[Klaus]

Great and heavy ... https://opticallimits.com/sony/sony-fe-full-format/viltrox-af-135mm-f-1-8-lab-fe-review/

[stoppingdown]

Really interesting, even though a guy such as me, really careful on weight, is curious about how much the anticipated lighter Samyang is “slightly” worse optically.

Also, I'm not a fan of BlueTooth or WiFi software updates. I understand that an USB-C port needs to be physically protected, and can be a source of troubles... but, direct USB excluded, I'd eventually prefer the “old style” USB-lens-mount adapters.

---

Ok, I saw the Samyang figures on Patreon. But I won't spoil. ;-)

[Rover]

Impressive. Quick evolution of Viltrox's part. :-)

[MLonlooker]

I just watch these third party ML lenses getting better and better and this one is no exception ...... what can you say about this lens for a thousand euros other than it's a steal .....

[Klaus]

I'm surprised how fast Viltrox is moving whereas TTArtisans, 7Artisans, and even Laowa are falling behind.
It's weird that Laowa doesn't get their act together regarding AF. They have a couple of decent lenses but just one with AF - whereas Viltrox is releasing new AF lenses every 2 months now, it seems

[Rover]

We're still in a transitional period wherein some manufacturers are launching AF and MF lenses simultaneously (TTArtisans; Laowa too - I wonder why they stopped at one AF lens, which does not inspire confidence). But remember there was a time when - say - Samyang was doing the same. I guess nobody really remembers they started out (in the consumer market, that is) by making stone-age lenses. Most definitely nobody cares by now.

Viltrox and Meike seemingly crossed over completely. I would dearly love to sample their products.

[Klaus]

Meike's first AF attempt was rather miserable (85mm f/1.8). It may be worth checking out whether they got better.

[Rover]

Lenstip has just reviewed the Meike 85mm f/1.4 lens. Just sayin'...