I was wrong about Chinese lenses...

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I was wrong about Chinese lenses. At least based on the ones I've tested so far, viltrox and laowa. But there are a ton of other third-party lens manufacturers out there making even cheaper lenses...but are they good enough for most people just starting out? Watch this video to find out.
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Nikon, Canon, Sony, Lens, Sigma, Tamron
#FroKnowsPhoto #JaredPolin #RANT

Пікірлер: 692

@nozra_z 28 күн бұрын

Sony a7iii user here. My lenses lineup consist of Tamron lenses and a laowa 100mm f2.8 macro. I've never owned a Sony lens but I know my camera's performance. I've shot for over 70 clients and approx 1,500 photo ads and 40 cinematic videos and I, nor my clients, complained about the quality of the content.

@d.k.1394 28 күн бұрын

Great

@jacquesvroom 29 күн бұрын

Thrilled with my Viltrox 75 and 27 1.2’s. They coexist quite happily with their “more serious” GM, G, Sigma Art, and Sigma Contemporary step-siblings. Best to all.

@mrangles3402 28 күн бұрын

How is the sharpness in comparison Plain scale of 1 - 5 Where sony sharp g master is a 4

@caleidoo 28 күн бұрын

@@mrangles3402 Why bother? So many reviews and full size samples to be find everywhere. Seeing it with your own eyes surely has more value than a random person just saying "it's sharp bro". For example: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hc52a916lbHNeKs.html Summary: very good. But too heavy or for my liking, I prefer my lenses small and manual on APS-C.

@TheJ_G 28 күн бұрын

@@mrangles3402The 75 and 27 on my Fuji xh2/xh2s are two of the sharpest lenses I’ve ever used on Fuji. So much so that I sold my Fuji 23 and 33 1.4 because the 27 out performed them both in overall image quality.

@_shreyash_anand 28 күн бұрын

@@mrangles3402 At least a 3.5. They are stupid sharp, especially for the price. Really happy with my 27mm too

@crazyphotobooth 28 күн бұрын

Where or how did you buy from?

@BurneraccountXD69 29 күн бұрын

If you forced me to chose, I'd probably say Lawoa is my favorite manufacturer of Lenses like full stop. Their entire company is pretty much just built around making lenses that nobody else makes and I really respect them for that. And that's ignoring the fact their lenes are built extremely well too!

@lucadipaolo1997 29 күн бұрын

Not really the same thing but I really like Sirui. Their Jupiter lenses are really good and well priced, and every lens of theirs that I used was well built with good optical performance, and even though the anamorphics aren't perfect, they do the job quite well for the money.

@valdemarjrgensen8072 28 күн бұрын

Laowa is so great. I had their 15mm macro. A freaking 15mm macro, it didn't have to be super good image quality to beat the competition, there is no competition. It takes such unique images, and it still has excellent IQ.

@DraculaNosferatu123 26 күн бұрын

I have the 65mm macro 2x excellent build and image quality with small.

@dougsmit1 24 күн бұрын

I agree Laowa is great but the idea nobody else makes similar products is old news and not as true as it was a couple years ago. Some of the latest products from other companies join Laowa in making excellent super wide (9mm for full frame), macro and cine lenses. I agree that Laowa is probably my favorite but I'd rather have a 2024 design from one of their competitors than a five year old Laowa made first for long back focus DSLR's. Time are changing. It will be interesting to see who gets left behind.

@yuxuanhuang3523 16 күн бұрын

@@lucadipaolo1997 Actually Sirui is one of the biggest tripod makers. They just started making lenses a few years ago and I heard their anamorphic work really well considering they are priced around a normal lens of similar specs. For Laowa, its all about making crazy specs and shapes nobody else makes. Like super wide but not fisheye, or super macro and most famously the probe lens. TT Artisan and the rest of those small manual lenses work, but barely. Most still lack good coating so ghosting is a problem. and they are not the sharpest (even primes aren't) YongNuo is now creating really good autofocus ones that are really well priced, and really budget autofocus lenses like the plastic 50 1.8(they even made one for for RF mount) Edit: Viltrox may be the one making really good primes (both performance and build quality), not yongnuo, which is mostly budget autofocus that works.

@zaddy6960 29 күн бұрын

The build and IQ of the TTArtisan 50mm 1.2 is absurdly good. The Viltrox 27mm 1.2 will be known as a legendary lens.

@mongini1 28 күн бұрын

100% agree on the 27mm 1.2 - just got it last week, and its glued to my camera. And i'll never stop it down except for maybe landscape shots.

@nomadikmind3979 28 күн бұрын

Yes i love my 50mm f1.2, and for 100 bucks....freaking crazy

@Mike1984-lc9rh 28 күн бұрын

Do you own the Sony GM 1.2 in order to compare? Nope.

@mongini1 28 күн бұрын

@@Mike1984-lc9rh I'd bet that you won't be able to tell if you're looking at a 1.2 GM or the Viltrox Pro lenses if you shoot both on an APS-C body and zoom to 100%.

@Getoffmycloud53 27 күн бұрын

@@Mike1984-lc9rhyou are missing the point. The TTartisan 50/1.2 is an all metal manual focus APSC lens, it doesn’t compete with the Sony, but that’s not what it is trying to do. However it is less straightforward if you compare it to something that is more similar like a Voigtlander. This TTartisan lens is absurdly good for the price and for those who like its character it is simply a nice lens. The Viltrox 27/1.2 and 75/1.2 APSC lenses are not cheap, but still more affordable than the competition and both are pretty exceptional for the price.

@jordanmitchell1433 29 күн бұрын

Something I like about you and your channel Jared is that you aren't afraid to admit that you were wrong (which isn't too often IMO), and you offer yourself sufficient praise when you are right. Keep up the great vids

@gregoryz6545 28 күн бұрын

He’s said in the past that he never reads the comments

@victahh281 28 күн бұрын

@gregoryz6545 I'm sure he does to an extent, since he reacts to and replies to a few.

@jordanmitchell1433 28 күн бұрын

@@victahh281 I agree, unless Steven or Dan go through it and tell him ones that might stir him up 😂

@froknowsphoto 28 күн бұрын

@@gregoryz6545 Yes I do, just not all of course

@froknowsphoto 28 күн бұрын

@@victahh281 Yup

@feederbrian9457 28 күн бұрын

I have a TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95. It’s “inspired” by the legendary Leica Noctilux. Manual focus, excellent build quality, metal cap. Performance-wise, every reviewer agrees it’s about 80% of the Noctilux… but for 8% of the price. Wide open is not sharp, but stopped down it develops beautifully, with gorgeous color rendition and can show excellent detail even on the highest resolution sensor. One of my absolute favorite lenses for sure.

@Broken_Orbital 21 күн бұрын

I have the 35mm version..mounted to an A7SII, you can damn near see in the pitch black haha

@WrongEnd 29 күн бұрын

Viltrox is up to the game now, their 75mm 1.2 for apsc is a masterpiece

@OnlyCitrus 29 күн бұрын

Their 13, 27, 75, 16 are some of the best lenses out there

@mongini1 28 күн бұрын

got the 75mm since release - its the best for portraits hands down. since last week the 27mm also went into my bag, or better onto my X-H2, and its glued to it. That focal length is so damn versatile and sharp from 1.2 just like the 75. Can recommend as well.

@user-qe7gw4yv7y 28 күн бұрын

@@mongini1Indeed the 27mm is perfect for anything. Will ad the 75mm also soon. Viltrox needs to be a expand this Pro line with more lenses. They need to make a 10mm or something.

@mongini1 28 күн бұрын

@@user-qe7gw4yv7y would love to see a 56mm pro tbh. and the real killer lens would be a 16-50 f2 - i'd happily spend a grand or more if its like the pro primes...

@user-dd9ek8sj5m 28 күн бұрын

Why does it surprise you? I know the US has a thing about China but Apple products are made there so why the reservations? Don’t know about Sirui lenses but if they’re anything like their accessories (tripods, ballheads, monopods) they’ll be full on quality.

@hugdeez 28 күн бұрын

Chinese brands are keeping photography alive right now.

@harveymanfrantinsingin7373 13 күн бұрын

Lol…😂 Oh…you’re being serious?!

@nasty5-oh893 12 күн бұрын

Yeah great time for beginners, I wish I had all these gears, I hate camera snobs

@hellolau 12 күн бұрын

Lol 😂

@harveymanfrantinsingin7373 6 күн бұрын

@@nasty5-oh893 it has nothing to do with snobs or those who are not snobs. The fact of the matter is, cheap Chinese gear has its place however it is NOT what is “keeping photography alive!”

@milanshrestha2924 28 күн бұрын

This is why i like watching fro's videos. He doesn't hesitate to say he was wrong. Honest review always!

@gregmarcus3064 28 күн бұрын

TT Artisans 25mm F2 pancake that is all over You Tube. I took the risk since it was cheap. I was shocked that it was sharper overall than my adapted vintage Nikon and Canon lenses on my XE2. The pictures are crisp and sharp. The feel of turning the focusing ring is very smooth and the aperture rings are click smooth too. F8 set at 1.5m, Auto ISO and your camera becomes a point and shoot. Totally surprised. 😮

@niveketihw1897 28 күн бұрын

We got a Meike 85mm f1.8 full frame AF STM Z mount, using it on my wife's Z30 (so it's 127mm equivalent) for outdoor daytime and it has been great. Lack of VR together with the Z30's lack of IBIS limits it a bit, but I was still able to get some beautiful indoor shots with it at xmas too. The quality and feel is fine, it's basically what you'd expect from Nikon at the kit lens or basic prime level. Does not feel like some kind of cheap knock-off at all. Excellent lens hood and lens cap too. Focus is decently quick. Optics at least on APS-C are sublime.

@haronforteau2842 29 күн бұрын

I've bought the Meike 85 mm 1.8 for EF Mount and the quality is good and sharp. Build quality is solid metal and plastic. Only issues is that the autofocus is a bit loud. Shooting wide open has chroma and minimum focus distance is 3 feet but I've been able to get great results with it, plus it has taken a fall on hard concrete and still is ticking. 2 years and still going strong!

@niveketihw1897 28 күн бұрын

We've got the same for Z (using on wife's Z30 which is APS-C though) and have had a similar good experience with it.

@drowninggames 28 күн бұрын

I bought the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 based on the video you did and have taken a few images... I am blown away at the quality for the price, the autofocus on the Z6 isn't 100% but its 99% of the way there and the photos I can take are very nice looking, sharp and in focus when I hit the focus point I want.

@shadow479 28 күн бұрын

I got over a year ago my first Laowa 2:1 macro 100mm 2.8 lens for my Z6 II and I was blown away with the sharpness and overal rendition from it, even for landscapes and closeups. I am still amazed every time I use it. I am still not convinced that every product from chinese manufacturers would reach this level but I know I got a gem!

@S_G_86 29 күн бұрын

As a Sony APS-C shooter I can confidently say that Viltrox 13mm F1.4 , 27mm F1.2 and 75mm F1.2 are all very good lenses. I also have Yongnuo 16mm F1.8 which is quite good for how cheap it is. I would say Viltrox lenses have a slightly better autofocus mechanism compared to Yongnuo but for the most part Yongnuo is good enough.

@Thai.H 28 күн бұрын

See if say the other way around yonguno is better then viltrox af

@roymartin2453 29 күн бұрын

I have the Laowa 35mm f0.95 and the 9mm f5.6 for Sony E-Mount. I was rocking the 9mm in lost placesque industrial compounds in north-west Germany. The 135° view angle is amazing, especially when you can’t increase the distance to the object. The 0.95 is ludicrously bright. It allows for live video of the Milky Way. Yes, you read correctly, you can film the Milky Way with it. 🤩

@michalsa8094 29 күн бұрын

Korean Samyang 24mm f1.8 lenses, sharp and good for astrophotography - 85 f1.4 - 35mm f1.4, very good lenses. Samyang also has a zoom glass for Sony f2.8. I'm not sure, but in the USA these lenses are probably called Rokinon, in Europe Samyang.

@michaelcoleman5058 29 күн бұрын

I purchased a TT Artisan 90mm F1.25 with 77mm filter attachment. It has a L mount which I use on my Leica SL I think it was under $500.00 when purchased. The shallow depth of field is why I purchased the lens as the same lens in Leica was 20 tunes the cost. No auto focus but you get used to using it. It takes very nice images and was worth the investment.

@kennygo8300 28 күн бұрын

Bought the Nikon Z version of the same lens. VERY happy with it. I usually buy the manual focus lenses from these companies. Reminds me of the lenses I used in the 70s and 80s.

@jango71 28 күн бұрын

I have it too, I bought it to replace the 85 mm f/1.4 D feeling I had on DSLR. It is very good optically but it is a brick, with no AF, no electronics… They are still not there but they offer a variety of lenses one could not get from traditional manufacturers without spending thousands of euros.

@LMActionsports 29 күн бұрын

Samyang is a phenomenal lens. I still use their 85 & 35 f1.4 V1 for weddings and videos. 3 years and not one client said i wish the images were sharper. Even though my business is growing i am switching over to all sigma or Sony GM lenses. But still plan on keeping the Samyang as backup. And Viltrox 16mm f1.8 is one heck of a lens that is hard to beat

@JiJa2525u 18 күн бұрын

Samyang is a south korean brand

@panagiotistouliatos9545 29 күн бұрын

You should try the 13mm 1.4 the 27mm 1.2 and the 75mm 1.2 from Viltrox for APS-C. They're killing it.

@Jason_Hermann 28 күн бұрын

Great video Jared and yeah, I love the "Butter Maker" Viltrox 75mm f/1.2, 27mm f/1.2, and the 13mm f/1.4 in particular, but I recently tested the new 7artisans 50mm f/1.8 full frame lens and it is also an excellent option "optically" for the money, but build could be better...

@NoxonPhotography 28 күн бұрын

I remember my first camera I was really happy with the tokina 11-16 2.8 lens for my starter crop sensor. Super wide but I had a ton of fun with it starting out.

@noelopez3 29 күн бұрын

My TT Artissan 1.2 - 50mm is one of my favorite lens.

@SourceAwareness 28 күн бұрын

*A young Bob Ross @ **1:11* 😂🤣 Jared Polin and Bob Ross! Two geniuses with afros!

@d.k.1394 28 күн бұрын

Lol

@TuR0k_DJ 28 күн бұрын

I have a Laowa 10-18mm on my Sony A7-3 for livestreaming and it was the only for my purpose suitable case available lens a year ago. The 10mm 2.8 will be my next one and I'm excited to get it!

@dogflirt 28 күн бұрын

Thanks for bringing this to light Jared - I bought an RF mount Laowa 15mm Zero distortion full frame lens back in 2019 - and it’s been a BEAST of a lens - And although I’ve since bought a 24-105 L-series, I had already built a six figure business from that Laowa and a couple non-L Canon lenses. That particular lens is manual, but it never limited me, equally for photo and video, and is still my second favorite lens to this day. second only to my Canon 24-105 L. Don’t sleep on Laowa. 🙌🙌

@darkhorsewebdesign 28 күн бұрын

Always enjoy your video's, thank you. One lens I purchased was a YONGNUO YN35mm F2Z DF DSM Lens Full frame Auto Focus for Nikon z mount. It is extremely sharp and has weather sealing. Full Auto focus with dedicated LN1 button & AF/M switch. It received the same overall score as the native Nikon Z 35mm f1.8 lens. Focus is quiet, seems to work fine, only issue is occasionally when focusing at its minimum focus distance it will sometimes hunt a bit. Canadian Price about $450, not super cheap but well worth it.

@ThePackinPacker 28 күн бұрын

Samyang (Korean) have been killing it. By far my favorite brand. Just don't get their first gen 50 or 35 autofocus. Anything after that they nailed.

@fetzie23 28 күн бұрын

To be fair the first generation of Tamron and Sigma lenses were pretty shit too. Their second/third generation products have absolutely nothing to hide from though. My Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro, 70-210 f/4 and Sigma 17-35 f1.8 Art are quite simply awesome lenses (and in the case of the Sigma, good luck finding zoom lenses wider than f/2.8 from Nikon, Canon or Sony).

@FauxxYT 28 күн бұрын

I got a 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens from 7Artisans and was completely blown away by how high quality the lens was for the price. For a tiny package it has a hefty weight with all metal construction (including the lens cap). A great recommendation for anyone trying to get into Macro lenses

@Hodenkat 29 күн бұрын

I always figured that many of these 3rd party lenses were missing coatings and higher quality manufacturing processes and cheaper materials. I've seen some reviews and things like chromatic aberration and how the f-stop needs to be tightened up to get sharp shots. This is a great update Jared has done. I think limiting yourself to the big three all day every day is not where many people are at. I'm not saying we need reviews on old film cameras, but some budget gear reviews would be great! I know it's hard to show enthusiasm over some cheap glass when you've had your hands on Canon L-series lenses to do your job, but could it hurt to at least show some love to the beginner? THANKS JARED!!

@chilecayenne 28 күн бұрын

One thing to keep in mind and it took me a while to do it....these days, most all chromatic aberration is exceedingly easy to fix in post...a quick button or slider and *POOF*...gone. I rarely ever look at what CA a lens has as that I know it's generally nothing I'll end up dealing with in a finished image. Just my $0.02, CC

@EdSaenzDrums 29 күн бұрын

When I started in the mirrorless system I got into the Canon EF-M with the M50. And due to my low budget and lack of options in the Canon native lenses my first lens besides the kit lens was a Viltrox 56mm f1.4. I loved that lens and it helped me improve my work. I’ve also used Meike all manual fisheye lenses which are all metal built and super sharp.

@TheNewArtSchool 28 күн бұрын

Great video! The meike RF to EF adapter with the ND filter is amazing!

@kenemmens6281 25 күн бұрын

About 6 years ago I bought a Meike battery grip for my then Canon 7D Mark II camera. It took 3 grips before I got one that didn't have loose screws rattling around inside or missing from the outside. Still, I went ahead and bought one because it cost about 20% of the Canon one. It was still working properly up until the time I sold the camera last year. I don't know whether the quality of Meike lenses is better than their battery grips from 6 years ago, but I would be very reluctant to buy one until I was sure their quality control has been drastically improved.

@garynewvine2947 28 күн бұрын

I shot Nikon for 40+ years and a few years ago switched to Sony. I have a couple Sony G lenses that I have been very happy with (due to budget) and recently got the Yongnuo 85 F1.8. I shot Professional Box lacrosse with this lens and was blown away by the results... The AF was fantastic, and the image quality is amazing (shooting portraits of my family including studio work with Flash work). I don't know about the other manufacturers, but Yongnuo (mentioned in the vid) is amazing for the money. I did try the Viltrox 24-79 F2.8, but returned it when after shooting dogs for the rescue I shoot for I was disappointed with AF performance. I went ultimately to the Sony G 24-105... Not looking back for this focal range.

@dcurleyifa 28 күн бұрын

I have used a Loawa 100mm F2.8 macro manual for around 18 months on my R3 & R5 and it’s brilliant. Sharp to the edge at 5.6 .

@stevenwaldstein2249 28 күн бұрын

Thank you for the video. I know from first hand and the purchase of the Viltrox 27/1.2 and 75/1.2 for my Sony A6700 that some fine lenses can be found at very fair prices. Sure these are a little bit heavier than some other APS-C lenses but their faster aperture seems to justify this size like other f/1.2 lenses I own and have used from Sony, Canon, and Nikon. Interested to see what other lenses they come out with. Take care.

@MarkWaggoner 28 күн бұрын

I'm just getting started in photography. I've got a Canon M50 MKII. I have TTArtisan 25mm F2.0 and 35mm F1.4, and 7Artisans 11mm F2.8. All manual focus. They take great pictures for my skill level. They are at least as clear as the Canon kit lens and 55-200mm.

@utcomgrad92 28 күн бұрын

I got a Meike 85 f/1.8 for Canon EF, I used it with my crop frame 80D. For the $179 I paid for it, I feel I got a really good bargain. It gave me great images with really nice bokeh and excellent low light performance. Like you said it is not as good as a native canon lens, although I would rank it better than the kit lenses that came with the Rebel cameras like the 18-55. I recently upgraded to an R6 and have adapted all my EF glass. I have used the Meike a couple of time and I am still glad I bought it. It is worth the money I paid for it.

@gradysanders2713 28 күн бұрын

I’m glad this was a short one. Serious question tho. Wouldn’t a used f mount with the adaptor be just as good if not better than a cheap new lens, and still be budget friendly? Photography has always been my hobby, and have shy’d away from making money with it so it doesn’t spoil my fun. I use above average lenses and have done well affordability wise by buying used equipment. Usually it is used Nikon gear, but higher end, just older. I’d like to hear your take on new Chinese 3rd party lenses vs older native lenses. I do understand some of Nikons lenses are made in China however I hope the quality control carries over.

@FlyingPeteNZ 28 күн бұрын

I my very first third party lens a few months ago, a Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 for my Canon RF mount, yes it is still manual focus but it is the most fun I have had with a lens for decades! You do need a ND to avoid having to stop down in bright environments though.

@HeadlessChickenTO 28 күн бұрын

I haven't used lenses, but I do use adapters for my Canon R7 and M50 previously. My M50 had the Viltrox speedbooster, and it was solid. When I upgraded to my R7, inused the Neweer adapter but that was crap. The fit was so lose, the camera and lens lost connection and I missed out on a lot of shots. Now I'm using the Meike drop in VND adapter, and it works...ish. I recently broke my old EF 70-200 f2.8L v1 when the lens came lose, without me disengaging it from my adapter. I've never had a lens come lose like that.

@billrhea 29 күн бұрын

I have the Samyang RF 85.14 and it’s amazing.

@DalsPhotography 24 күн бұрын

Hi from Uruguay dear Jared ( I have been your follower for many years) and yes, those lenses have really improved! Living in southamerica and having huge taxes on importing them, there was no other chance than to use 3rd party lenses! Sigma and Tamron are the more used down here. You can still find those Yongnuo for sale ! I have used a lot of lenses!!! As I moved to Fuji xt, the Laowa lenses are great for that camera. Those are my prefered ones! Thanks for addressing those lenses!!!

@yophotodude7693 28 күн бұрын

I bought a cheap 7Artisins 10mm f/2.8 full-frame fish eye expecting a $250 lens. It’s really well built, and it does what it supposed to do for as little as I use it. I also got the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 Pro for my Z 9 (knowing it’s crop sensor, but for my use, the 19.5mp is plenty), gets me a cheap f/1.2 lens for when it gets really dark and I need to AF in the dark and a 112mm f/1.8 (from a DOF/Bokeh perspective) was a pretty good choice and it’s very well built and gives really good quality.

@chiefdan209 28 күн бұрын

I have the Viltrox 27mm 1.2 for my XT-5 and the Mitakon 65mm 1,4 for my GFX and both are incredible. With the Mitakin it's been fun to get back into manual focus.

@davescamera3672 28 күн бұрын

I own a 7Artisans 50mm f0.95 for ef-m mount. I love the look and the fast aperture. I bought it brand new before I knew about adapting vintage lenses. I don't use it as much as I thought I would. I guess I'll use it today.

@rxamusic 28 күн бұрын

I have a viltrox 56mm 1.4 that resolves so good on my fujifilm xt5, the autofocus works great too.

@corykphotography 28 күн бұрын

Jared! Definitely cool to hear your thoughts about Viltrox. I use their 24mm, 35mm, and 85mm lenses on my Nikon Z5 for a lot of my highschool senior, prom, and family portrait sessions. They are definitely great for what they are. I've been debating picking up a small APSC body and trying out the Sirui Sniper series AF lenses. Definitely a newer set of lenses to give a look at. My goal eventually is for all Nikon S primes but for now Viltrox is doing fantastic.

@petelindsay3001 28 күн бұрын

Had a Viltrox 56 1.4 and a 7Artisans 25mm manual focus on my Canon M50ii and loved them.

@joekubina5897 28 күн бұрын

I have only purchased 1, the ttartisan 100/2.8 m42 trioplan just because the original vintage ones are too pricy. Still waiting for delivery though.

@KOUGA108 28 күн бұрын

I have the Ttartisan 27mm f2.8 and a 56mm f1.8 both autofocus lenses. Really happy with both of them.

@BrianKSmith-ds2sh 29 күн бұрын

Hey Fro.... message from a neighbour up in the Great White North. I have the Viltrox Pro Series 27mm f/1.2 and the Viltrox Pro Series 75mm f/1.2 for my Fujifilm X-H1. Both work flawlessly and the results are sharp with good contrast.

@henrybobb 28 күн бұрын

I’m one of the few that managed to get a Viltrox 85mm F1.8 RF mount and I confirm on my R6 it’s a fantastic lens for the price. Sometimes the burst mode does not work well, so I need to switch off and back on the camera, but other than that I’m very happy with both the build quality of the lens and the pictures it delivers.

@VRJacky 28 күн бұрын

The Meike 85mm f1.8 af is great for the price, autofocus is a bit loud but also comes with a removable hood, I'm happy with it

@What_Other_Hobbies 27 күн бұрын

I have Meike 85/1.4 Z on my Zf, and it's been pretty good. I have 50/1.8G, Tamron 24-70/2.8 G2, 70-200/2.8 G2, 150-600 G2, SP 90/2.8 macro, Irix 11/4 before getting into Z mount. With Zf, I bought 24-120/4 S which is a very good lens Meike 85/1.4 is a little slower on AF and very yellow shooting against strong light sources. If it had better coating to deal with lens flare, I'd call it a great lens. I heard there is a new firmware update improving AF, but I haven't got the chance to make a video comparing the difference so I am still on an older firmware.

@stephanweiskorn6760 14 күн бұрын

Excellent video 😊!

@thomaswright20 28 күн бұрын

I've had the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 for almost 3 years. I have the version II. It has been a great lens. It is easy to upgrade the firmware with a USB cable, as it has an onboard port for the upgrade.

@adrianlynch9435 16 күн бұрын

Cracking video / commentary. It is quite novel for this sort of opinion and is also nice that you define the types of photographer who you say would look at purchasing these.

@user-dl4dt9su3n 28 күн бұрын

Laowa 12mm 2.8 ZeroD and Laowa RF90mm 2.8 2X macro on a Canon R6. Very happy with the results.

@ciqueeabeu1782 29 күн бұрын

I've been using a Viltrox 85 1.8 for my Nikon Z, and for the last 2 years I've been getting the job more than done, honestly...! I super reccomend them, and I'm looking forward to use the Viltrox Pro lenses for DX cameras.

@timdokter3893 28 күн бұрын

I’ve been using the new 7artisans AF 50mm 1.8 on Z-mount for a couple of weeks. Loving it! It’s sharp, very well built and renders beautifully.

@bitsmart... 26 күн бұрын

Jared, isn't there any VIVITAR lenses i remember i have had one several years ago to a pentax, did they just disappear?

@tiffanyhillman7071 27 күн бұрын

I use a Mike 85 1.8 on my a6300 and have no complaints on the sharpness or ease of use. It gets the job done, I just wish it was an autofocus lens. I also have a Yongnuo 50 for my Nikon and I love it. It is one of the few that doesn’t sound or feel cheap and hits my autofocus better than the native lens. Creamy background and an almost painterly look while staying sharp. It’s my go-to lens for travel and portraits.

@WarhadLPandstuff 29 күн бұрын

I have a Viltrox 85mm AF for my Canon RF System and the Pictures I'm able to get with it are wonderful. I've previously owned the Samyang 85mm for Canon EF Mount, that was a manual lens. The Picture Quality was nice but nailing the focus on a manual 1.8 on an EOS 5D Mk III was really hard so I sold it. I've hat no issues with the Viltrox AF so far, even when going up to 40 frames per second on my R6 Mk II. Yes it will loose tracking every now and then, but my trusty old 70-200 f/2.8 II that i convert onto my R6 Mk II does that some times. It's fine, I can shoot amazing shots with it and it is a lovely expansion to my Canon 135 that is just too long sometimes.

@BoostLeekdMedia 28 күн бұрын

5:18 - 100% agreed. Those Chinese lenses have gotten a lot better the past 4-5 years. I've been advocating for cheap lenses for beginners, especially when EVERY photographer I know (personally) has been suggesting $800+ lenses to beginners. Great video, Fro!

@richardrosen4368 28 күн бұрын

I Purchased the Viltrox 28 f1.8Z for Nikon Z. Comparing it to what Nikon has to offer in that focal length, it falls right in the middle f/stop aside, the V out performs the Nikon Z 28, but is out performed by the AF-S 28 f1.8G. I don't have the AF-S 28 f1.4E. As you note, the construction of the Viltrox is very, very comforting. It is a sharp lens in the center, but falls off on the edges and corners. There is pretty hefty vignetting, on a Z 8. On a Z fc, the corners and edges are cleaner, and very sharp. With the 28 G, vignetting was not as strong. A key feature on the Viltrox, is that it does have f/stops on the lens barrel. You can also set it to A for use with the camera's command dials. However, except for the detente at f16 to A, there are no click stops between apertures. Generally I pretty happy with the Viltrox 28...definitely happier than when I had the Nikon Z 28 f2.8 (SE). And right now, and in the foreseeable future, it is the only 28 1.8 Z in town.

@robertmwilliams 29 күн бұрын

I have Viltrox 23 f.14, 33 f.14 and 85 f1.8 for my Fuji bodies and love them. I like the sharpness and the way they render color. Autofocus is as fast as my older bodies are capable of so no issues there.

@giacomogiorgi5975 29 күн бұрын

i used Meike S35 and FF and their adapter ef to e and everything i tried was really good! the adapter even makes autofocus on canon lenses work ok on the Sony a7s3 both for video and photo. not great but still ok. downside was a switch that needs to be changed for photos and video that is in a very uncomfortable place if you have a cage on the camera. i can barely push one side or the other with my pinky finger.

@omarortizytc 27 күн бұрын

I am very happy and satisfied with my Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 paired with my Sony a6700. Have you reviewed it yet?

@roadrunner1970 28 күн бұрын

Have you tried the samyang lenses. I have 3. 85mm 1.4 the 135mm 1.8 and the 35-150mm 2-2.8 and I love them

@robthomas4226 24 күн бұрын

I have the Samyang 35-150 2-2.8 too and love it. Even mounted to a Megadap ETZ21 on a Nikon Z6 II.

@PhantomTD 29 күн бұрын

Got the 7artisans 35mm and 50mm F0.95. Fun lenses and great for the price. Though hard to nail manual focus with F0.95 on a toddler with a sugar ruch..

@artmaltman 29 күн бұрын

Samyang 135mm f/1.8 lovely. Tamron and Sigma of course. Sony's edges are (1) perfection optically and (2) fast tracking autofocus.

@Jnewtonwright 29 күн бұрын

I just came from apsc system (the zve10) now I’m using an A7RIV. I’m using my sigma, Viltrox and tt artisans amazing glass, but they are apsc lenses. Now that I’m on full frame and beginner I will be getting the Viltrox and tt artisan ff lenses until I get good and start taking professional work.

@mingmarlama7987 29 күн бұрын

You should try the Samyang/Rokinon lenses aswelll. They have some impressive fast prime and zoom lenses for emount.

@JohnScarrott 28 күн бұрын

Before I got my R3 and 6 of the Canon L lenses, I was on a Canon t6i and still learning. I bought a Meike 85 f1.8, Meike 8mm f3.5 rectangular fisheye, Ultimaxx 7mm f3.0 rectangular fisheye. They are all good lenses.

@gerhardbotha7336 29 күн бұрын

I bought a TTArtisan 35mm F0.9 for my R7 - cheap manual focus. Great build quality and I like the images. Go high F stop and I can shoot buildings and landscapes, go F0.9 and I can get some damn good portrait images. I have the R7 for reach. My expensive glass is above 400mm. But for occasional messing around in the street for cheap, nothing beats my tiny R7, my tiny 35mm F0.9 with everything manual. I love it and I don’t think you will tell the difference between this and a shot from a 35mm L F1.0 ….which doesn’t exist

@kevc1984 26 күн бұрын

I have used 7artisans and TT Artisans manual focus primes and have been very impressed with both builds quality and image quality.

@hdwblade 28 күн бұрын

Switching from my sigma dgdn 35 1.4 to my viltrox 85 1.8 ii, i notice zero significant difference other than bokeh and field of view. Actually, the viltrox is my favorite lens in my kit. The sigma is heavy and feels bulky, whereas the viktrox has amazing build quality and FEELS like an expensive lens. I just love everything about it. I tried Rokinon - not even in the same universe as the viltrox for quality, as I'm a pixel peeper. I'm super excited for their new lenses, just wish they'd make a nifty fifty now!! Oh, and autofocus is literally never a thought. It's so freaking fantastic i cant explain. I did have ti uodate the firmware because the camera was crashing, but it was also a new a7iv and since flashing I've not had a problem since!! SO GOOD!!

@cy9nvs 29 күн бұрын

I had the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 for Fuji before switching to the Z8, and I absolutely loved that lens. It's super sharp, virtually no chromatic aberrations and (after the update) the autofocus was fast and accurate too. Was looking forward to the 135mm f/1.8 LAB, but since it seems like it'll be Sony only for now, I went with the for f-Mount Sigma instead.

@CryptoJones 29 күн бұрын

I used the 65mm Mitikon for the GFX system and for 599 USD it's the GOAT for GFX cameras. I also have the 7artisans 27mm f/2.8 for the Fuji X mount and it's okay for the money.

@meloche1syndrome 28 күн бұрын

I grabbed the viltrox 85 1.5 years ago. Super impressed by it actually

@rpizzo68 28 күн бұрын

I bought the Yongnuo 85mm 1.8 (the new one), for $295 on a Black Friday sale, and it’s a very nice lens. I did see that the old ones are plastic but the new version is an all metal design (except for the lens hood). The autofocus works as well as my tamrons and sigmas.

@tripleseven6672 28 күн бұрын

I have the Viltrox 75 and 13 for my Fuji. I love them. They easily keep up with my Fuji 23 and 56.

@Neopulse00 28 күн бұрын

1:40 - Would have to say I was happy using the Laowa 105mm f/2 on my old Sony. I just wish I could get it again on the Z-mount.

@ChristianLink 26 күн бұрын

I got some Viltrox lenses (DX & FX) and I like them. The 20mm & 40mm are not as good as the Nikon versions (I guess) but good enough for me, a hobbyist. I really like the Viltrox 85mm 1.8 and I may get my hands on their 50mm version, too. For someone earning money, the native or high-end 3rd party lenses may make more sense. I also love my three ART lenses (35mm, 50mm & the superior 105mm 1.4). Thanks for the video and I'm looking forward to the next reviews.

@Mr.McFlyyy 29 күн бұрын

My first ever prime lens was the YongNuo 50mm F/1.8 for Nikon, the first version. For a starting photographer in my first few months of going pro, I didn't know any different. The AF motor was loud, the image quality was soft and had a ton of aberration wide open but it got better when stopped down to F/2.8-f/3 ish. When I started using Nikkor and sigma art glass, that's when I realized how bad it actually was, but up to that point I learned how to make it work because I had to.

@WraithCalling 28 күн бұрын

I have the older Viltrox 85 1.8, and 33 1.4, and just picked up the TTArtisan 27 2.8. For a hobbyist or a photographer on a budget I really haven't found any major faults. The colors are decent if not good, there is a little issue at the corners sometimes if I'm pixel peeking, but I generally have been pleased with the results.

@Zaneris 28 күн бұрын

I'm using the AF 20mm Viltrox lens on my a7c for vlogging, works great, the autofocus keeps up with the movement. Small and compact lens.

@randalwolfinger279 28 күн бұрын

I have used Tamron for several years and I love them. They work great.

@fistfulloflenses 29 күн бұрын

Great to have more third party lens options, exiting times

@lovethevideos 22 күн бұрын

Yes I use a Viltrox 28, 1.8 Z mount on my z5 and get great results. The let down is autofocus breathing in some situations

@robendert7617 26 күн бұрын

You definitely have a point in the context of beginners who need something good enough, and have to buy at a good quality-price ratio without breaking the bank. I re-started a hobby-level photography journey based on a Nikon Z30. Viltrox drew my attention, and I got the 13/1.4, the 23/1.4, the 56/1.4 and the 75/1.2 Pro. At my level, those lenses are capable of doing better than I'm able to do. Very happy with them at the moment. In my opinion, with the 75/1.2 Pro, Viltrox upped their game one more level.

@JeffCorcelius 29 күн бұрын

I had a Viltrox 23mm for my A6400 it was great till it stopped working. Now its bricked with no support from the manufacturer. I guess because it was so cheap they don't feel the need to help me in getting the lens repaired. I have looked at the newer Viltrox lenses and I've actually been impressed with the upgrades. I would give Viltrox another chance. I also have a Loawa 9mm manual focus lens. It's quite sharp for a wide lens. I think Siuri has some improvements to make on their autofocus system to catch up to Loawa and Viltox.

@samhawkes6597 26 күн бұрын

im a beginner and brought the new viltrox pro 27mm 1.2 apsc lens for my sony fx30. its really nice

@Panda-ik4uk 28 күн бұрын

I use Laowa 2x macro on my Canon. Photos and build quality are great.

@mapleglades 28 күн бұрын

Chiming in as one of the few people who has the 85mm 1.4 RF from Samyang before Canon told them to stop making it... and honestly... it's got blazing fast AF, it's super sharp, and it's in my bag every time for both photo and video. It's also surprisingly light. R5, R6ii, and R8 all work perfectly with it.

@mariusv.8965 29 күн бұрын

I have a Leica M240 digital rangefinder camera. I have this with a TTartisan 50mm f1.4 ASPH chinese lens. This is a "copy" of Leica Summilux 50 f1.4 ASPH for the fraction of the cost and it really is awesome! I really get great results with it and it is built like a tank!

@davekimmer5428 27 күн бұрын

I've been shooting Nikon since 2018 and I just picked up the VILTROX 56mm F1.7 for my Z30 and it seems great so far. It gives me a super light-weight setup for my favorite 85mm focal length that I can easily put in a coat pocket. Considering it was only $139.99 and Nikon doesn't make an ASP-C lens that compares, I'd say it was a no-brainer... we'll see how it holds up.