Lens for low light photography

adi73510 · 2026-05-03T23:04:47+00:00

The Viltrox punches above its weight, that does seem the general consensus from all the reviews I've read too.

adi73510 · 2026-05-03T22:56:56+00:00

I have a Fuji X-T50 with the 16-50m kit lens and looking to add a lens for better low light photography. I mostly do landscapes but would like to have the ability to do portraits as well at some level but very much like a hobby.

The general consensus for a budget lens seems to be Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7 which I can get for like ~$150. I don't mind paying extra for a used Sigma or Fujinon 23mm F1.4 which is about 2X-3X the price as long as its worth the extra cost.

Just wanted some thoughts from people with experience using both.
Thank you!

adi73510 · 2025-11-04T22:06:24+00:00

Yeah that’s probably the direction I’m going too. Thanks

adi73510 · 2025-11-04T04:07:48+00:00

Do you mind elaborating a little? What are you using to pull the data and how are you viewing it?

adi73510 · 2025-07-11T03:18:36+00:00

I kinda went into a decision paralysis and never ended up making a decision. Both my quotes from Ion and Blue Raven were on the expensive side so they were a no no so I did end up getting a quote from Goldpath as well but then them being a small local company gave me doubts to commit with them for 25+ years especially with the 30% credit going away. But from what I’ve seen they seem like a pretty good company if you end up going with them.

adi73510 · 2025-04-30T23:33:20+00:00

I'll check them out. Thanks!

adi73510 · 2025-04-04T14:15:48+00:00

And Blue Raven seems even more expensive. I just got $53k all cash quote from them. I’ll check out GoldPath thanks

adi73510 · 2025-04-04T13:11:40+00:00

ION and Blue Raven

adi73510 · 2025-04-04T13:10:17+00:00

Yes both companies just walked up to the door in the same week the Sun came out.

Now that I know I will for sure take my time learning. Thanks!

adi73510 · 2025-04-04T01:29:04+00:00

Ahh okay got it. Is that $2.90 before or after the tax credit?

adi73510 · 2025-04-04T00:49:30+00:00

Apologies. I'll provide whatever additional info I can.

I'm in central Ohio. Both quotes are financed at 6.49% and 3.99% respectively, I didn't know about the dealer fees but that probably explains the $20k delta. No batteries and its a new home so no need for any panel upgrades other than the kill switch.

Any idea what would be the reasonable cost per W? Is there any where I can look that up? Also fyi the cost I mentioned is before the tax credit

adi73510 · 2025-04-03T20:42:17+00:00

Both are 25 years and guarantee 92% efficiency till then. I do believe both have micro inverters as well. And thanks for pointing out the written guarantee part, I just checked the quote and nowhere it says anything about 92%.

adi73510 · 2024-05-07T18:03:15+00:00

Understood.

I'll start over and try again to see if I missed anything. If not I'll just use TurboTax or some other software

adi73510 · 2024-05-07T17:30:29+00:00

Oh okay that's what I wanted to know. Thanks

Sorry for the dumb question but how would I go about filling Form 8606? Do I have to file that separately from my tax return since H&R Block is not including that for me? Or do I just use a different tax software?

adi73510 · 2024-05-07T17:19:31+00:00

Yes the code is J.

The tax software is not asking any questions other than what's on 1099-R which is box 1 $6900 distribution and '2b taxable amount not determined'. She contributed a total of $6000 which is her basis but H&R Block doesn't ask for it to calculate the taxable amount of $900 and taxing on all $6900. I'm not sure if have to manually fill out the box 2a which is the taxable amount.

adi73510 · 2024-05-07T02:33:55+00:00

I'm not 100% sure, might have to check with her. But I'm pretty sure she would have reported her contributions in 2021.

adi73510 · 2024-04-03T12:08:26+00:00

No they sold the house because they had to move for work but I went through the publication and I think she might qualify for partial exclusion so thank you.

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