Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO

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.