BENOISON vs VILTROX AF

Overview of the Lenses

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens - F Lens for Nikon is a manual focus lens priced at $96.22, while the VILTROX AF 9mm F2.8 APS-C Lens for Sony E-Mount is an auto-focus lens costing $199.00. This represents a price difference of about 107%, making the Nikon lens significantly more budget-friendly. Each lens serves different purposes and caters to distinct photography styles, with the Nikon lens aimed at portrait photography and the VILTROX lens designed for wide-angle shots.

Design and Build Quality

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features a classic manual focus design, offering a straightforward user experience for those familiar with manual settings. Its construction focuses on durability and simplicity, which may appeal to traditional photographers. On the other hand, the VILTROX AF 9mm F2.8 offers a compact and lightweight design, ideal for travel and on-the-go shooting. It boasts a metal lens mount and USB-C firmware upgrade support, adding a modern touch. This focus on portability and advanced features makes the VILTROX lens suitable for contemporary videographers and photographers.

Focusing Mechanism

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens operates solely with manual focus, which requires the user to adjust the focus ring for sharp images. This may be seen as a disadvantage for those who prefer the convenience of auto-focus. In contrast, the VILTROX AF 9mm F2.8 is equipped with a fast and silent autofocus system powered by a high-precision STM stepping motor. This allows for quick and quiet adjustments, making it a better choice for dynamic shooting scenarios, such as vlogging or capturing fast-moving subjects.

Aperture and Light Performance

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features a large f1.8 aperture, which excels in creating stunning background bokeh, ideal for portrait photography where depth-of-field is essential. This lens allows for beautiful close-ups and half-body portraits with a natural perspective. Conversely, the VILTROX AF 9mm F2.8 lens has a slightly smaller f2.8 aperture but still performs well in low-light conditions. Its broader field of view and lower aperture also make it suitable for astrophotography and city nightscapes, providing versatility for varied shooting environments.

Versatility and Compatibility

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras, including models like D3500 and D850. However, it is not suitable for Z-series mirrorless cameras. Its focus on portraiture makes it a specialized tool rather than a versatile all-rounder. In contrast, the VILTROX AF 9mm F2.8 is designed for Sony E-Mount cameras, including popular models like the a6000 and a7 series. Its ultra-wide-angle view of 113.8° makes it adaptable for various photography styles, including landscapes and interior shots, thus appealing to a broader audience.

Target Audience

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens targets photographers who specialize in portrait and detail-focused shooting. Its manual focus nature may attract enthusiasts who enjoy full control over their settings. On the other hand, the VILTROX AF 9mm F2.8 lens is geared towards modern photographers and videographers who require speed and versatility, especially in dynamic environments. It appeals to those who appreciate the convenience of auto-focus and the ability to capture expansive scenes creatively.

Price Comparison

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $96.22, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to invest in a quality portrait lens without breaking the bank. In contrast, the VILTROX AF 9mm F2.8, priced at $199.00, is about 107% more expensive. While the VILTROX offers advanced features and capabilities, the significant price difference may influence buyers, particularly those who are just starting in photography or who primarily shoot portraits.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens for Nikon and the VILTROX AF 9mm F2.8 for Sony E-Mount depends on your specific photography needs and preferences. If you're looking for a specialized portrait lens that offers beautiful bokeh and are comfortable with manual focusing, the Nikon lens is a solid choice at $96.22. However, if you require versatility, fast autofocus, and an ultra-wide-angle perspective, the VILTROX lens, despite its higher price of $199.00, may be worth the investment.