p.2 #1 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
I guess the real test of all these new "pro" level lenses from Chinese companies will be in how well their performance and build quality holds up over time. After all, there's much more to a modern lens than just the raw optics. Not sure I'll be selling my trusty old Sigma 85/1.4 any time soon, despite it's slightly sluggish AF
It might be an unfair and entirely non-apropos analogy, but I can't help but thinking of the upstart Datsun cars in the 1970s -- all shiny with Japanese-modern promise when new but within a few years they'd fall apart from rust!
p.2 #3 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
Debating if it's better to get it from Viltrox at $454 but no return possible (unless it's not working at all). Or from B&H at $478 with option to return if I get a bad sample. I don't know how the QA is with this lens.
p.2 #4 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
I'm not sure why no return would be possible. I just returned a 50mm f2 for a piece of debris inside the lens and they gave me a return label.
Not sure how long that kind of warranty is good for tho. My lens was brand new.
Fboss wrote:
Debating if it's better to get it from Viltrox at $454 but no return possible (unless it's not working at all). Or from B&H at $478 with option to return if I get a bad sample. I don't know how the QA is with this lens.
p.2 #5 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
On their website:
"Only regular-priced items can be refunded; unfortunately, promotional or discounted items cannot be refunded unless there is a problem with the item itself.
Exchanges (if applicable)
Items will only be exchanged if they are defective or damaged. "
How do they define problem ? if the lens isn't sharp due to being a poor sample, it might not be considered a 'problem' that qualifies for an exchange.
p.2 #6 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
I just got a refund from them too, though I didn't figure in the promo code difference, will send them another request to see if they'll refund that bit.
My order barely fell within their 14-day price protection guarantee. As luck would have it, I had the lens dithering in cart for a couple of days before finalizing my purchase or I'd have missed it.
BigBabyMoses06 wrote:
FYI it's $454 shipped right now in the US with the code DA85145OFF (from Dustin Abbots youtube review notes).
I ordered a few days ago, and they have a price match guarantee as well, and were quick to respond with refunding me the difference.
p.2 #7 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
Quick test. Not the absolute sharpest, that is evident, but it's sufficient. I added sharpening here. Character seems good, handles well, CAs seem well controlled. Not nearly as heavy as I thought it might be. Fits the A7RV very nicely.
Seems good enough for now, for $455 or whatever I paid.
p.2 #8 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
Performance at minimum focus, just like Christopher Frost mentions, is a weak point. Still renders well, but contrast and sharpness are weak here. Again, sharpening added here.
Noticeable improvements when stepping back. I also took some shots of a friend outdoors and it clears right up on a full body human portrait.
p.2 #9 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
The other Viltrox lenses I've used have been stellar. So I'd expect build and optics on the Viltrox to be top notch. But like the other Viltrox Pro lenses, it is really heavy. The Samyang 85mm f/1.8 P is 1/3 the weight of the Viltrox. That's more appealing to me.
p.2 #10 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
Been using the lens for the last few months and 6 senior sessions so far. OCF and a 3-7 VND. Enjoyable experience so far.
Sharp enough on my A7RV (I still want a little more). CA/fringing only evident in difficult situation, and not super obvious. Nice colors. Nice rendering. Flare is okay, but when using the VND you have to be careful with no sun shade. Wish it had an Iris lock. Only missed focus 3-5 times over the last 6-8k photos I've taken, that I've noticed.
Sharpness added in LR. Usually around 80 with masking of between 30 and 50.
p.2 #11 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
Shot wide open in the Speulderbos forest, Netherlands.
I love this lens, also shot some nice portraits with it already.
(These two images are also part of my latest post in the Landscape forum.)
p.2 #12 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
I bought this lens in early of october: a compulsive purchase in a offer.
I replaced the sony 85/1.8. My prefered lens in this focal range is the 100 stf.
I'm satisfied of this lens on a7r4:
Good sharpness on whole frame even at f/1.4.
Reasonably smooth out of focus rendering, flat filed at landscape distance.
Very good color rendition even angainst bright lights
Quick and reactive af motor in most situation.
Good build quality with some imperfections.
I will list the defects that I found:
Markings on the lens are printed and not engraved, so they will probably wear off.
The marking next to the front lens is idiot, it can generate ghost images with filters.
The af motor works well, but sometimes whith subjects that approaches quickly miss the movement and the full burst is out of focus (front focus).
The focusing lens group is not locked when camera is off or lens is not mounted.
The out of focus rendition with subjects at 30m or more is more harsh than expected. But is still significant better than some others 85mm lens, such as the batis.
The gm2 is smaller and lighter, has probably a more reliable autofocus and has better sharpness in the corner at f/1.4. But is 3.5 times expensive.
The sigma is lighter, optically similar, but has a slower af and is 2.25x expensive
p.2 #13 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
pdp11 wrote:
The af motor works well, but sometimes whith subjects that approaches quickly miss the movement and the full burst is out of focus (front focus).
I know this was written several months back, but I came here to talk about this. I am a wedding photographer and was doing some tests with this lens on the A7IV that I recently acquired. When the subjects are further away and moving toward the camera it tracks fine but as they get closer I start getting back focusing like crazy. We're talking still 10-15 away from me. I sometimes use an 85 for processionals and recessionals. I'm getting a Tamron 35-150 in a couple of days and hope it tracks better. Other than that I am still rocking my Canon kit which seems more reliable.
p.2 #15 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
RoamingScott wrote:
I would never use a Viltrox for pro work having shot a few of them now.
?
So have I and I don't see a reason to "never" use a Viltrox for pro work. You certainly bring back-ups anyway (perhaps not a second copy of the 85/1.4 but for example a 70-200/2.8).
Is there a Viltrox having broken down on you or something?
p.2 #17 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
BigBabyMoses06 wrote:
I know a few videographers that use this lens for paid pro work.
I sold mine, (photography) because I no longer trusted the non-native autofocus. Needed a higher level of accuracy for fast moving paid shoots.
Exactly, use the right tool for the job.
I use my Sony lenses whenever I expect any "action". When not I often prefer other lenses for different reasons.
p.2 #18 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
Looks like an interesting option. I'll still stick with my GM (original version) for the following reasons.
-amazing rendering
-consistent color when shooting with another lens. I sometimes shoot 35 and 85 back and forth for portraits and its nice having reasonably close colors to not have to mess around in post processing to match the look. Just a personal preference of mine.
-even though it is slow, the AF has been consistent and reliable on all my Sony lenses.
I will say my Sigma 500mm f/5.6 has opened my mind up a little bit. It focuses as well as any of my Sony lenses except for the 70-200 f/4 G II, and other models with the newest and fanciest AF from Sony.
p.2 #19 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
Jonas B wrote:
?
So have I and I don't see a reason to "never" use a Viltrox for pro work. You certainly bring back-ups anyway (perhaps not a second copy of the 85/1.4 but for example a 70-200/2.8).
Is there a Viltrox having broken down on you or something?
Their AF tends to be dodgy compared to first party options and on Nikon, they don't support all native features of the camera due to the lack of full licensing.
I enjoy Viltrox lenses (some of them, at least) for more personal projects with deliberate and slower shooting conditions.
p.2 #20 · New: Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE Lens (Sony E)
RoamingScott wrote:
Their AF tends to be dodgy compared to first party options and on Nikon, they don't support all native features of the camera due to the lack of full licensing.
OK, Thanks. Partly a Viltrox/Nikon thing then.
Sony shooter here. I now have 3 of the cheap Viltrox 35-50-85mm lenses and they all work very well. Focusing is indeed, on average, a little slower than native Sony lenses but in many cases it also is perfectly fine. All the lenses also focus correctly.
It's a bit annoying with the differences between camera brands when speaking about third party lenses. So OK, choices and we all have to check what works.
