p.2 #1 · Viltrox 26mm f2.8 EVO for Z and E - first look
I currently don't need a 26/2.8 (and don't have a small body where it would work well) but it looks like a nice enough lens and IQ looks reasonable. More than the lens, I think you have a nice set of images with this and it looks like a nice lens to toss on and go shooting with.
p.2 #2 · Viltrox 26mm f2.8 EVO for Z and E - first look
Zmounter wrote:
Better optics than the NIKKOR 26mm f/2.8 ?
Sorry, no way...
I can't personally say unless I put them head to head, but from all I've read and seen about the Nikon, the Viltrox is sharper farther from center, has less CA, and has a more pleasing midrange bokeh when specular highlights abound.
p.2 #3 · Viltrox 26mm f2.8 EVO for Z and E - first look
I am definitely interested in it as the 39mm equiv lens. Considering all the similar-ish Chinese lens I've tried(TTA 23 f1.4 MF, TTA 27 f2.8 AF, 7A 25 f1.8 MF), the one that actually liked was the cheapest 7A model, because I think it renders in a interesting hue and sharp enough in center without weird bokeh or super noticeable curved field of focus. The value of the 25mm was hard to beat but MF is kind of a PITA with A5100 and this looks to actually be smaller than that 25mm so definitely worth thinking about.
p.2 #7 · Viltrox 26mm f2.8 EVO for Z and E - first look
palans wrote:
Very nice. I'm tempted to get a cheap used tiny APS-C body to use with this lens - a poor man's GRiiiX.
I have put some serious thought to getting a refurb Z30 to use pretty exclusively with this lens for that very reason. I'd really prefer an updated version with Expeed 7 though!
p.2 #8 · Viltrox 26mm f2.8 EVO for Z and E - first look
RoamingScott wrote:
I have put some serious thought to getting a refurb Z30 to use pretty exclusively with this lens for that very reason. I'd really prefer an updated version with Expeed 7 though!
I understand the desire for a small, pocketable, higher quality camera. But my own reality is I’ve never actually found a combo that’s truly pocketable unless I’m wearing a jacket. In my case, I’d rather carry a compact full frame camera with a pancake on it over my shoulder, and possibly another pancake in a pocket. If this new lens is as popular as I think it will be, my hope is that Viltrox brings a sister version same form factor out in a 38-45mm focal; the pair would be ideal for my uses.
p.2 #11 · Viltrox 26mm f2.8 EVO for Z and E - first look
palans wrote:
Very nice. I'm tempted to get a cheap used tiny APS-C body to use with this lens - a poor man's GRiiiX.
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RoamingScott wrote:
I have put some serious thought to getting a refurb Z30 to use pretty exclusively with this lens for that very reason. I'd really prefer an updated version with Expeed 7 though!
What do you guys think about the Nikon Z 24/1.7 on an APS-C body? I’ve been thinking about one for a Z50, the lens is only 136g compared to 170g on the Viltrox 26, more than a stop faster, slightly wider focal length which I prefer, and still seems plenty small enough for me.
EDIT: I’m sure the build is better on the Viltrox compared to the plastic fantastic Nikon, plus you get aperture ring on the V26, and of course you get a fullframe lens for use on all cams. And per Scott, less depth on the V26 can help with certain carry requirements.
p.2 #12 · Viltrox 26mm f2.8 EVO for Z and E - first look
Seems like that would be a better choice or the Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 Air for APS C.
Ross Martin wrote:
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What do you guys think about the Nikon Z 24/1.7 on an APS-C body? I’ve been thinking about one for a Z50, the lens is only 136g compared to 170g on the Viltrox 26, more than a stop faster, and still seems plenty small enough for me.
p.2 #14 · Viltrox 26mm f2.8 EVO for Z and E - first look
RoamingScott wrote:
Personally, it's not about the weight, it's about the depth for what I'd be trying to do, and that's where the Viltrox EVO is tempting.
I know nothing about the DX lens, but in general I don't want to make a habit of buying glass I can't share with FX.
p.2 #15 · Viltrox 26mm f2.8 EVO for Z and E - first look
The 24/1.7 is overall a pretty good lens. It’s reasonably sharp over most of the frame wide open and gets very sharp down a stop or so. Bokeh is ok. Nothing special. If have both it and the Viltrox 25/1.7, with the Nikon lens used mostly for its slimmer size on my Z30 when I want a small hip pouch with a very compact setup. The Viltrox 25 is a bit better optically. A little sharper wide open and with smoother bokeh, but if could only keep one I’d probably keep the Nikon because of its size advantage.
For use solely on DX, I’d choose either of rhe f/1.7 lenses over the Viltrox 26 because a stop and a half is kind of important in this type of lens, but I could see using it on both if you wanted to shoot it on both DX and FX. The DX 24/1.7 is bigger than the Viltrox 26/2.8, but it's only 14mm longer, so for APS-C use, you'd have to decide whether a slightly shorter lens is worth losing a stop and a half of light / subject separation.
My favorite DX everyday prime for my Z50 II, though is the newer 35mm f/1.7 MC which is brilliant optically, has macro capability (.67x, or same size object as a 1:1 on full frame), and is just so incredibly versatile. But of course that’s longer (both in focal length and physically).
p.2 #17 · Viltrox 26mm f2.8 EVO for Z and E - first look
RoamingScott wrote:
Pretty sure it's Georgia. That's where all my stuff comes from (at least my last few orders for myself). Don't shoot if yours doesn't
Confirmed. It did ship from Georgia. Should be in my hands tomorrow.
p.2 #19 · Viltrox 26mm f2.8 EVO for Z and E - first look
My copy of the “Viltrox AF 26 mm F2.8 EVO FE” just arrived.
- The build quality and feel are very good
- After taking a few shots, the optical performance is actually very good on my Sony A7RV
- The AF is very slow and reminds me of the screw-drive mechanisms on lenses from the analog era
- The AF on the Viltrox Air Series is much faster
- I also really like the snap-on metal lens hood and the magnetic lens cap
I’ll keep the lens just because of its compact size, and the €279 I paid at Rollei is the icing on the cake.
I also find the 26mm focal length (full-frame) and 39mm (APS-C mode) to be truly ideal for everyday photography.
My new trio for traveling is now the Sony A7RV + Viltrox AF 14/4.0 Air FE + Viltrox AF 26/2.8 EVO FE + Viltrox AF 50/2.0 Air FE...🙂
The Viltrox AF 26 mm F2.8 EVO FE also looks great with my Sony A7RV.
