Review on 📷 VILTROX 24mm f/1.8 F1.8 Full Frame Z Mount Lens - Auto Focus Prime Lens for Nikon Z Series - Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II, Z50, Z5 by Heidi Thompson

Here is my experience with this lens: Firstly I am still amazed at how beautiful these Viltrox lenses are. They feature an all-metal construction very similar to the classic Zeiss lens. The processing quality is impressive thanks to the tightly built all-metal housing. I also feel this because the lens is quite heavy at 1.4lbs. The overall length remains constant over the entire focus range. The large knurled focus ring works smoothly. Unfortunately, there is no weather protection, but you can't have everything in this price range. The Viltrox lens does not participate in Fujifilm's own firmware update process, instead using the micro USB port on the lens. A petal (plastic) lens hood is included in delivery. The overall look of this lens is very attractive, with a matte anodized metal finish accented by the etched markings on the white body. The lack of anything other than a manual focus ring creates a very clean, timeless look indistinguishable from the Sony 85mm F1.8. There is a red badge on one side to indicate that it is a DF (Digital Fullframe) lens and that it has a RBW (Real Beam Waveguide) coating (their version of Multi-Coated). There are no switches on the lens barrel. Viltrox has cleverly placed a micro USB port on the back of the lens, allowing the 85STM to receive firmware updates. They had previously released firmware updates for the Fuji version of this lens along with the MF lens, which testers said had a significant impact on the Fuji version's autofocus. That's good to hear and I have high hopes that Viltrox will iron out some of the AF deficiencies of this 85STM on Sony too. It's truly remarkable how quickly the 85mm focal length has been filled with solid options on the Sony platform. There are now two 85mm F1.8 variants from Viltrox (MF and AF), one 85mm F1.8 from Sony, one 85mm F1.8 from Zeiss (Batis), one MF F2.4 variant from Zeiss ( Loxia), 85 F1. 4mm from Samyang, 85mm F1.4 from Sigma (ART) and 85mm F1.4 from Sony (GM). It is eight o'clock! 85mm lenses, half of which were released in the last 12 months. However, the Viltrox variants stand out for being the most affordable, and were it not for Sony's competent and inexpensive variant (it's not often said!) they'd have a slight niche in the market. But while the Viltrox 85STM is very reasonably priced ($399), looks solid, and is beautifully built, there are those who look at the extra $200 for the Sony FE 85mm F1.8 and think it's worth it .