JINTU vs VILTROX

Overview of the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $94.99, making it a budget-friendly option for Canon users. This lens offers manual focus and aperture control, catering to photographers who prefer hands-on adjustments rather than relying on automatic settings. Its robust construction and hybrid aspherical element contribute to exceptional image sharpness and minimal distortion, making it suitable for a variety of photography styles, including portraits and landscapes.

In contrast, the VILTROX 35mm f1.7, priced at $179.00, is a more advanced autofocus lens designed for Fujifilm X-mount cameras. This lens provides a bright f/1.7 aperture, enhancing low-light performance and background blur, ideal for street photography and portraits. The significant price difference of about 88% suggests that while the VILTROX may offer more features, it comes at a higher cost.

Compatibility and Mounting

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is specifically designed for Canon's EF/EF-S mount cameras, compatible with models like the EOS Rebel T8i, T7i, and several others. This broad compatibility makes it an enticing option for Canon users looking to enhance their portrait photography.

On the other hand, the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 is tailored for Fujifilm X-mount systems, including popular models like the X-T1, X-T2, and X-T4. This focus on the Fujifilm ecosystem means that users with Canon cameras cannot utilize the VILTROX lens at all, which could limit the audience for this product. Thus, the compatibility factor is crucial, depending on the camera brand in use.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is impressive, featuring a large f1.8 aperture that allows for a shallow depth of field, enhancing subject focus while beautifully blurring the background. This can lead to more artistic and visually impactful photographs.

In comparison, the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 lens boasts an optimized optical design with 11 elements in 9 groups, including HR, ED, and aspherical elements. This design minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortion, ensuring outstanding image quality. The f1.7 aperture also allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh effects. While both lenses excel in image quality, the VILTROX’s advanced design provides a slight edge in optical performance.

Focusing Mechanism

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features a manual focus mechanism, which can be a double-edged sword. While it allows for precise control over focus, it requires users to have a good understanding of manual settings. This lens does not have electronic contacts, meaning the camera will not recognize it as attached, which can be a drawback for those accustomed to electronic autofocus systems.

Conversely, the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 features a fast and precise autofocus system, greatly enhancing the user experience, especially for those who prioritize speed and convenience. The lens minimizes focus breathing, making it particularly useful for video recording. This significant difference in focusing mechanisms could sway buyers toward the VILTROX, especially for those who value quick and effortless shooting.

Build Quality and Design

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is constructed with a strong metal body that adds durability, essential for photographers who frequently work in various environments. Its manual focus design and lack of electronic components contribute to a straightforward, robust construction.

In contrast, the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 is designed with thoughtful details, including an extended lens hood that helps to reduce stray light and improve image contrast. Additionally, it features a USB-C upgrade port for firmware updates, allowing for improved compatibility with new camera models. While both lenses are well-built, the VILTROX offers more modern conveniences that may appeal to tech-savvy photographers.

Versatility in Photography

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is marketed as a versatile option, suitable for landscapes, architecture, portraits, and more. Its ability to create beautiful blurred backgrounds makes it particularly strong for portrait photography, where isolating the subject is often desired.

The VILTROX 35mm f1.7 is equally versatile, with a focal length that mimics the human eye, making it perfect for street photography, portraits, and landscapes alike. Its close focusing distance of just 0.33m allows for stunning detail in close-up shots. While both lenses serve a variety of photographic needs, the VILTROX's autofocus and close focusing capabilities may make it the more versatile option for dynamic shooting environments.

Price Comparison

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is currently priced at $94.99, making it an affordable choice for those entering the world of portrait photography or seeking a budget-friendly lens. In contrast, the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 retails for $179.00, which is about 88% more expensive. This significant price gap presents a clear financial consideration for potential buyers.

While the VILTROX offers advanced features such as autofocus and enhanced optical performance, the cost may deter those who are not ready to invest heavily in photography equipment. For budget-conscious photographers, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens presents a compelling option without sacrificing too much in quality.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 ultimately depends on your camera system and photography needs. If you own a Canon camera and prefer manual control with a focus on portrait photography, the 85mm f1.8 lens provides excellent quality at a lower price. However, if you're a Fujifilm user looking for a versatile lens with autofocus capabilities and superior optical design, the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 justifies its higher price with advanced features and performance. Your choice should align with your camera brand, shooting style, and budgetary constraints.