BENOISON vs VILTROX AF

Overview of the Lenses

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens for Nikon is a manual focus lens, while the VILTROX AF 28mm F4.5 XF Pancake Lens is an auto-focus option for Fuji X-mount cameras. The two lenses cater to different photography styles and user preferences. The Nikon lens is designed for portrait photography and low-light conditions, boasting a large aperture of f1.8. On the other hand, the VILTROX lens is a wide-angle option that is lightweight and ideal for on-the-go shooting.

Price Comparison

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is currently priced at $96.22, making it about 1.7% cheaper than the VILTROX AF 28mm F4.5 XF, which costs $99.00. This relatively minor price difference may influence budget-conscious photographers. However, the choice between these two lenses should also consider their intended use rather than just the price.

Focusing Mechanism

A significant difference between the two lenses is their focusing mechanism. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a manual focus lens, requiring users to adjust the focus ring to achieve sharpness. This can be challenging for beginners but offers more control for experienced photographers. In contrast, the VILTROX AF 28mm F4.5 XF features an efficient autofocus system that simplifies the shooting process, making it better suited for fast-paced environments or vlogging.

Lens Type and Purpose

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is primarily aimed at portrait and street photography, thanks to its longer focal length and larger aperture that provide stunning background bokeh. This lens is ideal for creating shallow depth-of-field effects, enhancing the artistic quality of portraits. Meanwhile, the VILTROX AF 28mm F4.5 XF is a wide-angle lens, making it more versatile for landscape, architectural photography, and vlogging due to its broader field of view.

Weight and Portability

Weighing just 60g and measuring only 15.3mm thick, the VILTROX AF 28mm F4.5 XF is significantly lighter and more compact compared to the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens. This makes the VILTROX lens a great option for photographers who prioritize portability for travel or street photography. The Nikon lens, while not excessively heavy, is bulkier and less convenient for those looking for an ultra-light setup.

Image Quality

Both lenses promise to deliver exceptional image quality, but they achieve this differently. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens uses a large f1.8 aperture to create beautiful bokeh and is well suited for low-light conditions. It excels in portrait situations where depth of field is crucial. The VILTROX AF 28mm F4.5 XF boasts advanced optical designs, including 2 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses, ensuring sharp images with vibrant colors, ideal for landscapes and general photography.

User Experience

Using the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens requires familiarity with manual focusing techniques, which can be a learning curve for novices. Users must switch their Nikon cameras to manual mode, which may not display aperture values, adding complexity. In contrast, the VILTROX AF 28mm F4.5 XF enhances the user experience with its autofocus capabilities and innovative slide cap design, which transforms into a lens cap, adding functionality and protection.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the VILTROX AF 28mm F4.5 XF ultimately depends on your photography style and needs. If you are focused on portrait photography and prefer manual control over your shots, the Nikon lens is an excellent choice, especially given its lower price of $96.22. However, if you value portability and need a versatile lens for landscape photography or vlogging, the VILTROX lens at $99.00 offers excellent autofocus features that can simplify your shooting experience.