison without the new Nikon

[@TomCalton]

As I mentioned at the start of the video, this test is for lenses that are available for Sony mirrorless cameras without the need for adaptors. But thanks for the suggestion.

[@FuadOrko]

@@TomCalton misleading video title then. have to specify Sony E Mount lens

[@TomCalton]

You only get so many characters in a title - it's not designed to be a full description of the video, just a brief round-up. Which is why I clarify what the video covers within the first sentence of the video. But you're right, I'll try harder next time... 🙄🤣

[@jwalker3412]

@@FuadOrko but clearly there is the word Sony in the title and thumbnail

[@FuadOrko]

@@jwalker3412 that doesn't mean they're only doing E mount lens comparisons

[@gugob22]

maike 85mm very cheat