Viltrox 33mm F1.4 Review + Sigma 30mm F1.4 Comparison

[@KuatoFromMarsRecallTotal]

I hope Sony and Sigma show Arthur and Jenessa more love. They’ve probably increased camera and lens sales for those companies. They need to be invited out to the promotional events Sony usually holds with youtubers. And Sigma gotta show this man some love for all the contemporary line praise. Such great lenses. I bought the 30mm and the 16mm after watching many of his vids.

[@Ls3Atomicvette]

I agree I bought the Sigma 16mm based on his reviews

[@supermarkomarkomarko]

I've bought 56mm after his vid and decided not to upgrade my a6300 :-)

[@Ls3Atomicvette]

@@supermarkomarkomarko nice if I upgrade it would be to the 6400

[@supermarkomarkomarko]

@@Ls3Atomicvette I would go only to a6600, because of the battery. IBIS is good, too, but I don't feel like I need one

[@Ls3Atomicvette]

@@supermarkomarkomarko yes I have to agree with you on the battery and IBIS

[@sigmaphoto]

Glad to see this lens and the entire F1.4 mirrorless trio is getting a thumbs up! Thank you for the comparison.

[@BeierFilms]

Having an aperture ring is so nice and I really like some of the character of the Viltrox lens but the fringing is really bad, especially for center of the frame. I ended up going with the Sigma trio over similar Viltrox options for this reason. I really hope Viltrox manages to correct these optical issues in the future because I do really like a lot of things about their lenses.

[@pennyfan13]

I remembered you had another video compared Viltrox 56 to Sigma, and your Viltrox was a lot softer. I had doubt that you may miss the focus (due to firmware not updated) or it's a bad copy, because in my experience Viltrox lenses are very sharp in the centre in general. This video showed exactly how a Viltrox lens should performed.

[@thejomerlu]

Just ordered the Viltrox a couple of hours ago. The 150 USD price difference in my area made me choose the Viltrox over the Sigma

[@mavfan1]

@@bikecommuter24 viltrox is $259 on US Amazon.

[@bikecommuter24]

@@mavfan1 You are right I clicked on Arthur R's link and the one he has linked is for the 23mm. I need to put my reading glasses on😎

[@productguru8323]

@@mavfan1 Pricier in US, because of the trade war tariff?

[@thejomerlu]

I wonder why the 23mm is significantly more expensive than the 33mm. I kind of wanted to get the 23mm but it was beyond my budget

[@azylee]

Props to you for recommending the Sigma over the Viltrox despite having the sponsored code with Viltrox!

[@alaingraziani4443]

Love the side-by-side photo comparisons with images "straight out of the camera, no editing, no post-processing."

[@networm64]

Great review! Just a question Arthur, at 6:30 are you sure that color difference is only caused by lens factor? Cause if you were on AWB then it could be by the camera change on the white balance

[@caltheme7889]

Sharpness aside - what are your thoughts on the difference in focal length? I bought the viltrox 23 bc I find the sigma 30 sometimes an odd in between FL - not wide enough or not long enough. even though I think the sigma is sharper I'm leaning to keeping the viltrox bc a 35 mm equiv is so versatile .

[@metphmet]

Having CA in the middle of frame is not crazy at all. Those CA are longitunal CA also called bokeh fringing . They are purple before the focus plan and green after. This is a test which to be done with all fast lenses as it is difficult if not impossible to get rid of them. A real apochromatic lens has no ,or no visible, lateral CA and longitudinal CA.

[@blazerbarrel2]

Sigma so much better with internal contrast , color and resolution , no comparison .

[@mavfan1]

This video is, literally, a comparison.

[@snd7622]

Viltrox is changing colours really bad

[@martinwolf2619]

Thanks Arthur. In my opinion sharpness is by far overrated. I would be more interested in flares, sun stars, bokeh balls, close distance focus and video capabilities like focus breathing and focus noise. Some more aspects like this in future reviews would be highly appreciated. Keep going on!

[@kreimsnta]

True. Sharpness is overrated. I would sacrifice it for contrast, color and tonality.

[@martinwolf2619]

@@kreimsnta absolutely. Much more relevant

[@imanueltimotius6700]

should pay attention to focus spot a little bit more if you want to compare sharpness between lens. some of this comparison isn't consistent in term of focus point, so it's a little bit ambiguous to judge their respective performance

[@crowen9]

Funny, the colors on the Vitrox look much better than what Sigma has

[@snd7622]

Especially this horrible violet on 4.36 It's isn't acceptable. Viltrox is yellow and colours are not natural. It looks like picture processed to jpg in mobile phone.

[@johnsmalldridge6356]

Thank you so much for this comparison. I have the Sigma but was wondering if the Viltrox was an upgrade.

[@ananthums8970]

Viltrox 23mm vs sigma 30mm pls

[@lasseh1576]

Hi Arthur! How about the new full frame kit-lens, the FE 28-60 4-5.6 for an APSC body? Weather sealing, but no OSS apparently. Would be an interesting video.

[@nightcoder5k]

Great to see there are more and more lenses available for Sony E-mount cameras. I want to see more telephoto lenses for wildlife photography though.

[@sauerlandproductions]

really appreciate this comparison video exactly what I was looking for!

[@geopapa80]

Arthur you should really test the Kamlan 21mm 1.8 lens. Very under-reviewed, but excellent performance for the money. It's a very interesting lens. Stay safe!

[@ArthurR]

Ill look into it!

[@geopapa80]

@@ArthurR thnx. you won't regret it!

[@manichaean1888]

@@ArthurR Please, I second that. After ordering Kamlan 50mm f1.1 mk2 following good reviews including yours, I was very happy with that. I wanted a wide angle from the same manufacturer, but I couldn't find any decent review of Kamlan 21mm. Lots of videos about their 28mm and 50mm, but virtually none on the 21. The same with the rest of internet sources. It's a mystery. So, I just ordered Kamlan 21mm blindly. It's currently passing the Custom and I'm eagerly awaiting its arrival.

[@bencornelius1620]

Yooo been waiting for this vid! The Sigma just can't b beaten

[@snd7622]

Do you like wnat Viltrox did at 4.36 ? That is why I bought Sigma.

[@ralphbullis40]

Bought the Viltrox 23 and 33 for video with my a6300. Seem to work pretty well. I am using manual focus so I'm not too concerned with the auto focus speed. After watching this video I would probably have bought the Sigma 30 since it has the 52mm filter so I can interchange my variable ND filters.

[@bikecommuter24]

I ordered the 16mm Sigma a couple of days ago, I eventually want the "trio"😀

[@Baracudus]

Go get it! The 56mm is crazy good 🤙

[@Ls3Atomicvette]

Love my 16 mm sigma

[@stefpix]

Did you use AWB, auto white balance, and the same camera? AWB may be the cause of the color difference between the 2 lenses. Sigma is 20% more than the Viltrox. It seems worth the extra cost. I wonder if they have the same optical formula, they look quite similar.

[@timgurr1876]

I have the Sigma lens. Great lens. Haven't used it much since I purchased the Sony F1.8 24mm (APS-C). In my opinion the 24 mm seems to be good for indoor at family functions (35 mm equivalent).

[@d3xmeister]

How did you managed to focus ? My Sigma 30mm misfocuses 100% of the shots with Eye AF . It's brand new 2024 purchase and came with 0.6 firmware. AF-S or AF-C it doesn't matter, focus is always off, either on the nose, eyebrows, mouth, depending on the angle, the eye is never in focus.

[@lucaandolina281]

Thank you for the video! What about distortion, compared to Sigma 30 mm?

[@Hisako86]

I do alot of portraits and kinda regret getting the 23mm cuz of the background compresssion

[@jopppsss]

Thanks for the awesome review! Grabbed the Sigma 30mm today :D

[@WeddingStoriesByRakesh]

Does the V2 of viltrox lenses improve on colour fringing?

[@bikecommuter24]

Arthur R, I thought you might want to know your Amazon link for the Viltox is the 23mm version.

[@keystonebrotherb]

I just purchased the Laowa 12 2.8 for FF. Surprised you don’t review it. Little wider than the 9 and not quite as sharp in my opinion. RE photographers want a review!

[@rexn1589]

Top review Arthur, as always, Thank you. Be well, stay safe.

[@HansBaumeister]

Thank you for an excellent, honest and real-life review. I love the idea of having a manual aperture ring, but if you‘re going to get a 1.4 lens you want to be able to use it at that aperture frequently. Not so sure this would be a good choice for me.

[@PraveenGurbani]

Is there any vignetted issue with sigma lenses while we shoot the video on f1.4?

[@perrypelican9476]

Did you take the photos at the same instant with each lens on a different camera. That's the best way because of things like the subject mixing slightly from breathing etc. I guess viltrox is making better lenses as time goes by. Cool.

[@MasoodJamal]

Which one of these lens has a creamy bokeh effect for videography with Sony ZV-E10 camera ?

[@braisfragapedreira6279]

I’m going to have to go with the viltrox, the aperture ring is a must for me

[@CinematikNupe]

Thank you for this video. I’m starting over with no equipment and I needed the best lens to start back up and it all came down to these two lenses. This really helped me make the best decision

[@tofufa8903]

Which one you got and why?

[@mdfaruq5800]

Been waiting for this review..😚

[@EricNelsonYT]

For me the CA & color fringing on the Viltrox 23mm, 33mm, & 56mm lenses is so attrocious that I can't even use then as a f1.4 lens on my automotive work. f2.0 is my max usable aperture in most circumstances. (The 85mm f1.8 & 75mm f1.2 are spectacular though!)

[@andrewjoseph1363]

hows the video autofocus? which is currently smoother natural between the two?

[@snd7622]

Sigma is much better

[@kamilp.7457]

Do you even now recommend the Sony 35 1.8 E mount compared, to those two lenses? How is it in terms of sharpness?

[@wevidmedia]

Should I buy an extra sigma 30mm lens if I already have sigma 16mm lens or I should go with a gimbal like zhiyon webbil S at similar price point which I don't have ?

[@th-bz2vm]

Sigma trio or tamron 17-70?

[@mohsin_sait]

Tamron

[@saifhshaikh6014]

Both are good it depends on your work flow.As a photographer I will go for tamron if I would do only video or just fashion portfolio I will get sigma 56mm.

[@JimIBobIJones]

I think you need to compared both with the Sony 35/1.8. Its got a smaller max aperture but it's significantly more portable, has much faster/quieter/better autofocus and has in-body stabilisation. If I were to just bring one lens for daily carry/cycling/hiking etc. I would pick the Sony over the Sigma/Viltrox any day of the week. If I am carrying a full kit with 3 or 4 lenses, then probably the sigma.

[@miheg1]

An interesting review! What about Fuji? 🙂 Did you compared Sigma 30/1. 4 dn with Fujinon 35/1. 4 or 33/1. 4 new?

[@achillesmjb]

Hi. I watched a number of your lens comparisons. It seems that whatever lens is on the left side of the comparisons is always more contrasty.

[@johnvienna3422]

Arthur: "This is my wife." Me: "I hate this guy." Nice video, though. Thanks for making this comparison. In particular, thanks for pointing out the country of origin. Everyone else seems to gloss over that, or even hide it. I'm not saying that either is better (I have great cameras and lenses from both countries) but maybe some of us do want to factor it into our buying decisions.

[@TgifchurchCoUk]

sigma 30mm vs sony 35mm 1.8. You have said before that sony is better. SO which is better now after the firmware upgrade?

[@TheQuietBeast]

I have the newer Viltrox but thinking of switching to Sigma because it has 100mm better close focus distance. For me that is important. Anyone know if it shows in reality? I mean, the spec says 0.1x compared to 0.14x magnification. It should be a noticable difference.

[@ajjosef3953]

Hi Arthur Could you plz do a bokeh comparison on 85mm 1.4 vs 1.8. Also how much it affects full frame vs Apsc. I believe in terms of Bokeh.. we need 85mm 1.4 on Apsc to receive similar results as that of 85mm 1.8 on full frame. Would really love to see a comparison from you.

[@Las_cacas]

I prefer an aperture ring, preferably one with an option to be clickless. I think sigma went the easy route and just gave us an already lack luster lens that plays it safe. Missed the mark, I'll go with the Fuji lens instead... It just feels more premium and is fun to shoot with.

[@iotekn6132]

Can you test out the viltrox 85mm autofocus lens on one of your aps-c cameras?

[@acrummey85]

I have the Viltrox 23mm and do find AF issues in low light.

[@saifhshaikh6014]

Does the lenses make noice while focusing.

[@TVe200]

I am more interested in the Viltrox 23. I am not a fan of eq 50 mm, so I sold my Sony E 35 1.8.

[@Smooth1productions]

I have the sigma 30mm1.4 I ordered the viltrox 33mm 1.4 I use to have a working A6500 Now I own A7IV and A7Riii

[@ROMA-gb5ow]

which one is better?

[@patrickcastro4429]

Wow!! I was looking for this!! Thank you

[@VideosVD]

Please help me - Sony a6000 when i am trying to send the image from imaging edge mobile app i am getting error message as Could not obtain image please reply why this edit is coming

[@charruaporelmundo]

Hope vitrox will send you the ff 50 mm 1.8 :)

[@manichaean1888]

That is an FF lens, as well as Viltrox 24mm and 35mm. I think Arthur reviews mostly APS-C lenses.

[@snd7622]

On all pictures Viltrox is bigger picture ( okay same distance and 33 mm instead of Sigma's 30mm) that's why details are more visible. Sigma has much better colours ( natural) when Viltrox is yellow and other colours are also slightly changed. And chromatic aberration on wide open Viltrox is not acceptable. If you look at 3.36 on stop sign behind bokeh is better on Sigma lens. Also red on Viltrox isn't correct.

[@clebermarinoofc]

Excellent analysis!

[@nightdonutstudio]

So all the viltrox lens lose to sigma competitors...that is sad. But I guess if you are fuji user, it is different story since I beleive there is no sigma trio for fuji system.

[@ArthurR]

Very true! The viltrox lenses make a lot more sense for Fuji.

[@pennyfan13]

why? Viltrox is sharper in the centre than Sigma, how is that a lost? I shoot portrait so I value this advantage a lot.

[@mattm7426]

@@pennyfan13 Chromatic abberation

[@TheSandornagy]

It is a good PHOTOGRAPHY comparison. Thank you. On the other hand, Viltrox is a welcomed lens for filming or videography with a clickless aperture ring and really good picture quality for full HD or 4K resolution.

[@platinumpursuitoutdoors]

Hey.. if I could get one lens for my A6400 that would be good for videos and shooting hero shots for hunting... what would you recommend? Thx for the content.

[@ArthurR]

The Tamron 17-70 F2.8 that I reviewed a few weeks ago.

[@platinumpursuitoutdoors]

@@ArthurR perfect thx!

[@Dmitr666]

We need to see a video by you abbout viltrox 27mm 1.2 vs sigma 30mm 1.4 ! ❤

[@anuragguru3104]

Hey, Can you again make a video on the top 5 lens for sony 6xxx series!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zyrusvince6770]

Sigma’s Fujifilm mount lenses are damn pricey compared to their sony or canon mount for about $200 more.

[@noahboasmom]

Been watching a lot of your reviews and finally bought the Sigma 16mm for my a6100. Thanks for everything.

[@ArthurR]

Good choice!

[@kumarmagar9749]

Sony 35 1.8 or sigma 56 1.4 allrounding performance for sony a6400?

[@saifaldin_]

The FOV you’d get from these two are quite different. But if you wan’t to compare just the image quality, the Sigma 56 wins by a large margin. For handheld video, the Sigma struggles.

[@kumarmagar9749]

@@saifaldin_ sigma 30 vs 56?

[@saifaldin_]

@@kumarmagar9749 The 56 is sharper. Faster, quieter, more accurate AF. Less abberations. But quite narrow FOV compared to the 30. For example, if you take portraits, you’ll need a lot more distance when taking photos of more than 3 people (even half body shots)

[@kumarmagar9749]

@@saifaldin_ thanks bro which lens you prefer for photography and cintamic videos?

[@saifaldin_]

@@kumarmagar9749 Very hard to answer.. depends on the shots you’re trying to capture. For sure the FOV of the 30 & 35 are easier to use (closer to normal). I use the 35 quite a lot: indoors, street, videos (i don’t own a gimbal). But if I want to shoot outdoors, and only want to bring one lens, almost always I’ll be reaching for the 56. It took quite some time for me to get used to the longer focal length, though. I used to get very uncomfortable using the Sony 50mm f1.8 (this was 5,6 years ago); but now I don’t find the 56mm focal length awkward anymore.

[@superduper9388]

The logo which is simialar to Sony G lens's logo looks so cheap.

[@amstudio1166]

then why dont just buy gm lens expensive right ? even if this lens cheap it perform very well

[@ohmartinbronson]

I'd love to see the viltrox go up against the Canon 32mm 1.4

The canon at F1.4 is as sharp as the Viltrox at F4, it's an absolute masterpiece.

[@Vicky-il5yv]

Hello to one of the best APSC reviewer. I have one question and I know you can have the best answer. I am looking for a sharp manual lens (around 35mm) , and currently don't wanna spend much for expensive auto focus lens for my a6400. What would be your recommendation (like 7artisians 1.4, Meike or any other). As these lens are cheaper and have almost similar optics(sharpness) when compared to bit expensive auto-focus lenses. I know you have tested lots of manual lenses, so you can suggest me very well. 🙂

[@igoryudnikov6198]

Compare sigma 30 1.4 with Sony FE 35 1.8, sony is much nicer in many aspects, it has nicer picture, it can be mounted on ff, it feels solid and has controls and it is much better in counter light performance, sigma just looses contrast, and is btw not weather sealed

[@mohsin_sait]

Sony Fe is a lot more expensive

[@robertcudlipp3426]

When that Sigma lens is just soooh good, just savre

[@robertcudlipp3426]

That should have read: if the Sigma is soooh good, which it is, just save up for the clearly better lens.

[@AdamRelayson]

I’m pretty sure you misread that first shot of your wife at 1.4. Your shutter speed was 1/60. It looks pretty obvious that there was movement on either your part or hers. It was blurry, not soft.

[@bucho1963]

Thanks .

[@Diego.E.D]

Viltrox no my cup of tea!!! Buy nice or buy twice!!!!

[@25myma]

Sharpness is good, but it's all the Sigma trio's got; microcontrast on these lenses is plain terrible, it all looks so cold and clinical...the viltrox isnt much better and part of it is also the old-ish sensor but yeah, Im no fan of either.

[@manichaean1888]

If you can stand the lack of autofocus, you may try Kamlan lenses. I found their 50mm 1.1 mkII having picture more similar to the classic lenses (but sharper WO).

[@gqbaker]

I really would have liked to be in the meeting at Viltrox when someone pitched these lenses: "You know those fantastic, inexpensive lenses that Sigma makes for E-mount? You know... the sharpest things you can put on an A6XXX? Yeah... we're going to establish ourselves by making copies of those... but worse." At least 7artisans know enough to make a focal length and f-stop combination that no one else is making.

[@limleoktong9449]

I would love sigma more it more natural

[@campa_t]

bro needs some sleep

[@DenysZharkov]

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