Great news. I like the idea behind the EVO series (f/2 is usually good enough for me, and I like smaller and lighter) so definitely looking forward to that on my Zf!
jrscls wrote:
When are these coming to the Nikon Z mount? Either Viltrox is taking their time releasing the 35mm f/1.2 and the 85mm lenses or perhaps there is some pressure from Nikon to delay their release. Perhaps, just get their Sony FE to Z adapter?
They are several lenses behind for Z, probably because of Sony's market position in the video/light cine segment, which is growing fast. There are ways and means to have a better idea of their scheduling:
'If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear from you anytime, contact with us at':
jrscls wrote:
When are these coming to the Nikon Z mount? Either Viltrox is taking their time releasing the 35mm f/1.2 and the 85mm lenses or perhaps there is some pressure from Nikon to delay their release. Perhaps, just get their Sony FE to Z adapter?
Did you read the first sentence of the thread? The EVO will be released for Z mount November 5th..
There is no exact date for the PRO but given there are leaks of promotional images as well as pics of it on a Z8, it can't be too far off either.
I'm hoping we'll see a matching 35mm f1.4 PRO next year (and/or a 28mm). Personally not that interested in the LAB - looks like a good lens, but the ergonomics are not as nice as on the PRO series, e.g. no aperture markings.
The Sirui Aurora series is an interesting alternative. In terms of size & weight they sit in-between the Viltrox PRO and EVO series, yet still f1.4 max aperture. It seems to come at the cost of a bit of wide-open sharpness though and there are mixed reports on how reliable the AF works..
Fantastic. I have the Viltrox 135mm f1.8, and the 16mm f1.8, and I can honestly say the image quality is as good, if not better than my Nikon lenses. And the build quality is far better than my Nikon lenses.
I would be curious to compare the 85/2 to the TTArtisan 75/2. It would take quite a lens to woo me away from the TTA's rendering. In no world would I choose a 800g+ 3rd party lens like the Pro over my Z 85/1.2.
I also quite like the working distance of 75mm better than 85mm which I have always found to feel restrictively close indoors.
Optical Limits has already tested the FE-mount version of the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2 FE EVO.
You don't get the fastest autofocus, but that's to be expected in this price range.
Considering the price, the optical performance seems impressive.
RoamingScott wrote:
I would be curious to compare the 85/2 to the TTArtisan 75/2. It would take quite a lens to woo me away from the TTA's rendering. In no world would I choose a 800g+ 3rd party lens like the Pro over my Z 85/1.2.
I also quite like the working distance of 75mm better than 85mm which I have always found to feel restrictively close indoors.
It’s always interesting to me how different lenses are perceived by different people. I was thoroughly unimpressed by the TTA 75/2.
We agree on a fair bit, though certainly have had different opinions on some optics. We're both in agreement that the 24-120/4S is exceptional.
I have many lenses I like just because of their rendering, but I just couldn't handle the 75/2's midzone dip...just made it a bit of a lottery as to whether my focus point was going to be sharp or soft. Meanwhile, I love the manual focus TTA 50/1.4, which just draws beautifully.
In any case, I'm actually potentially in the market for one of these. In a little while I'll probably downsize my portrait prime from the excellent, but expensive 105mm f/1.4E to one of the 85mm options. Not sure which way to go. (I adore the 105E, but can't really justify keeping it once I finish my daughter's senior photos....I do very little portraiture nowadays).
Both Viltrox lenses hold some appeal here. I've also thought about picking up the 85/1.4G or 85/1.8G in this space, but not sure how I'd get along with those. The 85/1.4G has a very nice rendering, but is fairly substantially softer than the other options in this comparison.
I played around with the Viltrox 85/1.4 PRO at the Salon del la photo show in Paris last month (as well as the new 50/1.4 PRO). The really hard part in today's lens making is keeping the lens relatively light and small while generating a great quality image circle to hit the sensor. Viltrox ignored the small and light and focused on delivering image quality at an affordable price. Personally, I find +800 gr too much on the bodies I like to carry/use for a f/1.4 prime, especially on a body like the Zf without good ergs. Maybe if you add the grip, but then you are well over 1.5 kg.
Additionally, the 85/1.4 PRO focusing motors are shaking around inside the lens when not active. Viltrox rep said it is normal and won't cause and wear or tear, but I truly wonder how this lens will hold up on 2-3 years.
85mm EVO could be interesting, this time they obviously focused on size and price.
I really hope Nikon truly opens the Z mount ASAP - let Canon be the only one left with a closed mount :-)
I shot a candle lit event last night with the EVO on my A7cII, lens performed flawlessly. It's an absolute joy to shoot with. The feel, size and weight are perfect for those who want to travel light.
That’s how voice coil motors work. They are a bit free and springy until under power. Nikon’s VCM driven lenses will be the same.
patotts wrote:
Additionally, the 85/1.4 PRO focusing motors are shaking around inside the lens when not active. Viltrox rep said it is normal and won't cause and wear or tear, but I truly wonder how this lens will hold up on 2-3 years.
I went ahead and ordered the Evo 85 since it's available today in Z mount...liking what I'm seeing from it....can always return it if it doesn't suit my needs, but I think it'll be a very nice choice. It's saying delivery on Friday.
