Sigma 23mm F1.4 vs Viltrox 27mm F1.2

In this video I compare the excellent Sigma 23mm F1.4 with the arguably more excellent Viltrox 27mm F1.2. You can read more about these lenses and check prices here:

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[Rigpasword]

I just purchased both the Viltrox 27mm/1.2 and the 75mm/1.2 and can they are outstanding premium lenses. However, they are HEAVY and BULKY compared to the other APSC lenses I have. Either one on my a6700 makes the set up feel like a holding heavy dumbbell in my hands. But again, super fine quality on all levels.

[schnubbel]

In the past few years i always chose the technical and optical better alternative if there were two comparable lenses. That also meant to get the bigger, heavier and often more expensive lens. And while the pictures was great, i always had a hard time carrying all those big heavy lenses with me. Within the last 12 months i sold almost all my bigger and better lenses (some of them were fullframe even if i am shooting with APS-C) and switched for the smaller and cheaper alternatives if available. Last switch was from Tamron 50-400 to 50-300. Is the 50-400 better in terms of image quality? Yes, absolutely. But i don't take it with me very often or if i do, it is a pain in the ass.
I also tested the Viltrox 27 because it was so hyped up. It produces amazing pictures. But it is so heavy and bulky, i really don't like that. So i went for the Sigma 23 in the end. I love the pictures it produces as well and i take it with me more often. Of course, i am no professional photographer, so i do not need perfection. But i don't think i would shoot on APS-C at all if i was a professional.
Why do i shoot on APS-C? Because i love the good enough quality with the advantage of being cheaper, smaller, more compact. I can live with the compromises in image quality.

[CadenMcCullough]

The Viltrox 27mm and 75mm are really GM quality lenses for APSC

[GallaghersGrub]

I have the FF Samyang 24 f1.8. Seems pretty good to me. Light, sharp, well-built, relatively inexpensive.

[phatoni]

I own the Sigma 23mm 1.4 since the release and tested the Viltrox 27mm 1.2. Both are the top of the line APS-C lenses by the respective brands, so it is fair to compare them. Sigma stated that the 23mm 1.4 is the best lens they ever made for aps-c, if I remember correctly. Given that, I was really disappointed about the first 23 mm 1.4 I received. The images were blurry for the entire horizontal left 15%. I was really disappointed, sent it back and received a slightly better lens. The Viltrox I received for testing was flawless despite the vignetting. However, the Viltrox with all its glory is really heavy especially for an every day lens (considering the 40mm equivalent focal length). For a special purpose lens like portrait (e.g. Viltrox 75mm 1.2) the size would be more acceptable. Therefore I stick to the Sigma.

[michalcervenansky]

I am using 27 and 75 with X-T3 and they are perfect, even-thought quite heavy. It really brought the system closer to Full-frame for me. Looking forward to any new Viltrox lens. Even the cheapo 56F1.7 looks great for traveling

[Fecho]

I would love to see your sigma 23mm f1.4 vs viltrox 23mm f1.4

[jntechreview]

I bought the Viltrox 27mm f1.2 as soon as it released on Sony E-mount. It's just a perfect lens to me.
There are a few minor cons to consider though :

1) It is big and heavy for an APS-C prime
2) The plastic lens hood build quality is horrible
3) Minimum focus distance isn't great

If the above cons don't bother you, I highly recommend this lens

[gigihanmandarin]

Sigma VS Viltrox! What a great day! I was so excited wanted to see video comparison but I was disappointed.... It turned into a sad day. 😢

[LaConstantedePlanck]

I’m loving Viltrox lenses lately. The issue I’m facing is the budget as I always want to buy every lens you review 😂 Thank you so much for taking the time to do all these reviews ❤️

[Patrick-vixr]

Nice review!
Wish it was sigma 30mm vs viltrox 27mm, wondering what the bokeh difference between these.

[costasprosperity]

Interesting comparison. 2 of my lens collection are Viltrox lenses (23mm f1.4 for apsc and 85mm f1.8 V2 for full frame) and I like them very much, they offer very good quality for the price. I think I will buy more Viltrox lenses, but for full frame cameras.

[WehlerDealer]

the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 is one of the best APS-C lenses for Sony, hands down!

[smoke]

I love my Viltrox 27 and 75. Not to take anything away from Sigma, but the Viltrox are top dog. Thanks for your comparison

[HD-susq]

This was very helpful. I'm not planning to buy either at the moment, but I was biased toward the Sigma because of size and weight. After seeing this, I would need to see a significant price drop on the Sigma to go that way. At the same price, the extra optical performance of the Viltrox makes it worth lugging around. Well done, Viltrox!

[bradleyanderson]

I'm obviously late here but recently picked up the Viltrox. Optically, probably the best lens I've ever used. I've never used the Sigma being compared here. If the focal length works for you, it's a winner. With the build quality, optical quality, and fast aperture it's not surprising it's pretty hefty. Current physics necessitates that lens designers choose some set of compromises. That said, it is pretty big and heavy on a small APS-C body. I'm kind of hoping Viltrox eventually releases a few smaller lighter f/2 ish lenses with the same optical quality.

[Ribkakeenamateur]

I bought Viltrox 27/1.2 a week ago and also encountered this strange vignette, which does not always appear. The lens firmware is 1.1.3, but there is already a new 1.1.7 on the website, I will update it later. And yet, in the A6700, correction with this lens does not work, no matter what you turn on, no matter what you turn off, the result is the same.

[RichardG-om]

Bro is flexing his beautiful wife while pretending to talk about lenses. Pro YouTube move.

[classicboy]

Also, I think this just goes to show that a 40mm FOV is more striking to look at than a 35mm FOV

[Vra]

Would’ve love to see the 30mm sigma comparison. Seems closer in focal length