Viltrox EVO
p.10 #1Viltrox EVO
RoamingScott wrote:
Looks like I had 1.00 on my lens, and it reports 1.02 is the latest for Z. The updating app is entirely in Chinese, so THAT'S fun...
[...]
Yup. I downloaded the Windows version and it is in Chinese as well. Tricky.
I got my copy of the lens (E-mount) today. It says fw version .01 and works pretty well. AF in low light towards the edge or corners doesn't work but that's all. I have no problems with AF-C (where the need of speed is within reason). A lot of further testing is required but this far everything is OK.
I also have the chinese but expensive Sony 40/2.5 G and will compare some images one of these days.
Looks like I had 1.00 on my lens, and it reports 1.02 is the latest for Z. The updating app is entirely in Chinese, so THAT'S fun...
[...]
Yup. I downloaded the Windows version and it is in Chinese as well. Tricky.
I got my copy of the lens (E-mount) today. It says fw version .01 and works pretty well. AF in low light towards the edge or corners doesn't work but that's all. I have no problems with AF-C (where the need of speed is within reason). A lot of further testing is required but this far everything is OK.
I also have the chinese but expensive Sony 40/2.5 G and will compare some images one of these days.
Apr 24, 2026 at 11:15 AM
p.10 #2Viltrox EVO
Very much interested in the AF speed
How does the EVO stm compare to the Lineair motors of the Sony G lens?
Jonas B wrote:
[...]Yup. I downloaded the Windows version and it is in Chinese as well. Tricky.
I got my copy of the lens (E-mount) today. It says fw version .01 and works pretty well. AF in low light towards the edge or corners doesn't work but that's all. I have no problems with AF-C (where the need of speed is within reason). A lot of further testing is required but this far everything is OK.
I also have the chinese but expensive Sony 40/2.5 G and will compare some images one of these days.
How does the EVO stm compare to the Lineair motors of the Sony G lens?
Jonas B wrote:
RoamingScott wrote
Looks like I had 1.00 on my lens, and it reports 1.02 is the latest for Z. The updating app is entirely in Chinese, so THAT'S fun...[...]
I got my copy of the lens (E-mount) today. It says fw version .01 and works pretty well. AF in low light towards the edge or corners doesn't work but that's all. I have no problems with AF-C (where the need of speed is within reason). A lot of further testing is required but this far everything is OK.
I also have the chinese but expensive Sony 40/2.5 G and will compare some images one of these days.
Apr 24, 2026 at 11:31 AM
p.10 #3Viltrox EVO
Chaliel wrote:
Very much interested in the AF speed
How does the EVO stm compare to the Lineair motors of the Sony G lens?
Well.. it's a tiny bit slower and there is a tiny noise (but hard to hear really) when the motor is working. I see no problem at all with it for the work I do. That is with the E version, fw version .01 and a Sony A1.
But, that doesn't tell you much. Do you have any suggestions for a comparison tailored for your needs?
PS
There is nothing strange at all with the hood. It goes on and off just fine and it also sits fine on the lens.
It is of course too big for my taste so I replaced it with a round standard 58mm screw on metal hood.
Very much interested in the AF speed
How does the EVO stm compare to the Lineair motors of the Sony G lens?
Well.. it's a tiny bit slower and there is a tiny noise (but hard to hear really) when the motor is working. I see no problem at all with it for the work I do. That is with the E version, fw version .01 and a Sony A1.
But, that doesn't tell you much. Do you have any suggestions for a comparison tailored for your needs?
PS
There is nothing strange at all with the hood. It goes on and off just fine and it also sits fine on the lens.
It is of course too big for my taste so I replaced it with a round standard 58mm screw on metal hood.
Apr 24, 2026 at 11:42 AM
p.10 #4Viltrox EVO
To give an example
Modern dance on a dark stage is very demanding, as I need a rather fast shutter speed and at least f4-5.6...
In those situations fast AF counts.
The Sony 50mm f2.5 G does a better job as the 50mm f1.4 GM... Less glas to move and both have 2 XD lineair AF motors.
Jonas B wrote:
How does the EVO stm compare to the Lineair motors of the Sony G lens?Well.. it's a tiny bit slower and there is a tiny noise (but hard to hear really) when the motor is working. I see no problem at all with it for the work I do. That is with the E version, fw version .01 and a Sony A1.
But, that doesn't tell you much. Do you have any suggestions for a comparison tailored for your needs?
PS
There is nothing strange at all with the hood. It goes on and off just fine and it also sits fine on the lens.
It is of course too big for my taste so I...Show more →
Modern dance on a dark stage is very demanding, as I need a rather fast shutter speed and at least f4-5.6...
In those situations fast AF counts.
The Sony 50mm f2.5 G does a better job as the 50mm f1.4 GM... Less glas to move and both have 2 XD lineair AF motors.
Jonas B wrote:
Chaliel wrote
Very much interested in the AF speedHow does the EVO stm compare to the Lineair motors of the Sony G lens?
But, that doesn't tell you much. Do you have any suggestions for a comparison tailored for your needs?
PS
There is nothing strange at all with the hood. It goes on and off just fine and it also sits fine on the lens.
It is of course too big for my taste so I...Show more →
Apr 25, 2026 at 09:52 AM
RoamingScott
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p.10 #5Viltrox EVO
Just catching up on the 26/2.8 EVO that was teased at NAB...barely bigger than the very middling "chip" fixed f/4.5 lens, wild.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DXiNyB8EbR-/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DXiNyB8EbR-/
Apr 25, 2026 at 10:35 AM
p.10 #7Viltrox EVO
Chaliel wrote:
To give an example
Modern dance on a dark stage is very demanding, as I need a rather fast shutter speed and at least f4-5.6...
In those situations fast AF counts.
The Sony 50mm f2.5 G does a better job as the 50mm f1.4 GM... Less glas to move and both have 2 XD lineair AF motors.
Oh. I don't know how to mimic that situation in a realistic way.
I have the 40G and I can say for sure the EVO35 doesn't focus as fast as the 40. The difference isn't that big but the 40G AF feels more.... let's say active and trustworthy.
As you need to stop down, wouldn't the 40G be close enough. Then there is the 35GM which is bulky and not significantly faster to focus than the 40G.
I don't mind help you out but I just don't know how, except for going to a dance performance—something I have no intention of doing.
To give an example
Modern dance on a dark stage is very demanding, as I need a rather fast shutter speed and at least f4-5.6...
In those situations fast AF counts.
The Sony 50mm f2.5 G does a better job as the 50mm f1.4 GM... Less glas to move and both have 2 XD lineair AF motors.
Oh. I don't know how to mimic that situation in a realistic way.
I have the 40G and I can say for sure the EVO35 doesn't focus as fast as the 40. The difference isn't that big but the 40G AF feels more.... let's say active and trustworthy.
As you need to stop down, wouldn't the 40G be close enough. Then there is the 35GM which is bulky and not significantly faster to focus than the 40G.
I don't mind help you out but I just don't know how, except for going to a dance performance—something I have no intention of doing.
Apr 25, 2026 at 12:52 PM
p.10 #8Viltrox EVO
Well, I use both the Sony 40G and the 50G and not the 50GM.
Perhaps I try to compensate for reaction speed as I'm eighty this year, so AF-speed can be a deal breaker for me...
There will always be a fraction of time between seeing what you wanna capture and pushing the shutter.
Perhaps I try to compensate for reaction speed as I'm eighty this year, so AF-speed can be a deal breaker for me...
There will always be a fraction of time between seeing what you wanna capture and pushing the shutter.
Apr 25, 2026 at 02:26 PM
p.10 #9Viltrox EVO
Chaliel wrote:
Well, I use both the Sony 40G and the 50G and not the 50GM.
Perhaps I try to compensate for reaction speed as I'm eighty this year, so AF-speed can be a deal breaker for me...
There will always be a fraction of time between seeing what you wanna capture and pushing the shutter.
Yes, there is an on-going struggle, the never ending attempt to capture the moment. Also when we have learned to foresee that moment we don't want to have problems with shutterlag or a slow focusing process.
Then again, I grow up with manual everything and managed to get some images back then, in the 70's. Todays hit rate is higher indeed.
Maybe you don't need to look further than to the gear you already have. I really like my 40G!
Well, I use both the Sony 40G and the 50G and not the 50GM.
Perhaps I try to compensate for reaction speed as I'm eighty this year, so AF-speed can be a deal breaker for me...
There will always be a fraction of time between seeing what you wanna capture and pushing the shutter.
Yes, there is an on-going struggle, the never ending attempt to capture the moment. Also when we have learned to foresee that moment we don't want to have problems with shutterlag or a slow focusing process.
Then again, I grow up with manual everything and managed to get some images back then, in the 70's. Todays hit rate is higher indeed.
Maybe you don't need to look further than to the gear you already have. I really like my 40G!
Apr 25, 2026 at 02:50 PM
p.10 #10Viltrox EVO
Its as my poacher friend who only takes three bullets... "because we always want more"...
Apr 25, 2026 at 09:12 PM
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p.10 #11Viltrox EVO
My tastes are
simple,
I am easily satisfied
with the best
W. Churchill
simple,
I am easily satisfied
with the best
W. Churchill
Apr 25, 2026 at 09:18 PM
p.10 #12Viltrox EVO
Chaliel wrote:
EVO is really going wild...
26, 75, 90... Coming
Odd to bring out a 90 as well as the 85...
I am hoping for a 135/2.5
[Just realised the 90mm looks like it will be an APSC lens - so a 135mm equivalent!]
EVO is really going wild...
26, 75, 90... Coming
Odd to bring out a 90 as well as the 85...
I am hoping for a 135/2.5
[Just realised the 90mm looks like it will be an APSC lens - so a 135mm equivalent!]
Apr 26, 2026 at 01:45 PM
RoamingScott
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p.10 #14Viltrox EVO
ihasa wrote:
26, 75, 90... ComingOdd to bring out a 90 as well as the 85...
I am hoping for a 135/2.5
[Just realised the 90mm looks like it will be an APSC lens - so a 135mm equivalent!]
Both the 75 and 90 are APS-C.
Chaliel wrote
EVO is really going wild...26, 75, 90... Coming
I am hoping for a 135/2.5
[Just realised the 90mm looks like it will be an APSC lens - so a 135mm equivalent!]
Both the 75 and 90 are APS-C.
Apr 26, 2026 at 02:38 PM
p.10 #16Viltrox EVO
From Zeiss to Voigtländer to Viltrox. A new order and our grandchildren should probably consider learning Chinese.
Apr 26, 2026 at 11:35 PM
p.10 #17Viltrox EVO
There was a point where "Made in China" meant inferior quality and materials and supporting poor labor conditions and artificially low prices due to government subsidies, but that is surely going away.
I am sure Viltrox and a slew of other Chinese lens manufacturer will eventually get parity with OEM glasses in terms of image quality, AF speed and accuracy, etc, but not quite there yet.
This lens costs a lot less than an OEM lens, 459 EUR here in Europe, but what will the lens be worth in 2-3 years when they are on Mk II or III of the same lens with distinct improvements? My concern isn't the initial purchasing price as much as the total cost of ownership of an item, availability of service in Europe, variance between copies, etc.
I am sure Viltrox and a slew of other Chinese lens manufacturer will eventually get parity with OEM glasses in terms of image quality, AF speed and accuracy, etc, but not quite there yet.
This lens costs a lot less than an OEM lens, 459 EUR here in Europe, but what will the lens be worth in 2-3 years when they are on Mk II or III of the same lens with distinct improvements? My concern isn't the initial purchasing price as much as the total cost of ownership of an item, availability of service in Europe, variance between copies, etc.
Apr 27, 2026 at 03:36 AM
p.10 #18Viltrox EVO
I really wish they would release a 18mm or 21mm. Completing the set of 21-ish, 35, 50, 85
Imagine that eh
Imagine that eh
Apr 27, 2026 at 01:16 PM
RoamingScott
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p.10 #19Viltrox EVO
RoamingScott wrote:
Ultrasharp and zero distortion at the far edges, impressive, feels rectilinear. Can see some 3D pop. Excellent flare resistance and good control of fringing (but still some under extreme conditions)
Will try this weekend on a real travel scenario shooting landscapes and people. Has potential.
Bringing the 35GM to compareGood to know the yellow cast is, as expected, a multi-mount "issue" if you want to call it that. Thanks for the feedback.
I'm starting to compare the 35 EVO to the Z 35/1.4 and the yellow tint of the EVO stands out like a sore thumb in A/B tests. These are on totally neutral profiles in LR with no color or lens profile correction. In the end, the EVO meters 1/3 stop dark and 200k warmer.
Z
V
Getting the files to the same WB and exposure, we can still see that the Viltrox has a "hot spot" in the center of the frame wide open with no corrections in terms of exposure.
Z
V
Another interesting thing is, despite being a "deeper" FOV, the Viltrox has less bokeh than the Z at the same aperture. I've seen this behavior against the other 35s I've shot it against as well. In practice, the Viltrox is closer to F2.0 wide open in terms of bokeh. The light gathering of the Viltrox is also significantly worse.
Edited on Apr 29, 2026 at 01:27 PM · View previous versions
Tobylq007 wrote
Received my copy today and can confirm the yellowish cast on A7CR tried some quick and dirty color adjustments and somewhat usable now, very dissapointed, I was hoping for better colors.Ultrasharp and zero distortion at the far edges, impressive, feels rectilinear. Can see some 3D pop. Excellent flare resistance and good control of fringing (but still some under extreme conditions)
Will try this weekend on a real travel scenario shooting landscapes and people. Has potential.
Bringing the 35GM to compare
I'm starting to compare the 35 EVO to the Z 35/1.4 and the yellow tint of the EVO stands out like a sore thumb in A/B tests. These are on totally neutral profiles in LR with no color or lens profile correction. In the end, the EVO meters 1/3 stop dark and 200k warmer.
Z
V
Getting the files to the same WB and exposure, we can still see that the Viltrox has a "hot spot" in the center of the frame wide open with no corrections in terms of exposure.
Z
V
Another interesting thing is, despite being a "deeper" FOV, the Viltrox has less bokeh than the Z at the same aperture. I've seen this behavior against the other 35s I've shot it against as well. In practice, the Viltrox is closer to F2.0 wide open in terms of bokeh. The light gathering of the Viltrox is also significantly worse.
Edited on Apr 29, 2026 at 01:27 PM · View previous versions
Apr 29, 2026 at 01:15 PM
p.10 #20Viltrox EVO
RoamingScott wrote:
I'm starting to compare the 35 EVO to the Z 35/1.4 and the yellow tint of the EVO stands out like a sore thumb in A/B tests. These are on totally neutral profiles in LR with no color or lens profile correction. In the end, the EVO meters 1/3 stop dark and 200k warmer.
[2 images]
Interesting. I assume that it is the same camera and the white balance is set manually to the same value - for both images. Is that correct?
I'm starting to compare the 35 EVO to the Z 35/1.4 and the yellow tint of the EVO stands out like a sore thumb in A/B tests. These are on totally neutral profiles in LR with no color or lens profile correction. In the end, the EVO meters 1/3 stop dark and 200k warmer.
[2 images]
Interesting. I assume that it is the same camera and the white balance is set manually to the same value - for both images. Is that correct?
Apr 29, 2026 at 01:21 PM