3catsinky wrote:
I think it's probably time to sell the Batis. Even though I just used it to shoot 3 days of video interviews. I think I'd like to try the Siriu Aurora. The video I have seen on it, it has amazing bokeh. Glad I could finally contribute a meaningful comparison
I got my copy of the EVO85 today. It's raining and windy outside so all I have done is the usual test making sure the copy is OK and not decentered, misaligned or otherwise obviously faulty. Turned out it is totally OK.
Earlier this year I bought the Sirui Aurora 85/1.4 as I was looking for something good but not too expensive in the 85mm FL or thereabout. The Aurora is great but not perfect. I like it but considering how seldom I use this focal length (I'm very much a 20-50mm guy) I want something smaller, cheaper and lighter.
Comes the 85EVO.
There is a thread about the Aurora here, April 2025, started buy Guy. At page 3 you'll find his images, at page 5 you have images by cameraman72 and me.
I still have the Aurora and plan to compare (not in extreme detail but something) it to the EVO85. I'll keep one of these lenses and sell the other. When trying to compare the lenses, is there something I can include for you (or have you allreday decided to buy and try by yourself)?
I mean, I really don't need two 85s, it's why I sold the Nikon 85F1.8S. The EVO works perfectly fine on the adapter in photo and video mode. Probably going to list the Batis up for sale this weekend, and wait patiently for the 35-50F1.4 :-), I would LOVE a 24-50F2 as well. Here are a few more shot on the Z8 and Viltrox adapter.
NIKON Z 885mm f/2G lens85mmf/2.01/160s2000 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 885mm f/2G lens85mmf/2.01/160s2000 ISO0.0 EV
3catsinky wrote:
I mean, I really don't need two 85s, it's why I sold the Nikon 85F1.8S. The EVO works perfectly fine on the adapter in photo and video mode. Probably going to list the Batis up for sale this weekend, and wait patiently for the 35-50F1.4 :-), I would LOVE a 24-50F2 as well. Here are a few more shot on the Z8 and Viltrox adapter.
OK.
Thank you for the images. I think Viltrox has done a great lens with the EVO85.
As I'm looking for lighter and smaller (but still good) I don't know about a 24-50/2... I have the 24-50/2.8 and it's 440 g so close to my limit weight-wise. The 28-70/2 is 900+ grams... But sure, if anyone makes a 24-50/2 I certainly would be interested.
Currently also own the 85mm f/1.8 Batis and the original FE 85/1.4 GM but also plan to try the Viltrox 85/2 EVO to try in my travel kit for my A7CR / A7CII. The EVO was just ordered yesterday and will arrive soon. Will compare to my Batis and my 65mm f/2 and 90mm f/2.8 I-Series Sigma’s.
Any chance Viltrox will make a 40mm f/2 that has an aperture ring? Will have to compare it to the Batis 40mm if it becomes a reality.
Viltrox should update their 28/1.8 to have an EVO style *clickable* aperture ring. Their current 28/1.8 is good, but the aperture ring is strangely not clickable. Such an oddball design choice.
Well I’m waiting for Viltrox 85/2.0 EVO to arrive. Decided to give it a try to use in my travel bag to use on my Sony A7CR / A7CII. Currently have the Zeiss Batis 85/1.8 but the potential of reduced size intrigued me. I’ll use it along side my Sony FE 16-25/2.8 G and FE 24-50/2.8 G. I’m building trust around Viltrox glass. This will be the 4th lens I’ve bought although I currently only own two since I have sold the Sony APS-C primes after selling my Sony A6700. If the EVO series works out I hope they build a 40mm f/2. Interested how well they have implemented the aperture ring.
It's been two years since the 28/1.8 appeared, and two years is an eternity for Viltrox, The aperture ring is well made on that one, a little stiff for video use probably; they figure most will use the A setting.
What Cosina and Thypoch have done is established a new reference point for high end 28s - fast apertures and low weight. 28s are surprisingly good for bokeh work.
Their glass formulations provide similar highlight handling to that of the Thypoch lenses, and that is a great asset for people photography - the Chinese are not so risk-averse for that niche, in social settings. They can stick to f2 for very light weight, and use the CV 28/2 APO as the target to surpass.
Just received mine earlier today and I am really impressed by the build. I’ve owned three pro f/1.2 APS-C version and the full frame 50mm f/2 Air and the aperture ring is great on the EVO. Perfect addition to my travel bag and will probably replace my larger Zeiss Batis 85/1.8 for travel. Will put it through its trail this coming week but so far so good. It has all the features I need for the stills work I plan to do with it.
swldstn wrote:
Just received mine earlier today and I am really impressed by the build. I’ve owned three pro f/1.2 APS-C version and the full frame 50mm f/2 Air and the aperture ring is great on the EVO. Perfect addition to my travel bag and will probably replace my larger Zeiss Batis 85/1.8 for travel. Will put it through its trail this coming week but so far so good. It has all the features I need for the stills work I plan to do with it.
The aperture ring is perfect?
I'm on day 3 or so with my EVO85. Nearly everything is fine but the aperture ring is not. To my taste it is too mushy: the steps should have been more distinct. The ring also moves way to easy between A and 22.
The EVO 85 is very nice and it will replace my Sirui 85/1.4 which also is fine but 150 grams heavier.
Has anyone compared the 85mm EVO with the Samyang 85mm f/1.8 Prima by any chance? I realise the EVO has more controls on the lens but I would be interested to know how they compare optically and for AF, if anyone has compared them. Thank you!
Haven't been enamored with any of Viltrox's recent offerings either because the rendering is too bland and clinical or the weight is absurd (the LAB 135...), but was struck by the samples of the EVO 85mm, which looked beautiful. Grabbed a copy to test and wow, what a punchy little lens! Reminds me of the Loxias in many ways. Gorgeous colors and extremely sharp while still having character. Vignette is enormous even stopped down but that's just a tradeoff to deal with for the teeny tiny size.
I'm pitting the EVO against my TTA 75/2 which I like very, very much. Immediately struck by how much more I prefer the TTA rendering. The EVO is sharp as all get out at the expense of bokeh rendering that I prefer.
