Best APSC Portrait Lenses: Sigma 56mm vs Viltrox 75mm

what makes this lenses specifically for aps-c and not full frame, when im looking for lenses, how can I tell if one is made for full frame or aps-c. new to photography!

Arthur R hi nice video I was looking for a portrait lens for APS-C but what camera did you use for the Viltrox 75mm 1.4 ??

For sigma 56mm lens, You should walk closer to the subject, to get same head to shoulder portrait

This is equal to a 110mm 1.8 or 2.

I may break my crop camera out of mothballs! I love the Viltrox 16.

Well, most of the photos was taken from the same distance, so difference in bokeh is more visible. I compared both lenses as well. If you get closer with 56mm (to achieve the same composition as with Viltrox) the smootheness of the background looks more similar. The main difference is that on 75mm background is a bit larger (so we see less background details and can focus more on model).

Viltrox
+ for portraits that you care about the model and you want to have plain/less distracting background it is a bit nicer (Especially for closeup views)
+ autofocus works pretty fast to my no problem with it
- It is pretty sharp but in my case side by side comparison sigma was sharper on every photo I took
- focus distance is around 80-100cm which is not great if you wanna do photos of a product etc.

Sigma
+ Very sharp, each photo I zoom in is razor sharp
+/- Background appears a bit smaller (because of the wider angle), bokeh rings were maybe 15% smaller but there were more of them which can be even more interesting in some cases - for the street photography, but if you shoot face, closed up portrait it might be a bit more distracting.
+ Size and weight is very compact and match well with APSC
+ 0.5m focus distance

Viltrox gives a bit more washed/less contrast background that makes the model stands out a bit more, which I really like. Probably by using 100mm this effect would be even stronger, bokeh rings bigger but actually hard to tell is it mean better. For portraits its amazing, but its not enough to call it better overall. I find Sigma alot more versatile.
You can shot amazing portraits as well, Its easier to shoot inside the building. You can put it to the pocket of your jacket and shoot with it everyday. Its warks better if you want to do a photos of a product.

I will keep shooting with both lenses and decide which one to sell (based more on is it convenient to shoot with 56mm or 75mm) but it will be Viltrox probably.

Hi Arthur, did you update the Viltrox prior to test?

After years of enjoying your calm, composed, structured and very methodical video's, yet visually charming and persuasive, let me write to you for the first time. In spite of your excellent analysis, you've really nailed it, you missed to mention to important aspects: (1) how workable is the distance to which rather different focal lengths of these two lenses force the photographer to assume before his model (but OK it's a general consideration), and (2) even on a small dated laptop screen I see the color difference (in favor of Viltrox), and that's not a small thing with portrait shooting. Also (3) the stepless aperture ring. Agreed?

I don't travel with a portrait prime anymore, so I switched out my 56 for the 75.

Really appreciate you doing this. Was immensely in deciding between these two. Ended up going with 56 because the 75 just wasn't practical to get that far away from my purposes, but it looks like a great lens.

Now I'm super excited for when Viltrox releases their 27 for Sony E

Hi Arther and everybody!

Sony 6400 owner here🙋

I have Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE. Mainly for portraits and street photography but sometimes I found it too tight. (Is it because the lens is for full frame and I'm getting about 102mm on a crop sensor?)

I was considering 30 or the 50 mm but now I stumbled across the Viltrox 75 mm and I think I will like it.

My question is will there be a big difference between the Samyang 85mm and the Viltrox 75 mm in terms of distance?

Is the Viltrox 75 mm will stay exactly 75 mm on a crop sensor? And am I getting more distance on the Samyang 85 mm?

I appreciate any feedback 🙏🙂

Amazing comparison
Love this type of no bullshit no useless rants review
Pure optics
Subscribed!

Thank you and thank Janessa! A useful comparison.

Don’t forget why we use APS-C. cost & portability. Just go for Sigma 56mm

I was gonna originally get the 56 1.4 because I wasn't interested in paying $1k or so for the new 56 1.2. But then I stumbled across the 75 1.2 by chance and it's been a gem in my bag. For portraits I want the best look to compliment the person I am photographing. And in that department the 56mm focal length in general doesn't compete in that regard.

As an owner of both I tell you that on the video side I always choose the Sigma, for lightness and quality it is perfect. in my case the viltrox is the perfect lens for night sports photography. They are two excellent products but the lightness of Sigma has its reason in APSC bodies. the viltrox has a more full frame weight

Which camera body was used for this?

Hi new to your channel. Was wondering for portraits if i would notice a difference in sharpness between the sigma 56 vs the 18-50 2.8 ? I am aware of the aperture difference but my main concern would be center sharpness. I am really happy with the 18-50 but just wondering if the sigma prime would be worth purchasing. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much ✌️

How about the comparison to Sigma 105mm f/1.4

Can I please ask where would you place the Fujifilm 50mmf2 in comparison to the sigma and the Viltrox?

It's the real deal! I have it on my A6700 and it continues to astound me.