The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 outperformed expectations in Optical Limits’ testing. A lot of good things have been said about the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8, but now we have the numbers to back up the hype. Even Optical Limits sounds convinced in their conclusion:
The Viltrox PFU RBMH 85mm f/1.8 STM is an attractive medium tele lens for Fujifilm cameras. It is sharp across the image field – especially at medium aperture settings – and it doesn’t show any substantial weakness across the other characteristics either. Lateral CAs are low as are image distortions. There is a bit of vignetting at f/1.8 but it’s nothing out of the ordinary (on an APS-C sensor at least). A very positive aspect is the quality of the bokeh. Image highlights are nicely rendered at f/1.8 and the blur in the focus transition zones is very creamy. Bokeh fringing (LoCA) is present at large-aperture settings but that’s hardly surprising.
The build quality feels very “tanky” due to the all-metal design. Pro photographers may miss weather-sealing … Viltrox managed to implement an autofocus motor (STM = stepping motor). The speed is decent but action photography is a bit out of scope…
It is quite surprising than Viltrox was capable of designing and manufacturing such a mature product as their first shot into the market. …if you can’t or don’t want to pay the premium price for a Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 LM R WR, the Viltrox lens is a worthy candidate for your shopping list.
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