Rokinon vs VILTROX

Introduction

When it comes to choosing camera lenses, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED Super Lens for Canon EF and the VILTROX 85mm F2.0 Z Lens for Nikon stand out as compelling options for different photography needs. The Rokinon lens is priced at $231.25, while the VILTROX lens is available for $275.00, making it about 17% more expensive. This article will delve into the specifications, features, and intended uses of both lenses to help you determine which one might be the right fit for your photography style.

Design and Build Quality

The Rokinon 14mm lens boasts a robust and reliable build, weighing 31.7oz (900g) and measuring 6.0 x 3.5 x 3.7 inches. This durable construction is intended for professional use in various conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability. In contrast, the VILTROX lens is significantly lighter, weighing only 360g and measuring φ69mm x 78mm. This compact, ergonomic design makes it more portable and easier to handle during long shooting sessions. Therefore, if you prioritize weight and convenience, the VILTROX lens may be more appealing.

Focal Length and Perspective

The Rokinon lens offers an ultra-wide 14mm focal length, providing an impressive 115.7° angle of view. This makes it ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, astrophotography, and real estate imagery. The VILTROX lens, with its 85mm focal length, is designed for portrait photography, delivering a more intimate perspective with a strong background blur (bokeh). This difference in focal length dramatically influences the type of imagery each lens excels at, so consider your primary photography focus when choosing between them.

Aperture and Low-Light Performance

With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, the Rokinon lens performs well in low-light conditions, allowing photographers to capture bright and clear images even in challenging environments. The VILTROX lens, featuring a larger f/2.0 aperture, enables even greater light control and produces stunning bokeh for professional-quality portraits. This difference in aperture size makes the VILTROX lens particularly advantageous for portrait photographers who often work in varying lighting conditions.

Optical Quality

The Rokinon lens is constructed with 14 elements in 10 groups, including aspherical elements that minimize distortion and aberrations. This advanced optical design ensures high image quality with sharpness from edge to edge. On the other hand, the VILTROX lens incorporates 10 elements in 8 groups, featuring Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements and high refractive index (HR) lenses, which also work to reduce chromatic aberration and improve color accuracy. Both lenses offer exceptional optical quality, but the specific design may cater to different photographic needs.

Autofocus Capabilities

Autofocus performance varies significantly between the two lenses. The VILTROX 85mm lens is equipped with a Stepping Motor (STM), providing smooth, quiet, and precise autofocus, making it ideal for both photography and video. The Rokinon lens, however, features a manual focus system. While this allows for precise control, it may not suit photographers who prefer quick and automatic focusing, especially in fast-paced shooting scenarios.

Minimum Focusing Distance

The VILTROX lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 0.74 meters, allowing photographers to capture detailed close-up shots, which is particularly useful for portraiture. The Rokinon lens offers a closest focus distance of 10.8 inches, which is effective but not as versatile for close-ups as the VILTROX. This factor may significantly influence your choice depending on whether you often shoot macro-style portraits or prefer wider scenes.

Price Comparison

The Rokinon lens is currently available for $231.25, while the VILTROX lens costs $275.00. This price difference of about $43.75 makes the Rokinon lens a more budget-friendly option, especially for photographers who are just getting started or looking to expand their lens collection without breaking the bank. However, the additional cost of the VILTROX lens could be justified by its superior features, such as the larger aperture and enhanced autofocus capabilities.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED Super Lens for Canon EF and the VILTROX 85mm F2.0 Z Lens for Nikon hinges on your photography needs. If you are focused on landscape or astrophotography, the Rokinon lens with its ultra-wide perspective and affordability is a solid choice. Conversely, if your primary focus is portrait photography and you desire a lens that provides excellent bokeh and reliable autofocus, the VILTROX lens, despite its higher price, may be worth the investment. Each lens brings its unique strengths to the table, catering to different styles and preferences in photography.