When photographers debate lens quality, few brands stir up as much discussion as Zeiss. The Zeiss 55mm f/1.8, despite being over a decade old, still attracts plenty of attention—and debate.
Coming to you from Arthur R, this insightful video puts the legendary Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 head-to-head with the budget-friendly, modern Viltrox 50mm f/2. The comparison covers crucial points photographers genuinely care about: sharpness, autofocus, bokeh quality, and optical imperfections. Arthur methodically examines portrait images, zooming in closely to reveal subtle but impactful differences. Surprisingly, the cheaper Viltrox consistently edges out the Zeiss in terms of sharpness, particularly in detailed areas like eyes and fine textures. Although the Zeiss performs respectably, it slightly trails behind, prompting questions about its premium reputation.
Arthur’s test also digs into autofocus performance and reveals interesting results. The Zeiss lens shows impressive speed and quiet operation, making it a strong candidate for scenarios where quick, silent focusing is essential. Yet, when it comes to accuracy and minimal focus breathing, the Viltrox lens unexpectedly excels. Arthur’s balanced approach highlights these contrasts clearly, helping you understand which lens might better suit your needs. He carefully weighs the benefits of each lens, encouraging you to look beyond brand names and popular opinions.
Expanding further, Arthur explores the notorious Zeiss "color pop"—a frequently cited but often vague advantage. In controlled conditions, however, the supposed Zeiss advantage isn’t clearly apparent, especially compared side-by-side with the Viltrox. Additionally, Arthur investigates bokeh quality meticulously, illustrating differences in the shape, smoothness, and clarity of the out-of-focus areas. While the Zeiss tends to produce smoother backgrounds, especially due to its slightly longer focal length, the Viltrox’s overall bokeh rendering appears cleaner and more visually pleasing in many scenarios. This unexpected result challenges widely held assumptions about budget lenses.
Price plays a big role in this comparison, and Arthur provides clear perspectives on value. Currently, a new Zeiss lens sells for roughly $900, though used models are more affordable. On the other hand, the Viltrox is just $200 brand new, highlighting a significant price gap. Arthur draws an analogy between buying lenses and buying cars, suggesting that purchasing a used Zeiss might retain its value, similar to a reliable older vehicle. Conversely, he anticipates rapid depreciation for new budget lenses like the Viltrox, despite their excellent performance.
Arthur ultimately shares his personal choice between the two lenses. While acknowledging the strengths of both, he leans towards the Viltrox for its sharper results, better optical control of aberrations, and exceptional value. Yet, he also encourages photographers who appreciate the subtle characteristics of Zeiss lenses not to disregard them completely, especially if found at a competitive price point. His assessment challenges the myth that more expensive always equals superior. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Arthur.
