Viltrox 85mm f1.8

I bought this lens two years ago, and returned it, being so frustrated with the clunky and unpredictable AF performance on my X-T3. It remains a very desirable lens for me and, based on the positive reviews of the lens that I've read, I'm thinking that I may have just had a bad copy.

Anyway, I'm now using an X-T4, and am seriously considering giving the lens another try. What do those of you who own this lens have to say?

Hi

For what it's worth, I have this lens and use it on an X-t20, and the autofocus works fine as far as I can tell, as well as any other lens I have for the system, but no I haven't done any specific testing of it. Just used it and seems fine.

Good luck

Ian

Resoman wrote:

I bought this lens two years ago, and returned it, being so frustrated with the clunky and unpredictable AF performance on my X-T3. It remains a very desirable lens for me and, based on the positive reviews of the lens that I've read, I'm thinking that I may have just had a bad copy.

Anyway, I'm now using an X-T4, and am seriously considering giving the lens another try. What do those of you who own this lens have to say?

Why not the 90 f/2. It can be had for 200ish more used. Amazing lens and as good at autofocus as it gets.

Resoman wrote:

I bought this lens two years ago, and returned it, being so frustrated with the clunky and unpredictable AF performance on my X-T3. It remains a very desirable lens for me and, based on the positive reviews of the lens that I've read, I'm thinking that I may have just had a bad copy.

Anyway, I'm now using an X-T4, and am seriously considering giving the lens another try. What do those of you who own this lens have to say?

I use it the Mk II on my X-T4. While its AF speed is not excellent, it is certainly not bad either. Well, I just don't know how should I measure it with objective criteria...

Focus accuracy is good IMO, I only have few outliers.

I use the lens mostly wide open, always AF-S + box, rarely AF-C, no video done yet with it.

There is a video review by Dustin Abbott, and he says, face detection of the Viltrox 85 works quite well on Sony, better than on Fujifilm.

Optically, it is good. There is a test by Opticallimits, Viltrox PFU RBMH 85mm f/1.8 STM (Fujifilm X) - Test Report / Review. The Mk II has the same formula.

I got this lens for 350 € from Rollei, and I have to say, this is excellent value for money.

What they really screwed up with the 85/1.8 II is the lens hood. It is terribly cumbersome to mount and unmount.

Btw, up to date, my fastest focusing lens ever is probably the Viltrox 13/1.4.

Regards,

Martin

I had no trouble with the Viltrox 85mm II on my X-T4. The Mark I version was also fine on my X-T2.

Resoman wrote:

I bought this lens two years ago, and returned it, being so frustrated with the clunky and unpredictable AF performance on my X-T3. It remains a very desirable lens for me and, based on the positive reviews of the lens that I've read, I'm thinking that I may have just had a bad copy.

Anyway, I'm now using an X-T4, and am seriously considering giving the lens another try. What do those of you who own this lens have to say?

I tried one (the original version) out on my X-T2 and found it to be quite good, better than good, actually. No problems with the AF at all. The best Viltrox I've used except for the stellar 13 f/1.4. I bet the new 75 f/1.2 is even better.