Viltrox AF 90mm F2.2 EVO

The Viltrox AF 90mm F2.2 EVO is an autofocus telephoto portrait prime for APS-C cameras with Sony E, Fujifilm X or Nikon Z mount. On APS-C it gives a field of view like about 135mm on full frame. Viltrox introduced it together with the AF 75mm F1.8 EVO, and describes it as the most compact and lightweight APS-C 90mm lens it has made.

Optical design

Viltrox lists 10 elements in 8 groups with 2 ED and 2 HR elements. The diaphragm has 9 blades and stops down to F16. The angle of view is 18.6 degrees. The minimum focus distance is 0.74 m at a maximum magnification of 0.14x, slightly higher than the 75mm sibling.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus is driven by an STM motor with a lead screw, with face and eye detection supported by the camera. According to PetaPixel's report on the launch, the EVO APS-C lenses have an AF/MF switch, a customizable Fn button and a click or de-click aperture ring depending on the mount version. The mount is rubber sealed, and PetaPixel notes a weather-resistant exterior for the 90mm. The filter thread is 58 mm and a USB-C port handles firmware updates.

Build and size

The E-mount version weighs about 320 g, the X-mount version about 325 g and the Z-mount version about 345 g. The body is 69 mm in diameter and 76 mm long for E and X mount, and 78 mm long for Z mount, the same format as the 75mm. Viltrox gives the 135mm-equivalent perspective as the reason to choose it for compressed backgrounds and portrait detail.

Where it fits

The AF 90mm F2.2 EVO sits above the AF 75mm F1.8 EVO in focal length and below the AF 75mm F1.2 Pro in light gathering. For Fujifilm X, the Fujifilm XF 90mm F2 R LM WR is a longer-established alternative with a faster aperture. Sony E shooters can compare it with the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS on a crop-mode body for a similar field of view, though that is a larger macro design.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 135mm-equivalent field of view in a lens of only 320 to 345 g
• F2.2 aperture with 9 blades
• Aperture ring, Fn button and AF/MF switch according to press coverage
• 58 mm filters shared with the rest of the EVO line

Cons

• 0.74 m minimum focus distance
• F2.2 is slower than the F2 of the Fujifilm option
• No image stabilization in the lens
• Not a macro lens at 0.14x maximum magnification

Verdict

The AF 90mm F2.2 EVO is a compact, light telephoto prime for APS-C portraits and compressed perspectives. It is a good match for small bodies where a larger 90mm would feel unbalanced.