X100VI Accessories: @Viltrox.usa TCL-X100VI (Tele Conversion Lens).
Subtitle: Viltrox has done it again.
I have been on a bit of a Viltrox prime lens bender as of recent.
And as noted in my last post, two X100VI converters have joined the party.
These allow a fantastic fixed lens camera…
…to access two additional focal lengths via optical elements.
I start with this wide variant because it is arguably more useful.
Why?
I am glad I imagined you asked.
One can “digital zoom” by cropping in an image. For example one can crop an image taken with the native focal 35mm length to replicate a 50mm field of view. Yes, detail will be lost. But it can be done. And with 40MP at your disposal with the X100VI this is a reasonable outcome for many.
But you cannot take a wider image. Yes, you could “zoom with your feet”, but not if the situation does not allow for it. Plus, the image would not be the same. While a cropped image taken at the same distance will lose resolution, it will maintain the look because the distance from the subject is the main factor in distortion, not the lens’s focal length. So even though the same scene may be captured, it will not have the same look. Which will matter if the wide angle lens look is what you were going for.
My take?
Nice. And not in a “for the price” way. They have made a solid alternative to the much more expensive native Fujifilm option.
That comes in at $399.95 and also requires an additional the $54.95 adapter.
So… carry the two… $454.90 all in.
For something with no electronics.
Nope.
Especially when the Viltrox option costs $159.95 all in, since no adapter is needed.
Nice.
So… Pictures… Any good?… Yep. Here are some sample photos, followed by some thoughts.
Thoughts.
Viltrox has done it again.
Unlike the converters mentioned in that earlier post, they have gone beyond simple adapters and made actual competitors for the native Fujifilm adapters. Viltrox…
- Made both silver and black variants.
- Made them look the part.
- These feel high quality, where the Neewer feels toy like by comparison.
- Made both a tele and a wide adapter.
- Copied Fujifilm’s hat trick of communicating the lens adapter to the camera.
- Thus, the focal length is in the EXIF, and IBIS will adjust as needed.
- While costing more than the Neewer option, they are far less expensive than the Fujifilm options.
- And remember, unlike the Neewer and native Fujifilm converters, the Viltrox conversion lenses are all of one. The Fujifilm lenses require that you spend an additional $54.95.
- The wide adapter looks quite natural and would take a second glance to notice it is attached.
- Autofocus is not impacted at all. Performs as well as with no adapter attached.
With the tele adapter. (~50mm FF Equiv)
First, let me get some housekeeping out of the way.
Am I saying that the Fujifilm option is not worth the additional expense?
No. Yes.
I see no significant compromises here.
Is the Fujifilm adapter better?
Even having never used it, I am certain it is.… I doubt it. Further…
Is it 6.15x 2.11x better (For the Tele adapter. 2.5x more for the wide adapter.) for me?
(Still) No.
I do not intend to use this for “serious” work.
I would happily use these Viltrox lenses for “serious” work.
Well done, Viltrox.
Happy capturing.
-ELW
Eric L. Woods 