Portrait photography is a genre that demands precision, creativity, and the right gear to bring out the best in every subject. When it comes to lenses, the choice can significantly impact the final image. The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Mark II has emerged as a popular choice for portrait photographers using the Fujifilm system.
In this blog, I will delve into the specifications, image quality, value for money, and compare it to other notable lenses like the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 and other alternatives.
I recently used the lens for a portrait session and thought I should make a blog about it. I've personally owned the lens for 2 years and have used it for headshots, portraits, weddings, and events.
Liberty State Park in Jersey City | My Portrait Photography Location and Hometown
Liberty State Park in Jersey City is an excellent location for portrait and headshot photography due to its diverse settings and iconic views. The park offers stunning backdrops, including the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, providing a blend of urban and natural landscapes. The spacious green areas, historical landmarks, and waterfront views create versatile environments for capturing unique and memorable portraits. Additionally, the park's ample open space allows for creative compositions and natural lighting, making it an ideal spot for photographers seeking a dynamic and picturesque location for their portrait sessions.
Liberty State Park is located in Jersey City, New Jersey, along the Hudson River waterfront. The park is directly across from Lower Manhattan, offering views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. The main entrance is accessible from Morris Pesin Drive, and the park is bordered by Jersey Avenue to the west, the Liberty Science Center to the north, and the Hudson River to the east. It's easily reachable by car, public transportation, and even by ferry from Manhattan.
Specifications
The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Mark II is a versatile lens designed for Fujifilm X-mount cameras. Here are some of its key specifications:
Focal Length: 85mm (equivalent to 127.5mm on a full-frame camera)
Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
Minimum Aperture: f/16
Optical Design: 10 elements in 7 groups, including 1 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element
Aperture Blades: 9 rounded blades
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.8 meters (31.5 inches)
Filter Size: 72mm
Weight: 484 grams (1.07 lbs)
Dimensions: 80mm x 92mm (3.15 x 3.62 inches)
The build quality of the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Mark II is impressive, with a robust metal construction that feels durable and premium.
Why Viltrox Lenses?
Viltrox lenses offer several advantages, particularly for photographers seeking quality and value:
1. Affordability
Viltrox lenses are typically priced lower than many first-party options, making them accessible to a wider audience.
2. Image Quality
Despite their lower cost, Viltrox lenses deliver sharp images with good color rendition and bokeh, making them competitive with more expensive lenses.
3. Build Quality
Many Viltrox lenses feature solid metal construction, providing durability and a premium feel.
4. Autofocus
Viltrox lenses often include reliable STM autofocus systems, which are crucial for fast-paced photography.
5. Compatibility
Viltrox designs lenses specifically for popular camera mounts like Sony E, Fujifilm X, and Canon RF, ensuring seamless integration with your gear.
6. Versatility
The brand offers a variety of focal lengths and apertures, catering to different photography styles from portraits to landscapes.
7. Constant Updates
Viltrox regularly updates its firmware, improving performance and adding new features, which enhances the long-term value of their lenses. Some lenses have USB inputs.
As of the time of writing this, here is a list of Viltrox lenses available for the Fujifilm X-mount system:
Prime Lenses
Wide-angle lens, great for landscapes, architecture, and astrophotography.
A versatile lens ideal for street photography and environmental portraits.
Ultra-fast aperture, perfect for low-light photography and achieving shallow depth of field.
Standard lens, excellent for portraits and general photography.
Mid-telephoto lens, ideal for portraits with creamy bokeh.
Fast telephoto prime, great for portraits with exceptional background separation.
Classic portrait lens offering a flattering focal length and smooth bokeh.
Zoom Lenses
As of now, Viltrox primarily focuses on prime lenses for the Fujifilm X-mount, and no zoom lenses are available specifically for this system.
Viltrox continuously updates and expands their lens lineup, so it's worth checking for the latest releases directly from the manufacturer or authorized retailers.
Image Quality
When it comes to portrait photography, image quality is paramount. The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Mark II delivers in this regard, producing sharp images with beautiful, creamy bokeh that separates the subject from the background effectively. Here are some highlights of its image quality:
Sharpness
Wide open at f/1.8, the center sharpness is excellent, making it ideal for capturing intricate details in portraits. Stopping down to f/2.8 and beyond further improves sharpness across the frame.
Bokeh
The 9-blade diaphragm creates smooth, round bokeh that enhances the aesthetic appeal of portrait shots. The transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas is smooth and pleasing to the eye.
Color Rendition
The lens produces natural and vibrant colors, with good contrast and minimal chromatic aberration, even at wide apertures.
Distortion and Vignetting
Distortion is minimal, and vignetting is well-controlled, especially after f/2.8. Any slight vignetting at f/1.8 can easily be corrected in post-processing if needed.
Value for Money
One of the most compelling aspects of the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Mark II is its value for money. Priced significantly lower than many of its competitors, it offers professional-grade performance at a fraction of the cost. For Fujifilm users, this lens provides an affordable entry point into high-quality portrait photography without compromising on essential features and image quality.
Comparison with Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2
The Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 is another stellar lens for portrait photography, known for its exceptional sharpness and beautiful bokeh. Here’s a detailed comparison between the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Mark II and the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2:
Price
- Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Mark II ($399)
- Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 ($949)
The Viltrox lens is less than half the price of the Fujifilm 90mm, making it a more accessible option for many photographers.
Build Quality and Design
- Viltrox:
Metal construction, smooth focus ring, click-less aperture ring.
- Fujifilm:
High-quality metal build, weather-sealed, tactile aperture ring with clicks.
Both lenses boast excellent build quality, but the Fujifilm lens has the added advantage of weather sealing and aperture ring, which is a significant benefit for photographers who shoot in various conditions.
Image Quality
Sharpness:
The Fujifilm 90mm is renowned for its razor-sharp images even wide open at f/2. The Viltrox is slightly less sharp at f/1.8 but comparable when stopped down to f/2.8.
Bokeh:
Both lenses produce stunning bokeh, though the Fujifilm 90mm’s slightly longer focal length and wider aperture blades give it a slight edge in creating more pronounced background separation. But you will not notice the difference
Color and Contrast:
Both lenses perform exceptionally well, with the Fujifilm lens slightly edging out in terms of color rendition and contrast.
Focal Length and Aperture
- Viltrox: 85mm, f/1.8
- Fujifilm: 90mm, f/2
The difference in focal length is minimal, but the slightly longer reach of the Fujifilm 90mm can be beneficial for tighter portrait compositions and events where you can't get close.
Other Lens Options
When considering portrait lenses in the Fujifilm system, other notable options include:
- Pros: Extremely fast aperture, stunning bokeh, great low-light performance.
- Cons: Higher price point.
- Pros: Compact and lightweight, weather-sealed, sharp images.
- Cons: Shorter focal length may require closer working distance.
Conclusion
The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Mark II stands out as an excellent option for portrait photographers using the Fujifilm system. It offers a compelling mix of great image quality, robust build, and affordability. While it may not have the weather sealing and some of the premium features of the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2, it provides a professional-level performance that is accessible to a wider range of photographers. Whether you are a professional looking for a budget-friendly alternative or an enthusiast stepping up your portrait game, the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Mark II is a lens that deserves serious consideration.
Viltrox 85mm f1.8 II Photo Gallery
All photos were taken using the Fujifilm X-S10
My name is Jason Logan. I'm a photographer and content creator from Northern NJ in the United States. You can find more about my work at www.jmtphotographymedia.com