Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
p.5 #1Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
I think the Evo might just be my first third party AF lens as it seems to strike a good balance between performance, size/weight and design with its aperture ring. Not to mention price.
While I love my Nokton 75, but it is quite big and heavy and sometimes AF is really nice to have.
While I love my Nokton 75, but it is quite big and heavy and sometimes AF is really nice to have.
Nov 13, 2025 at 04:28 AM
p.5 #2Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
Once they assure people they are the goods and tick the main boxes (and do it very well), then you look at the prices and think: why can't the Japanese do this?
In fact, a couple of mid-year articles point to this fact. Since Japanese photographic producers now have a lot of their fabrication and sourcing done in China, why are their lenses still comparatively so expensive?
By the CIPA data (though Google AI tries to hide the fact with selective indexing) the Chinese photographic market is now over 30% of global sales, #1 with a bullet.
This essentially cements Chinese aesthetics into their products from now on, as the US is very much a subsidiary market. The Chinese are now making lenses for themselves, as well as you and me.
In fact, a couple of mid-year articles point to this fact. Since Japanese photographic producers now have a lot of their fabrication and sourcing done in China, why are their lenses still comparatively so expensive?
By the CIPA data (though Google AI tries to hide the fact with selective indexing) the Chinese photographic market is now over 30% of global sales, #1 with a bullet.
This essentially cements Chinese aesthetics into their products from now on, as the US is very much a subsidiary market. The Chinese are now making lenses for themselves, as well as you and me.
Nov 13, 2025 at 01:55 PM
p.5 #3Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
Did you know Lanthanum is the secret (not so rare rare-earth) ingredient that dares not speak its name?
Don't expect it to appear in the B&H spec sheets, nor the makers' literature.
'..the inclusion of lanthanum is standard practice and often not specifically advertised, as it is a common material in sophisticated lens designs.
It is important to note that while some early rare-earth glass formulas (primarily those using thorium) were slightly radioactive, the radioactivity from modern lanthanum glass is negligible and not a safety concern.'
So they say in the butt end days of 2025. So now those 'APO-Lanthars' make more sense.
Don't expect it to appear in the B&H spec sheets, nor the makers' literature.
'..the inclusion of lanthanum is standard practice and often not specifically advertised, as it is a common material in sophisticated lens designs.
It is important to note that while some early rare-earth glass formulas (primarily those using thorium) were slightly radioactive, the radioactivity from modern lanthanum glass is negligible and not a safety concern.'
So they say in the butt end days of 2025. So now those 'APO-Lanthars' make more sense.
Nov 13, 2025 at 02:00 PM
p.5 #4Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
philip_pj wrote:
Once they assure people they are the goods and tick the main boxes (and do it very well), then you look at the prices and think: why can't the Japanese do this?
In fact, a couple of mid-year articles point to this fact. Since Japanese photographic producers now have a lot of their fabrication and sourcing done in China, why are their lenses still comparatively so expensive?
By the CIPA data (though Google AI tries to hide the fact with selective indexing) the Chinese photographic market is now over 30% of global sales, #1 with a bullet.
This essentially cements Chinese...Show more →
I mean... I would think it's in part because Japanese companies have decided they need to hit certain revenue goals and their strategy for doing so is charging what they do. It's quality over quantity. And it affords their engineers and workers a certain lifestyle that they get in Japan.
Once they assure people they are the goods and tick the main boxes (and do it very well), then you look at the prices and think: why can't the Japanese do this?
In fact, a couple of mid-year articles point to this fact. Since Japanese photographic producers now have a lot of their fabrication and sourcing done in China, why are their lenses still comparatively so expensive?
By the CIPA data (though Google AI tries to hide the fact with selective indexing) the Chinese photographic market is now over 30% of global sales, #1 with a bullet.
This essentially cements Chinese...Show more →
I mean... I would think it's in part because Japanese companies have decided they need to hit certain revenue goals and their strategy for doing so is charging what they do. It's quality over quantity. And it affords their engineers and workers a certain lifestyle that they get in Japan.
Nov 13, 2025 at 03:20 PM
RoamingScott
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p.5 #5Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
jlafferty wrote:
In fact, a couple of mid-year articles point to this fact. Since Japanese photographic producers now have a lot of their fabrication and sourcing done in China, why are their lenses still comparatively so expensive?
By the CIPA data (though Google AI tries to hide the fact with selective indexing) the Chinese photographic market is now over 30% of global sales, #1 with a bullet.
This essentially cements Chinese aesthetics into their products from now on, as the US is very much a subsidiary market. The Chinese are now making lenses for themselves, as well as you and me.I mean... I would think
And this is where the mental high ground was achieved
philip_pj wrote
Once they assure people they are the goods and tick the main boxes (and do it very well), then you look at the prices and think: why can't the Japanese do this?In fact, a couple of mid-year articles point to this fact. Since Japanese photographic producers now have a lot of their fabrication and sourcing done in China, why are their lenses still comparatively so expensive?
By the CIPA data (though Google AI tries to hide the fact with selective indexing) the Chinese photographic market is now over 30% of global sales, #1 with a bullet.
This essentially cements Chinese aesthetics into their products from now on, as the US is very much a subsidiary market. The Chinese are now making lenses for themselves, as well as you and me.
And this is where the mental high ground was achieved
Nov 13, 2025 at 03:38 PM
p.5 #7Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
Looks like the 85mm f/1.4 PRO has been announced for Z-mount, although it's not yet listed on B&H or even Viltrox's website (going to the FE mount version of the lens and then trying to change the mount to Z brings me to a 404 page).
https://petapixel.com/2025/11/18/viltrox-brings-its-600-pro-grade-85mm-f-1-4-prime-to-nikon-z/
EDIT: Posts on the Viltrox social media accounts indicate that the lens is really scheduled for release tomorrow, November 19. It's possible PetaPixel jumped the gun here. Regardless, it seems to be coming imminently and I'm strongly considering ordering one on release. I don't have the cash to drop on an 85 1.2S right now and probably wouldn't use it enough. This seems like it'll be a nice balance of quality and features at an even better price than the 85 1.8S.
Edited on Nov 18, 2025 at 02:10 PM · View previous versions
https://petapixel.com/2025/11/18/viltrox-brings-its-600-pro-grade-85mm-f-1-4-prime-to-nikon-z/
EDIT: Posts on the Viltrox social media accounts indicate that the lens is really scheduled for release tomorrow, November 19. It's possible PetaPixel jumped the gun here. Regardless, it seems to be coming imminently and I'm strongly considering ordering one on release. I don't have the cash to drop on an 85 1.2S right now and probably wouldn't use it enough. This seems like it'll be a nice balance of quality and features at an even better price than the 85 1.8S.
Edited on Nov 18, 2025 at 02:10 PM · View previous versions
Nov 18, 2025 at 09:56 AM
p.5 #8Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
Viltrox says on their instagram that it will be announced tomorrow.
Nov 18, 2025 at 02:09 PM
p.5 #9Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
Got the EVO today and it's lovely. Pics to follow.
Nov 18, 2025 at 05:30 PM
p.5 #10Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
These are all SOOC.
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Nov 18, 2025 at 06:08 PM
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p.5 #11Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
pemanja93 wrote:
Viltrox says on their instagram that it will be announced tomorrow.
Yes, looks like I was adding that as an edit to my post when you posted. Still no official announcement but the lens is now available for preorder at B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1929272-REG/viltrox_af_85_1_4_z_viltrox_af_85mm_f_1_4.html
Nov 19, 2025 at 05:05 AM
Nov 19, 2025 at 07:24 AM
p.5 #13Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
Nice. Just waiting on a competent review of someone who shoots people, and what they say about the AF.
Nov 19, 2025 at 07:53 AM
RoamingScott
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p.5 #15Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
The bokeh rendering is much more agreeable to me on the Pro than on the EVO, the ice covered branches show it handling a really harsh scene well. I had to laugh at Dustin‘s EVO review, as he showed some really harsh similar shots and then immediately talked about how pleasing they were.
The Pro also seems to have less harsh specular highlights as well. Overall the elements of the Pro bokeh are far less distracting and bokeh balls are considerably cleaner, at least judging by these few examples.
Edited on Nov 19, 2025 at 12:52 PM · View previous versions
The Pro also seems to have less harsh specular highlights as well. Overall the elements of the Pro bokeh are far less distracting and bokeh balls are considerably cleaner, at least judging by these few examples.
Edited on Nov 19, 2025 at 12:52 PM · View previous versions
Nov 19, 2025 at 09:44 AM
p.5 #16Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
EVO Arrived today (right as the PRO is released - d'oh!). I like the size compared to the 85/1.8 S, and I personally think the EVO looks better on the Zf than the S. Stuck at home right now so no fun pics, but initial impressions are good. It focuses quieter than the S as well.
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Nov 19, 2025 at 11:39 AM
p.5 #17Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
Viltrox has a warmer rendering. In a busy near background, looks to be a bit more defined/harsh than the Nikon S, but it doesn't really bother me since this isn't a photo I'd actually take.
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Nov 19, 2025 at 12:09 PM
p.5 #18Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
RoamingScott wrote:
The bokeh rendering is much more agreeable to me on the Pro than on the EVO, the ice covered branches show it handling a really harsh scene well. I had to laugh at Dustin‘s EVO review, as he showed some really harsh similar shots and then immediately talked about how pleasing they were.
The EVO also seems to have less harsh specular highlights as well. Overall the elements of the EVO bokeh are far less distracting and bokeh balls are considerably cleaner, at least judging by these few examples.
I haven't had time to watch the Z-mount review yet (I watched previous reviews of the Sony version), but I'm not following what you're saying. I think you might've mixed up your use of Pro vs. EVO?
The bokeh rendering is much more agreeable to me on the Pro than on the EVO, the ice covered branches show it handling a really harsh scene well. I had to laugh at Dustin‘s EVO review, as he showed some really harsh similar shots and then immediately talked about how pleasing they were.
The EVO also seems to have less harsh specular highlights as well. Overall the elements of the EVO bokeh are far less distracting and bokeh balls are considerably cleaner, at least judging by these few examples.
I haven't had time to watch the Z-mount review yet (I watched previous reviews of the Sony version), but I'm not following what you're saying. I think you might've mixed up your use of Pro vs. EVO?
Nov 19, 2025 at 12:39 PM
RoamingScott
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p.5 #19Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
Fixed.
Wezre wrote:
The EVO also seems to have less harsh specular highlights as well. Overall the elements of the EVO bokeh are far less distracting and bokeh balls are considerably cleaner, at least judging by these few examples.I haven't had time to watch the Z-mount review yet (I watched previous reviews of the Sony version), but I'm not following what you're saying. I think you might've mixed up your use of Pro vs. EVO?
Wezre wrote:
RoamingScott wrote
The bokeh rendering is much more agreeable to me on the Pro than on the EVO, the ice covered branches show it handling a really harsh scene well. I had to laugh at Dustin‘s EVO review, as he showed some really harsh similar shots and then immediately talked about how pleasing they were.The EVO also seems to have less harsh specular highlights as well. Overall the elements of the EVO bokeh are far less distracting and bokeh balls are considerably cleaner, at least judging by these few examples.
Nov 19, 2025 at 12:52 PM
p.5 #20Viltrox 85mm f1.4 PRO and f2.0 EVO
bassderek wrote:
Viltrox has a warmer rendering. In a busy near background, looks to be a bit more defined/harsh than the Nikon S, but it doesn't really bother me since this isn't a photo I'd actually take.
EVO also appears more contrasty and vibrant.
Viltrox has a warmer rendering. In a busy near background, looks to be a bit more defined/harsh than the Nikon S, but it doesn't really bother me since this isn't a photo I'd actually take.
EVO also appears more contrasty and vibrant.
Nov 19, 2025 at 01:31 PM