BENOISON vs VILTROX

Price Comparison

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $96.22, making it significantly cheaper than the VILTROX 25mm F1.7 E, which costs $176.00. This means the VILTROX lens is about 83% more expensive than the Nikon lens. For budget-conscious photographers, the 85mm lens presents a more accessible option, particularly for those just starting in portrait photography or manual focusing.

Lens Type and Focus Features

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a manual focus lens, which means that users must adjust the focus manually to achieve sharp images. This can be a learning curve for some photographers, especially those accustomed to automatic systems. In contrast, the VILTROX 25mm F1.7 E features fast autofocus capabilities, making it more user-friendly, particularly for quick shooting situations like street photography or dynamic environments. The ease of use offered by the VILTROX lens may appeal to those who prefer to focus on composition rather than technical adjustments.

Aperture and Low-Light Performance

The 85mm lens has a maximum aperture of f1.8, which allows for shallow depth-of-field and beautiful background bokeh, ideal for portraits. However, the VILTROX lens edges ahead slightly with a maximum aperture of f1.7, offering even better low-light performance and background blur. This minor difference in aperture can be crucial for photographers who often shoot in dimly lit environments or wish to create more pronounced bokeh effects in their work.

Focal Length and Versatility

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is designed specifically for portraiture, making it an excellent choice for capturing half-body or full-body shots with a flattering perspective. The VILTROX 25mm F1.7 E, with its focal length equivalent to 38mm on an APS-C sensor, provides a versatile lens that is suitable for various photography styles, including landscapes and street photography. The different focal lengths cater to different photography needs, with the VILTROX lens being more adaptable for general use compared to the more specialized 85mm lens.

Optical Design and Image Quality

The VILTROX lens features a sophisticated optical design with 12 elements in 10 groups, including high refractive and extra-low dispersion elements. This construction minimizes chromatic aberrations, distortion, and flare, ensuring sharper and clearer images. In contrast, while the 85mm lens is known for its large aperture and bokeh capabilities, no specific optical construction details are provided, making it difficult to gauge its comparative image quality. Therefore, if optimal image quality is a priority, the VILTROX lens may have an advantage.

Minimum Focusing Distance

The VILTROX 25mm F1.7 E has a minimum focusing distance of just 0.33 meters (33 cm), allowing for stunning close-up shots that capture intricate details. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens does not specify its minimum focusing distance, which may limit its usability for detailed close-ups. This capability of the VILTROX lens makes it a more versatile choice for photographers looking to explore different styles, including macro photography.

Build Quality and Design Features

Both lenses come with thoughtful design features that enhance usability. The VILTROX lens includes an extended lens hood to reduce stray light and improve image contrast, while also offering a USB-C upgrade port for firmware updates, making it future-proof for compatibility with new camera models. The 85mm lens, although lacking these modern features, is straightforward in its design, focusing on delivering quality images without additional complications. For photographers who appreciate ease of use and technological enhancements, the VILTROX lens may be the better choice.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the VILTROX 25mm F1.7 E ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that excels in portrait photography without the need for autofocus, the 85mm lens is a solid choice at $96.22. However, if you prefer a more versatile lens that offers autofocus, better low-light capabilities, and advanced optical design features, the VILTROX lens, priced at $176.00, may justify its higher cost for those looking to explore various photography styles.