Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 X-Mount Review | The Best of Both Worlds?

Want to support this channel? Use these affiliate links to shop at:

=============================
Table of Contents:
=============================
0:00​ - Intro and Concept
2:24 - Fantom Wallets
3:10 - Build and Features
10:50 - Autofocus
12:40 - Video
14:55 - Image Quality
25:12 - Conclusion and Pricing
---------------------------------------------------------

My Cameras:

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[acouragefann]

My two favorite focal lengths (40 and ~105) have somehow not made it to mirrorless full frame, disregarding Sigmas huge DSLR ports - and yet Viltrox has managed to bring them to the APS-C platform. While I won't be enjoying them, I'm really happy to see these types of lenses making it to market at such a reasonable price. This really gives portrait and low light (event) shooters on fuji or sony aps-c an option that I'd say is pretty competitve with anything on FF today.

[JoaquimGonsalves]

6:06 I have the same issue with my 75 sadly. But otherwise I'm stunned by the image quality of that lens when I used it on a loaner XH2. Insane sharpness and micro-contrast and with very good AF too. Would love to see more in this series of their lenses. The best I've seen for Fuji from third party. Also, very wise to introduce focal lengths with an aperture that is less popular, especially the 75.
However, my 75 doesn't change it's focus pull direction when I see the CCW/CW direction setting on the XH2 bodies. Any idea if that was fixed in the update?

[markm]

Thanks Dustin! As usual, your review is "best in class".

[tayplaysgaymes]

This review convinced me to buy the lens. Thank you, Dustin! Absolutely fantastic review.

[zaddy]

James Popsys often says he thinks 40mm is the perfect focal length, so I started going to that on my zoom and that got me thinking. And then I started checking this lens out. I ended up buying it. I love the size and weight, it feels premium, and the images are amazing. You don't have to be too close with people, and when filming in 4K, it is super easy to stand back and crop in.

[jameshart]

Just found your profile of the back off this review; thank you for such an excellent in-depth review, woth great sample images. Subscribed and look forward to more! 👍

[johnnyway]

What would be your top pick between Viltrox 27 mm 1.2 and 13 mm 1.4? I already have Sigma 56mm but need something for video and wider images than 56mm.

[ryankwan]

Probably one of the most important APS-C lens releases of the last five years. It's either this or the Sigma 18-50 or Sigma 10-18. I love the gauntlet that Viltrox is dropping on the traditional lens manufacturers. Fingers crossed that they are ethically produced.

[transikk]

What would be your top pick between
75 mm 1.2 and 27 mm 1.2?
1 do a bit of everything product, landscape and street photography I aleeady got 13mm 1.4

[Simsel]

Dustin, thanks for the video! As soon as the lens is available for E-Mount it would be thrilling to see how it performs against a Sigma 30mm 1.4 which is from an established lens manufacturer for nearly half the price (this lens should be also available for Fuji). Would be interesting to see the comparison of 1.2 vs. 1.4.

[David-pmnm]

Greeting! Could you please make a video comparing the Viltrox 27mm 1.2 and the Sigma 23mm 1.4 for video recording? Or tell me which one is better for Fuji X-t 4. I'm a videographer and I'm not sure which of these two lenses to buy for video recording. Similar focal length, but I prefer the bokeh on the Viltrox. It seems to me that both lenses have a problem with autofocus for video and with focus breathing. Can the new firmware fix this problem? Thank you!

[CMVFactory]

Always appreciate great reviews. thank you I have a question.
I'm using XF 23mm 1.4 (new) and XF 50mm 1.0 for video on X-H2S. Can this lens replace the XF50mm 1.0? (I don't take pictures at all. It's mainly for quick portrait beauty shots using a gimbal.)
The reason I'm trying to change is that the focus of the 50mm 1.0 is too slow and heavy. And focus doesn't hold well compared to the 23mm. I wish I could have swapped both the 23mm and 50mm with this lens. I've used the 33mm 1.4 before and was happy with it, but the distance makes the 27mm more attractive. Please comment.

[parmanduke]

One of the best lenses I have ever bought. Razor thin tack sharp and beautiful bokeh.

[rogerhampton]

I love the look of the lens but struggling with the size (and weight) I’ll have to try one first.

[SpinStar]

Dustin, thanks for the review; really appreciate the detail and all the examples.
I have a X-T4 and a 16-80mm but want a really sharp prime and have concluded it must be 40-43mm equivalent or bust!
I used 50mm in FF-film for so many years that I think I can back-up as fast as I can go forward! Just too tight!
Also, If I had a 27/28mm, I could use the 16-80mm as a secondary, only when I had too for focal length.
I really want to wait for Fuji to come out with one, because I feel they would place it quality-wise with the 23mm and have a LM.
However, I have wondered if I bought the Viltrox, that it might be a good 'discounted-stopgap' while waiting for a $900+ Fuji (unless you know something we don't!).
Also, I feel that even when Fuji does release, that there will still be enough of a price differential that will allow this one to hold its resale-value.
Any thoughts Dustin on Fuji finally caving to an obvious 27-28mm demand; I just can't imagine that gap being forever left open?
In fact, I wonder if Fuji fears being able to meet demand of a 27/28mm; for all the versatility-reasons you mentioned--everyone is talking about it.
Thank You!
EDIT: Also, the hope and wait was that Fuji might have stabilization, which would be important to me!

[ofthenearfuture]

Been waiting for your review of this lens! Thanks for the video. One use case you didn't (directly) touch on was portraiture, which I understand often comes down to focal length and the 75 is probably better for it, but what would be your opinion on this lenses ability? Thanks again

[sjuhav]

As always a great review with so much useful information presented in a pleasing way. This lens will surely be added to my lens collection. I love the Viltrox 13mm & 75mm already. Over time I have come to appreciate a bit more weight to the lenses and I just get a better feeling when I hold the camera with the lens. Maybe it is as I get older, despite IBIS, feel that the camera is moving around less. I know here I am perhaps going around the general consensus that lighter lenses are to be preferred, which I went after when I was younger.

[dimpap]

Great video! How would you say it compares to the fuji 33mm 1.4? Do you prefer one over the other? Thank you

[molybdnum]

Great review highlighting the goldilocks potential here. In terms of size/weight, this is still quite manageable IMHO. Much less overwhelming than something like a Sigma A 35mm f/1.2 or 40mm f/1.4 on FF.

[kzr]

Great stuff, Dustin. Well... I think my 75mm GAS has been dethroned by this one. Yes I know, apples and oranges. But I already have and love 90m f/2. And I am very disappointed with the min focus distance of the 75mm.
Now with this one, it's not just the f/1.2. It's the focal length. I love both 23mm and 33/35mm but sometimes find the former too wide and the latter too long, so... For 1 lens to (most of the time) rule them all, I think this would fit me perfectly.