BENOISON vs VILTROX

Overview of the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and VILTROX 28mm F4.5 XF Pancake Lens

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $96.22, while the VILTROX 28mm F4.5 XF Pancake Lens costs $99.00. The first lens is a manual focus option for Nikon DSLRs, perfect for portraits, whereas the second lens is an autofocus wide-angle prime lens designed for Fujifilm cameras. This price difference of $2.78 makes the 85mm f1.8 about 2.8% cheaper than the VILTROX lens.

Target Audience and Use Cases

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens primarily targets portrait photographers looking for a manual focus solution that offers a beautiful bokeh effect. Its large f1.8 aperture is tailored for half-body and full-body portraits, making it ideal for street photography with a natural perspective. On the other hand, the VILTROX 28mm F4.5 XF Pancake Lens is perfect for landscape photographers and those capturing architecture or environmental portraits, thanks to its wide-angle capabilities.

Build and Design

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features a more traditional lens design, emphasizing a robust manual focus mechanism. It is not designed for automatic functions, requiring users to switch their camera to manual mode. In contrast, the VILTROX 28mm F4.5 XF Pancake Lens boasts a lightweight and slim profile, weighing just 60g and measuring only 15.3mm in thickness. This makes the VILTROX lens an excellent option for on-the-go photographers who prioritize portability.

Focusing Mechanism

Focusing is a significant difference between these two lenses. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens requires manual focusing, which can be a challenge for some users but allows for a more hands-on approach to photography. The lens shows an 'F--' reading on the camera, indicating that aperture values won't display, requiring users to adjust settings manually. Conversely, the VILTROX 28mm F4.5 XF Pancake Lens features an efficient autofocus system, allowing for quick and easy shooting without the need for complex setups. This automatic focusing capability caters to photographers who prefer a more convenient experience.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens excels in creating stunning backgrounds with its large aperture, offering beautiful bokeh and a shallow depth of field. This lens is particularly well-suited for capturing intricate details in portraits. Meanwhile, the VILTROX 28mm F4.5 XF Pancake Lens is designed with 6 elements in 6 groups, including 2 ED and 2 aspherical lenses. This configuration delivers sharp images with vibrant colors, making it a strong contender for landscape and architectural photography.

Versatility

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is primarily focused on portrait photography, which might limit its versatility for other photography styles. It is compatible with various Nikon DSLR models, making it a reliable option for users within that ecosystem. On the other hand, the VILTROX 28mm F4.5 XF Pancake Lens is designed for a broader range of photography styles, including landscape, architecture, and environmental portraits. Its compatibility with multiple Fujifilm X-Mount cameras adds to its versatility, catering to a diverse audience.

Price and Value for Money

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is currently priced at $96.22, making it a reasonable option for photographers seeking a manual focus lens for portraits. In comparison, the VILTROX 28mm F4.5 XF Pancake Lens is priced at $99.00, which is slightly higher but offers the advantages of autofocus and a lightweight design. The difference in price may appeal to those prioritizing manual control versus those seeking convenience and ease of use in their photography.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the VILTROX 28mm F4.5 XF Pancake Lens ultimately depends on your specific photography needs. If you're focused on portraiture and enjoy the hands-on experience of manual focusing, the 85mm f1.8 is a great choice, especially given its lower price of $96.22. However, if you prefer a lightweight, versatile lens that offers autofocus capabilities for a variety of shooting scenarios, the VILTROX lens, though slightly more expensive at $99.00, might be the better option.