BREAKING: The photography world is buzzing with the release of the new $279 USD 85mm Prime Lens from Viltrox, designed to compete with established offerings from Nikon Z and Sony E. This lens promises to change the game for photographers shooting portraits, street scenes, and compressed landscapes by providing a compact and affordable alternative.
In a detailed review, photographer Irwin showcases the lens’s capabilities, emphasizing its 340 g compact build along with dust and weather-sealing. The lens is particularly effective when paired with the in-body stabilization available on current Nikon Z bodies, allowing users to shoot at slower shutter speeds than previously thought possible.
Irwin’s review highlights the lens’s performance on full-frame Nikon Z cameras, capturing stunning 4K video at up to 120 fps in DX mode. This mode effectively transforms the lens into a short telephoto equivalent of 127.5mm, providing extra reach without the need for a second telephoto prime.
One of the most significant aspects of the Viltrox lens is its aggressive pricing at $279 USD, positioning it as a budget-friendly option compared to Nikon’s own offerings, which often retail at nearly double the price. While the native Nikon 85mm lens might edge out in sharpness and a faster f/1.8 aperture, the minimal difference in depth of field at f/2 makes the Viltrox an attractive option for those looking to break into the 85mm prime market without a hefty investment.
Irwin dives into practical usage, presenting handheld night shots taken at 1/10 and even 1/8 second with stabilized bodies, demonstrating how well the lens performs before camera shake becomes an issue. He zooms into images to reveal excellent sharpness across the frame at f/2 and minimal color fringing, even in low-light conditions.
The lens also exhibits solid flare control in urban settings, showing surprisingly good performance against bright lights, with only trace artifacts. Irwin captures talking-head videos at typical portrait distances, showcasing the lens’s ability to produce beautiful background blur and maintain focus even as he moves.
With a focal length of 85mm, maximum aperture of f/2, and a minimum focus distance of 2.43′ (0.74 m), the Viltrox lens is designed for full-frame format coverage. It features a focus type of autofocus, an AF/MF switch, and a filter thread of 58mm, making it a versatile addition to any photographer’s kit.
Irwin emphasizes the value of the Viltrox lens, particularly when paired with other primes like a 24mm or 50mm. He suggests that this lens can serve as an essential part of a simple prime kit, allowing for diverse shooting opportunities without overwhelming weight or cost.
As the photography community eagerly reviews this new lens, its affordability and performance could make it a go-to option for aspiring photographers and seasoned professionals alike. Check out Irwin’s full video review for an in-depth look at how the Viltrox 85mm Prime Lens performs in various environments.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and consider sharing this compelling news with fellow photography enthusiasts!
