You are going to LOVE the Zf! I've been adapting all of my e-mount lenses and they work great. As for this Viltrox 20, it's tough to find fault in a $145 lens. However, the footage with the Sony 20 looks quite a bit better and is probably worth the trade-off in size and weight.
Just watched your video, and seeing you excited about the ZF is getting me excited... However, I think I may rent it first, but I love the idea of adapting e-mount lenses, too, so thanks for that! Yes, Sonys 20 is worth every cent, but both are easy recommendations!
I got the Viltrox a little while back and I have to say I'm very happy. I use it almost exclusively for video. I wanted the Sony 20mm but couldn't justify the $900 price tag. This Viltrox does a great job especially for the price. Thanks for the video hope all is well with you.
I completely agree with you on all that... And honestly, we are all pretty lucky to have all the affordable lens options that we have. I'm thinking back even just a few years ago, it would be absurd to imagine something of this quality, in a compact ultra wide lens as the viltrox 20 with auto focus for that price... So it does seem like an easy choice especially compared to the $900 of the G lens! Appreciate that...and hope you're well, too!!
Hella review man!!!! I'm about to scoop this now and get it here tomorrow from amazon.... on the next video, "Yo what's up peoples this is Brian and today I'm going to use my ZV-E1 and discus how I got my grass the way it is. Bad ass right?... stay tuned(intro)... discussion"!!!! As a lawn care worker myself, tht yard i could not get my eyes off man great freakin job.
Ha ha... Good eye! I wish I could say that my secret to a well-manicured lawn was hard work, sweat, and toil, but it's really... just turf! When we decided to put it on our lawn, Los Angeles was in an extreme drought, so we thought it might be the right thing to do... But since then, there's been news of it not being particularly safe (carcinogens or something) and it's been raining like crazy here for the last two years. Regardless, it's super easy to maintain! And really happy you're picking this lens up, it's hard to pass up for the price! You'll have to come back and let me know how you like it... And thanks for stopping by and commenting at all! Appreciate you!!
@@BrianCatalano I sure will man, hit me up with a sub! I'll for sure be posting about this lens after my next shoot in a couple weeks. The video part is my going thing
@@BrianCatalano Yah it reminds me of my k1000 from middle school days. If it had the internals of the z8, I would absolutely change systems for it... (8k60p video in a hip body???? sign me up!)
"I have a fast moving son." Hahaha loved that. And woah, I forgot how much the active stabilization crops in... I once owned the 20mm from Sony, but sold it because I got tired of vlogging with a big full frame camera. I didnt take many photos with it, so had to sell it, but watching this video makes me miss it. Its an INCREDIBLY good lens. However, saving money is paramount, so that Viltrox is looking especially good. The vlogging with the Viltrox looks great too! I dont think anyone is going to notice a drop off in quality or anything with this lens. This comparison is NIIIIIICE! But now I want the A7c2 and the Sony 20mm again hahaha
I completely get all that...if we are not going to use our phones or pocket cams to vlog, then the camera has to be as small as possible, so the A7Cii (or zve1) and the viltrox 20 is pretty dang small and the quality is always going to be better than our tiny sensored step children!
Great shot of the steam coming off the fence! Traveling with one lens and cell phone is a GREAT way to keep the bag light! It sounds like other lens manufacturers are making lenses similar to the quality of Sony for a lower price, you just have to know where to look - Viltrox is now on my radar! While watching I kept thinking this could be a podcast topic _ if you could only take one camera body - one lens and cell phone - what do you take? Thx for another solid episode that keeps me thinking !!!
I love that idea, for a podcast topic and really a life challenge...to try and decide how minimal and compact you could go with a travel combo: one phone, one camera, and one lens. I think, I probably could easily come up with 2 out of 3 of those... But the viltrox 20 would be in the running!
TBH, I can't really tell the difference! Awesome travel set up! Out of the Chinese companies today, Viltrox is coming up with some real value-based lenses. I typically don't buy any lenses but Sony & Sigma, but I did buy the Viltrox 20. Heck it's so cheap! The Pixel works great as your B-cam for travel. Does the Pixel has stabilization?
That tends to be my preference too (Sony or Sigma), but I'm also a sucker for cheap lenses especially if it's a unique focal range, and was surprised by how the Viltrox performed! I'm also been really pleased with the Pixel so far and it has really good stabilization. It has three modes, all way better than any phone I've used in the past.
Excellent video. I think the viltrox looked better in a lot of shots. I have been considering the tamron 20mm f2.8 in the past. good price, and compact. BUT... as I now have the king of lenses for minimalist vloggers (Tamron 20-40). I think I'm good... can you make a video about the viltrox 16mm? (or have you already made a video about it?) ps. also, those camera skins look amazing.
Thank you, and I completely get that, if I had the Tamron 20-40 (which I might get and sell off some others), I too wouldn't want for a 20 f2.8 by itself. I have been considering the Viltrox 16, but I currently don't own it. I really want it, but again I'm frustrated by its build. I wish they made it lighter and more streamlined. That being said, I may end up with it ...and of course, I'll make a video with it! Also, thanks...I really love putting skins on my camera. They are pretty divisive though for some reason. Some people loathe them. I just like to add a little personality to the cams because I find Sony's compact camera to be a bit plain.
I have the Tampon 28-200 on my A7Cr and for wide angle so far the Sony 24/2.8, which is a bit to close to 28. So I ordered the Viltrox 20 when I am out and need a wider angle. All fits nicely in a small bag
That sounds like a perfect addition to your lens-lineup! It's crazy how compact the 20 is and how well it performs!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I have...
Finally with a comment here lol. Great video, as usual! It’s a tough one. I love fast primes, but it’s always a pill when it comes to shelling out the bucks for the nicer Sony glass. You know I like the Rokinon for affordability, and it’s so light! If I went back to full frame I’d probably buy the Rokinon again for travel (that would be the third time lol).
Hello! I'm not sure which track you're referring to but I'm guessing you mean the main title card song? Either way, all the songs used in the video were from the website Envato Elements, they sell stock videos, music, and assets... But because I don't have my editing timeline, I'm not sure which songs they are. Sorry!
Wow! This punches pretty high considering the price. I too wish the 16mm was smaller. Why did they make it the biggest and heaviest lens of all time?!?!?!?!
That is a really bizarre construction choice... I'd still pay $500 for the lens if they didn't add all those bells and whistles. If they just made it smaller and lighter, the 16mm would have been a preorder for me. Maybe they make a 14mm f1.8, all plastic, or 17mm f2.... Here's hoping!
Actually , any trained eye can tell you the 20mm is on par with cell phone quality. The 16mm is heavy because to get 1.8 in 16mm focal range the physical optics requires that much heavy glass. (I'm an engineer who makes the software that designs lenses )
is your a7cii still has a AF issue? or did you find a way to fix it? im still waiting for sony or tamron's new update or announcement but no one's talking about this issue somehow..
That's a great question that I don't have a definitive answer for but after I updated the firmware to the camera and all my third party lenses, it's been pretty much as good as I could hope. However, as you saw in the beginning, the Viltrox missed a few times at the beginning but never again. I couldn't replicate the error, so I would say it's mostly a non-issue but not flawless!
Thank you!! Yes, it's from Alphagvrd, it's called nocturnal waves. Not sure if this link will direct you in the right spot but not too hard to find: alphagvrd.com/products/sony-a7c2-a7cr-camera-skin?variant=43948410437770
It really depends on what you are looking to shoot and what your expectations are, but you usually get what you pay for with sharpness or distortion. That being said, if you are on a budget, or want something really compact, the Viltrox is worth considering... But the Sony 20 is phenomenal across the board!
@@censorthis152 Ha ha... that's fair. I think you do tend to get what you pay for with lenses especially with photo quality, but in a pinch, could work...
@@noisackda2564 I'm usually that way, but often then a new thing comes out and I forgot the old thing that I thought I needed as a requirement in my life...and then an even newer thing emerges as a must-buy and so on--ad infinitum!
@@BrianCatalano :( But this lens tho! M'right? It's something different. Like who else would make something like this? Maybe TT artisans or Viltrox? It is a bit expensive for a niche lens though. Alright you've talked me off this ledge? Did you talk me off this ledge? I don't even know anymore. Are we living in a simulation? What is real?
I did not compare it directly with Samyang's 18, but I will say the 18 works flawlessly on the zve1. I highlighted it here: ua-cam.com/video/F6GUKIc50uk/v-deo.html And prior to a firmware update, it really struggled on the a7c2, shown here: ua-cam.com/video/c6gtXU_A7zM/v-deo.html Yet, now I think the viltrox being a newer lens does work maybe slightly better but again I do often prefer the 18mm on the zve1 and the 20mm on the a7c2... And am generally impressed by how good the viltrox is, especially for the price. Hope that helps!
@@stefansundstrom6755 oh, okay... I got it! Well, I think it depends on the camera I'm traveling with but the viltrox is slightly smaller, feels better built (slightly), performs fractionally better... And superficially, looks better on the camera (which I know that's stupid, but...)
@@BrianCatalano Feels like I've been searching for the perfect vlog lens for 5 years now, starting to think what I really need are longer arms 😂 The Sony 24mm 1.4 is too heavy and 24mm is a bit too tight, 11mm 1.8 in crop mode on the ZVE1 looks fun but isn't flattering, I don't get its vlog hype 😂 The Sony 20mm 1.8 is too heavy. Only the Samyang 18mm and Viltrox 20mm 1.8 remain 🤔 I'm just doing Instagram for now and wide-angle lenses are even less flattering vertically. I'm not even trying to look good, decently proportional is good enough😂 thanks for great content as always! 🙌
@@stefansundstrom6755 I really get the struggle... As soon as I think I found the perfect lens for a specific need, my needs change and my hunt continues! I do think though the viltrox might scratch that itch for you!
I know!! It's hard to pass up when it's so cheap, compact, wide... AND with good autofocus! Good time to get into cameras with all these third party budget lenses!!
Ha ha... That's a fair point! I did test them separately and found similar results, and I was using touch to tracking--which shouldn't weigh differently in the center of frame. It's also no surprise that the Sony 20 is a superior lens; it's honestly one of the best I've used of theirs. However, I recommend the Viltrox because it's fantastic by comparison... and for the price! So you are right as I'm sure my tests were far from scientific and likely as inaccurate as using "CHILDISH" in the above sentiment because results may vary for you! Thanks for the feedback as I'll keep that in mind for my future videos!
Is anyone vlogging with giant cameras anymore? Quite frankly, if you're not a professional making money from your kit you'd be insane not to consider the viltrox (or you have money to burn)
I fully agree, that's why I love the size of Viltrox's 20! Also, you're right... Everyone seems to now be vlogging on their pocket 3 over a giant camera and lens set up nowadays too!
You are going to LOVE the Zf! I've been adapting all of my e-mount lenses and they work great. As for this Viltrox 20, it's tough to find fault in a $145 lens. However, the footage with the Sony 20 looks quite a bit better and is probably worth the trade-off in size and weight.
Just watched your video, and seeing you excited about the ZF is getting me excited... However, I think I may rent it first, but I love the idea of adapting e-mount lenses, too, so thanks for that!
Yes, Sonys 20 is worth every cent, but both are easy recommendations!
I got the Viltrox a little while back and I have to say I'm very happy. I use it almost exclusively for video. I wanted the Sony 20mm but couldn't justify the $900 price tag. This Viltrox does a great job especially for the price. Thanks for the video hope all is well with you.
I completely agree with you on all that... And honestly, we are all pretty lucky to have all the affordable lens options that we have. I'm thinking back even just a few years ago, it would be absurd to imagine something of this quality, in a compact ultra wide lens as the viltrox 20 with auto focus for that price... So it does seem like an easy choice especially compared to the $900 of the G lens!
Appreciate that...and hope you're well, too!!
You settled for a far less sharp , inferior lens. You're going to regret it eventually. That 200 dollars could have gone towards the better lens.
Hella review man!!!! I'm about to scoop this now and get it here tomorrow from amazon.... on the next video, "Yo what's up peoples this is Brian and today I'm going to use my ZV-E1 and discus how I got my grass the way it is. Bad ass right?... stay tuned(intro)... discussion"!!!! As a lawn care worker myself, tht yard i could not get my eyes off man great freakin job.
Ha ha... Good eye! I wish I could say that my secret to a well-manicured lawn was hard work, sweat, and toil, but it's really... just turf! When we decided to put it on our lawn, Los Angeles was in an extreme drought, so we thought it might be the right thing to do... But since then, there's been news of it not being particularly safe (carcinogens or something) and it's been raining like crazy here for the last two years. Regardless, it's super easy to maintain!
And really happy you're picking this lens up, it's hard to pass up for the price! You'll have to come back and let me know how you like it... And thanks for stopping by and commenting at all! Appreciate you!!
@@BrianCatalano I sure will man, hit me up with a sub! I'll for sure be posting about this lens after my next shoot in a couple weeks. The video part is my going thing
@@tonypmedia done! Looking forward to it...
I was waiting for this one, excellent review as always. Funny you mention the ZF.... :)
You helped push me to finish this review! And... You thinking of looking at the ZF too!?
@@BrianCatalano Yah it reminds me of my k1000 from middle school days. If it had the internals of the z8, I would absolutely change systems for it...
(8k60p video in a hip body???? sign me up!)
@@soholingo ha ha, yeah I get that. That Nikon ZFii is going to be it, then!!
"I have a fast moving son." Hahaha loved that. And woah, I forgot how much the active stabilization crops in... I once owned the 20mm from Sony, but sold it because I got tired of vlogging with a big full frame camera. I didnt take many photos with it, so had to sell it, but watching this video makes me miss it. Its an INCREDIBLY good lens. However, saving money is paramount, so that Viltrox is looking especially good. The vlogging with the Viltrox looks great too! I dont think anyone is going to notice a drop off in quality or anything with this lens. This comparison is NIIIIIICE! But now I want the A7c2 and the Sony 20mm again hahaha
I completely get all that...if we are not going to use our phones or pocket cams to vlog, then the camera has to be as small as possible, so the A7Cii (or zve1) and the viltrox 20 is pretty dang small and the quality is always going to be better than our tiny sensored step children!
The 20G is a lens that you do not sell. You will always be able to make that lens work for you even if you need to go to apsc mode. :)
I completely agree!!
Great shot of the steam coming off the fence! Traveling with one lens and cell phone is a GREAT way to keep the bag light! It sounds like other lens manufacturers are making lenses similar to the quality of Sony for a lower price, you just have to know where to look - Viltrox is now on my radar! While watching I kept thinking this could be a podcast topic _ if you could only take one camera body - one lens and cell phone - what do you take? Thx for another solid episode that keeps me thinking !!!
I love that idea, for a podcast topic and really a life challenge...to try and decide how minimal and compact you could go with a travel combo: one phone, one camera, and one lens. I think, I probably could easily come up with 2 out of 3 of those... But the viltrox 20 would be in the running!
TBH, I can't really tell the difference! Awesome travel set up! Out of the Chinese companies today, Viltrox is coming up with some real value-based lenses. I typically don't buy any lenses but Sony & Sigma, but I did buy the Viltrox 20. Heck it's so cheap! The Pixel works great as your B-cam for travel. Does the Pixel has stabilization?
That tends to be my preference too (Sony or Sigma), but I'm also a sucker for cheap lenses especially if it's a unique focal range, and was surprised by how the Viltrox performed!
I'm also been really pleased with the Pixel so far and it has really good stabilization. It has three modes, all way better than any phone I've used in the past.
Excellent video. I think the viltrox looked better in a lot of shots.
I have been considering the tamron 20mm f2.8 in the past. good price, and compact.
BUT... as I now have the king of lenses for minimalist vloggers (Tamron 20-40). I think I'm good...
can you make a video about the viltrox 16mm? (or have you already made a video about it?)
ps. also, those camera skins look amazing.
Thank you, and I completely get that, if I had the Tamron 20-40 (which I might get and sell off some others), I too wouldn't want for a 20 f2.8 by itself.
I have been considering the Viltrox 16, but I currently don't own it. I really want it, but again I'm frustrated by its build. I wish they made it lighter and more streamlined. That being said, I may end up with it ...and of course, I'll make a video with it!
Also, thanks...I really love putting skins on my camera. They are pretty divisive though for some reason. Some people loathe them. I just like to add a little personality to the cams because I find Sony's compact camera to be a bit plain.
I have the Tampon 28-200 on my A7Cr and for wide angle so far the Sony 24/2.8, which is a bit to close to 28. So I ordered the Viltrox 20 when I am out and need a wider angle. All fits nicely in a small bag
That sounds like a perfect addition to your lens-lineup! It's crazy how compact the 20 is and how well it performs!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I have...
Finally with a comment here lol. Great video, as usual! It’s a tough one. I love fast primes, but it’s always a pill when it comes to shelling out the bucks for the nicer Sony glass. You know I like the Rokinon for affordability, and it’s so light! If I went back to full frame I’d probably buy the Rokinon again for travel (that would be the third time lol).
Ha ha... I get all that! Do you ever miss full frame!?
I'm kinda low budget and I think Viltrox is perfect for who don't have what Sony is asking for
I completely agree... It's crazy the price difference and it still performs almost as well as Sony's!
Hey, I heard that about your wife not asking you why you got this lens!!😂😂
@@LivingInLAwithANJ ha ha... Oops!!
Please tell me what music is playing in the background?
Hello! I'm not sure which track you're referring to but I'm guessing you mean the main title card song? Either way, all the songs used in the video were from the website Envato Elements, they sell stock videos, music, and assets... But because I don't have my editing timeline, I'm not sure which songs they are. Sorry!
You can check it out here: elements.envato.com/?referral_code=15ff0513-dacd-4cee-9c04-2169f211f706&coupon_code=raf_mar23
@@BrianCatalano 4:40 sec and 5:40 sec
@@SolnceNavsegda I will see if I can figure it out, but stock music is hard to search for... But I'll see
@@BrianCatalano thx
Wow! This punches pretty high considering the price. I too wish the 16mm was smaller. Why did they make it the biggest and heaviest lens of all time?!?!?!?!
That is a really bizarre construction choice... I'd still pay $500 for the lens if they didn't add all those bells and whistles. If they just made it smaller and lighter, the 16mm would have been a preorder for me. Maybe they make a 14mm f1.8, all plastic, or 17mm f2.... Here's hoping!
Actually , any trained eye can tell you the 20mm is on par with cell phone quality. The 16mm is heavy because to get 1.8 in 16mm focal range the physical optics requires that much heavy glass. (I'm an engineer who makes the software that designs lenses )
is your a7cii still has a AF issue? or did you find a way to fix it?
im still waiting for sony or tamron's new update or announcement but no one's talking about this issue somehow..
That's a great question that I don't have a definitive answer for but after I updated the firmware to the camera and all my third party lenses, it's been pretty much as good as I could hope. However, as you saw in the beginning, the Viltrox missed a few times at the beginning but never again. I couldn't replicate the error, so I would say it's mostly a non-issue but not flawless!
Finding happiness in a bunch of metal hahaha. And wait, you are getting a Nikon?!?!?!?
Ha ha... I had to add that because I feel ridiculous getting any more cameras. However, I'm going to rent it first, so it may be just temporary!
Hi there, can I have the link to your A7cIi camera wrap please. Is it from Alphagvrd? Which design is it, so beautiful. TIA 😊
Thank you!! Yes, it's from Alphagvrd, it's called nocturnal waves. Not sure if this link will direct you in the right spot but not too hard to find: alphagvrd.com/products/sony-a7c2-a7cr-camera-skin?variant=43948410437770
@@BrianCatalano truly appreciate it. ❤️
But is it good of photography? I planning to buy viltrox for hiking
Not really. The pictures are cell phone quality
It really depends on what you are looking to shoot and what your expectations are, but you usually get what you pay for with sharpness or distortion. That being said, if you are on a budget, or want something really compact, the Viltrox is worth considering... But the Sony 20 is phenomenal across the board!
@@censorthis152 Ha ha... that's fair. I think you do tend to get what you pay for with lenses especially with photo quality, but in a pinch, could work...
Yo Brian, have you seen the Laowa 10mm f2.8?
I really wish you didn't ask... Of course I saw it and of course I'm salivating for it! You getting it!?
@@BrianCatalano The thing with me is if I want it, I'll get it. It's just a matter of time :P
@@noisackda2564 I'm usually that way, but often then a new thing comes out and I forgot the old thing that I thought I needed as a requirement in my life...and then an even newer thing emerges as a must-buy and so on--ad infinitum!
@@BrianCatalano :( But this lens tho! M'right? It's something different. Like who else would make something like this? Maybe TT artisans or Viltrox? It is a bit expensive for a niche lens though. Alright you've talked me off this ledge? Did you talk me off this ledge? I don't even know anymore. Are we living in a simulation? What is real?
Ha ha! Just saw this... The simulation didn't want me to see it!
if they made their 16mm 1.8 like this it would be perfection :(
I couldn't agree more!! I don't quite get why they didn't...
whoever does is going to make a lot of money @@BrianCatalano
🙏 Did you compare it to the 18mm Samyang?
I did not compare it directly with Samyang's 18, but I will say the 18 works flawlessly on the zve1. I highlighted it here: ua-cam.com/video/F6GUKIc50uk/v-deo.html
And prior to a firmware update, it really struggled on the a7c2, shown here: ua-cam.com/video/c6gtXU_A7zM/v-deo.html
Yet, now I think the viltrox being a newer lens does work maybe slightly better but again I do often prefer the 18mm on the zve1 and the 20mm on the a7c2... And am generally impressed by how good the viltrox is, especially for the price. Hope that helps!
@@BrianCatalano Yes, I’ve seen that 👍🏻 Great video. I was just curious why you prefer the 20mm 2.8 as travel lens to the 18 😀
@@stefansundstrom6755 oh, okay... I got it! Well, I think it depends on the camera I'm traveling with but the viltrox is slightly smaller, feels better built (slightly), performs fractionally better... And superficially, looks better on the camera (which I know that's stupid, but...)
@@BrianCatalano Feels like I've been searching for the perfect vlog lens for 5 years now, starting to think what I really need are longer arms 😂 The Sony 24mm 1.4 is too heavy and 24mm is a bit too tight, 11mm 1.8 in crop mode on the ZVE1 looks fun but isn't flattering, I don't get its vlog hype 😂 The Sony 20mm 1.8 is too heavy. Only the Samyang 18mm and Viltrox 20mm 1.8 remain 🤔 I'm just doing Instagram for now and wide-angle lenses are even less flattering vertically. I'm not even trying to look good, decently proportional is good enough😂 thanks for great content as always! 🙌
@@stefansundstrom6755 I really get the struggle... As soon as I think I found the perfect lens for a specific need, my needs change and my hunt continues! I do think though the viltrox might scratch that itch for you!
Man the price, i’m sold to Viltrox
I know!! It's hard to pass up when it's so cheap, compact, wide... AND with good autofocus! Good time to get into cameras with all these third party budget lenses!!
cant go wrong with the viltrox. Im walking to bestbuy right
I think that's a great decision! Hard to beat the price... Enjoy it!!
THE WIND TEST IS CHILDISH, BECAUSE THE WILTROX WAS ALWAYS ON THE SIDE WHILE THE SONY IN CENTER
Ha ha... That's a fair point! I did test them separately and found similar results, and I was using touch to tracking--which shouldn't weigh differently in the center of frame. It's also no surprise that the Sony 20 is a superior lens; it's honestly one of the best I've used of theirs. However, I recommend the Viltrox because it's fantastic by comparison... and for the price! So you are right as I'm sure my tests were far from scientific and likely as inaccurate as using "CHILDISH" in the above sentiment because results may vary for you!
Thanks for the feedback as I'll keep that in mind for my future videos!
Is anyone vlogging with giant cameras anymore? Quite frankly, if you're not a professional making money from your kit you'd be insane not to consider the viltrox (or you have money to burn)
I fully agree, that's why I love the size of Viltrox's 20! Also, you're right... Everyone seems to now be vlogging on their pocket 3 over a giant camera and lens set up nowadays too!
Faster, better bokeh (cause faster), weather sealed, buttons and switches.... no brainer. Sony hands down
I completely agree with you, that's why it's one of my all-time favorite lenses... But if you're on a budget, the Viltrox is a crazy good value!!
PRICE - hands up and status there. 900$ for 1.8 niche prime is ridiculous.