Viltrox 23mm Fuji Lens Review

[@Reggiebphoto]

You are the king of Fuji lens reviews!

[@ShutterKnack]

Watching this because of your giveaway, Reggie. :)

[@pal2tech]

REGGIE!!!!! How ya doing pal? Forget that "King" stuff, you've already forgotten more then I'll ever know about photography... and it's so awesome to see you here!!!!! 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏.

[@pal2tech]

@@ShutterKnack Hahaha, that's awesome! I just saw that as this video went live LOL.

[@ShutterKnack]

@@pal2tech Maybe you should also do a giveaway?? Kidding! Will post a comment soon as I don't want to hijack this thread. :)

[@pal2tech]

@@ShutterKnack Tristan!! I love your comments whether they are replies or comments!! Hijack away!!!

[@ThorRavnsborg]

You are really setting the bar high for other youtubers. The creativity, enthusiasm and camera work that goes into this is all top notch while being informative at the same time. Awesome assistant as well. Keep the camera on Cameron! 😀

[@pal2tech]

Wow, thank you! You are the AWESOME Thor!!!!!!!! 👍👍👍

[@mamieflucas7149]

I’ve been looking into getting an xt4 for travel and I’ve been watching practically all the videos on KZbin on fujifilm, lenses, etc. Whenever one of your videos pop up I find myself not taking notes but getting excited your videos are so well put together and creative! I watched one of your videos where you were talking about how it was difficult for you to see your purpose amongst the sea of talent on KZbin but I tell you I’m glad you continued your content is amazing and so relatable compared to some others ✨

[@adnan_velic]

I can’t say enough how much I love this lens! I use this at night and was blown away by how well my xt3 performed it was on par with Nikon z6 and that’s a full frame camera! This lens is a must for every fuji shooter

[@theovitupier3023]

I can't be the only one skipping a heartbeat at 2:42 when the lens is floating in the air 😂

[@fwfeo]

That's so cool that pop and son worked together to make this video! Awesome!

[@sixt3denied]

I recently bought a Fuji S-x10. I have used your videos to learn so much! I love your reviews and all of the knowledge and information you provide. Really appreciate your videos. Thank you!

[@antoinelanz8427]

Dope review! Even doper intro! That was awesome man!

[@pal2tech]

Aww, thank you so much Antoine!!! That means a lot to me. Take care my friend!!!

[@mr_jarble]

So cool to see you working with your son

[@pal2tech]

Thank you! 👍 Honestly, I almost gave up on this video twice... but it was the fun of finally getting him involved with it that made it fun and brought some creative energy back to the project. I think this is now my favorite video I've published on here because of being able to work with him on it.

[@randyk1919]

Great review, Thank you! I acquired this for my X-T3 in large part based on your review and images -- and really enjoying this lens, especially for it's smooth backgrounds a well as low-light and night photography. And I'm not thrilled with the stepless aperture ring, for the same reasons you state.. If going stepless can't smoothen exposure changes for video and is easier to bump out of adjustment, why bother? Also, it's a fairly light lens that doesn't necessarily need to be cradled by the left hand when shooting.. however, if you try a fingers-on-the-top left hand grip, the aperture ring is fairly difficult to locate and manipulate by feel due to the partially smooth surface. The Viltrox almost insists on being adjusted with a "traditional" (left palm facing up) grip.. I've also since picked up the ubiquitous Fuji 18-55 kit lens and compared them both at 23mm. Tough call.. I DO love the Fuji lens for a ton of reasons, but tend to favor the rendering and sharpness of the Viltrox at this focal length, and in low light I usually *prefer* the vignetting of the 23mm.. it creates this dramatic look in-camera that can make the Fuji zoom look a bit flat, by comparison.

[@stoneblue1795]

Because it was/is cheaper for them to make it click-less.

[@LifestyleBoudoir]

Another great review! I always look forward to your new videos, and love that you often include your family!

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much Michael!!! 🙏

[@stablecoinnerd]

Awesome job Cameron & Dad!

[@pal2tech]

Thank you Enoch!!!! 🙏

[@dquarks]

I have a question.....I own the Fuji 23mm 1.4 but I find the exposure is consistently darker than normal. I have to adjust it in post , it's not a big issue but still a bit of a quirk. I also like the photos but not stunted by its absolute sharpness. Do you think the Viltrox is sharper ? I often think about selling the Fuji and buy the Viltrox 23mm with a bit of money to spare. ( I also own the Viltrox 13mm f1.2 and 56mm f1.7) love both for low light photos. thanks for all your expertise and humor.

[@narithkhem8109]

Between Viltrox 23mm 1.4 and Fijinon, which one do you recommend?

[@asadibnkarim3]

thanks for the video, I have the Fujinon 23mm f/2. Compared to this Viltrox ... what do you think, which is better for multi-role functions? (social, landscape, street, ...) I like the Fujinon for its good balance between image quality, size and usability. Regards!

[@MrV2u]

Forget the drone I want that paper airplane. You rock my brother.

[@pal2tech]

Thanks!! 👍

[@edc5338]

Your videos are awesome and the first ones I go to for reviews as I am a new Fuji guy (XT-5) after having used Nikons for years. I just ordered this lens after your comprehensive review and the price was right.

[@tonyelsom]

You've done it again Chris, another great review and I will certainly be checking out Viltrox if I ever need to go 23mm prime. Well done Cameron, awesome work young man, particularly the Drone flying.

[@pal2tech]

Hey thanks Tony!!!! I really appreciate it man and yeah, the 23mm is a fun and awesome lens. Cheers mate!!!!

[@kbarrett1844]

Always puts a smile on my face when I see your reviews. Great content and production value. Keep up the great work!!

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much Kevin!!!!! 🙏

[@OMGSOPHIAA]

The intro was so much fun to watch. Love your vids!

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much!!!

[@m3ducraft]

I heard some bad reviews talking about light sources near on in frame. Are those true? Does it really mater if I don't care about having a super sharp image? (I like to do blurry images). And what about street photography and travel photography?

[@gabrielsap]

Your video was SO useful! Do you mind if I use the bokeh difference example (the flower photos) in one of my videos? I'm talking about my first 2 years using Fujifilm and there's a section where I talk about the difference I noticed on these tow lenses. Thank yoU!

[@DarioCruzII]

Thumbs up for father and son youtube video production. Great job guys!

[@pal2tech]

Thanks so much Dario! 🙏 👍

[@Jazzmarcel]

Excellent idea!........viktor should make a 16-55mm parfocal constant 2.8 $399 should be a big hit!!! If buy it right away!

[@LucioParodi]

Great video. And a really good Cameron at your side. Go on! Lucio, from Italy

[@JimFeeley]

Great review. Do you know what's different in the "updated" version: Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 XF Lens V2 for FUJIFILM X-Mount? The version 1 has gold(ish) lettering for the name, and the version 2 has white/silver lettering. But beyond that, I'm hearing and reading conflicting information. Is it "just" X-Pro3 compatibility? Anything else? Thanks P2T!

[@metalheadd31]

Great to see your review of this, I was about to buy one of these viltrox lenses, thanks!

[@pal2tech]

They really are killing it in the Fuji space for sure!

[@Vinterloft]

Viltrox should use your challenge to plug the existing gap in the Fuji available lens line up: 40 (or 50) mm to 100mm zoom. Doesn't have to go up any further than that since the Samyang 135mm F2 basically corners that market, being top of the line for an unbeatable price.

[@theCameraVille]

Nice! I am looking for my first bunch of Fuji lens. Viltrox here I come!

[@pal2tech]

Thanks! Yeah, for 3rd party, they are the best. I'd also look into Rokinon as well (all manual but great for video shooting). Best Fuji lens is 18-55 for video (overall) and best wide prime (and best prime really by far) is the 16mm Fuji.

[@theCameraVille]

pal2tech Lol.. thank you so much! I did pick up a 18-55 thanks to your video. I will check out that 16mm 1.4 . But these vlitrox are crazy good value. Thanks again!

[@marcelosantiago654]

OLÁ AMIGO A MINHA LENTE 23MM ESTA APRESENTANDO PROBLEMA NA MINHA XT3 FUJI, A TELA FICA PISCANDO E TRAVANDO O FOCO E A ABERTURA MESMO COM O FIRMWARE ATUALIZADO, PODE ME AJUDAR?

[@chihoungng6412]

fujifilm 23mm f2 WR R vs Viltrox 23mm f1.4 which one good?

[@pal2tech]

I prefer the viltrox.

[@GutoAmorim]

Funny you mentioned the stepless ring as a positive and others as a negative. It all depends on the need.

[@hectorenriquearce2265]

I really enjoy your videos, send you lots of good vibes from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@shred3005]

Shout out to Cameron. Nice work mate!

[@hand-heldblender8107]

Super video as usual. I watched all of your Vitrox videos. Interesting option. I do mot run immediately to buy one but they are in the mind. I am waiting for the zoom review a lot.

[@pal2tech]

Thanks Laszlo!!! Yeah, I'd LOVE to check out a zoom lens soon!

[@holystarmusiccreation3782]

this viltrox 23 mm 1.4 is good for video or not ?? i want to buy this for video . plz suggest me

[@blutac318]

Great review, and amazing intro. How did you do that with the paper plane?!

[@pal2tech]

Man, I can't tell you how many takes that took! Basically, used an insta 360 cam, on a ridiculously long pole, with a paper airplane (real) attached in a specific position to the front of the camera. Then, I mapped out the exact route so that it would takeoff in one area, fly around up/down/etc. and then make it's way over to the table where I had a lens box already waiting there. The hardest part was the initial toss of the plane (since i was also holding the pole and had to put my hand in front of camera to 'toss' the plane in one fluid motion. And the landing was tough as it had to get EXACTLY in the correct position so that you could see the viltrox lens box and be able to read the lens focal length on the box. Most takes were ruined because I landed at an incorrect angle. It's not a perfect take that ended up in the video (you can see parts of the plane 'disappear' but by that point, I absolutely had to get the video released and couldn't spend any more time perfecting it. All in all, the hardest intro I've done, but the most fun, not to mention getting a heck of a lot of exercise running back and forth and back and forth and back and forth....

[@anthonysanni6224]

@@pal2tech I knew that had to have been hard to do. That's passion and dedication right there. Even the imagination it took to conceptualize it is admirable. Kudos! I just had to post this let you know that we noticed :) Great video overall as usual too!

[@chantallabelle6573]

Good job Cameron! Handsome video!

[@edwee]

Amazing review. By any chance do you know if the Mark 2 for the Viltrox 23mm F1.4 is better than the Mark 1 Fujifilm 23mm F1.4 R?

[@lasseberis]

Great review, thanks! I will probably get the 23 mm before the 33 after seeing this. I guess i can use some tape on the aperture ring so it will stay at 2.0 ?

[@petergabriel1606]

I love my 23mm Viltrox. Never did like the Fujinon 23mm f2 rendering. The 23mm f1.4 is awesome, but AF is just so slow and noisy.

[@oreficeriacopetti5553]

sei molto bravo!! allora se il viltrox 23mm non va bene x i video,cosa mi consigli? ho già un 16-55 2.8, ma ne voglio uno fisso.grazie mille.

[@adinbradic7092]

Man, I just can not decide on which 23mm lens to buy. I have watched every video on the subject and still don't know what to do. New Fuji 23mm lm wr is great but out of my budget. Watching these reviews, Viktrox 23mm doesn't seem sharper than 18-55mm i own, and I am not happy with portrait pictures taken with that lens. I own 85mm ff equivalent and really want 35mm equivalent prime lens too. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

[@Koradian]

Great video as always! I'm torn between the Viltrox 23 and the Fuji 23 f/2 on the XT5. Have you tested it yet with the 40MP sensor? Thanks for the wealth of info you always provide us!

[@Jgheiler]

second this

[@jalcanites2939]

How is the image quality on this lens compared to the Viltrox 27mm f1.2?

[@atlzap]

Great reviews, i love your page here on KZbin. Please tell me, of the two Viltrox 23mm and 33mm would you say is the best for a everyday use? Im gona get one of them, but cant decide.

[@villagranvicent]

I wouldn't buy a 23mm lens to crop it in post because it lacks minimum focusing distance. For that I have my Leica M-mount lenses lol. I think this is a very nice lens, not sure I would trade my Fuji 23mm WR F2 for it but the difference in depth of field at the same aperture was interesting to see, I guess a side by side comparison with the Fuji 23mm f1.4 is in order. Subscribed!

[@pal2tech]

Thanks for sharing and VERY good point about that!

[@paradockz]

Still loving my Viltrox 33mm! I also would love to see a Viltrox zoom! Part of what keeps me on the Fuji prime side is the price point for the specs I'm looking for! Also happy your kid got involved, the footage at the end was making me laugh a lot :)

[@pal2tech]

That's awesome Gwyneth!! Yeah, I love the 33mm also, and for the price, it's spectacular!!

[@photojoe1989]

The big issue I just noticed with both lenses is that if recording audio with video, whether using auto or manual focus, you hear the focus motor in the lens when playing back. I still need to test with a shotgun mic, but that worries me. I really wanted to love these lenses, but now I'm not sure. any thoughts?

[@breshdigitaltv]

Way To Go, Cam!!

[@randyk1919]

Thanks!

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much Randy!!!! That's so kind of you and much appreciated!!!! 🙏 🙏

[@mikaelhidayat80]

Love ur review man! Nice to have a great assistant also. Cheers from Malaysia

[@pal2tech]

Awesome, thank you! Shoutout to Malaysia!!!!!

[@alain7066]

after the latest 1.07 firmware upgrade, when working on continuous (C) the autofocus has a lot of trouble focusing and is searching for a while. Makes this mode essentially very much not usable. You may want to share this before recommending this lens.TY

[@mentafilmsuy]

Hello there! Looking at another review i found out that the autofocus noise doesn't pop up in an external mic over the camera, seems like it just f*** up internal mic which none uses anyway. Can anyone who uses it for video confirm it? thank you!

[@katelu6822]

Subscribed! Good review. I always fast forward for many people’s review. But I keep watching your review from the beginning to the end.

[@pal2tech]

Awesome! Thank you so much Kate!!! 🙏

[@samueleguglielmo-v3c]

Very good review indeed! I loved so much this lens (mark II version) that I sold the fuji 23mm 1.4 R. It has better autofocus, is silent and very sharp. I have disclaimer though I love vignetting... 😉

[@srinivassridhar5151]

Which is the best viltrox lens in terms of quality and versatility, the 23mm or the 56mm?

[@KarateSoccerKick]

If you had to choose one everyday lens, would it be the 23 or 33mm?

[@earlrogersjr3026]

How about they make some lens for the GFX system.

[@siximpossiblethings5310]

Cameron you're the man! Keep it rocking!

[@jberenden]

Great video a always, thank you. Which of the Fuji primes would you recommend for interior low light situations, like group pictures during family dinners and family events? 23mm / 27mm / 35mm or something else?

[@aidilfaiz1638]

Hi sir. May i know, what are different between viltrox 23mm and 85mm ?

[@careyfurman3763]

Great review ! You told me what I needed to know, your videos have great info for Fuji owners. I’ve recently switched from Nikon full frame to Fuji and I’ll have to say it’s been a struggle especially with low light and night photography, but for the most part I’m pretty happy with the camera.

[@dailypunchlife509]

I really wanted to get one after watching this review. Thank you!

[@beavalentin160]

Amazing intro! You and your son rock!

[@wwjjss33]

I have the opportunity to get this lens on Craigslist-your review persuades me that I will likely enjoy it! And… Cameron ROCKS!! 👍🤗😁

[@filipherzog7567]

Hi, do you have problem with viltrox lenses and fujifilm x-t3? In my case: vilttox 56+ xt3 when I take a picture and press preview then return to take a photo very quick with turn an aperture ring in the same time it would freeze xt3.

[@steveswanproductionstt6355]

Love the intro. OK I'm going back to watch the rest of the video now.....

[@pal2tech]

Awesome Steve!!!

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

I'm curious to see how the new Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II optically and otherwise compares to its heavy predecessor and to likes of the Fujinon 90mm F2. I hope, you'll get to review it, too. Thank you

[@pal2tech]

I did a review of the 85mm kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZaTip-EfNd0fMU. Bottom line: the 90 is faster autofocus by FAR. And I like the 90mm better. But still, when you factor in price, the 85mm is a great lens.

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

@@pal2tech Thank you. :) I've watched the video. Viltrox launched the version II of the 85mm F1.8 for Fuji recently. I hope they will provide you a sample for a review. :)

[@pal2tech]

@@LeoInterHyenaem Interesting.. we'll see. Hopefully they can!!!

[@HypertronicTeddy]

hi im thinking of getting either the 33 or 23mm f1.4. which do you think would a better choice to pair with my 18mmf2 fuji lens?

[@stevew7779]

Great video. I have and love the Viltrox 23mm, but been thinking of trading it for the Fuji 23mm f2 (can't justify the cost of the new Fuji 1.4), as i shoot mostly street and want the weather resistance. Little concerned whether the f2 is going to be softer and a disadvantage shooting low light or indoors. What have you found?

[@marcustangent]

Can you recommend a wide angle lens for the xt3 other than fuji lens??

[@akusibrewok2966]

Great review my friend! Is this lens work good for Fuji XS10?

[@JoshuaLindsey92]

Im considering 23mm vs 33mm from viltrox as my first lens. Shooting a little bit of everything. Mostly people/portraits. Would do you suggest?? 😁

[@BranRistic]

Another good honest review Chris, shout out to Cameron for helping... I was gonna add the Viltrox 23mm 1.4 to my video lens acquisition, but went with Sigma 18-35 1.8 instead (already have Fringer Pro 2) I am happy with my Viltrox 85mm 1.8 tho

[@pal2tech]

Thanks Bran!! Yeah, the 85mm is great and the Fringer Pro 2 works wonders with the 18-35. Dang, that's another video I want to make, LOL.

[@BranRistic]

@@pal2tech good-o, look forward to it

[@joonajks]

Would this lens be great for recording KZbin videos on a tripod?

[@tomsueyek9596]

I am really eagerly waiting to see the quality of the future Viltrox 56mm!! Got my dollars all saved up and waiting;

[@pal2tech]

Yeah, I WANT THAT LENS!!!!!!

[@saurabhavhad8122]

Sir pls suggest me good lens for videography for fujiXs10.. Need good auto focus..

[@marale72]

Thank you thank you Chris!! Love your reviews. Your son is really great , love Cameron ❤️!!

[@skylar767]

Another great review Chris. A huge HI 5 to Cam too. It was good of you to give the young fella an Attaboy.

[@pal2tech]

Awww, thank you!!! 😉

[@Jellybaby50]

As ever, great review. I'm going to buy it. You make everything so clear. Thanks.

[@cokeandtwirl]

Great review with, like the lens, something for everyone! And well done Cameron - a great PA👍

[@AlexCruzHaha]

Would you say the focus breathing is better in video on the viltrox? I know the fuji 23mm doesn’t have linear motor but does the viltrox autofocus breathe less when changing focus? And thank you for such a great video! 🙏🏽

[@BrandonTalbot]

Best video yet Pal!

[@pal2tech]

Awwww, thank you so much Brandon!! 🙏 🙏

[@aet96]

Hey, which firmware version is the Viltrox for the Video AF tests?

[@remco2777]

This video was already worth it for the flying paper plane opening scene exactly landing at the Viltrox box. Worth a tutorial by itself! Thanks for another great video.

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much Remco!!!! That's so kind of you to say!!!! 🙏 🙏

[@joshuadrilon3832]

Would the lens work to get nearer shots if you add a macro extension tube?

[@pal2tech]

Yes, definitely. But extension tubes will make it for macro very close up -- won't really work for portraits, etc.

[@joshuadrilon3832]

@@pal2tech Thanks for the advise!

[@pal2tech]

@@joshuadrilon3832 Not a problem!

[@turnerpage1672]

Awesome job Cameron!

[@farisseptian2259]

saya menyukai lensa ini tapi saya takut dengan spare part kabel flexibelnya

[@joopsmiranda9219]

chris can u make a video for vloggers headlining the use of focus range limiter option to prevent focus breathing? (: thank you so much love your content all the way from the philippines!

[@Mike-fg5cj]

Talking about zooms have you ever tried the XF 16-55? If so is it worth it?

[@pal2tech]

yes, an amazing lens! It's like having 4 primes.

[@12scarz9]

Thanks for review. Yet no news on viltrox 56 mm?

[@pal2tech]

Nope. I'd totally review it if they'd send it over.

[@huidobrosinfrenos7588]

in the end , wich one its better for portrait ? the viltrox 23 mm or 33 mm ? thanks !

[@jyotarokujo9665]

bro,for this better check out andrew goodcamera's detail comparison of the different focal length for portraits

[@ShutterKnack]

Great review as always! ✌ I reckon if Viltrox figures out a way to have a completely manual aperture mechanism AND find a way to transmit the aperture setting to the camera, then they have a winner on clickless aperture implementation. I also agree about the zoom lens challenge! Imagine a fast, fixed aperture zoom like the 18-35mm 1.8.

[@pal2tech]

If Viltrox figured out how to do that, I'd tattoo their name across my forehead.

[@ShutterKnack]

@@pal2tech Haha! Be careful! I'm a mechanical engineer. I don't see why they couldn't. It may even be cheaper than making it motorised. Forehead tattoo, here we come!

[@NomanKhan-ub6sl]

What lens are you using to record yourself in this video?

[@kingsamvisuals]

What color smoke was that?

[@pal2tech]

Purple. I had to go through 4 before I got the shot right. Purple was the one color I had the most of laying around. I was worried I'd stain the lenses with all that smoke but got lucky on that one! 👍

[@kingsamvisuals]

I mean where do you buy them, what kind etc. I can’t really find that info online.

[@Crisostomo.1barra]

I guess the 33 mm is better than 23mm?

[@homesavvytech]

Superb review! You've covered everything I wanted to know about the Viltrox. Any idea how the Viltrox compares to the Tokina glasses that were out a couple of months back? At $150 more than the Viltrox, I'm wondering what other difference there could be other than that Tokina had the specifications from Fuji to develop the lenses.

[@ha_dua_o]

Now I got confused which one should I choose, 23 or 33 ??😕

[@KingFiercer_zip]

More portraits and object isolation - 33, more versatility - 23

[@Nadja....]

Love your videos! And thank you Cameron. Best regards from Germany!

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much! 🙏