Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 lens, a piece of glass that has been generating quite a buzz in the photography community. Is it just hype, or does it actually deliver? Let's find out!

Overview of the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 Lens

The Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 is a fast telephoto prime lens designed for full-frame cameras, but it also works great on APS-C bodies. This lens is characterized by its bright f/1.8 aperture, making it an excellent choice for portraits, low-light photography, and creating beautifully blurred backgrounds (bokeh). It's available for various camera mounts, including Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon EF and RF. This makes it accessible to a wide range of photographers.

A quick rundown of the key features:

• Focal Length: 135mm
• Aperture: f/1.8
• Lens Mount: Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon EF, Canon RF
• Optical Design: 10 elements in 9 groups
• Aperture Blades: 9
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.8 meters (2.62 feet)
• Filter Size: 67mm
• Weight: Around 750g (1.65 lbs) – varies slightly by mount

Build Quality and Handling

When you first pick up the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8, you'll notice it feels substantial. The lens barrel is made of metal, giving it a robust and premium feel. It's not overly heavy, but it has enough heft to inspire confidence. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise manual focusing. There's also an aperture ring, which is a welcome addition for those who prefer tactile control over their aperture settings. The inclusion of an autofocus (AF) / manual focus (MF) switch on the lens barrel enhances usability, providing quick and easy switching between focusing modes. The lens also features a function button that can be customized via the camera body, adding to its versatility. Overall, the build quality is impressive for a lens in this price range, making it a durable and reliable tool for photographers.

Image Quality

Image quality is where the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 truly shines. The lens delivers sharp images, even wide open at f/1.8. Center sharpness is excellent, and corner sharpness is also very good, especially when stopped down slightly. The bright f/1.8 aperture allows for stunningly shallow depth of field, creating beautiful bokeh that makes your subjects stand out. Colors are vibrant and accurate, and contrast is well-controlled. Chromatic aberration (color fringing) is minimal, and distortion is virtually non-existent. The lens also performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to its fast aperture, allowing you to capture clean and detailed images even in challenging lighting situations. Whether you're shooting portraits, landscapes, or anything in between, the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 delivers exceptional image quality that rivals more expensive lenses.

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus (AF) performance of the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 is generally good, but it's not without its quirks. The lens uses a stepping motor, which provides reasonably fast and accurate autofocus in most situations. However, it's not as lightning-fast or silent as some of the more advanced autofocus systems found in higher-end lenses. In good lighting conditions, the autofocus is quick and reliable. But in low light or with fast-moving subjects, it can sometimes hunt or struggle to lock focus. Continuous autofocus (AF-C) performance is decent, but it may not be ideal for capturing fast-paced action. Despite these limitations, the autofocus is more than adequate for most photographers, especially those who primarily shoot portraits or static subjects. Keep in mind that autofocus performance can also vary depending on the camera body being used, with newer camera models often providing better autofocus capabilities.

Bokeh

One of the standout features of the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 is its ability to produce stunning bokeh. The lens's nine-blade aperture creates smooth, creamy, and pleasingly round out-of-focus areas. Bokeh is especially important for portrait photography, as it helps to isolate the subject and create a visually appealing background. The Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 excels in this regard, delivering bokeh that rivals lenses costing significantly more. Whether you're shooting portraits, close-ups, or any other subject where you want to create a shallow depth of field, the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8's bokeh will not disappoint. The smooth and dreamy background blur adds a touch of magic to your images, making them stand out and capturing the viewer's attention. With its exceptional bokeh capabilities, this lens is a must-have for photographers who value aesthetic background blur in their work.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 lens:

Pros:

• Sharp Image Quality: Delivers excellent sharpness, even wide open.
• Beautiful Bokeh: Creates smooth and creamy background blur.
• Fast Aperture: f/1.8 aperture is great for low light and shallow depth of field.
• Solid Build Quality: Metal construction feels robust and durable.
• Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the performance.
• Aperture Ring: Provides tactile control over aperture settings.

Cons:

• Autofocus Speed: Autofocus can be slower and less reliable in low light or with fast-moving subjects.
• Size and Weight: It's a relatively large and heavy lens.
• No Image Stabilization: Lacks built-in image stabilization, which can be an issue in some situations.
• Some Chromatic Aberration: Minor color fringing may be present in high-contrast areas.

Alternatives to the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8

If you're not completely sold on the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8, here are a few alternative lenses to consider:

• Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM: This is a top-of-the-line 135mm lens with exceptional image quality and fast, reliable autofocus. However, it comes at a premium price.
• Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art: Another excellent option with outstanding sharpness and beautiful bokeh. It's also more expensive than the Viltrox.
• Samyang/Rokinon 135mm f/2: A manual focus lens that offers great image quality at a very affordable price. If you don't mind manual focusing, this is a great option.

Who is This Lens For?

The Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 lens is an excellent choice for:

• Portrait Photographers: The 135mm focal length is ideal for portraits, and the f/1.8 aperture creates beautiful background blur.
• Low-Light Shooters: The fast aperture allows you to capture clean and detailed images in challenging lighting conditions.
• Photographers on a Budget: This lens offers excellent performance at an affordable price, making it a great value.
• Those Who Don't Mind Manual Focusing Occasionally: While the autofocus is generally good, it's not perfect. So, if you're comfortable with manual focusing, you'll be able to get the most out of this lens.

Final Verdict

So, is the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 lens worth it? In my opinion, absolutely! It offers outstanding image quality, solid build quality, and a fast f/1.8 aperture at a price that's hard to beat. While the autofocus may not be the fastest or most reliable, it's more than adequate for most photographers. If you're looking for a high-quality 135mm lens without breaking the bank, the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 is an excellent choice. It's a fantastic tool for portrait photography, low-light shooting, and creating stunning bokeh. I highly recommend giving it a try! You won't be disappointed.