Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO

Focal length: 75 mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Weight: 355 g
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Min. focus distance: 74 cm
Length: 78 mm

Overview

The Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO is an autofocus portrait prime for APS-C cameras with Sony E, Fujifilm X or Nikon Z mount. On APS-C its field of view corresponds to about 112.5mm on full frame, and Viltrox introduced it together with the AF 90mm F2.2 EVO as a pair of compact telephoto portrait lenses.

Optical design

Viltrox lists 11 elements in 9 groups with 2 ED and 2 HR elements. The diaphragm has 9 blades and closes down to F16. The angle of view is 21.4 degrees. The minimum focus distance is 0.74 m with a maximum magnification of 0.12x, a typical value for a short telephoto that keeps a comfortable working distance from the subject.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is handled by an STM motor with a lead screw. 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. On Viltrox's product page the E-mount version lists a dedicated Fn button, CLICK switch and AF/MF switch. The mount is rubber sealed, the front element has a water and smudge resistant coating, and a USB-C port handles firmware updates.

Build and size

The filter thread is 58 mm. Viltrox lists the E-mount version at about 335 g and the Z-mount version at about 355 g with a length of 78 mm. For the X-mount version, the product page text gives about 325 g, while the meta description of the same page mentions 355 g, so the weight should be checked against a unit. Diameter is 69 mm and length is 76 mm for E and X mount.

Where it fits

Within the Viltrox range, the AF 75mm F1.8 EVO is a light and slower alternative to the AF 75mm F1.2 Pro, and it pairs with the AF 56mm F1.4 or AF 56mm F1.7 for a two-lens APS-C portrait kit. Its sibling is the AF 90mm F2.2 EVO. For Fujifilm X, the Fujifilm XF 90mm F2 R LM WR is a longer, weather-resistant reference, and for Sony E full-frame bodies in crop mode the Samyang AF 75mm F1.8 FE covers a similar focal length.

Pros and cons

Pros

112.5mm-equivalent portrait view at F1.8
Light at about 325 to 355 g with a 58 mm filter thread
STM autofocus and USB-C firmware port
Rubber-sealed mount

Cons

F1.8 is much slower than the F1.2 Pro version
0.74 m minimum focus distance
No image stabilization in the lens
Fujifilm X weight is inconsistently listed on the product page

Verdict

The AF 75mm F1.8 EVO is a light, affordable route to a long portrait view on APS-C. Shooters who want maximum background separation will prefer the AF 75mm F1.2 Pro and accept its higher weight.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 75 mm
max focal length: 75 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.8
max f (max zoom): f/1.8
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 11
Groups: 9
Weight: 355 g (0.78 lb)
Filter diameter: 58 mm
min focus distance: 74 cm (29.13 in)
Length: 78 mm (3.07 in)
Diameter: 69 mm (2.72 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO fit?

The Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO is designed for APS-C sensors. On APS-C Nikon Z cameras its field of view equals 113 mm in full-frame terms. Full-frame bodies use it in APS-C (crop) mode, recording only part of the sensor and fewer megapixels.

Nikon Z cameras

Full frame (in APS-C mode):: Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5II, Nikon Z6III, Nikon Z8, Nikon Zf, Nikon Z9, Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6II, Nikon Z7II, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z7
APS-C:: Nikon Z50II, Nikon Z30, Nikon Z fc, Nikon Z50