Along with the Sigma 16-300mm, this lens was the second one I packed for my recent trip to Japan. In a previous post, I mentioned how I was unsure about which lenses to bring, but then Sigma Marketing Singapore reached out, and my good friend Ivan Joshua Loh handed me this compact prime lens to try out. So, these are the two lenses I took with me on my Japan trip. (And by the way, I also brought along the Instax Wide Evo, but that is for the other day.)
Viltrox 25mm f1.7Viltrox 25mm f1.7
Intro
The Viltrox “Air” series has gained significant popularity among photographers, and Viltrox shows no signs of slowing down. Following the release of the Viltrox 56mm f1.7 and Viltrox 35mm f1.7, the company introduced the latest addition to the “Air” family, the Viltrox 25mm f1.7, in February 2025. This completes the “Air” trinity.
As part of the “Air” series, this lens follows the same design language as the other two “Air” lenses, staying true to the series’ characteristics. It features the same plastic build, is lightweight at just 170 grams, and has a 52mm filter size. It also lacks an aperture ring. I previously mentioned that the Viltrox 35mm f1.7’s plastic material is resistant to fingerprints, and this lens shares the same feature.
Overall, it feels comfortable to hold and pairs nicely with the smallest Fuji camera, the X-M5. And yes, it comes with a plastic petal lens hood.
Image Quality
While the image quality doesn’t quite match the “Pro” or “Lab” series, the results are still solid, offering good contrast and sharpness when wide open. While it may not reach the benchmark set by Fujifilm’s compact prime lenses, like the XF 23mm f2 WR, I think it’s more than sufficient for social media posts and even prints, as long as you’re not too particular.
That said, the vignetting appears more pronounced than on the 35mm variant, which isn’t to my preference. As for chromatic aberration, Viltrox has done a good job here, as it’s not noticeable to my eyes.
When it comes to sun stars, the lines appear softer, similar to the Viltrox 35mm f1.7.
The lens is equipped with a Stepper Motor (STM), and in my experience, it performs quite well. While it isn’t as fast as high-end prime lenses, the focusing speed is still decent, and it locks onto subjects effectively. During my testing on a trip, even in low-light conditions, I didn’t encounter any issues with misfocusing or focus-pulling. The only time it struggles is when I’m too close to the Minimum Focus Distance (MFD).
Focusing from MFD to infinity is relatively quick, especially considering its price point, and Eye-AF functions properly as well.
Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)
I was hoping for a closer Minimum Focus Distance (MFD), but unfortunately, it’s 30cm. It’s not terrible, though I wish it were a bit closer for a better perspective. On the bright side, I’m pleased to see that the image quality remains consistent and doesn’t degrade.
At 176 USD, this lens is priced similarly to its two siblings. It seems to be part of Viltrox’s strategy to keep the price of all three lenses competitively low in order to attract more photographers. However, Viltrox faces stiff competition from TTArtisan, which offers similar lenses at an even lower price point.
An interesting detail is that all the “Air” lenses share the same weight and filter size. This is great for photographers looking to travel light with minimal filters. In fact, combining the X-M5 with all three “Air” lenses results in a total weight of 865 grams (355 grams for the camera + 170 grams for each lens x3).
Like most third-party brands, it includes a USB-C port for firmware updates, which is located at the rear of the lens.
Viltrox 25mm f1.7 USB-C port
Who is this for?
At 25mm (equivalent to 37.5mm on full-frame), the focal length falls somewhere between 35mm and 40mm. Personally, I find it quite comfortable. During my trip, I had no issues using this focal length for street photography, product shots, and environmental portraits.
Probably due to my preference for the focal length, I find myself liking this lens more than the Viltrox 35mm f1.7. One of the things I appreciate about these trinity lenses is that they all share the same size, filter size, and weight. It’s a smart design choice that allows Viltrox to maintain a consistent philosophy across three different focal lengths.
Viltrox has created a solid budget-friendly trinity lineup, which is great for new photographers who either have a limited budget or don’t want to invest in more expensive lenses. The image quality is quite good for the price. If you’re a fan of Viltrox, this lens is a great starting point for prime lenses. That said, I still think TTArtisan offers a more cost-effective option.
Fuji X-M5 with Viltrox 25mm f1.7Fuji X-M5 with Viltrox 25mm f1.7
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimer: 1. All the shots taken here are shot by me. 2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing. 3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment. 4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me. 5. If you are interested in this lens and also wish to support me, this is the affilinate linkto purchase.
If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:
Lens caps that can shoot aren’t exactly new to the market, but they are certainly a niche, unique, and interesting product. If you’ve been using Fujifilm for a while, you might recall that they released the XM-FL before.
Viltrox 28mm f4.5
You can even make one yourself using a plastic lens from a disposable camera and a lens cap. While not many third-party manufacturers venture into this, 7Artisans and FunLeader are among those who create manual lens caps that shoot. These lenses are fun to use with no high expectations for image quality, typically featuring a slow aperture.
Then Viltrox shook things up by introducing something entirely different—a lens cap with autofocus. A concept so unique, no one else had even thought to try it.
Intro
The Viltrox 28mm f4.5 for X-mount officially launched on January 20, 2025. If you recall, Viltrox initially introduced this lens cap concept through an Indiegogo campaign—but that version was exclusively for Sony E-mount. Thankfully (no surprise), the campaign was a success, which eventually led to the release of the X-mount version.
Before diving deeper, I want to express my gratitude to the awesome team at Viltrox for sending this lens cap over. That said, my thoughts and experiences shared in this post remain completely unbiased.
Design and Build Quality
Weighing in at just 60 grams, this is the lightest autofocus lens I’ve ever used. Despite its featherweight, the lens features a full metal build—nothing about it feels flimsy or cheaply made.
Like most lens cap-style lenses, it offers only a single aperture setting. In this case, it’s fixed at f4.5 and there is no adjusting it beyond that.
If you prefer manual focus, the lens does include a tiny focus ring, giving you a bit of control when needed.
Image Quality
Image quality is fairly decent and nothing groundbreaking, but it delivers acceptable contrast and sharpness that’s more than enough for casual or social media use.
At f4.5, vignetting is definitely noticeable, though thankfully, chromatic aberration remains minimal and isn’t too distracting.
Given the fixed aperture of f4.5, background and subject separation isn’t as pronounced compared to faster lenses. That said, with the right composition, you can still achieve a pleasing bit of background blur.
Focusing
To my surprise, the autofocus performance is better than I have expected. There are occasional hiccups where it doesn’t lock focus on the first try, but it usually kicks in by the second or third attempt.
When it does work, the focusing speed is reasonable. Transitions between the minimum focus distance and infinity are decent—not lightning-fast, but perfectly acceptable for a lens of this kind. All of this is driven by a Voice Coil Motor (VCM), which gets the job done for a compact, chip-style lens.
Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)
No lens is without its flaws, and this one is no exception. It features a minimum focus distance (MFD) of 34cm—which, considering its compact size, is actually better than expected. Fortunately, image quality doesn’t take a hit at this distance. However, the depth of field remains fairly shallow and not particularly impressive.
At just 99 USD, this is likely the most affordable autofocus lens you can get your hands on. With no direct competitors in its category and price range, it really stands out. Honestly, it’s a no-brainer for any photographer looking for a lens cap they can actually shoot with—practical, fun, and ready to go.
This lens doesn’t come with a separate external lens cap—instead, it has one built in. A sliding lever lets you open it up for shooting or close it to protect the glass. It’s a pretty clever design. But the real question is: would you want to see this kind of innovation carried over to future lenses?
Lens: Fuji X-M5 with Viltrox 28mm f4.5 – open lens cap Right: Fuji X-M5 with Viltrox 28mm f4.5 – close lens cap
Like other Viltrox autofocus lenses, this one also features a USB-C port at the rear. It’s there for potential firmware updates. You might wonder what kind of updates a tiny “chip-sized” lens would even need—possibly improvements to autofocus performance or compatibility tweaks for newer camera bodies. Either way, it’s a handy feature to have.
Viltrox 28mm f4.5 USB-C port
Who is this for?
Everyone. Honestly, this lens is so affordable that I can’t help but recommend it to everyone, just for the fun of it. It’s the kind of gear that’s easy to enjoy without overthinking. In fact, it even makes for a great gift that won’t hurt your wallet.
This lens isn’t perfect by any means. The lack of adjustable aperture values can limit your shooting options and flexibility. However, I find it enjoyable to explore and shoot with this 42mm (full-frame equivalent) focal length.
While the fixed aperture is small, I do wish Viltrox could have made it a bit brighter—maybe around f3.5. That said, I also understand that a brighter aperture would require a larger, heavier design, which could defeat the purpose of creating a compact, lens cap-style shooter.
Fuji X-M5 with Viltrox 28mm f4.5Fuji X-M5 with Viltrox 28mm f4.5
Overall, this is a fun and unique lens to experiment with. I’m looking forward to seeing more creative lenses from Viltrox for the APS-C and Fujifilm community.
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimer: 1. All the shots taken here are shot by me. 2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing. 3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment. 4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me. 5. If you are interested in this lens and also wish to support me, this is the affilinate link to purchase
If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:
I went on a trip to Japan with my family in mid-March. Just days before the trip, I was still trying to figure out which lens to bring. Then, Mr. Lawson from Sigma Marketing (Singapore) reached out to me, asking if I’d be interested in testing the Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f3.5 – f6.7 DC OS lens. This opportunity came at the perfect moment, resolving my lens dilemma.
Sigma 16-300mm f3.5 – f6.7 DC OS
Intro
The Contemporary 16-300mm f3.5 – f6.7 DC OS is Sigma’s first lens with an 18.8x zoom ratio. It is also the second long zoom lens made available to the Fuji X-mount community. This lens is offered in a variety of mounts, including RF-mount, E-mount, L-mount, and of course, X-mount. It was announced on February 13, 2025, alongside the stunning Sigma BF camera.
Before continuing, I’d like to extend my thanks to Mr. Lawson from Sigma Marketing (Singapore) for loaning me this lens for review, and to Kai for coordinating everything. I truly appreciate their generous support in making this review possible.
The lens is built with the familiar “Thermally Stable Composite” (TSC) polycarbonate material, the same used in Sigma’s 10-18mm f2.8, 23mm f1.4, and other Contemporary lenses. This construction ensures a solid, high-quality feel while keeping the lens lightweight. Weighing in at 615 grams, it is well-balanced with the X-T5, even though when it’s at the longer zoom.
Handling-wise, it’s generally good. The zoom ring is a bit stiff at first but loosens up with use. When collapsed at 16mm, the lens measures 123.7mm in length. When extended to 300mm, it stretches to 200mm, nearly doubling in size. Shooting at 300mm can be a bit challenging, as I found myself wobbling slightly when framing the shot with the X-M5. However, with the X-T5, the lens feels more balanced, providing better overall stability.
Left: Sigma 16-300mm f3.5 – f6.7 DC OS before extension Right: Sigma 16-300mm f3.5 – f6.7 DC OS extended to 300mm
The focus range from minimum focus distance to infinity is just 90°, which is quite efficient for a long-zoom lens. This allows for quick adjustments to the focal length without needing to turn the ring too much. It comes with 67mm filter size.
No lens is perfect. When you have the versatility of a wide focal length range, other aspects are often compromised, and in this case, it’s image quality. In my opinion, the image quality isn’t the best Sigma has delivered. It’s acceptable with nice contrast, but the sharpness tends to be soft at most focal lengths. The softness is particularly noticeable when shooting close to a subject and when viewing the image at 100%.
Chromatic aberration is generally well-controlled, with little to no noticeable issues in my photos. As for vignetting, it is present when shooting wide open, though it’s not very noticeable.
Regarding sun stars, I was able to capture them at 16mm, but not at 300mm. The result is soft but acceptable, without any dramatic effects.
Sigma employs a High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) motor for the autofocus system in this lens. Overall, the autofocus locking is quite fast across most focal lengths. However, at the telephoto end, particularly from 180mm onwards, there are occasions where the lens struggles to lock focus. Sometimes, I have to attempt to focus a few times before I lock onto the subject. On some occasions, I even need to refocus at a wider focal length before it can focus properly at the telephoto end. I hope this issue can be addressed with a future firmware update.
At 16mm, the minimum focus distance (MFD) is 17cm, which means I have to remove the lens hood to get close enough to the subject. At 300mm, the MFD is 105cm, making it a bit tricky to frame the shot with my shaky hands.
However, Sigma notes that the best magnification ratio of 1:2 is achieved at 70mm. In my testing, though, the image quality remained consistent across all focal lengths, with the same characteristics as mentioned earlier.
At 699 USD / 1088 SGD, the price is highly competitive. It’s clear that this lens directly competes with the Tamron 18-300mm, which is priced at 699 USD / 1099 SGD.
(I’m aware that Tamron Singapore currently has a promotion offering an attractive price of 991 SGD, and on Amazon Singapore, it’s available for 768 SGD.)
Others
This lens features an Optical Stabilizer (OS), which, according to the specifications, provides up to 6 stops of stabilization at the wide end and 4.5 stops at the telephoto end. In real-world use (I turned off the IBIS on the X-T5 during this trip), I had no issues shooting in daylight at any focal length. However, in low-light or challenging conditions, the OS performs well at wide focal lengths but is less effective at the telephoto end, where I experienced some handshake. This is likely due to the lens’s smaller aperture.
This lens is designed for travel photographers who prefer to carry just one lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths, even if it means sacrificing some image quality and adding a bit of weight. It’s also ideal for photographers who want to simplify their lens setup.
When Tamron released their 18-300mm f3.5 – f6.3 lens, many Sigma fans were hoping for a Sigma version, and now it’s here. I believe Sigma has delivered a great response to that demand.
To quickly compare, the Sigma 16-300mm (24mm to 450mm in full frame equivalent) offers a slightly wider focal length at 16mm, compared to Tamron’s 18mm. However, the Sigma lens has a slightly smaller aperture at the 300mm end, but in my opinion, this difference is negligible and doesn’t significantly affect shutter speed or other settings. The Sigma lens is also just 5 grams lighter than the Tamron, which again, is insignificant. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize a wider focal length or a lower price.
In my view, the wider focal length is more important, as it’s always handy to have that extra 2mm for those “just-in-case” situations.
Thank you for reading.
Fuji X-M5 with Sigma 16-300mm f3.5 – f6.7 DC OS Left: Sigma 16-300mm f3.5 – f6.7 DC OS with lens cap Right: Sigma 16-300mm f3.5 – f6.7 DC OS extended with lens cap
Disclaimer: 1. All the shots taken here are shot by me. 2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing. 3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment. 4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.
If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:
We all know that 50mm is a very popular focal length among manufacturers, and many Chinese manufacturers are doing the same focal length with a slight difference in aperture value. To name a few that I have shared before: TTArtisan 50mm f0.95, Artralab 50mm f1.2, AstrHori 50mm f1.4 tilt, and even their released not all ago Brightin Star 50mm f1.4.
Brightin Star 50mm f0.95
Intro
While I thought Brightin Star was focusing on producing more autofocus lenses, they decided to release this manual lens. So I guess there is still demand for manual lenses in the market.
Brightin Star 50mm f0.95
Before I proceed further, I appreciate the kind people in Brightin Star for their continuous support for sending me this lens for a sharing session opportunity. Having said that, Brightin Star has no influence on my opinion.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the bold, bright yellow brand immediately grabs attention—a clever way to stand out in a crowd. Upon closer look, you’ll notice the lens body is made of metal with a matte finish, giving it a sleek, modern look that helps it stand apart from the rest.
Brightin Star 50mm f0.95
Like all manual lenses, it features an aperture ring, and it’s clickable. I’ve had a great experience with this ring, as it provides a light and smooth tactile feedback when you adjust it to different aperture settings.
Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/11,000″ . ISO 640 . Nostalgic Negative Left: Fuji X-M5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f2. 1/125″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/280″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
Weighing in at 443 grams, the lens feels surprisingly dense. You can definitely sense its weight, especially when paired with a smaller camera like the X-M5, where the unbalanced heft becomes more noticeable. And, by the way, it has a 62mm filter size.
Image Quality
Like the Brightin Star 35mm f0.95, the image quality is soft and lacks contrast when shot wide open but slightly usable. Some photographers may appreciate this look, but it’s not quite to my taste. I find that stopping down to f2 or higher gives me better contrast and sharper results that is within my acceptance. Additionally, for the best optical performance, it’s ideal to center your subject, as the corners tend to be much softer.
Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/140″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic NegativeLeft: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/680″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f4. 1/600″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
When it comes to background or foreground blur, I am not particularly fond of the rendering. It feels a bit busy to some (but very busy in my own opinion) and can be quite distractive from the main subject. One notable issue is barrel distortion, which becomes quite apparent when shooting wide open. If you’re particular about distortion, this could be a concern for you.
Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f2. 1/680″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic NegativeLeft: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/400″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f2.8. 1/80″ . ISO 500 . Nostalgic Negative
On the plus side, I didn’t notice any chromatic aberration in the shots I took. Vignetting is present at wide open, though it’s relatively mild.
As for the sun stars, the lines are visible but not as well-defined as I would have liked.
Fuji X-M5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f16. 1/125″ . ISO 1600 . Nostalgic Negative
Focusing
The focus ring is smooth, but I can feel slightly damp when I rotate. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable experience.
Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f2. 1/240″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic NegativeLeft: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/220″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/500″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
As for the focus range between MFD to infinity, the focus throw is approximately 90°. The focus throw is similar to Brightin Star 35mm f0.95, giving a fair amount of “traveling” for precise focusing.
Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)
50cm minimum focus distance is decent, fair, and also similar to many other lenses of the same focal length. However, the softness and lack of contrast have elevated, even more obvious for wide-open shots.
Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/300″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic NegativeLeft: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/210″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/120″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
Price Point
The introductory price is 199 USD, and then it will be priced at 219 USD thereafter. I have no idea how long this introductory price will last. But if you really like this lens, I think you can act quickly.
Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f2. 1/500″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/1000″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
Left: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f2. 1/240″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 250 . Nostalgic Negative
However, this is a very competitive price point. Because Meike 55mm f1.4 is selling very similarly at this price point, and Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 is trading at 239 USD. Both are autofocus lenses, and they have a pretty good IQ.
Others
One standout feature of this lens is its built-in lens hood, a unique touch I haven’t encountered before. Typically, manual lens manufacturers rarely include a lens hood with the lens itself, but Brightin Star goes a step further by not only providing one, but also integrating it directly into the lens body. However, there is a small downside: the hood feels a bit flimsy. Hopefully, Brightin Star will refine this innovative design in future lenses.
Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 with lens hood extended.
Like the 35mm f0.95, this lens doesn’t have an f5.6 option. Instead, it jumps from f/4 to f/8, skipping two full stops of light. However, this may not be a significant issue if you’re looking for a brighter lens.
Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic NegativeLeft: Fuji X-M5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/10500″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative Right: Fuji X-M5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/3500″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative
There’s one more distinctive feature that I haven’t fully tested yet: it’s the first time a Chinese manufacturer has added luminous paint to the numbers on the scale marks of APS-C lenses, making it possible for photographers to see the numbers in low-light conditions.
Who is this for?
If you are looking to experience manual handling experience, this 75mm (equivalent to 35mm format), is a nice-looking manual portrait lens for someone who is looking for one. When it comes to genres, it is suitable for most typical ones like street, documentation, product shots, etc.
Fuji X-M5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/5000″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic NegativeLeft: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/280″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative
Conclusion
I had a very positive impression of the Brightin Star 35mm f0.95, the 50mm f0.95 is no exceptional.
Fuji X-M5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/2000″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic NegativeFuji X-M5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/2400″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic NegativeFuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f4. 1/80″ . ISO 1600 . Nostalgic NegativeLeft: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 3200 . Nostalgic Negative Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative
The Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 is a decent lens, but given its price, I might find it hard to recommend, especially for those looking for a portrait lens. There are several solid alternatives in a similar price range that offer autofocus. Unless you’re specifically attracted to its design, the unique lens hood, or you love its sibling, it may not be the best choice. On the bright side, the handling experience is quite enjoyable.
Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 @ 50mm . f0.95. 1/80″ . ISO 400 . Nostalgic Negative
I’m hopeful that Brightin Star will continue to innovate and improve, and I’m particularly looking forward to seeing more autofocus lenses from them in the future.
Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 with X-M5 Brightin Star 50mm f0.95 with X-M5
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimer: 1. All the shots taken here are shot by me. 2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing and Capture One. 3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment. 4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.
If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:
After the release of the TTArtisan 56mm f1.8 and the recent TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II, I always believed that TTArtisan would eventually complete the f1.8 trinity, and that day has finally come.
TTArtisan 23mm f1.8
TTArtisan has consistently launched new lenses without any leaks or teasers, and this release is no different. I appreciate this straightforward approach to marketing—just announce it and launch the product.
TTArtisan 23mm f1.8
Intro
23mm, or 35mm in full-frame equivalent ,is one of my favorite focal lengths and this focal length is always with me wherever I go for a holiday.
I was so excited when TTArtisan contacted me and informed me about this lens, and they managed to send the lens to me one day before my holiday trip to Guangzhou. Just nice for me to bring it along and shoot.
Before I begin, I’d like to express my gratitude to the good people at TTArtisan for sending me this lens. I truly appreciate their ongoing support. That said, their involvement has no impact on my review—this is entirely based on my personal experience with the lens.
The design language of this lens is consistent with its siblings, featuring the same high-quality metal build and minimalist aesthetic. That said, it lacks an aperture ring, with only the manual focus ring available.
The manual focus ring rotates smoothly, without any resistance or tactile feedback. Photographers who rely on feedback for precise manual focusing may find this lens less suitable for their needs.
Visually, the lens is slightly taller than the 35mm f1.8 II but a bit shorter than the 56mm f1.8. It weighs 210 grams, placing it in between its siblings in terms of weight.
TTArtisan 23mm f1.8
The lens comes with the same distinctive squarish petal hood as the TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II, offering a refreshing departure from the typical round petal hoods. It also shares the same 52mm filter thread size with its siblings, allowing photographers to interchange filters across all three lenses.
TTArtisan 23mm f1.8 with lens hoodTTArtisan 23mm f1.8 with lens hood
Image Quality
For those who pixel-peep, the image quality is slightly soft in the center when shot wide open, with the corners being a bit softer. However, I find the results to be quite decent and more than acceptable for a budget lens. It retains a respectable level of sharpness and contrast.
The lens does exhibit noticeable vignetting when wide open, but chromatic aberration is minimal. Regarding the sun-star effect, the rays are clean and accompanied by some distinctive flares. If you’re not a fan of lens flare characteristics, you may want to avoid this. Additionally, there’s some soft blooming when a strong light source is directed towards the lens, but I actually enjoy this effect. During my holiday, I found that I preferred shooting at f2.8, as it offers a nice balance of sharpness, contrast, and depth of field.
With a maximum aperture of f1.8, it doesn’t offer the same level of subject separation as lenses with f1.2 or f1.4 apertures. However, the separation between the focused subject and the background is more than sufficient for my needs. As for background rendering, I find it quite pleasing, producing smooth, non-distracting bokeh.
When it comes to focusing, I have close to zero focusing issues. The Stepper Motor (STM) performs quite decent and fast enough. I do encounter once or twice focusing issues at night, but it is acceptable as it recovers and focus locked onto the subject on the second attempt.
A 30cm minimum focusing distance feels somewhat distant for a 35mm (full-frame equivalent) focal length. For comparison, the XF23mm f1.4 has a 20cm focus distance, the XF23mm f2 is 22cm, and the Sigma 23mm f1.4 is 25cm. While this isn’t a direct comparison to the TTArtisan 23mm f1.8, it’s understandable given that it’s a budget lens.
USD 127 is really an attractive price point and affordable for photographers of all groups. Budget-friendly for newcomers and professionals who want to go out for a holiday.
Like all TTArtisan autofocus lenses, the rear cap is a dock for the lens for future firmware updates. Another to note is that this lens does not come with any form of weather and dust resistance. I think this is acceptable given the price point.
This is one of the two focal lengths I frequently recommend to beginners. Its versatility provides excellent adaptability, allowing newcomers to experiment with various styles of photography. Additionally, it covers a broad range of genres, making it an ideal choice for anyone just starting out.
Oh yes, this lens matches the X-M5 well. The combination of the camera and the lens gives a well-balanced weight for handling. If you are a new X-M5 user, consider this lens your arsenal.
I spent 10 days on this lens during my holiday, and with each passing day, I grew more fond of it. During these 10 days, I took over 1,000 shots with this lens—and only this lens. Although I brought one prime and one zoom lens, I hardly used them.
My only complaint is the absence of an aperture ring, but its lightweight design and good image quality make up for that. Traveling light is always my priority on holidays, and the reason is simple: I’m no longer as young as I once was, and carrying heavier lenses with my camera for extended periods can cause shoulder pain.
TTArtisan has made a solid entry into the budget lens market. This is an excellent, affordable prime lens that offers great value without breaking the bank. The image quality is good enough for everyday use, with satisfactory autofocus performance. At this price point, there’s no direct competition for this focal length (just yet).
I’ve been anticipating this lens since the release of the TTArtisan 56mm f1.8, and it’s finally here. It provides newcomers with a versatile trio of prime lenses to begin their collection.
The new year has just started, and TTArtisan has already laid the foundation for this lens category. I’m curious to see what they have in store for 2025. Could they be gearing up for “Pro” prime lenses, or are they possibly eyeing the mid-range market? What are your thoughts?
Fuji X-M5 with TTArtisan 23mm f1.8Fuji X-M5 with TTArtisan 23mm f1.8
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimer: 1. All the shots taken here are shot by me. 2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing. 3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment. 4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.
If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:
In the blink of an eye, a year has gone by, and the TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 has just celebrated its first anniversary. Unexpectedly shortly after its first anniversary, TTArtisan released a new autofocus lens, without any teasers or hints beforehand. They simply announced it out of the blue. The new lens is none other than the successor to the TTArtisan 35mm f1.8, marking the second iteration of this affordable lens.
TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II
Before I continue, I’d like to thank the generous people at TTArtisan for sending me this lens for review. Please note that they had no influence over the review I’ve provided here.
TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II
Design and Build Quality
If you have the first-generation lens, you will notice how incredibly short version II has become. It is now even more compact with a height of 49mm as opposed to 65mm in version I.
TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II
Similarly to the weight, it has reduced to 177 grams (according to my kitchen weighing scale), from 199 grams. The good thing is that TTArtisan maintained the same metal-built quality for this lens. Handling is good and I cannot find any complaint about this lens.
Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/1700″ . ISO 320 . Classic ChromeLeft: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/28000″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome Right: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/1100″ . ISO 160 . Classic Chrome
What I like about this lens is the minimalistic, simple, clean design, and it’s cute (due to the compactness of it). This also means that this lens does not come with an aperture ring. Oh yes, it is still the same 52mm filter thread size.
Image Quality
I have a positive impression of the Mark I, and its successor maintains that same level of quality. The images captured at wide-open are impressive, showing decent sharpness (not clinically sharp though) and a good contrast.
Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/350″ . ISO 320 . Classic ChromeLeft: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/20000″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome Right: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/125″ . ISO 400 . Classic Chrome
Chromatic aberration is surprisingly well-managed (at least it’s not noticeable in my photos). While some vignetting is present, it’s not overly pronounced.
Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f16 . 1/125″ . ISO 500 . Classic Chrome
For sun star lovers, I think this is only one of rare lenses that I actually like its sun star result. The lines are well defined to my liking. Do note of the flares if you want to avoid, but I like how the flare creates and introduces to my images.
Focusing
With Stepper Motor (STM), the focusing speed is fast but not instantaneously snappy in most situations. This is within my expectation since this is not in the same category as the XF33mm f1.4.
In rare situations, I do encounter some focus pulling when I focus from MFD to infinity and vice versa. This can be happens on the good light condition as well. Also, focusing on MFD can be a little challenging when shooting indoor with average lighting availability around the subject. The focus will still succeed after a few tries. Apart from these phenomenons, everything is just fine.
Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/125″ . ISO 3200 . Classic ChromeLeft: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/25000″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome Right: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f8 . 1/125″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome
For videographers or photographers who intended to use this lens for videography purposes, the focus breathing is seems to be significantly far between the MFD and infinity. However, this is not a deal breaker for me.
Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/1800″ . ISO 320 . Classic NegativeLeft: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/125″ . ISO 160 . Classic Chrome Right: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f8 . 1/340″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome
Update: On 17 December 2024, TTArtisan released a firmware update (FUJI-X AF 35mm F1.8 Mark II V1.0.1). While they did not mention what are the changes made, the focusing speed seems to have a good improvement over what I mentioned earlier, especially on the focus pulling.
Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)
If you compare the MFD with other lenses with similar focal lengths, you will notice that 40cm may not be a good MFD. But I have to praise the engineers that they have reduced from 60cm to 40cm and that is a 33% decrease in MFD.
Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/1250″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome
Nonetheless, the image quality isn’t compromised much at MFD. The sharpness and contrast are slightly reduced but not affecting the overall much.
Price Point
Another pleasant surprise from TTArtisan is that the new lens is priced at just 125 USD, slightly cheaper than its predecessor, which was already a great deal at 149 USD.
Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/7500″ . ISO 320 . Classic NegativeLeft: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/12800″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome Right: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/750″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome
This could be the most affordable autofocus lens available for the X-mount system. For comparison, the XC 35mm f2 costs 199 USD, the Viltrox 33mm f1.4 is priced at 238 USD, the Meike 33mm f1.4 is 229 USD, and the Sirui 33mm f1.2 is 280 USD.
Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f5.6 . 1/340″ . ISO 320 . Classic ChromeLeft: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/12800″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome Right: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f8 . 1/1900″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome
While I understand that for an additional 100 USD, I could get a brighter, higher-quality lens, the TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II is ideal for photographers who need to stretch their budget as far as possible.
Others
There is one phenomenon that switching on the camera with this lens is slower (at least when I compared it with the Mark I). TTArtisan is aware of this and they are looking into fixing it.
Left: TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II Right: TTArtisan 35mm f1.8Left: TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II with petal hood Right: TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 with square hoodLeft: TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II with square hood Right: TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 with petal hood
If you are a TTArtisan user, you should be aware that TTArtisan autofocus lenses come with a rear lens cap that includes USB-C port for future firmware upgrades. This lens is no exemption.
Who is this for?
If you’re new to photography and have chosen Fujifilm as your camera, trying out a prime lens could be a great way to start, and I think this lens is definitely worth considering. At 125 USD, there’s little reason not to give it a try. The 50mm focal length (full-frame equivalent) is highly versatile and suits a wide range of photography styles.
Fuji X-T5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 125 . Classic ChromeLeft: Fuji X-T5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f5 . 1/10″ . ISO 125 . Classic Chrome Right: Fuji X-T5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f5 . 1/3″ . ISO 125 . Classic Chrome
For professionals looking for a compact and budget-friendly lens for everyday use, this could be a solid choice.
Fuji X-T5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/150″ . ISO 125 . Classic ChromeLeft: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome Right: Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 400 . Classic Chrome
For those already using the first-generation lens, there’s no immediate need to upgrade unless the improvements genuinely meet your needs and contribute to your photographic growth and vision. If you are a new X-M5 user, you may consider pairing up this lens as the combination of the camera and the lens gives a well-balanced weight in terms of camera handling.
Fuji X-M5 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/45″ . ISO 3200 . Classic Chrome
Conclusion
No doubt the Viltrox 35mm f1.7 is a direct competition to TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II with performance, specifications and price very close to each other especially image quality. Given that almost everything is comparable (Viltrox has the upper hand for MFD at 30cm), I prefer TTArtisan than Viltrox because of the metal-built body. The handling feels better with metal-built quality.
Fuji X-M5 with TTArtisan 35mm f1.8
I was caught by surprised how fast TTArtisan update their lens. TTArtisan do listen to the photographers’ feedbacks about the first generation lens, they improved it and then giving us a better one. Although this lens is not a perfect by any means, it is still a worthy upgrade from it successor. Will there be Mark III next year? I don’t know but we will see.
Fuji X-M5 with TTArtisan 35mm f1.8
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimer: 1. All the shots taken here are shot by me. 2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing. 3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment. 4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.
If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:
It seems like 2024 has been a busy year for ArtraLab, with several lens releases, and the ArtraLab NONIKKOR 11mm f1.8 is the latest addition to their lineup. Announced in November 2024, the 11mm f1.8 is not only their newest lens but also the widest they’ve released so far. Like their previous models, this lens draws inspiration from the iconic 1980s Nikkor lens design.
ArtraLab 11mm f1.8
Before I proceed further, I would like to thank the good guys from ArtraLab for sending me this lens for review. Having said that, ArtraLab has no influence on this review and the opinion is purely my personal view.
ArtraLab 11mm f1.8
Design and Build Quality
Like I mentioned earlier, this lens is greatly inspired by the classic vintage aesthetic Nikkor lenses. That said, it comes with colorful aperture values and colorful markers.
Visually, the lens looks small and compact. In fact, I can feel how dense and heavy the weight of this metal build lens is when I hold it on my hand. 350 grams worth of glasses.
The aperture ring gives gentle click feedback similar to the ArtraLab 24mm f1.7 and ArtraLab 50mm f1.2. I love it. As for the manual focus ring, the rotation is smooth without any grip or feedback. Is it a bad thing? I think it is up to individual preference. For me, I do prefer some feedback as it gives me some level of sense when I do focus peaking.
The front element of the lens is protruded, so it comes with a built-in lens hood to protect it.
Image Quality
Wide-open shots result in a pleasant, soft, glowing flare from the light sources (similar to the results from obtaining a cine-blooming filter or the black-mist filter). This also results in a softer contrast. This is also consistent with the rest of the ArtraLab lenses I have tested thus far.
In terms of image quality, it is acceptable but not the best. It has good sharpness and contrast when wide open at the center. You can observe distortion at the corners and a slight drop in image quality. Vignetting is pretty strong here. Fear not, the image quality does improve when you step down by at least 2 stops. Surprisingly, this lens has a very good chromatic aberration.
As for the background blur, I think it is acceptable. The separation between the focused and non-focused subjects is good enough. The bokeh render is just fine but not the most beautiful one among the ArtraLab lenses. Do not forget that an ultrawide lens is capable of receiving flares, and a circular one, too.
The focus throw, from end to end, is about 170°of rotation. For reference, the Meike 12mm f2 is about 110°. In my opinion, it gives a fair amount of travel distance, which gives me a more precise focus for shooting.
For focus breathing, it has a very minimum focus breathing, which is hard to notice. if you wish to use this lens for videography purposes, I think you will like it.
Also, it is just a minor detail. The lens does extend out 1mm ish at MFD.
Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)
At 16.5mm (in 35mm format) focal length, it is equipped with 18cm MFD. It has pretty good MFD compared to the others, like TTArtisan 10mm f2 (MFD at 25cm). If the photographers ever need such a close MFD for creative shots, you will know which one to look out for. Luckily, the image quality remains the same and not anything else off.
It is now selling at 386 USD on the ArtraLab website. Is it expensive as compared to the other third-party manufacturers? Yes, it is but if you are looking for a nostalgic ultrawide lens, there isn’t much choice out there just yet.
For photographers who want to include a filter for this lens, it is possible to do so. The metal lens cap comes with a special element. We can remove the front piece of the lens cap by unscrewing it and then we have a filter thread of 62mm. Very similar concept from TTArtisan 7.5mm f2.8.
Also, there is a change in white balance when you shoot at the same spot with different aperture values. Please don’t be alarmed by this, there are many manual lens manufacturers that have this behavior.
Lastly, this lens omits f5.6, resulting in a jump of two full stops from f4 to f8.
Who is this for?
This lens isn’t for everyone. To be honest, if you’re looking for a similar focal length, there are plenty of more affordable options out there compared to what ArtraLab offers. However, ArtraLab does have a clear advantage: its distinctive, nostalgic lens design.
That being said, this lens is perfect for those who don’t mind spending a bit more for aesthetics. After all, a beautifully designed lens can motivate us to take it out and shoot more often.
The ArtraLab 11mm f1.8 features solid build quality and decent image performance, though it might not be the most affordable option. Nevertheless, it will certainly appeal to those who value craftsmanship and aesthetics in their equipment.
I’ve focused quite a bit on the lens design rather than its image quality. To be clear, the image quality isn’t bad—it’s definitely usable, in my opinion. It’s just that the lens design really stands out to me, and I can’t help but highlight that.
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimer: 1. All the shots taken here are shot by me. 2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing and Capture One. 3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment. 4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.
If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:
Viltrox has been very active this year. If you’ve been keeping up with their releases, they’ve introduced several lenses, such as the Viltrox 56mm f1.7, Viltrox 28mm f4.5, Viltrox 135mm f1.8 Lab, and two others. With the announcement of the Viltrox 35mm f1.7 today, the company has now released six lenses. That’s a notable number of launches in a single year, although not all of them are X-mount lenses.
Viltrox 35mm f1.7
Intro
Viltrox has previously released a similar focal length, but it was brighter, heavier, and more expensive. There was a gap in the entry-level segment, which Viltrox recognized, leading to the introduction of their Air series, starting with the Viltrox 56mm f1.7.
Viltrox 35mm f1.7
Viltrox has been quite open about their new Air series lens, sharing updates and organizing one giveaway on social media leading up to the release. On December 18, 2024, they introduced the second lens in the Air series, the 35mm f1.7. The 50mm (full-frame equivalent) is a favorite among professionals, and this new lens complements it, designed to attract a broader audience of aspiring photographers.
Viltrox 35mm f1.7
Design and Build Quality
The design of this lens is identical to its sibling, Viltrox 56mm f1.7. Simple, minimalistic, and clean. That said, it does not come with an aperture ring. In my opinion, the lens design is somewhat similar to the Sigma Contemporary prime lenses, i.e. Sigma 30mm f1.4.
This lens has a plastic construction, but surprisingly, the build quality is quite good. It doesn’t feel cheap when held. I also found it interesting that the plastic material appears to be resistant to fingerprints.
As for weight, it is just 170 grams and comes with a small 52mm filter size. It’s quite lightweight and easy to handle, and I have no problems using this lens. It does come with a petal-like lens hood, and it is made of plastic.
Viltrox 35mm f1.7
Image Quality
The image quality is sharp at wide-open but not as tad sharp as XF33mm f1.4, and the contrast is punchy. Vignetting is there and it may seem mild to me, but it can be obvious to some. For chromatic aberration, it isn’t obvious to my eyes. This exceeds my expectations of an entry-level. That said, I feel it is quite usable for most photographers. If you do pixel peeps, I suggest the Fujifilm prime lenses will not go wrong, especially the XF33mm f1.4.
I like how the rendering of the background blur is not messy and does not disturb the main focused subject.
For sun star lovers, the result of this lens is not so usable, at least in my opinion. It lacks defined lines and is kind of a bit messy. But I think this is not important as this is not what many photographers are looking for.
This lens has a 33cm MFD, which is pretty decent for an entry-level lens. I did not see much degradation in the image quality as well, but a little lost in contrast.
Like all third-party autofocus lenses, it comes with a Stepper Motor (STM) to drive the focusing system. However, the focusing speed may be a little slow if you are shooting from MFD to infinity and vice versa. It will have that split-second undecisive focusing moment before its focus is locked successfully. The good thing is that I did not experience any misfocus in my shots.
When it comes to lens breathing, there is a small breathing gap between the MFD and infinity. Videographers probably need to take note about it.
The eye tracking from both X-T5 and X-M5 works fine with this lens. No major abnormal behavior is observed during my testing. However, I do have some misses where the lens decides to give me a pull-focusing when the subject is in focused.
At 180 USD, it is priced the same as its sibling and very competitive. For reference, XF 35mm f2 is priced at 399 USD, XC 35mm f2 is priced at 199 USD, Sirui 33mm f1.2 is priced at 280 USD, and Meike 33mm f1.4 is priced at 230 USD.
At this price range, it comes with a waterproof coating. Mind you, it is not weatherproof resistant. So I assume that this lens is fine when facing drizzling.
Also, the official stated it comes with an Anti-Fouling layer. While it does not give more information about this other than “Keeps your lens clean and clear,” so my another assumption is it could have some coating in the front lens element that helps to prevent some level of smudge.
Lastly, similar to all Viltrox lenses, it comes with a USB-C port solely for one purpose; firmware upgrades.
Viltrox 35mm f1.7 rear with USB-C port
Who is this for?
At this price point, this lens is perfect for budget-conscious photographers who don’t want to compromise on image quality. It’s versatile enough for various genres, including portraits, street photography, documentary, landscapes, and everything in between. Additionally, it can serve as a backup lens for full-time photographers who are just starting out or for professionals seeking a lightweight gear setup during their days off or vacations.
Viltrox has made impressive strides, excelling not only in their Pro series, like the Viltrox 75mm f1.2 and Viltrox 27mm f1.2 but also in this segment. It seems they aim to capture a broad market and become the top third-party manufacturer.
This is a highly capable budget lens that raises the bar for competition in this category. For those seeking a solid prime lens without a hefty investment, this is definitely worth considering. While we have seen 2 of the 3 focal lengths released, I am not surprised that Viltrox will release the 23mm focal length to fill up the Trinity lens set-up.
On a separate note, I look forward to seeing the white version of this lens, along with its sibling for the X-mount.
Fujifilm X-M5 with Viltrox 35mm f1.7
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimer: 1. All the shots taken here are shot by me. 2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing. 3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment. 4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.
If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:
It’s been 11 years since the X-M1 was unveiled. Although many fans of the X-M series have little hope for its future and may believe that this series has come to an end, suddenly, the rumor mills start to share bits and pieces that the X-M series is being reignited. Today, Fujifilm skips the numbers 2 to 4 and decides to name this X-M1 successor as X-M5. It makes sense as we are into the 5th generation of the X-Trans sensor, hence, the “5” in the X-M5.
Fujifilm X-M5
Intro
The Fujifilm X-M5 was announced together with XF16-55mm f2.8 MK II and XF500mm f5.6 in the X Summit Clay Studio 2024. From the announcement, it is stated that X-M5 is the smallest X-series, even smaller than X-E4. What are the pros and cons of being the smallest? Is there anything been compromised? I’m sure it has but can we accept them?
Fujifilm X-M5
The X-M5 is clearly aimed at vloggers, especially the new young generation of vloggers with limited budgets. But it is also a great tool for young photographers. In this blog, I will share my experience with this camera from a photographer’s point of view.
Before I proceed further, I would like to mention all the lenses that I have tested with it.
The camera features a rangefinder-style design and is incredibly compact—smaller than its predecessor, the X-M1. According to the official specs, the X-M5 is 5mm shorter in length, 1mm thinner in depth, and maintains the same 67mm height. However, it is slightly heavier, weighing 355 grams compared to the X-M1’s 330 grams.
The build quality is decent for an entry-level camera, with a plastic body that feels solid, though you can tell it’s made of plastic when you hold it. As for handling, it’s not the most comfortable for larger hands like mine. The camera is so small it fits in my palm, so for a more secure grip, I prefer using an additional grip or holding the lens instead of the body.
The shutter sound is loud for a small and compact camera. Not an issue to me but I do prefer the shutter sound from the X-T5 (or maybe I have gotten used to it).
It comes with 3 command dials (film simulation dial, mode dial, and rear command dial) and 1 front command dial. Quite a number of dials for an entry-level camera.
The film simulation dial is first introduced in X-T50. I know there has been a lot of feedback about this dial since its introduction, and I agree it to a certain point. But this is actually beneficial to photographers who are not similar to Fujifilm and it’s film simulations. Changing the film simulations via the dial and witnessing the change of colors can allow new photographers to get hold of the film simulations, find one that they love the most, and enjoy the Straight-Out-Of-Camera end results.
If you have noticed, out of the 4 dials, 2 dials are fixed. That said, we have left with 2 dials that are available to customize (such as exposure compensation control, ISO control, and aperture control for those lenses that do not come with an aperture ring) to suit our shooting behavior.
Oh yes, I like the less stiff, tactile feedback from the rear command dial. Personally, I prefer this to the one on the X-T5.
Sensor and Processor
Like the X-S20, it comes with an X-Trans 4 CMOS sensor and X-Processor 5 combination. Is this a bad combination? No. In fact, it is probably my preferred combination. I explained in the X-S20 post that I preferred 26 megapixels over 40 megapixels. The resolution is a sweet spot for my memory space and storage space since I hardly do photo cropping.
Having X-Processor 5 actually does help battery efficiency and focusing performance. More on these later. But do note that the base ISO is 160 and not 125 as that can only be found in the X-Trans 5 HR sensor.
Image Quality
I have no complaints about the image quality here. If the image quality from this sensor is poor, I guess it won’t be the flagship sensor for X-T3 and X-T4. I am glad that Fujifilm decided to keep this sensor and extend its longevity further.
The autofocus algorithm seems to improve quite a lot. The eye-AF tracking is more sticky and picking up the subject is faster than my X-T5 with the firmware 2.03 (I’m lazy, don’t judge me).
I can feel that my hit rates has gone higher than before and more reliable.
The camera uses the NP-W126S battery. Will it offer poor battery life? From my experience with the X-T50, I was able to get around 550 shots before the battery drained. With this camera, I managed to capture about 530 shots, which meets my expectations and is better than the CIPA rating of 330 shots. If you find the battery life insufficient for a full day of shooting, it’s a good idea to carry one or two spare batteries.
Every camera isn’t perfect, and there is always room for improvement. X-M5 is not exceptional.
I name a few of them as I deem them more important to me.
The screen resolution is low by today’s standard (at 1,040,000 dots). It has the same screen resolution as the X-T3 which was first announced in 2018 and even worse than the X-E4 (at 1,620,000 dots). I’m not saying low screen resolution is terrible but sometimes it gives me a little bit of wrong judgment.
I was surprised that Fujifilm did not release an optional hand grip like they did for X-E4. But this is not an issue, as many third-party accessory makers are making one for X-M5.
The “Q” Quick Menu button is positioned between both the mode dial and the rear command dial and it is a pretty small button. This gives me a problem to press the “Q” button as I have a pretty big finger. I wonder why they do not include the “Q” button beside the AEL/AFL button. Oh yes. the playback and AEL/AFL button can be bigger.
Finally, the absence of an EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) is likely the most common complaint from Fujifilm users. I can relate, as I missed having the EVF when reviewing my shots or shooting in bright sunlight. It would be great if Fujifilm could offer an external EVF as an optional accessory, as I believe most X-M5 owners would gladly purchase one.
Price Point
At 800 USD, this is the most affordable interchangeable X camera released, and it took the crown from X-E4, which was once the cheapest X camera ( priced at 850 USD).
While the X-M1 features a built-in pop-up flash, the X-M5 replaces it with a film simulation dial. Is this change worthwhile? Personally, I think it’s a great trade-off. The film simulation dial not only benefits newcomers but also makes it easier for me to switch between my favorite film simulations. While the “Q” button also lets me change film simulations, having a dedicated dial provides a more tactile, hands-on experience.
Oh yes, this is probably the best affordable camera to experience 20 film simulations with 8 film simulations allocated on the dial with 3 presets available. I remember my X-T3 had only 16 film simulations and that’s it.
The last one is the mechanical shutter, where X-M5 can only go as fast as 1/4000s, whereas 1/8000s on X-T5.
Who is this for?
Like I mentioned earlier, this camera is aiming at vloggers with limited budget. But that does not mean this is not a capable camera by any means. It is a very decent entry level camera which using very capable sensor and processor.
Fuji X-M5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4 . 1/750″ . ISO 320 . Classic NegativeLeft: Fuji X-M5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4 . 1/480″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome Right: Fuji X-M5 . SBrightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.6 . 1/1600″ . ISO 320 . Classic Chrome
If you are new to photography and attempt to step one step up from mobile photography, I think this is a good camera to buy and take photos with. You will not be disappointed with the results and get to explore the magic of the Fujifilm film simulations.
Conclusion
I do not share the other benefits of the X-M5, and that is the videography portion. I have very minimal videography knowledge, and I do not think I am the right person to share. Nonetheless, this camera comes with a 6.2k open gate recording in 10-bit. This is a huge move for an entry-level camera, or at least I have not encountered one yet from any brand. It also comes with a good-positioned microphone/remote release connector.
The camera’s compact design does come with a few compromises. The handling is not ideal, but this can be improved with an additional grip. The absence of an EVF can be addressed with an optical viewfinder, though it works best with 27mm focal length lenses. The lack of IBIS can be compensated by using lenses with OIS, and Fujifilm offers a solid selection of OIS lenses beyond the kit lens, such as the XF16-80mm, XF80mm macro, and XF70-300mm. That said, I’m personally fine without IBIS, as my shooting style hasn’t changed significantly, and I shot with the X-T2 and X-T3 for a long time without major issues.
Fuji X-M5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4 . 1/250″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative
What I miss the most are the dials found on my X-T5, like the ISO dial and shutter speed dial. I really appreciate those dials because they provide quick access and setup for certain unique shooting situations. As a result, I don’t miss many important moments. That said, I usually preset my camera settings and stick to them most of the time, so I rarely need to adjust the dials during a shoot. As for X-M5, there are options to reconfigure or remap the command settings using the available buttons, so I recommend assigning your most frequently used functions to the buttons you use less often.
Despite these compromises, the X-M5 is still a great camera, offering excellent value for those looking to try Fujifilm. It provides a fantastic introduction to the beautiful film simulations Fujifilm is known for. With the new X-Processor 5 and the improved autofocus algorithm, the autofocus performance and the subject tracking are impressive. Additionally, the X-Trans 4 sensor continues to deliver excellent image quality.
Disclaimer: 1. All the shots taken here are shot by me. 2. All of the shots are straight out of the camera with some edited via In-Camera Raw Processing. 3. The photos are resized to 30% of the original size except for cropped ones. If you wish to see the original file, contact me and I will be happy to share it with you. 4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me. 5.The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment.
ArtraLab Nocty-Nonikkor 50mm f1.2 is a pretty new lens to the market. It was announced in early October 2024. While some may view it as a bold imitation for photographers looking for a Nikon Noct-like experience at a more affordable price, I see it as an opportunity for photographers a chance to experience a taste of that legendary optical character using other systems to mount a beautifully designed lens on their cameras.
ArtraLab 50mm f1.2
Besides the Fuji X-mount, it is available in Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount.
Design and Build Quality
Like the ArtraLab 24mm f1.7 and 35mm f1.4, the first look at this vintage aesthetic lens shows that the design is strongly inspired by classic Nikkor lenses. Similar design elements include colorful aperture values (for your information, they are painted by hand) and the manual focus ring design, which remains with the “blocky rectangular and stripe-like pattern.”
ArtraLab 50mm f1.2Left: ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 with lens hood Right: ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 without lens hood
Speaking of the aperture ring, it is still clicky and it is an enjoyable experience.
At 560 grams, this lens is heavy by all means and it is probably the heaviest manual lens I have tested thus far. As for lens handling, it might not be the most comfortable for small hands. However, it comes with a pretty small filter size, only 52mm. And, it shares the same filter size as the 23mm and 35mm as well. This is a surprise for me.
When it comes to image quality, I have mixed feelings about this lens. During the day, wide-open shots tend to be soft, lacking in contrast and sharpness. The sharpest part of the image is at the center. I’m not saying this is inherently good or bad, as some photographers actually prefer these characteristics. However, I don’t personally fall into that camp.
However, this lens performs quite well at night. The image quality at f1.2 is more usable than that in the day. To my surprise, vignetting is pretty mild and isn’t that obvious in most situations. Chromatic aberration is also controlled quite well. One good surprise is how well the background blur renders. Somehow I feel that it gives a good moody rendering and not those hard and harsh background blur.
As for the sun star, it is okay. Nothing impressive or to shout about. The lines are fine, but not well-defined.
Focusing
The focus throw is likely longer than what I’ve experienced, with about 200° of rotation from end to end. While it feels a bit “extended or far,” the benefit is a more precise and controlled focus. This is something I appreciate, though I also find it a bit “tiring” after prolonged use.
Nevertheless, I love the dampness of the manual focus ring. It just weighs nice to rotate.
As for lens breathing, it is pretty significant between MFD and infinity. For videographers who wish to use this lens for videography purposes, please take note.
The 35cm MFD was a pleasant surprise for me—much shorter than I expected for lenses of this focal length. It allows the photographer to get closer to the subject for more intimate shots. However, it’s worth noting that the image softness is even more pronounced when shooting wide-open.
Oh yes, the lens protrudes at its maximum length when it is at MFD.
ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 at infinity (left) and at MFD (right)
Price Point
At 545 USD, it is priced cheaper than the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 (629 USD). (And even cheaper if you buy from B&H – 398 USD). But it is more expensive than most third-party autofocus lenses like Sirui Sniper 56mm f1.2 (279 USD) and Meike 55mm f1.4 (200 USD).
This lens comes with an unusual metal lens hood. There is a small silver screw-like knob that requires loosening and tightening after you have positioned it to your desired position. The rear lens cap is a nice gesture to the Fuji X logo.
ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 lens hood with silver screw-like knobArtraLab 50mm f1.2 rear lens cap
ArtraLab also sent me two filters to try out: a Black Mist 1/2 and a 6-Point Stars filter. Both are magnetic, which eliminates the need for the usual screwing and unscrewing method—just attach or remove them easily with a simple snap. Another great feature is that, since the lenses share a common 52mm filter thread, I can use these filters across multiple lenses.
Left: ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 with Black Mist 1/2 filter Right: ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 with 6-Point Stars filterArtraLab 50mm f1.2 with filter
Who is this for?
This lens is designed for those who appreciate vintage and nostalgic aesthetics. Plain and simple.
The 75mm focal length (in 35mm equivalent) is versatile, making it suitable for a range of genres, including portrait, street, product photography, and more.
Conclusion
This lens has a nostalgic charm, and I really appreciate its look, design, and build quality. it gives a very distinctive look, unlike others in this modern generation of lenses.
However, it doesn’t quite perform as well as I had hoped. When it comes to image quality, I have mixed feelings. While I’m not fond of the softness in wide-open shots during the day, this lens truly excels in low light and indoor settings.
If you’re after a lens with personality and aren’t solely focused on technical perfection, the NOCTY-NONIKKOR 50mm F1.2 is definitely worth considering.
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimer: 1. All the shots taken here are shot by me. 2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing. 3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment. 4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.
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Alwin Kok 