Viltrox Lens Review: 23mm f1.4 (X-Mount)
In this Viltrox lens review, we’re looking at the 23mm f1.4 for Fujifilm cameras. It’s the first third-party lens I’ve purchased for my Fujifilm XT3 and I was a little apprehensive before doing so. Can a lens this affordable really be that good? Let's take a look…
Key Takeaways
Although it’s cheap in price, the Viltrox 23mm f1.4 provides a premium user experience.
It has superb image quality, though it has heavy vignetting and some users report quite vivid chromatic aberration.
This lens is suitable for street, travel, documentary and portrait photography.
Why I Bought This Viltrox Lens
For almost a decade now, I’ve exclusively used Fuji’s own lenses. The Fujifilm 35mm F2 has long been my go to prime lens, but I’ve also had the 55-200mm and the highly regarded Fujifilm 18-55mm “kit lens”.
I needed a prime lens wider than my 35mm (52mm full frame equivalent) as I want to venture deeper into storytelling this year. The Fujifilm 23mm f2 was my initial direction, as it was available at a decent price. Then, a good friend of mine asked me ”Have you tried a Viltrox lens before?”.
After explaining I hadn’t, they were adamant I should. They’re cheaper, have just as good or better image quality (depending on who you ask) and are built extremely well considering they’re a budget lens for Fujifilm cameras.
After searching MPB.com I found the 23mm f1.4 in good condition for only $165. Compared to the $535 I’d pay for a brand new Fuji 23mm f2 - or $370 for a used one - the Viltrox option seemed like a no brainer.
So I purchased it right away…
Viltrox 23mm f1.4 The Facts
Below is everything you need to know when it comes to what you’re purchasing. I should note this lens is also available for Z, M and E mount cameras.
Viltrox X-Mount…
Focus Mode: AF/MF.
Viewing Angle: 63.4°.
Lens Elements: 11 elements in 10 groups.
Aperture Range: f/1.4–f/16.
Aperture Blades: 9.
Focus Range: 0.3m–∞.
Focus Mechanism: Internal Focus.
Focus Motor: STM (Stepping Motor) + Lead Screw.
Maximum Magnification: 0.1x.
Filter Size: Φ52mm.
Outer Dimensions: Φ65mm × 72mm.
Weight: 260g.
Pros
Very affordable
All metal build
Sharp images
Large aperture
Cons
Heavy vignetting wide open
Clickless aperture (though this is fine for many users)
Not weather resistant
Viltrox 23mm f1.4 Build Quality
I was slightly concerned about the build quality of the lens. That quickly disappeared after I felt it in my hand. It’s an all-metal lens and it is not the kind of cheap metal that feels like plastic to touch. Instead, we’re talking about a high-grade metal build that feels wonderfully premium and has that chill-like feel in the hand.
Unlike my Fujifilm 35mm f2, it’s not weather resistant - hence the cheaper price point. I seldom run into heavy conditions when I make photos, so I saw this feature more as a “nice to have” rather than an “absolutely need to have”.
Another concern was the clickless aperture ring. I’d become so accustomed to that ASMR sounding clicking, that I was worried I’d miss the tactile feel that comes with Fuji lenses. Turns out, I don’t. In fact, the Viltrox lens has a very smooth aperture ring, while also offering a premium sturdiness that is synonymous with more expensive lenses.
The only minor criticism I have of the Viltrox 23mm f1.4 is the lens hood. It continues the same build quality, but there’s a little bit of movement when it’s connected to the lens. It holds fine, but for a truly premium experience it would be nice to see a more robust hold.
Other than that, Viltrox has done a top job for the build quality of this lens.
It’s also worth noting that users are able to install firmware updates by connecting the lens to a USB-C connector as the port is located at the rear of the lens.
Viltrox 23mm f1.4 Image Samples
After doing some research, I had high hopes for the image quality. Thankfully, Viltrox did not disappoint.
The sharpness from f1.4 to f16 is consistent, though the sweet spot for me was around f4 to f5.6. There is some heavy vignetting when I shoot wide open, but I was either able to fix it in post, or leave it as is because it gave a bit of character to the final frame.
All the images below are unedited.
I have had to resize the images for internet use. You can view the hi-res images here.
Some Viltrox users have experienced strong chromatic aberration with this lens. At the time of writing, I’m yet to have this issue, though many say it’s hit and miss when it happens.
It’s something you can fix in post, but it’s annoying. However, that’s often a consequence of cheaper lenses and not something exclusive to Viltrox.
By the way, I really like the Bokeh at f1.4. Some photographers like to zoom in and get really granular about the way lenses produce bokeh - I’m not doing that. This lens helps your subject pop and to the naked eye, with no lab-like inspection, this lens does a very good job in the bokeh department.
Shot at f1.4
Who is This Viltrox Lens for?
The Viltrox 23mm f1.4 can serve a range of photographers. It’s suitable for reportage, street photography, travel photography and to some extent, portrait photography. If you’re working in low light, the f1.4 aperture can certainly come in handy, especially for those that don’t like pumping up their ISO - though I always say embrace the noise!
Those working in harsher weather environments, may want to give this a pass. I’ve not tested it in such an environment, but the last thing you want is a failing lens, especially if you’re on a job.
The image quality is certainly of professional class and hobbyists will love the images it produces. Though it’s not a direct comparison, I wouldn’t say it’s any more or less sharper than my Fuji 35mm f2, and that’s a very sharp lens.
I would not necessarily say this lens is only for those on a smaller budget either. Nor is it just for beginners. We all like to save money and this lens can rival the more expensive Fuji alternatives.
If the clicky aperture ring and on-brand set up matter to you, then certainly go for a Fuji made lens. But, if you want a premium feel, excellent image quality and more money in the bank, the Viltrox 23mm f1.4 is a very good option that I’m sure won’t disappoint you.
The Viltrox 23mm f1.4 is currently listed for $239 and is available to purchase on Amazon.
What do you think of Viltrox lens? What other third party lenses do you use? Did you find this review useful? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
FAQs
Is Viltrox lens any good?
Despite the very affordable price point, Viltrox makes very well-built lenses that produce exceptionally good image quality. The company is a top alternative to first-party lenses.
Who makes Viltrox lenses?
Established in 2009, Viltrox is owned by Shenzhen Jueying Technology Co., Ltd. The company’s headquarters are in Shenzhen, China.
Are Viltrox lenses autofocus?
Yes, Viltrox has a range of autofocus lenses for Fujifilm, Sony, Nikon and Canon cameras.
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