Hey there, photography enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II lens for Fujifilm cameras. This lens has been making waves in the photography world, especially for those shooting with Fujifilm X-mount cameras, and for good reason. As an owner of this lens, I will go over all the information you need to know about the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II, including its build quality, autofocus performance, image quality, and, of course, whether it's worth your hard-earned cash.

Unboxing and Build Quality: First Impressions

When you first unbox the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II, the initial impression is quite positive. The lens boasts a sleek and modern design with a metal barrel that feels robust and durable. It’s a step up in build quality compared to some of the more budget-friendly lenses out there. The focus ring is smooth and provides a pleasant tactile feel, making manual focusing a joy. The aperture ring clicks nicely, offering precise control over your depth of field. The lens also comes with a metal lens hood, which is a nice touch, adding to the overall premium feel and offering some protection against unwanted light and potential impacts.

Now, let's talk about the weight. The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II has a moderate weight, which is a great balance. It’s not so heavy that it becomes cumbersome to carry around for extended periods, yet it feels substantial enough to inspire confidence in its build. This is important, as you want a lens that can withstand the rigors of regular use. The overall construction feels solid, with no wobbles or loose parts, which is a testament to Viltrox's commitment to quality. The lens mount is made of metal, ensuring a secure fit to your Fujifilm camera body. The lens also features weather sealing, providing an added layer of protection against dust and moisture. This is especially beneficial for photographers who often shoot in various conditions. Overall, the build quality of the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II is impressive for its price point. It feels like a well-crafted piece of equipment that is built to last, which can inspire confidence in its durability.

From a practical standpoint, the lens's design is well-thought-out. The focus and aperture rings are easily accessible and user-friendly, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly. The lens hood is effective in reducing flare and protecting the front element from accidental bumps. The lens also comes with front and rear lens caps, keeping the lens elements safe when not in use. The size of the lens is also manageable, making it a good fit on most Fujifilm camera bodies without making the setup too front-heavy. This balance of build quality and design makes the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II a joy to use, whether you are a seasoned professional or a hobbyist. The attention to detail in the construction, from the metal barrel to the smooth focus ring, really sets this lens apart and provides a high-quality experience.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Autofocus is a critical aspect of any lens, and the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II doesn't disappoint. The lens uses a STM (Stepping Motor) for autofocus, which allows for fast and near-silent focusing. In most situations, the lens locks focus quickly and accurately, even in challenging lighting conditions. This is particularly useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or when shooting in low light where autofocus systems can sometimes struggle. When it comes to real-world performance, the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II proves to be reliable. It can quickly acquire and maintain focus on subjects, ensuring that your shots are consistently sharp and clear. The autofocus is also very smooth, which is great for video recording, as it minimizes focus hunting and makes the transitions seamless.

The accuracy of the autofocus is commendable. The lens rarely misses focus, even when shooting at wider apertures, where the depth of field is very shallow. This gives you the confidence to shoot at f/1.8 and still get tack-sharp images. In comparison to some native Fujifilm lenses, the Viltrox might be a touch slower in certain situations, but the difference is minimal and often unnoticeable for most users. This slightly slower speed is more than made up for by the affordability of the lens. Overall, the autofocus performance of the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II is quite impressive. It is fast, accurate, and quiet, making it a versatile lens for various shooting scenarios. Whether you're capturing portraits, street photography, or general everyday scenes, the autofocus capabilities of this lens will not let you down.

One of the standout features of this lens is its ability to track moving subjects. The focus system is responsive enough to keep up with subjects in motion, ensuring that your images are sharp and in focus. This is a crucial feature for sports or action photography. While the lens may not be as fast as some of the more expensive professional lenses, its performance is more than adequate for most users. Furthermore, the focus override feature allows you to quickly switch to manual focus if needed, providing you with more control over your shots. The combination of speed, accuracy, and quiet operation makes the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II a strong contender in the Fujifilm lens market. The lens's ability to maintain focus, even when shooting at its widest aperture, is truly impressive and contributes to its overall usability.

Image Quality: Sharpness, Bokeh, and More

Let’s get to the juicy part – image quality! The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II excels in this area. Right from f/1.8, the lens delivers impressive sharpness, with the center of the frame being particularly sharp. The corners are slightly softer at wide open apertures, but they sharpen up nicely as you stop down. This level of sharpness is more than adequate for most shooting scenarios, including portraits and general photography. The sharpness allows you to capture every detail, making your images crisp and clear.

Now, let's talk about the bokeh. The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II produces beautiful, creamy bokeh, thanks to its 9-blade aperture. The out-of-focus areas are soft and pleasing, helping to isolate your subject and create a sense of depth in your images. The bokeh is smooth and free from distracting artifacts, making it perfect for portraits and other genres where background separation is important. The effect is particularly noticeable when shooting at f/1.8, where the background melts away, drawing all the attention to your subject. The way the lens renders the background is one of its strongest assets, creating images that feel professional and polished. For those who love the aesthetic qualities of a shallow depth of field, this lens delivers.

Color rendition is another area where the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II shines. The lens produces vibrant and accurate colors, enhancing the overall look of your images. The colors are true to life, providing a natural look that is perfect for capturing skin tones and landscapes. The contrast is well-balanced, resulting in images that look dynamic and visually appealing. The lens's ability to render colors accurately allows you to spend less time editing your photos and more time enjoying them. The lens also does a good job of controlling chromatic aberration, which is the unwanted appearance of color fringing around high-contrast edges. Overall, the image quality of the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II is exceptional, offering a combination of sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and accurate color rendition. This lens provides outstanding performance at its price point, making it a valuable addition to any Fujifilm photographer's kit.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent Image Quality: The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II delivers impressive sharpness, especially in the center of the frame. The bokeh is smooth and creamy, and the color rendition is vibrant and accurate.
• Fast and Accurate Autofocus: The autofocus system is quick, reliable, and nearly silent, making it suitable for both stills and video.
• Solid Build Quality: The lens feels well-built and durable, with a metal barrel and a smooth focus ring.
• Affordable Price: The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II offers excellent value for the money, making it an attractive option for both amateur and professional photographers.
• Compact and Lightweight: While not the smallest 85mm lens, it is still relatively compact and easy to carry around.

Cons

• Autofocus Speed: While generally fast, autofocus might be slightly slower than some native Fujifilm lenses in certain situations.
• Corner Sharpness: Corners can be a bit soft at wider apertures, but they improve as you stop down.
• No Image Stabilization: The lens does not have image stabilization, which can be a drawback in low-light situations if you are not using a camera body with IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization).

Is the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II Worth It?

So, is the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II worth it? Absolutely, yes. For the price, you get a lens that offers fantastic image quality, reliable autofocus, and a solid build. It's an excellent choice for portrait photography, general photography, and anyone looking for a versatile prime lens. The lens's ability to produce stunning images, coupled with its affordability, makes it a must-have for Fujifilm X-mount users. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II will quickly become a favorite in your camera bag. It delivers performance that rivals more expensive lenses, making it a true bargain. The beautiful bokeh, excellent sharpness, and overall image quality will surely impress. It's a great choice for anyone looking to step up their photography game without breaking the bank. The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II is a lens that truly offers a lot of value, making it a great addition to any Fujifilm shooter's kit.

If you are searching for a great 85mm lens for your Fujifilm camera, you should definitely consider the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II. It's a lens that consistently exceeds expectations, and it's a great value for the price.