Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF Long-Term Review

[@JustSomeInternetDude]

This is the second time you have mentioned the USB-c port may scratch the mount. This is not a thing, the USB-c is recessed enough to not affect the mount base, move on from from that thought. I have 4 Viltrox lenses on multiple Fuji bodies, zero issues.

[@lighthunter1980]

He suggests a dock or putting the USBC port outside the lens. Both are inferior solutions IMO. The port on the mount is genius as it is best protected there.

[@JustSomeInternetDude]

@@lighthunter1980 agreed, no need for a camera to upgrade. This should be standard across all manufacturers.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

@@JustSomeInternetDude While I agree that the USB port itself is fine, the issue I see is in manufacturing defects of the recess itself. When it comes to budget manufacturing, there is always a small source of doubt. Having used regular mounts, without USB ports in them, that have scratched camera mounts in the past, I have my reservations.

[@JustSomeInternetDude]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Fair enough

[@fmatgoogle]

I agree that weather sealing would be a great addition! But keep in mind that USB Type-C ports on almost all modern smartphones are completely exposed, yet those phones are water resistent. Same with the Lightning port on iPhones. The port itself shouldn't be a problem if it's built as in smartphones (which I don't know for sure). It was the Micro USB port many years ago that needed to be sealed in water resistent phones.

[@jonasfrey9649]

It is actually weather sealed, just not at the mount sadly...

[@pbtech7103]

Just found your channel a few days ago and been really enjoying the content. Not only that you seem to be into metal, but your videos are really great and informative. Thank you very much and greetings from Germany

[@danielpv1763]

You are a cracking reviewer, definitely one of the very few that can be trusted. Thank you.

[@Getoffmycloud53]

1:48 you are right to point out the almost aggressive marketing and hype that Viltrox seems be able generate around their latest pre-releases. Influencers are getting samples copies and create a lot of initial hype, but there is very little professional feedback beyond that, certainly not a couple of months after the release when the hype train has moved on to the next “latest greatest” hype product that generates clicks. This is an unfortunate result of how YT seems to work and how influencers get their clicks. Hype trains. I’m happy to see people like you who generate material after the click fest has ended. Viltrox would be smart to give the 13mm their new Pro treatment as a v2. As for the USB port as long as it is slightly deeper than the mount you don’t have to be afraid of scratching anything.

[@fanjan7527]

I would say Viltrox (maybe they can update it) should either move that port, but in either case, unscrewing a cover would be beneficial. One doesn't update lenses once a month, and if you are a working professional, we often steer clear of firmware updates for months at a time to ensure all works well beforehand. But yeah, weather sealing for me is also on the priority list, although not a dealbreaker. Cool review.

[@sigurdrille9693]

Thank you for that thorough review! …and really looking forward to the 75mm video…🙂 Great pictures for examples!

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks! The 75mm is a whole other beast. I've almost got my thoughts together on it now and will hopefully find time to record a video in the coming weeks.

[@ozuidema]

Great review, as always, Dylan. Seems to be a very nice lens. One thing I noticed is that the color images seem to have a slightly cool/bluish cast. Is that lens character or simply your settings or editing?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

I've found that with Viltrox lenses in general. When you push them towards warm, however, they tend to get quite orange very quickly. If you're willing to spend time on grading, it won't be a problem. However, I'm very simple with my post, so you'll still see that blue/green come through.

[@briankavo]

Another excellent review! I purchased this lens a couple of months ago and it has been mounted on my XT5 ever since. Amazing image quality for a lens that is relatively inexpensive. Looking forward to your reviews of the XT5 and the Viltrox 75mm lens, the latter of which is on my wish list.

[@granitfog]

Nice to listen to a review that is not an over the top "fan-boy" review. Thank you. The lens is on my possible buy list. My style is landscapes on long hikes but since getting older, still lifes and micro are becoming interests. So I wonder how appropriate the 13 mm would be in still life photography, and macro (with extension tubes).

[@warricksmith5178]

Excellent review, Dylan. My experience using the lens over the last 10 months is mostly consistent with yours. But I have retained my 10-24 for landscapes due to its greater versatility, higher assurance of WR, and smaller size and weight, which can make difference when hiking to remote locations. The Viltrox has, however, become my new go-to for astro, replacing my Rokinon/Samsung 12/f2.

[@sarveshghatnekar4680]

Hi I have 15-45 lit lens and 35 mm prime for Fujifilm xt200, however I am contemplating buying 18-55 by fuji and 13mm viltrox. Does this makes sense, pls guide.

[@warricksmith5178]

@@sarveshghatnekar4680 I think it depends on what you plan to shoot and the priority gaps in your existing lenses. I have the FX18-55, which is a very sharp and compact mid-range zoom, but this would not add much to your current focal range. I find the Viltrox 13 to be good value for money, but is very large, heavy and not very versatile, so much will depend if you expect to shooting that wide often enough to justify the money and the extra hassle of carrying (and changing!) more lenses.

[@sarveshghatnekar4680]

@@warricksmith5178 thanks a lot... the issue is that neither of the current two lenses i have offer any significant image quality. 35mm Bokeh effect is not good considering f2.0 is max opening and 15-45 although small and lightweight it is not sharp in terms of image quality. My rational was 13mm will give me good scope to shoot sharp portraits as well as giving excellent Bokeh effect and 18-55 will be more sharp considering better build quality and also better aperture range compared to 15-45 kit lens

[@jomm6153]

How was it compared to the rokinon 12mm/f2 mf version for astro work and general wide angle photography? I’m thinking if I should replace mine.

[@warricksmith5178]

⁠@@jomm6153There are tradeoffs. The Rokinon/Samyang is smaller, lighter, and less expensive. It is also slightly wider (12v.13). But I chose to replace mine with the Viltrox because it is faster (1.4v2), sharper, has fewer aberrations, and has some weather protection (albeit not as much as a full-WR Fuji lens). I should emphasize that I use mine almost exclusively for Astro. For landscape I prefer the flexibility of the 10-24 zoom, and I find a 13 a bit too wide for street photography (I prefer the Fuji 23 or 33). I think most people find the 13 a bit wide for portrait photography, as that wide a lens can distort the features of a subject in unflattering ways - I prefer the Fuji 33 and 56 for my limited work in that genre. Of course, your mileage may vary…

[@dan_payne]

I love the way your photos look. I wish you would do a video on how you achieve that look. Also thanks for reviewing that Viltrox 13mm. I want to get it very soon too.

[@craigcarlson4022]

Great, thorough review. I purchased this many months back for my Nikon Z50, tried it for a couple weeks, but opted to return it in order to get the then brand new Nikon z12-28 VR. But now I'm back considering buying it again for the low light/night sky possibilities it opens up.

[@fellowcitizen]

Excellent video, as always! I actually watched this because I was cross-shopping the Sigma 20mmF2 and Sigma 20mmF1.4 DN lenses, but I still have an old Fuji, and was curious about the images for this parallelling the 20mmF2. I knew that your commentary would be valuable, and it was. Thanks!

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful! Did you end up making a decision?

[@fellowcitizen]

Thanks, yes, I just received the 20mm ART lens. I realised that my curiosity would hound me until I went for the more unique lens. At 630g it handles remarkably nicely on the S5ii (similarly sized to the X-H2) and is 400-500g lighter than the reflex predecessor. Nostalgically, I still can't wait for the X-Pro4 with parallax-happy Voigtlaenders, though💎🦘@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer

[@desoriordan9515]

Hi Dylan, some great images at the end of the video, i notice all at base ISO on the XT5. I use this lens with the XT3 and tend to shoot manually but use auto ISO up to 3200 with very good image quality from my perspective. Without IBIS in the XT3 i have lost a few shoots to blur when using base ISO of 160 and not using a tripod. It's a great value for money lens, a little bit heavy but i don't mind too much.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

I've made a video about how I choose ISO values. It's quite simple to avoid blur with a lens this wide. Run a few tests for yourself, slowly making the shutter speed longer and longer until you can no longer hand hold your shots. That will give you a shutter speed to stay above when there are no other factors at play. Happy shooting!

[@anthonym3051]

I got this lens and I am not too crazy about it. I will stick with my XF 16mm. In the other hand the Viltrox 75mm is awsome.

[@wfp9378]

Excellent review. I sold my 10-24 off for all the reasons you mentioned as soon as I heard about the 13mm. If it had been a 2.8 instead of an F4 it would have been a harder decision.

[@SUNIPGHOSH]

Always looking forward for your reviews and others video If possible please make a video on viltrox 75mm 1.2 and a comparison with samyang 75mm 1.8 x

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks, Sunip! I do have the 75mm now and will definitely be putting together a video or two about it.

[@zolen3046]

Separating technical and creative iq is a great idea. It might also be uploading the video at 4K 😅 Great review, thank you!

[@user-ve5wh1ty2u]

Great review. I shoot outdoor hiking and climbing, my main lens is the 16-55mm f2.8 but I think this could be a good complimentary lens for when the sun begins to set and when I want something just a bit wider.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

I think you'll be happy, for sure. This is a lens that can make quite dramatic images when used well. It'll take in quite a bit of the scene for you and also a lot of light. If you're not worried about the weight of the 16-55, you won't be worried about this one, either.

[@randyk1919]

Strange, my Viltrox rear cap fits fine on my Fuji lenses. I'll grant my cap is *slightly* more fidgety when first lining it up prior to twisting -- and thus a bit awkward during quick lens changes -- but still it always fits. I also ordered my 13mm the first week they were available, so perhaps they've changed the cap design?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

And there in lies the issue. Inconsistency. The 75mm cap doesn't even twist onto any of my Fujifilm lenses and teh 13mm cap just falls off. It really can't be that hard to consistently manufacture caps that work with everything. I've had the same issue with Laowa caps. One fits every lens I own and the other won't stay on anything but the 33mm f/0.95. The Fujifilm caps are flawless.

[@Pharesm]

I think your 13mm Viltrox lens might be my next lens to go with the 23mm (35mm equivalent), even though I own the Sony 11mm, which is quite good, but I can't get much bokeh, like you got out of your 13mm.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

You would simply underexpose the image a little bit if you got that sort of ghioasting ..I'm a professional landscape photographer and I use this lens all the time did dynamic range on the xt5 is pretty incredible just underexpose it a little bit and you'll be fine. I think this lens is really good for the price and I have the 8 to 16 mm which is an outstanding piece of glass and the focal length overlaps I actually use the 13mm a lot

[@Frank-yb9hf]

Awesome slideshow. ❤ thanks for sharing ❤

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks for watching! It's a fun lens, do be sure!

[@thekushinator]

Great review mate. Very balanced points of view. I have this lens and the sharpness is pretty good. I'll stop short of calling it exceptional. The vignetting is a problem and I recently discovered that trying to correct is left a greenish tinge in the corners. It could just be user error. Just wish it was a bit smaller. But you cant win it all :).

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

It's a good lens for sure. I haven't noticed the green tint in my corners. I'm using Capture One to correct and the profile seems quite good except for the points I mentioned in the video. The other thing I did notice, but didn't mention here, is the overall cool feeling to the images. Matching them with Fujifilm's lenses can be quite a process.

[@pauloveneable]

Excellent review, congratulations on the channel, I would like to take this opportunity to ask a question, and sorry if it has already been asked, which lens did you like or would you recommend more, the Samyang 12mm af f/2 or this Viltrox 13mm?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks for watching! It's really hard to recommend it without knowing what's important to you. The 12mm is tiny, wider, but isn't as sharp. The Viltrox is big, heavy, and ridiculously sharp. Horses for courses, I'd say!

[@jonasfrey9649]

The lens is weather sealed, but they sumhow forgot the mount while doing so.. 🙈

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

It has "dust proofing". That's quite different from weather sealing. It's still not sealed against water ingress.

[@jonasfrey9649]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Oh sry, you're right.. I found a tester that saod it was and put up the picture from the homepage. But there it stands 'dust proof'.. Guess that's what happens if you don't check your facts.. 🫣

[@ianmorris2098]

Another excellent video Dylan and I for one really appreciate the time and thought you put into these releases. I own the lens and like you I have been very impressed with it overall. My main area of concern, one that you raise in the video is how to locate and apply any firmware releases. I haven't as yet been able to do this, do you have any pointers/links as to how to navigate through this somewhat baffling and 'heath robinson' setup?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks, Ian! The firmware is an issue, for sure. Locating them is the main issue. It's like a bulletin board from the early days of the Internet. So far, the only way I've found is to search through and compare version numbers until you find the highest one. If anyone has a better way, I'd love to hear it!

[@ianmorris2098]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Thanks Dylan. If I do find a better way I will let you know, not that hopeful though 😐

[@BSAA1947]

Great review! Thank you very much.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jpvideokent]

How's this compare to the Samyang 12mm MF, worth upgrading from that to the viltrox?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Hard to say. I don't have extensive enough experience with the 12mm MF version or knowledge of how you like to work. What I will say is that the Viltrox, in my experience has overall better image quality and the autofocus makes it much easier to work with when things are moving fast. Get ready for the size and weight, though. It's a different beast.

[@myblackboxrocks]

Thank you for forewarning us about the excitement. Some of us have heart conditions 😂

[@twiglet2214]

I still had to lay in a darkened room for several hours to recover after i hit a wall of excitement following the warning - really dangerous ! My pacemaker had to be fully serviced and recalibrated.

[@watersignphotography]

Little surprised that you make no mention of Fuji’s own 14mm (or even the 16mm)? While the 14mm is an old design and “slow” at only f2.8 it is still very sharp, well corrected and half the weight of the Viltrox! Great, informative video all the same. 😊👍

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

I don't make a habit of talking about things with which I have no experience. Hard to talk about a lens that I've never used. Thanks for watching!

[@watersignphotography]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Well that’s fair enough!! 👍

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

I actually like the sunstars with this lens! I think this lens has much better sunstars than the Fuji 16-55mm or the Samyang 12mm; I don't remember now what sunstars on the Fuji 10-24mm look like. I guess it's a bit of personal preference. What lenses do you consider having attractive sunstars?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

For sure, I can see why you might like the sunstars here. Personally, I prefer a much more defined, sharp-edged sunstar. These are a little soft and undefined for my taste. Fujifilm's older lenses are a bit notorious for not paying much attention to sunstars. Some of the newer lenses do a better job. The new batch of f/1.4 primes are good examples of this.

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer I have not tried any of these newer f/1.4 primes. The 50-140mm or 16-55mm I sometimes stop down to f/16 or even f/22 just to get something like sun stars and even then they're not very nice!

[@sarveshghatnekar4680]

Hi, I have 15-45 kit lens and 35 mm prime for fuji xt200. Any suggestions if I should buy an 18-55mm lens and 13mm viltrox ...

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

That really depends on how you shoot and how much you value image quality. The 18-55mm is a big step up from the 15-45mm lens in both usability and image quality. The 13mm is a completely different lens from anything you have mentioned here. If you want fast and wide, it's a great option.

[@mrsaezs]

I have the fuji 10-24 , really worst spend in a viltrox 13? Thanks

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

That really depends on how you like to shoot. If you find yourself in the middle of the range a lot and want a faster aperture, it's probably a good choice. If not, perhaps keep the zoom.

[@dimensionless99]

Ah so I'm not the only one annoyed about the rear lens cap not fitting interchangeably with the Fuji ones. This is annoying and I noticed it right away when I purchased it. Weirdly, I find that the Viltrox cap can't hold on my 16-80 f4, but it holds reasonably well on my 33 f1.4. Still annoying and I try to remember to bring an extra Fuji cap when switching lenses on the road. Otherwise I love the lens and the optical quality is amazing for the price

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Yep! It drove me nuts. I just bought a few spare Fujifilm ones and tossed the Viltrox caps into a box for safe keeping. No more worrying that caps won't stay on in the bag.

[@skills_hd]

how do i find the filter for this???please. and if knf concept has it

[@jcblum1507]

Hello, thank you for your review, would you recommend this lens for astrophotography?

[@twiglet2214]

I'd give it 5 stars for sure !

[@IceFox28]

Hello Dylan, I got the X-H2 after seeing the price comparisons and features from your X-H1 video review. I want to do long range nature photos, pet photos, and zoomed entomology specimen shots (this includes day and night). Much like the X-H1 is there any suggested lens for this camera? I see that the Viltrox lense is an interesting choice but this seems more like a landscape and nature photos mostly.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

You are probably going to need a collection of lenses for that range of subject matter. This is definitely not the lens for it, though. This is a wide angle. Look at some longer zoom lenses to get yourself started.

[@IceFox28]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Thank you so much for the quick reply. I wondered if I would need to buy multiple lens or not since this is my first camera beyond the typical phone camera. I will look into it more! Tysm again.

[@andreasmeier8402]

Hi. Is it good for make picures from the milkiway?

[@simon359]

From my calculations for 13 mm is actually a 16 mm? 1.25 x13 =16.25. The only problem with the Viltrox for me is the weight and size. I am interested in seeing what the Fuji 8 mm F3.5 can do. Much lighter and I’m figuring I can hand hold that much easier than the Viltrox. Looking forward to the XT5 review! 🖖

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Not sure what you mean by 13mm actually being 16mm. Are you referring to "crop factor"? If so, you'll need to multiply by 1.5 for APS-C, which would give you around a 20-21mm equivalent field of view. The size and weight are definitely a thing and its going to be personal as to whether or not you're willing to deal with those. It doesn't make its way into my bag every day, that's for sure.

[@simon359]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Sorry you’re right, 13 mm would be 1.5 times at 19.5mm

[@fotografalexandernikolis]

@@simon359 And it's not "actually" anything other than a 13mm. It's >equivalent< in angle of view to a 19.5mm on FF, but it's still optically a 13mm.

[@thomasemory4352]

@@fotografalexandernikolisthis is correct

[@starlifter303]

have you ever lived in Korea?

[@BelowKelvin]

Perfect timing! Do you think this would be a good option as a wide angle lens to the Grand Canyon/antelope canyon?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Never having been to either of those spots or knowing how you shoot, I really can't say. What I can say is how impressive the lens is. I wouldn't have any issues recommending it for image quality alone.

[@BelowKelvin]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographerthank you!

[@alexzhang9318]

What's pin lights?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Any VERY small lights in the frame like streetlights or stars.

[@Las_cacas]

I sold mine... i greatly regret it

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

It's been a valued asset to me, for sure. Sorry to hear you're not happy with letting it go!

[@photoreviewed-com]

Tshirt 🤘

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Hard not to love!