Viltrox 27mm f/1.2: Ambitious AF - and I'm Not Talking About Autofocus (feat. Fujifilm X-H2)

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[nolo]

Hi Hugh, your videos/analysis talks are so pragmatic that they are a sit-up-an-listen experience! Many thanks, great to have a more practical view of how specific gear sits in the photographic world which is churning out products faster than we are able to appreciate their advantages vs. the downsides (information overload.)

[RockNReefPhotography]

Hugh absolutely love your candour and perspective. I am very much of the mindset it is how does my equipment impact the way I feel about my art. The XPRO-1 was what helped me understand this and every fuji camera since. The tactility for me helps, I think less about the mechanics and more about the creativity

[SwapnilBhartiya]

I just LOVE your narrative style. Thank you!

[gilleslast]

To make a comparison between the XH-2/Viltrox and Leica/Hasselblad is kind of bravery. Thanks Hugh for this very open-minded video.

[SpinStar]

First off, really appreciate your detailed-reviews. My present gear is a X-T4 with the 16-80mm. I really love the flexibility but do want something much sharper.
I'm also hung up on the 27-28mm ( 41-43mm equiv.), as 50mm equiv. is just too tight. I also really want both still and video capability, so LM seems a necessity.
I want to hold out for Fuji to make one like the 23mm but that could be some time. So, I'm leaning toward getting the Viltrox 27mm/1.2 as a stopgap.
I think this lens will keep its value, because even 'when' Fuji 'finally' makes one, the price differential will (given the 23mm etc.) still be high.
Anyway, again thanks for your meticulous analysis work in really ferreting-out the physical realities, no matter what their significant relevance, because they are still so important to contextual understanding of this amazing art of lens-craft. When you know all the details, you can really feel good about the purchase, and what future expectations to have...

EDIT: well, I decided that I was not going to wait for Fuji, and actually purchased the Bill trucks 27 mm F/1.2. I was able to get it on a sale from B&H plus some reward points I didn’t know I had! This lens is absolutely fantastic, and actually exceeds what I originally thought by quite a bit. Also, I’d like to say that, as far as the weight, with my X-T4, it feels like a really good balance, and although the total package is a little hefty, it just feels really good. The images are much sharper and have more of a realistic presence to them, reflections are now glassy instead of just grain that mimics the reflection than my 16-80 mm lens. Anyway, Hugh, I really appreciate your review, and feel that I will be very happy with this, as it has become my new. ‘standard’ lens, only switching to the zoom when absolutely necessary. Also, for any of you out there on the fence as I was, I do not believe you will be in any way disappointed by your purchase… 😀

[LightDive]

Great work in laying it out! Just from the video quality of your talking head, the lens is fantastically clear.

[kiselyo]

After being on crossroads of building my first fuji kit either on Rringer and Nikon lens or buying something native, I stumble upon your video. Holy Molly, you've got style, sir! I think you finally convinced me which way I should take and that's going to be a Viltroux way. Thank you so much, and I am forever your subscriber!

[OssyKB]

Bro i could listen to you for a month straight 😂 thank you and I’m definitely subscribed. You seem very cool

[Philbreenphotography]

Such a wholesome family. Love watching your adventure

[mahdimanesh]

Interesting video! Well done! My journey brought me from Nikon to Fuji X, to the GFX, then the Hasselblad cameras and finally including the X2D -- before I made a bold move back to Fuji with the XH2S and the 23 + 33mm LM WR lenses. Took me a while to order the 75mm Viltrox lens but after 2 days of shooting I must admit it is really good! For the 27mm, I am less sure, but just because I already own the neighbor focal lengths... and even then, this may very well be an option to just carry one lens instead of the two. And the 33 is that good -- it made me shoot 50mm equivalent again; after more than 5 years on 35mm mostly. So yes... I may need to get that 27mm as well... for Christmas. Or so. :P

[jamestonbellajo]

Then you don’t need the “as” in the title, Hugh! Man, Viltrox really got this lens in everyone’s hands.

[luispessoa]

75mm is so unbelievable I'm considering this 27mm. If it's half as good as the 75mm it would already be a great lens. Bought it to take some portraits, stage photos (where it reeeeally shines), but I end up using it for everything. Everything about these pro Viltrox lenses is top quality.

[franklonyai]

This is the first time I have watched a video from your site. I have been thrilled about the depth, style and honesty of how you have approached a lens review. It is refreshing to watch and listen to reviews like this. Viltrox actually has the 13 mm f/1.4 lens that has become one of my favorites. From a Fuji camera owner's perspective, it was the first Viltrox lens deemed good enough to buy and I have never regretted it. I really liked your closing comments because Viltrox has come basically from nowhere and has blown by third party lens providers (acknowledging that the breadth of offering is shorter than other third party offerings but in quality, for me, surpasses thoses companies.) thanks for the grea review!

[larskjensen]

Man, these videos are freakin’ awesome. Thanks for putting your time, effort, skill and heart into them.

[scs]

Great review, and great points. In summary, this Viltrox looks like an excellent option if one is already invested in Fuji APS-C.

In depth, the Fuji X-H2 is as big as Sony's FF cameras. Even their X-T5 which shares the 40 MP sensor isn't much smaller. Rather than compare the X-H2 to the a7R IVa, I'd compare it to the a7R IIIa. The latter sports an essentially equal resolution 42 MP sensor to the Fuji's 40 MP, and is still available new for just slightly more at $2, 198. Then, as you point out, a 40mm f/2 lens on FF equalizes the FOV and DOF of 27mm f/1.2 on APS-C. Let's skip the 2x the price but roughly half the weight Batis 40mm f/2 CF, and the half stop slower Sony 40mm 2.5 G. Sigma bookends the 40mm f/2 FF with both 35mm f/2 and 50mm f/2 lenses in their i Series lineup. At $640 those Sigma lenses are within $100 of the Viltrox in question, come in at just over half the weight, and match (if not exceed) with their clicky aperture rings and all aluminum construction.

[wagnerjean-francois]

Hugh, I Truly Appreciate The Criticisms/Flaws Mentioned In Your Review, Regarding The 27mm. I Currently Own Viltrox's 13 & 75mm & As A Hobbyist & For My Style Of Shooting, This 27, Would Be A Great Replacement For My 13mm. Blessings To You & Claudia!🤝🏿♥️

[iaincphotography]

Thank you Hugh for your honest review, a 27 prime would fit in very well indeed. I tend to carry my camera by its lens (finger and thumb around said lens) base in the palm of my hand so I never moan about the size of the grip.

[AntonyBall-hg]

looks a great lens Hugh been looking it up the passed few days thanks for your

[drthompson]

The three lenses in this line would give a nice trifecta for a Fuji shooter. Might have to go pick up a used XT3..

[joshfogel]

Without considering the differences between this and the xf33 1.4, which would ya’ll choose? I know the 33 was reviewed very well on this channel.