The Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 Professional is coming into territory lengthy dominated by Sony’s 85mm lenses. For portraits, this focal size has at all times been a favourite due to the way it isolates the topic, smooths the background, and retains photos flattering. Are you able to get related efficiency with out paying an identical value?
Coming to you from Julia Trotti, this detailed video seems to be on the Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 Professional on a Sony a7 IV and compares it towards the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II. One of many first variations Trotti exhibits is lens flare. The Viltrox produces heavy flare and hazing when backlit, giving a dreamy look, whereas the Sony GM II stays extra contrasty and managed. This implies you get a unique model relying on which you like. Focus is generally dependable with the Viltrox, although in brilliant backlight, it sometimes misses. Trotti exhibits each unedited and edited information so you’ll be able to see what’s actually occurring with sharpness and readability.
Picture high quality is the place the Viltrox impresses most. Straight out of digital camera, the pictures are sharp and impartial with a slight heat. In side-by-side comparisons, it typically matches the GM II in sharpness, with Sony pulling forward solely when sturdy backlight reduces distinction on the Viltrox. Bokeh from the Viltrox seems to be easy because of its 11 rounded aperture blades, with pleasing transitions from in-focus to out-of-focus areas. Trotti factors out some spherical aberration in sure pictures, giving a faint halo round superb particulars. Chromatic aberration, typically a weak spot for price range lenses, is surprisingly properly managed right here, even in high-contrast backlit scenes.
Construct high quality is one other power. The Viltrox weighs 800 g, virtually the identical as Sony’s first-generation GM, and heavier than the present 642 g GM II. It’s a full metallic design with climate sealing, focus and aperture rings, a customized button, and a USB port for firmware updates. Autofocus runs on two VCM motors, which rattle barely when the lens is moved however carry out strongly in observe. Trotti units the a7 IV to steady AF with human eye detection and reviews a really excessive in-focus ratio, with solely a handful of missed pictures in difficult backlight. For video, she exams the Viltrox on each the Sony a7 IV and the sooner Sony a9 III. Autofocus is easy and sticky, however not as quick as Sony’s GM II. The GM II additionally exhibits extra distinction and finer element in video, although the variations are smaller when you’re taking pictures on a digital camera with slower AF techniques. Try the video above for the complete rundown from Trotti.
