UPDATE: The highly anticipated $279 85mm prime lens from Viltrox has just been released, raising eyebrows and excitement among photographers using Nikon Z and Sony E mirrorless systems. This lens promises to transform the way users capture portraits, street scenes, and compressed landscapes, making high-quality optics more accessible.
Photographers are already buzzing about this compact lens, weighing just 340 g, which features robust dirt and weather sealing. This is particularly significant for outdoor shooting, where unpredictable elements can challenge even the best gear. The lens pairs seamlessly with in-body stabilization, allowing users to shoot at noticeably slower shutter speeds without compromising image quality.
In a revealing video by photographer Irwin, viewers witness the lens in action on full-frame Nikon Z cameras, capturing stunning stills and video, including 4K footage at up to 120 fps in DX mode. This crop option effectively extends the focal length to about 127.5mm, granting photographers extra reach without the burden of carrying additional heavy telephoto primes.
Irwin emphasizes the lens’s affordability compared to native Nikon offerings, which often exceed $600 USD. While the native lens may edge out in sharpness and boasts a faster f/1.8 aperture, the Viltrox 85mm holds its ground with minimal depth of field difference in real-world portrait scenarios. The practical benefits of the Viltrox, such as its lightweight design and competitive pricing, open the door for many photographers seeking quality without the hefty price tag.
Irwin’s hands-on approach showcases the lens’s performance in diverse settings, from bustling city streets to serene beach scenes. Viewers see how the lens handles low-light conditions, capturing handheld shots at shutter speeds as slow as 1/10 second. The video illustrates the exceptional sharpness at f/2 and minimal color fringing, even in challenging lighting situations.
Moreover, the lens performs surprisingly well in controlling flare against bright lights, yielding clean images that exceed expectations for its price range. Irwin also tests the lens for talking-head videos, demonstrating effective autofocus and beautiful background blur that enhances the cinematic quality of portraits.
The Viltrox 85mm’s feature set includes a clicked or declicked aperture ring, an AF/MF switch, and customizable function buttons—attributes typically reserved for higher-end lenses. Irwin stresses the importance of these controls for photographers who seek versatility in their shooting experiences.
This launch arrives at a time when many photographers are on the lookout for budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality. As the demand for compact, high-performing gear grows, the Viltrox 85mm prime lens is poised to make a significant impact on the market.
With its impressive specifications and real-world performance, this lens is a game-changer for enthusiasts and professionals alike. For anyone considering an upgrade or entry into prime lenses, the Viltrox 85mm is worth serious consideration.
Stay tuned for further updates and reviews on this exciting new option in the photography world. Check out Irwin’s complete video review for an in-depth look at the lens’s capabilities and performance.
