I've got the Sigma trio (16/30/56) and have zero regrets buying them. The 56mm is a stellar lens...hard to beat at just about any price point.

I am using the Sigma on a demanding micro43 sensor and the lens performs admirably. This is easily one of the very best lenses I have.

Thanks for sharing Arthure. Good comparison. Please also try throw some video samples sometimes. Would be cool :)

I've been waiting for this review. Thanks!

Agree with your review on viltrox I have fuji version of viltrox 56 f1.4 it's soft wide open at f1.4, from f2 it's really sharp

i was just looking for a video with these two lenses yesterday!!!

Excellent honest review, thank you Arthur.

There have been 4 or 5 firmware updates for the Viltrox since your video release. I would like to see whether they fixed some issue like fringing, focus speed, and overall stability.

@tommasodevirgilio6883

10 ай бұрын

any news, so far?

Did you know that the focus ring, even though being a focus-by-wire, is "mapped", which means that manually rack focusing between 2 points stay precise no matter how fast the ring is turned? That is a killer feature of the Viltrox lenses for videographers on a budget, because it makes manual focus / motorized follow solutions much more usable... ;)

hey Arthur - just on your note about the autofocus going crazy at times - I was wondering what the camera body is that you were using at the time?

in terms of sharpness, I think nobody beats sigma, not even the overpriced zeiss or Sony G lens

@shzammpatapon9865

3 жыл бұрын

the trio apsc sony lens is really that good

@robertcudlipp3426

3 жыл бұрын

I have the now legendary Sigma trio. Reviewers rave about mega expensive Zeiss glass, however, the Sigma primes deliver all the quality I need.

@ElRealista.

3 жыл бұрын

Actually with that trio you can have pro quality in small size. Yo don't really need FF with those sigmas. In Fuji you can get that quality but for much higher prices.

@wtfgadget

3 жыл бұрын

@@robertcudlipp3426 actually Arthur had a review that shows the sigma is superior to the zeiss

@wtfgadget

3 жыл бұрын

@@ElRealista. yes fuji lens is pricey for sure

I’d like to see a Viltrox 33mm vs. Sigma 30mm video.

@martijn7593

3 жыл бұрын

Then make it on your own

@project-overland

3 жыл бұрын

@@martijn7593 are you a child? This is how the creator gets feedback on what his users want

@k1k13004

3 жыл бұрын

@@martijn7593 dumbest comment ever :)

@audx2338

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like that's the plan at 12:27

I recently purchased in 2022 and I have had NO issues with sharpness on my Z50 for portraits... I don't know if Viltrox made changes, but I would recommend the Viltrox.

Nice job being unbiased. There’s a lot of nonsense with other YT reviewers.

@aklaasvandalen207

3 жыл бұрын

How do you know he is unbiassed?

Brilliant comparison! Subscribed

Loved the asmr part when you turned the lens. More please!

After spending some time looking at all of the sample photos and reviews I could find, for both lenses, I just bought the Sigma. It really is a great lens. On the other hand, I did buy the Viltrox 23mm 1.4 as it was the best priced, fast lens I could find, in that focal range. The 23 is sharp but it does show a bit of color fringing in the out of focus background area. Still, for the price, a very good lens.

I prefer the softness of the viltrox for portraits. Especially when you want to blend wrinkles

Great review. Thanks!

I doubt it would kill Viltrox to improve the >F4 performance of the optics and add weather sealing, a properly dampened mechanism for both the aperture and the focusing rings and a USB-C (or magnetic interface) for firmware updates instead of micro-USB. As for Sigma, kudos to them on the 56mm F1.4's performance (especially at higher apertures)! It's high time for them to start producing standard and telephoto lenses with comparable performance on Fuji's X platform.

I love the picture at 6"50 ! So beautiful !

@k1k13004

3 жыл бұрын

but definitely no one should save 120 dollars on this lense. The difference is huge. I have the viltrox 85 for full frame Sony

Oof. That picture at 10:30. The tips of your wife's hair looks like she's part of a neon purple rave. Also the leaves to the right haha. Great review!

can you make another video after you update the firmware of the viltrox lens ? thank you in advance Idol

Was on the point of going for the Viltrox but not after watching such a professional video - subscribed!

Hi Arthur, I need your suggestion on this. I'm planning to buy 56mm 1.4 lens for A5100. Am confused b/w Sigma & Viltrox. Viltrox is $100 cheaper than Sigma here in India. Which one do you suggest.

I have the Sigma 56 1.4 and I just love it!

any news about the Viltrox 24mm 1.8?? can't wait to see your review

Looks like it could be a quality control issue. I've seen other reviews where the image quality was much closer. Plus, as you say, firmware update. I have the sigma 16mm/1.4 on a fuji. I love the image quality, but deplore NOT having a physical aperture. The scroll wheel just misbehaves and the aperture setting is all over the place

とても参考なりました 実際の画像を直接比較して解説してもらえるのはありがたいですね

Hi Arthur; what's the best 23 or 24mm aspc lens you would recommend? Looking for 35mm equivalent to travel with. Thanks!

Hi there Arthur! can you make a comparison between Yongnuo 50mm and Sigma 56mm? I have a Yongnuo lens for me it’s quite sharp but I don’t know how it will compete against the Sigma. By the way I bought a Viltrox 33mm because of your wonderful review!

I do notice that the Sigam seems a little closer on the subject. I know that all lens state the focal length but they could be off a tad. So besides the chromatic coloration of the Viltrox the last pic of your wife you can see that on the Viltrox she seems a little farther and thinner and the Sigma seems more cropped, closer. Great Review! Cheers!

I use the Viltrox trio for videos. The lenses are of identical dimensions and the small differences in weight I compensate with couple step rings. This way I use all 3 lenses on my gimbal without rebalancing the gimbal which is very handy and speeds up the work a lot. Viltrox lenses have cinematic autofocus, beautiful colors and depth. I'm very happy with such a setup. Sigma lenses are of different dimensions and I couldn't change them on the gimbal without rebalancing the gimbal which would be very inconvenient and almost impossible.

@camstanley

Ай бұрын

Would you still recommend the viltrox trio?

Sharpness, sharpness, sharpness on an open aperture ... OMG. Viltrox is primarily designed for PORTRAIT photography. For sharpness is micro Nikkor :D

@domenicozauber206

3 жыл бұрын

but the main and big problem is the miss focus :/

I bought the 23mm as soon as I could find it here in Saigon. I like it. Not looking for this focal length though. Good Review

@ArthurR

3 жыл бұрын

Good choice! Sigma doesnt have a 24mm prime for apsc.

Once again the Sigma 56 shows its superior performance. I have seven decent lenses including the Sigma trio. The 56 is by far the sharpest lens I've ever had. Thanks for the review.

Have you tested either or both lenses, for HSS (High Speed Sync) compatibility? My new Sigma 56mm f/1.4 lens FAILS, when used with my Sony a6400 camera and Godox V860iii speedlight.

Hey Arthur!, can you please review the kamlan 15mm f2.0? There are no review on internet, Thank you very much!

It is a nice lens. Lightweight, fast, and cool. I want to test the Artra Labs 50mm f1.1 for Z mount Nikons. Any info.on that one?

Tonal rendition on the Viltrox is far superior. The smooth transition between tones. I'd like to see comparison in black and white.

Arthur in your upcoming Tamron 17-70 2.8 review PLEASE compare it to the 18-105, there isn't a single reviewer on youtube who has done so!

Oh well at least the lens will be easy to up date the af firmware with the port on the side.

Nice comparison. I'd have to say for portraits - I wouldn't want the lens to be as sharp as the Sigma. Personally I would remove sharpening from the Sigma files.

@gillesmatheronpro

8 ай бұрын

Yes... but you can not "add" (real optical) sharpness from the images produced by a blur lens.

@JoeHoddinott

8 ай бұрын

@@gillesmatheronpro 2 years ago! What's a "blur lens"?

@tridinh1011

5 ай бұрын

you can make an image blurrier, but you cant make an image sharper

Excellent video 😊!

I have sigma 16, 30 and 56 and they work great! With my zhiyun crane 2 is everything so sharp with my Sony alfa 6400

@leventinikmacofumi6335

3 жыл бұрын

i have the sigma-trio on my α6400 too: the autofocus of 30 drives me crazy! (but they are the sharpest lenses that I have ever had on my α6xxx series - without a doubt)

@FrattaTV

3 жыл бұрын

@@leventinikmacofumi6335 yep, sigma 30mm even with 2.00 firmware is not perfect: even when the display render the green rectangle on the eye the actual focus is the nose or when people wear glasses is not precise. But I really love the focal length, 30mm (45mm on apc-s) is beautiful and when works correctly is something really special

I only have the Viltrox EF-E adapter. It was the first thing I bought for my first Sony a5000. Used an EF 50mm and zoom lens I got for cheap thanks to that adapter. So I’m interested in this lens.

Tamron 17-70 vs Sigma trio , sony G lens 16-55 please

it seems Sigma is sharper though,Viltrox is much better at color of skin,better at expressing the warmth. Viltrox is suitable for portrait i guess.

question the viltrox and this sigma , they have any crop factor for cameras Sony APC_S or delivery the same aperture 56mm?

which one do you think is better, viltrox 56mm or sony 50mm 1.8 oss ?

I prefer to have the sharpness when I need it. It is easy to soften an image if it is a bit too sharp but trying to sharpen an image can introduce artifacts. If you don't use a lens as a one trick pony for portraits only, the Sigma is clearly the better lens.

@willhedge

6 ай бұрын

well spoken m8

amazing comparison my friend

The only problem is I have no place to buy 56mm 1.4f sigma lens in my country. And wanna manage the cost as well. Any recommendations plz?

I think that since this is a portrait lens, it does not really need excessive clarity, so as not to correct all skin defects later)

I have the viltrox 85 1.8 and it's a beast.

That viltrox had a better 3D effect then the Sigma in that final shot comparison of your wife. Sharpness isn't everything, 3- dimensionality to an image is everything, like many famous old school lenses. Modern lenses are too clinical and sterile and lack ambience nowadays. I'd be more inclined to the Viltrox. My family hate shrp lenses, it shows up all the imperfections in the face, some of them will hide if I take out the cameras.

What should i get sigma 30mm f1.4 or viltrox 56mm f1.4????

I own the Viltrox 56mm for Fuji, and I'm a little puzzled by the auto focus problems and the low sharpness you experienced. My copy nails focus every time on my X-T20, and is very sharp even at 1.4. I guess you _might_ have received a lemon with optical problems (unlikely), or there might be some AF calibration issues with this lens/body combo. Have you tried updating the firmware?

@MrCkoulang

3 жыл бұрын

Mine too: Viltrox M mount is a lot sharper at 1.4. When I bought it, the dealer allowed me to test 2 copies. The first one was not sharp, but the second one that chose was much sharper. The boarder of the second copy was almost as sharp as the center of first copy.

How was the AF on the Sigma compared to the Viltrox for video?

Sigma is a little too sharp for some portraits as it effectively shows imperfections of the face and that requires more work to fix in PP. I would tone down the sharpness. Viltrox’s sharpness seems just right for the job. Purple and green fringing is a little crazy although it should be a relative easier fix in PP.

Can this lens use for Fuji ? 🙇🏻‍♂️

Good job!

I actually like more the color rendering of the Viltrox compare to Sigma. it has much more character like the vintage lenses. I dont prefer the too much sharpness cause it looks too digital in my eyes. the sigma colors looks Magenta . the skin tone on viltrox seems looks like a Fuji in my eyes and thats why I like it more

@fanpandatastic

11 ай бұрын

Agreed!

The Sigma 56 f/1.4 is a fantastic lens, I absolutely love it. It's my favourite lens by far. It would be fantastic if Sigma would also release a 85mm 1.4 (or something in that range) for E-Mount. 56mm is sometimes a bit short for me when I'm shooting outside where I have enough space.

@caltheme7889

3 жыл бұрын

Sigma 85 has been out for some time now

@Thunderbird1337

3 жыл бұрын

@@caltheme7889 Yeah, I've seen it. Unfortunately a bit expensive (1.100€). I bought the Sony 85mm 1.8 now for 470€ and will test it during the next days. If that focal length turns out well for me, maybe I switch to the Sigma sometime later.

@NAM3L3555

2 жыл бұрын

But it's an a apsc lens so you got similar range to 85mm in full frame

@imeprezime1069

Жыл бұрын

@@NAM3L3555 you get 85mm on an apsc camera because of crop factor, if you use it on full frame you are using real 56mm lens.

@NAM3L3555

Жыл бұрын

@@imeprezime1069 yes I know! But the only downside you can't cover all the sensor so you have to crop but some lenses like sigma 18-35 1.8 I use sometimes in a7iv and that lens in 35mm in full frame you only have a bit of vignette

What is the name of the comparison application that he's using?

what is best for video ? Viltrox or sigma ?

Thanks, Arthur! Seems like we should wait for a Viltrox firmware update due to AF issues before purchasing it. Perhaps the differences in sharpness would be less with the older Sony APS-C 16MP and 14MP NEX cameras.

I often had to tone down the sharpness on the Sigma 56mm on portraits. too sharp

@Thunderbird1337

3 жыл бұрын

lol, what? :D

@hexelcolorado6275

2 жыл бұрын

Beginner here -- would you say you say that's a "good problem" to have? I know what you mean by too sharp: wrinkles, blemishes, cracks, fuzz, and other imperfections are more apparent on sharper images. I assume it's better for the image to be too sharp and remove detail in post than to add detail by cranking the clarity and sharpness sliders in Lightroom. Does that sound about right?

@swonghobby

2 жыл бұрын

@@hexelcolorado6275 I don't add clarity on portraits. Too sharp, too clear, the skin does not look good. Most of the time, the sharpness either just shot as is or slightly lower by 1 or 2 points. I do bring up contract a little though. It make she skin looks more smooth.

Great. I hope the new tamron 17-70 review.... Viltrox 23 mm vs sony zeiss 24mm will be interesting too

Hi bro is sigma 56 1.4 good for portrait photography?

The Sigma 56mm can be found "gently used" for around $350 on eBay/Amazon/Sony seller's groups on Facebook/Reddit, etc.

What's funny the Reviews for the Fuji mount lenses are far more positive . Wonder if there a Firmware update coming soon .

Super informative 🙏🙏😭🙌

You are using a M-11 adapter?

As casual user.. i'd choose the viltrox. I like the aperture ring and style of the viltrox lense + in indonesia the lens cost around usd 240-290

The comparison on the sharpness of the face (6.31 minutes) is distorted because the focus of the viltrox is on the lock of hair at the top right of the face, therefore automatically the background is less noted, unlike the sigma.

I am waiting eagerly to see the comparison between viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 FE II and sony 85mm 1.8. Please make a video for foreign viewers. I am from Bangladesh. I always rely on your reviews for making decisions. Thanks

i have the viltrox for fuji. and its my favorite lens. tack sharp. i wonder if you had a really bad copy, the pics are way too far off compared to the sigma.

Hi Arthur - Great video and thank you for creating it. I am a relative newbie to photography and currently use my a6400 along with Sigma 16mm 1.4 doing talking head style videos. Since the camera is - well a camera lol - I would like to get into photography a little deeper and the Sigma 56mm 1.4 is on my shortlist. I have a question and if you have time, I would appreciate an answer. Thanks. Where would be a good starting point? Some say shoot wide open and keep the ISO to around 100. If over exposed, put on an ND filter. Others say the "Sweet spot" is F4.5 for the most close up detail if you don't require a heavy Bokeh. I appreciate there isn't a 1 setting fits all but a good starting point would be a big help to me. Thanks, Peter. I am one of your subscribers.

@saifaldin_

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Peter. I might be able to share some pointers. In general, i keep this lens wide open. For most cases, it performs well there. For really sunny conditions, i will drop to f2.8 (or you can use an ND filter) This lens is sharpest at the centre at f2.8 followed by f4. If you need sharpness across the frame, f4 would be the best, followed by f5.6. Of course the chosen aperture depends on what you want to get in focus. Be extra careful when photographing at minimum focusing distance, this lens has a bit of LoCA there. I tend to drop to f2-f4 for close-ups.

@PeterMossUkulele

3 жыл бұрын

@@saifaldin_ Thank you this is very helpful. By the way I clicked on "Saif Aldin" to see what videos you uploaded and there are none to see?

@saifaldin_

3 жыл бұрын

@@PeterMossUkulele You’re welcome, Peter. That’s true, all these years using youtube and I’ve never uploaded any video. I’ve also stopped uploading my photos to sites like flickr for at least 10 years now. I’m still actively taking photos (and some videos) but i just keep them to myself.

@PeterMossUkulele

3 жыл бұрын

@@saifaldin_ Well I appreciate your advice Saif.

@saifaldin_

3 жыл бұрын

@@PeterMossUkulele Oh, one more thing.. I’m almost always in aperture priority, using auto ISO min SS. Because this lens has a really wide aperture, i don’t worry about the ISO. I just set to auto with a range from 100 - 1600 for day time (higher for low light scenes). Only once in a while would i go full manual mode.

Can you review Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 (120$) ?

Bit disappointed in the Viltrox as I quite like my 85mm f1.8 from them. Seems like I have to hope Sigma comes out with their Fujifilm lenses soon!

@mattstolzman

2 жыл бұрын

They did. Today

Maybe there was something wrong when you shoot the photos. I have the viltrox and images doesn't look unsharp as the ones you show...

Can't beat that Sigma. Unless maybe if Tamron has 1.4 APS-C primes in the making.

@AndreasRavnestad

3 жыл бұрын

Or possibly Samyang. Their 85mm F/1.4 for full frame is absolutely delicious :)

@alexaudiovisuals

3 жыл бұрын

they wont, tamrons main shareholder is sony, they wont outcompete their own lenses, so unfortunately anything from tamron will always be crippled in a little way to not compete with the high end sony stuff, its basically sonys budget line at this point, but luckily we have sigma who arent afraid to make smaller cheaper and ahrper lenses than the sonys ^^

@mohsin_sait

3 жыл бұрын

@@alexaudiovisuals Tamron has already released a bunch of lenses which rival Sony's high end lenses so I think it's very much possible for APS-C. Plus Sony doesn't has a huge gap in lenses for APS-C which Tamron can fill in without competing with Sony.

I have the entire Viltrox set as they where the 1st cost effective but still great looking Fuji X prime set. I honestly prefer the slightly more swirly & painterly bokeh of the Viltrox but the CA & horrendous purple fringing is making me switch to Sigma. I shoot primarily automotive work & so in every crisp body line, backlit sunset, & LED light there is serious purple fringing. At some angles & lighting it even creates a wash of purple & green across most of the frame. Sorry Viltrox, release a better corrected Pro version like you did with the 75mm & I may come back.

Hey great video....I'm looking at getting a portrait lens and I was wondering how the sigma trio of lenses stack up against the sigma art 18-35mm with the mc11 adapter? with clear image zoom it should be able to compete right?

@RobertLPoole

3 жыл бұрын

Can’t clear image zoom when shooting RAW photos. Also, there’s a clear drop in quality when shooting Clear Image Zoom on any kind of 1080 video. 4K is fine. I have 18-35 & 56.

@simplydv5354

3 жыл бұрын

@@RobertLPoole its sigma 56 work with a m-11 adapter on a6000?

@RobertLPoole

3 жыл бұрын

@@simplydv5354 It's a Sony Mount lens so it doesn't require an adapter.

@simplydv5354

3 жыл бұрын

@@RobertLPoole i have the micro four thirds type lens

@RobertLPoole

3 жыл бұрын

@@simplydv5354 Then you can't use it with a Sony camera the way it's intended to be used (i.e. with autofocus). There are adapters that will allow you to put MFT glass on Sony cameras, but the results will vary.

Maybe someone already wrote this, but just in case... Viltrox lenses from this range/family can also be found under the Tokina label. Which is something a little concerning, for Tokina used to craft excellent optical gear for decades (superb souvenirs of my Nikon-mount Tokina wide-angle zoom !) when those current offerings rate poorly according to your tests (and many other ones around the Web). Things, they are a'changing !

Sigma 56mm or Sony 85mm 1.8 for portraits w Sony a6500?

Thanks for that comparison. It’s clear which is the “better” option for me. I’d love to see a comparison of that super sharp Sigma 56mm 1.4 versus Sony’s own 50mm F1.8. The Sony is a bit slower but has the advantage of OIS.

@dennygun19

2 жыл бұрын

actually he made it 3 years ago, you missed it kzread.info/dash/bejne/q352m8qhnK6rqLg.html

For E mount, sigma is the way to go. For Fuji, gotta stick with the 56mm f/1.2! Hopefully we will see some Sigma offering for X mount soon!

@AnakinMSMP

3 жыл бұрын

I don't think so, they already announced that their research and development team capacity is at its max, and there is a bigger market on Nikon/Canon mirrorles than Fuji

Maybe, there arevariances in different copies. My Viltrox EF-M 56mm 1.4 is slightly sharper at f1.4 than Canon 50mm f1.8 STM at f1.8 on the Canon M6 MK2. I think that with a good copy, Viltrox is not that far behind the Sigma in terms of sharpness, but CA is actually very obvious.

Is sigma 56 f1.4 compatible to xt4

I have the Sigma trio on my Sony a6600. Best lenses I’ve bought for my camera. 👍🏽

@leventinikmacofumi6335

3 жыл бұрын

..and i have the sigma trio on my α6400: the autofocus of 30 drives me crazy! (but they are the sharpest lenses that I have ever had on my α6xxx series - without a doubt)

@uncarrizo

3 жыл бұрын

@@leventinikmacofumi6335 reading your comment about the 30mm ohh dear x.x... hahaha, Waiting for the 56mm (second time i buy it) and the 30mm to complete the trio with a6600, arriving tomorrow in Chile, wish me luck!

@leventinikmacofumi6335

3 жыл бұрын

@@uncarrizo You don't need luck! The image quality of the SIGMA-Trio will satisfy you - no question about it. I had the α6000 & SEL10-18F4.0 & SEL35F18 & SEL50F18. Now I have the α6400 & SIGMA 16 F1.4 & SIGMA 30 F1.4 & SIGMA 56 F1.4. My experience: The SONY's have fantastic autofocus, but can't get close to SIGMA sharpness. The SIGMAS have a fantastic sharpness but the autofocus on SONY lenses are much better (especially the SEL35F18). All have their strengths and weaknesses. If you asked me which lenses I would recommend, I would answer "the SIGMA trio", with the note that the SIGMA 30 F1.4 does not have particularly reliable autofocus. The SIGMAs made me much more satisfied, but I miss the autofocus of the SONY lenses. And I'll buy the SEL35F18 again if I shouldn't have been able to sell it .. It has the best autofocus (super fast & the autofocus always hit as if it can read minds) and it has excellent video quality.

@markusschewe2350

3 жыл бұрын

@@leventinikmacofumi6335 somehow I thought to have read or heard somewhere that this issue has been solved with an firmware update of the lens?! Did you ever check that possibility?

Hard to beat the Sigma trio.

5:12 for samples

Hi Arthur, nice video... I purchased 16mm sigma after watching your video... I'm planning to purchase Tamron 17-70, please make a comparision video with sony 16-55

@ArthurR

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, definitely

@leventinikmacofumi6335

3 жыл бұрын

i'm waiting for the comparison too. before i decide (16-55 / 17-70), i want to see Arthur's comparison.. ..but tend to sony. sony's lenses have the best autofocus (my experience)

Looking at this, I prefer how the Sigma processes colour compared to the Viltrox lens.

Well, WOW! That Sigma is incredible. It is even sharper and controls CA and fringing better than the Fujinon 56mm f1.2, incredible lens. Too bad Sigma does not offer 23mm...

So, do you say viltrox is not worth for any photography?

Great review on the Viltrox and also the comparison with the Sigma 56mm F1.4. Out of both I'd certainly go for the Sigma even before seeing this anyway as the Sigma is the only one of the two that I could acquire locally without going for an online order. I've been after the Sigma 56 for a while but I'm really struggling with motivation with my camera at the moment. :( Great video though. Keep up the great work.

i think its soft because its missed the focus.

@lucianocasenave2713

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I think the same... the good thing is the lens can receive firmware updates

@vocvoc9895

3 жыл бұрын

It seems the Viltrox constantly focused closer.

@myxsys

3 жыл бұрын

Most lenses are soft at 1.4 and wider. From the lens reviews I've seen, Sigma is one of the few companies that consistently manages to achieve sharpness at such wide apertures.

@twistacatz

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. He definitely missed focus.