Sony 11mm vs Rokinon 12mm vs Viltrox 13mm

Summary

In this engaging video, the reviewer compares three ultra-wide prime lenses for Sony APS-C cameras: the Sony 11mm f/1.8, Rokinon 12mm f/2, and Viltrox 13mm f/1.4. Highlighting their features, the Sony lens impresses with its sharpness and lightweight design, while the Rokinon offers great value for casual use despite its older optics. The Viltrox stands out with superior build quality and low-light performance at f/1.4. Ultimately, the Viltrox is recommended for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, although all three lenses cater to different user needs and preferences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sony 11mm f/1.8 is the lightest and smallest lens in the comparison, weighing only 178 grams.
• 🔍 The Rokinon 12mm f/2 lens features an older optical formula, which affects its sharpness compared to newer options.
• 🌟 The Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 lens stands out for its superior build quality with an all-metal and glass construction.
• ⚡ Autofocus performance is excellent on both the Sony and Viltrox lenses, with the Sony slightly leading in tracking subjects.
• 💡 The Viltrox offers a wider aperture (f/1.4), allowing more light and better low-light performance compared to the others.
• 📸 Chromatic aberration is more noticeable in the Rokinon lens, especially at wider apertures, impacting image quality.
• 💰 The Rokinon 12mm f/2 is the most affordable option at $259, making it a great choice for casual photographers.
• 🏆 The Viltrox lens is priced at approximately $360, offering impressive performance for its cost, especially compared to the Sony.
• 🌌 For astrophotography, the Viltrox lens shows more stars and greater brightness than the Rokinon lens.
• 👨‍🏫 The reviewer concludes that both the Viltrox and Sony are excellent choices, depending on specific needs and budget.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Sony 11mm f/1.8 lens in this comparison?

The Sony 11mm f/1.8 lens is highlighted as the smallest and lightest lens in the comparison, weighing only 178 grams. It features excellent autofocus capabilities and is favored by the reviewer as their all-time favorite lens from Sony.

How does the build quality of the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 lens compare to the other lenses?

The Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 lens has a superior build quality, constructed from all metal and glass, making it heavier at around 400 grams. This distinguishes it from the other two lenses, which have a more plastic construction.

What are the key differences in sharpness between the Sony and Rokinon lenses?

The Sony lens demonstrates significantly better sharpness compared to the Rokinon lens, even at similar apertures. The Rokinon lens is noted to be softer and shows more chromatic aberration.

What autofocus performance differences were observed among the three lenses?

The autofocus performance of the Sony lens is described as tracking subjects perfectly, while the Viltrox is close in performance with good lighting. The Rokinon lens is considered the weakest in autofocus capabilities.

Why is the Rokinon 12mm f/2 lens considered a great value option?

Despite its lower sharpness and autofocus performance compared to the other lenses, the Rokinon lens is priced at approximately $259, making it an excellent value for casual users, especially for vlogging and social media photography.

How do the lenses perform in low-light conditions, particularly for astrophotography?

The Viltrox lens shines in low-light conditions, outperforming the Rokinon lens by being significantly brighter due to its wider aperture of f/1.4. This allows it to capture more light, making it ideal for astrophotography.

What issues with chromatic aberration were noted in the comparison?

Chromatic aberration was noted in both the Rokinon and Viltrox lenses, especially at wider apertures. The Sony lens performed better in this regard, showing less chromatic aberration overall.

What aperture settings were used during the tests of the three lenses?

The tests included wide-open settings as well as f/2 and f/8 to evaluate sharpness and performance across different apertures.

What pricing differences exist between the lenses, and how does that affect their comparison?

The Viltrox lens is currently priced around $360, which is significantly cheaper than the Sony lens, priced at $550. This pricing difference impacts the overall evaluation of performance versus value for each lens.

What recommendation does the reviewer make about choosing between the Sony and Viltrox lenses?

The reviewer suggests that either the Sony or Viltrox lens would be a great choice, depending on the user's specific needs, as both lenses offer excellent performance at their respective price points.