Best Third Party Fuji Lens? Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 Review

[@KevinDeal]

Do you own a Viltrox Pro AF 75mm f/1.2? If so, tell me how you're liking it.

[@FiZ]

Thank you for confirming what I'd suspected about the 75mm. I have the 27mm f/1.2 for Fuji and have absolutely loved it! It's good to know that this is a trend that's likely to continue! ❤

[@KevinDeal]

Thanks. It's a beast of a lens.

[@RitwikChandra]

Probably the first reviewer who said the word PRO in the name of the lens, everyone seems to ignore the PRO word as if Viltrox can’t make professional lenses… kudos man!

[@KevinDeal]

Thank you for the kind words. It is 100% pro.

[@brownbear100]

Lots have. But that doesn't change the fact it's just marketing. Red ring, red badge etc. are subtle demarcations that don't need saying. It actually cheapens the series (now including 27mm and maybe more in the future) in my opinion. Say it with pictures and reputation, or a little design flourish, not words. Feels more like Viltrox forcing influencers and KZbinrs to use the word "pro" in the same sentence as Viltrox more than anything. A bit like with the prices which are cheap at time of the reviews, but then go up later. Covering up my "pro" badge, it's rather embarrassing. The size is enough already.

[@KevinDeal]

@@brownbear100 Ok. Whatever works for you. To me, a "pro" is someone who can get paid for what they do and I've already made some money using this lens, so based on my definition of what it means to be a pro, it makes the grade. I personally would never purchase equipment I would have to cover up anything on. Your mileage may vary.

[@brownbear100]

@@KevinDeal a pro for me is someone that can just make their equipment work and pay whether it's a used €20 lens or a €2000 lens. Certainly doesn't need a sticker on the gear telling them it's "pro" and so by extension must they be by using it. It's a bit like that other marketing gimmick "flagship". Anything to make people feel good about spending money they probably didn't need to! That's not to diminish the lens or anyone that uses it. But I bet you would have made that money with or without this particular lens, since people will pay you for your talents not the kit. New shiny gear is always nice, but it doesn't change the person using it.

[@KevinDeal]

@@brownbear100 Yes. But in this scenario, the Viltrox is the cheap budget lens, not the flagship Fuji lens. As to whether the PRO badge is gimmicky, it's low on my priority list of things that I care about. Companies gotta market. That being said, the lens can produce professional results and can hang with lenses that cost 6X more. So I don't think it's hyperbole. Thanks for watching!

[@stevenstocking5855]

I've been using this lens for 3 or so months now and for professional wedding photography. It is amazing...last week I was shooting in a very poorly lit hall for the first dance etc. The 1.2 aperture was essential, and even on a 40mp sensor, the results were amazing. Wholly recommend 😊

[@KevinDeal]

Great to hear! It is definitely my favorite lens at the moment for my XH2. Thank you for watching!

[@RastadasPT]

Totally in agreement with you! I have the Fuji 56mm f1.2 R and it's a pain to even focus... Amazing pictures, but only relatively sharp wide open compared to my Viltrox 27mm f1.2. Selling my first party glass to get this 75mm!

[@KevinDeal]

That original 56mm is definitely long in the tooth. There's a reason they had to make a new version of it. Thanks for stopping by!

[@wujacqueline3388]

I own the viltrox 75mm f/1.2 and 27mm f/1.2 for my sony a6700. They are awsome portrait gears. Must to have for the apsc system.

[@KevinDeal]

Agreed. Such a great value.

[@MyJeanf]

Just watched your long term XH2 review and thought your work was stunning and truly inspiring. I just bought an xh2 and 4 fuji lens after having done just video with Lumix for over 5 year. I am now back to photography and your work is amazing so have subscribed and looking forward to seeing more video. Thanks for inspiring me. Truly appreciated

[@KevinDeal]

Wow. Thank you for the kind words!

[@quetzalcuber]

Been debating between this and the 90mm f2. Great review!

[@KevinDeal]

I mean. It's almost two stops brighter than an f2, so there's that. Thanks!

[@flyingfree8005]

Awesome samples, the RF 85/1.2 shot is excellent !

[@KevinDeal]

Thanks !

[@neilmacon8411]

Hi Kevin after watching your video I decided to pick up the Viltrox 75mm and I’m amazed on how good it is !! Already my favorite lens .. Thanks So much for making a great video.. everything you said in video was dead on !!

[@KevinDeal]

Thank you for the kind words. Glad I could help.

[@1966Ado]

After selling my Fuji 56mm f1.2 because it terrible to focus on my X-T2... i was amazed how better it was trying a copy of it on my replacement X-E4.... I was torn between replacing the 56 or even the 56WR but I was up to £990 by then and couldn't justify it..... Then this Viltrox popped up !... at £440 it was worth a try and WOW I'm glad I went this way as I think it's amazing !!! It makes me WANT to take photos again!.... Looks crazy fitted to an X-E4 but it does the job sooo well ! Thank you Viltrox !

[@KevinDeal]

I'm with you on that. The Viltrox is amazing for the money!

[@2101natan]

the xt2 focus is not good enough...

[@stanegg0]

Your images are incredible. I’ve just purchased this lens, looking forward to using now.

[@KevinDeal]

Good choice! It's an incredible lens. And thank you for the kind words!

[@jasonberkmanphotography8672]

Awesome video Kevin!!! I need to get my hands on one of those!! I have the 85 and just gave the 23 to my brother. Viltrox is awesome! I’ve been eying the 13 but my xf 16 1.4 is still a fave:)

[@KevinDeal]

It’s a rocking lens for sure. Viltrox just dropped a 27 1.2. Interested in that one next.

[@The_Essential_Light]

I bought one yesterday and I am using it on my Sony A7RV in APSC mode with gives 26mp images. It is an awesome lens! I do have to go into the camera menu and manually tell the camera that it is a 75mm lens in order for the image stabilization in the camera to work properly.

[@KevinDeal]

Congrats. Glad you’re enjoying it. I find it is an incredible value.

[@eliaspap8708]

Hi Kevin. Really loved your review, certainly making this difficult for any of us to avoid. If I didn’t already have the 56mm WR and the 90mm than this would have been on my list for sure. Looks like a proper bargain.

[@KevinDeal]

thanks. I agree. A bargain of a lens for sure.

[@Bob-mn7ob]

Nice review. I’ve been looking to buy one for some time now. Perhaps this month.

[@KevinDeal]

It’s a lovely lens. For sure.

[@KevinDeal]

It’s a lovely lens. For sure.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

Yes I own this lens and I know just about everybody will buy this lens and just use it for portrait photography. Can I make a strong suggestion take it out and do some landscape photography with it which is what I have done recently and the 112 mm equivalent focal length is fantastic for landscape photography, and it is absolutely now in my bag for landscape photography. I don't shoot a lot of portraits I do sometimes but it's not why I bought it. I wanted something around this focal length to captureMountain scenes and sunsets and this lens has been absolutely fantastic and given that it's so good in low light, it allows you to do a lot of that Photography handheld

[@KevinDeal]

I'm sure it will do amazing landscapes. I totally plan on using it for landscapes at some point. Unfortunately, from the date I took delivery of it until about last week, the average temperature where I live was 108 degrees. So that kind of threw a wrench into going on landscape adventures. I do plan to release a long term review down the road. I will gladly get some mountains compressed into those shots. Thanks for the watch!

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@@KevinDeal I'll follow you on Instagram if you have it and you can have a look at some of the shots I've taken with it. I cannot fold this lens honestly it is so good I could bang on for hours about how good this lense is ..... On an XT5 it's like cheating. It really is that good?

[@khetwalll]

Just wanted to know is it good for street photography?

[@KevinDeal]

@@khetwalll It's great for street photography because it allows you to get closer to your subject. It also does well in low light.

[@yvesflorendo9402]

Been waiting for someone to comment about landscape and street photography. Finally! Been eyeing on this lens for quite some time now. I wanted a lens that would capture great details with fast autofocus. With f1.2, will sure take low lit areas a piece of cake!

[@JasonLawrenceNoel]

Thanks for the awesome video man!!

[@KevinDeal]

No problem!

[@kylecouture1917]

I have the viltrox 56 1.4 and really enjoy it. There is alot of that purple chromatic aboration. I was thinking about getting the 75 for a long time, but now they released the 27 1.2 pro. Im a new photographer and have an xt4 with that 1 viltrox lense and the 18-55 kit lense. I want a large aperture lense that I can use inside so I think i should get the 27mm and just sell my kit lense. Then maybe down the road, ill buy the 75mm.

[@KevinDeal]

The 27mm is more of a practical focal and the 75mm is more of a specialist focal length. As you watch my video, I am very focused on portraits. If you get rid of your 18-55 you will no longer have a practical lens. With 27mm being a more practical focal length than 75mm, I think that you're making the correct decision going 27. Because you already have the 56mm, you have a dedicated portrait focal length. Get the 75 down the road. My only question to you if you get rid of your zoom is, will 27mm be wide enough for everything that you do?

[@kylecouture1917]

@@KevinDeal honestly my 56 has been glued to my lense for about a year. Sometimes i wish i had more room but i dont think ive ever felt the need for a 18mm focal length. I just like taking portraits and event photos. I never use my kit lense ever because i like the larger aperture which the kit lense doesnt provide. I think the end goal of having the 27, 56 and 75 would be perfect. Hopefully they make the 56 in a 1.2 pro version as well.

[@user-qe7gw4yv7y]

I have the Viltrox 27mm and it actually sharper than my Fuji 23mm f1.4 wr ( latest version).

[@KevinDeal]

That lens is on my radar. I have the first gen 23 1.4 Fuji and love it. That's the only thing holding me back from getting a similar focal length.

[@chewkenghong]

Currently in Japan and only brought 35f2 cos I was lazy...wanted to take portraits of my girls...came across a 56f1.2 at usd365 like new at uses camera shop... bought...then realised that there is a viltrox 75f1.2...found it in another shop in pristine condition at USD 367..abit more than the 56...tested it and was surprised how sharp it is...bought😂

[@KevinDeal]

Viltrox makes some legit lenses.

[@stevesvanderpool8653]

I have it for the Sony system and I LOVE it. This is not perfect but a masterpiece nonetheless!

[@KevinDeal]

For the money, most definitely incredible. Thanks for the watch!

[@KarolLubiejewski]

Did anyone notice this lens has aperture issues - somewhere between 9-16 it often incorrectly opens the aperture and for instance f14 is brighter (bigger whole) then f13 and there is no difference between f9 and f10 (aperture doesn’t change at all. I know 99% of users value this lens for its superb quality at f1.2 but it is definitely the issue confirmed by the Viltox distributor and none of the firmware updates so far didn’t solve it.

[@KevinDeal]

I hadn’t noticed. Now I need to look into this.

[@KarolLubiejewski]

Please let me know what you found. I wonder if it's just a portion of production failed or all general problem. Thanks.

[@mellarock]

I have the Viltrox 13mm 1.4 and that lens is amazing! I wonder how good would be the images made with this 75mm, specially for portraits =)

[@KevinDeal]

It's incredible for portraits

[@pikalamp7723]

Thanks for the amazing review Kevin, I have Fuji xt20 and was wondering if its worth it to buy that lens for that camera? thanks for your help in advnace

[@KevinDeal]

I also own an XT20. This lens will look amazing on one

[@pikalamp7723]

@@KevinDeal Thank you Kevin, just placed the order and can't wait for it. have a beautiful day 🍀🍀🌞🌞

[@EDHBlvd]

11:32 with Fuji you need to have the “AF+MF” option turned on in the menu. This lets you manually focus the lens after the AF has locked. It works on all lenses including my Viltrox 27mm 1.2. So this is likely user error and not the lens. Unless that AF/MF switch on the lens (the 27mm doesnt have that, and no Fuji lens should, as the body has the MF/AF-S/AF-C switch on it) somehow prevents “AF+MF” feature from working. Cheers

[@KevinDeal]

Thank you. However, you were half right. I needed it turned "off" not "on" in order for it to work. Either way, you helped me, so thanks.

[@EDHBlvd]

@@KevinDeal that doesnt make sense. Why would turning off the AF+MF allow you to do manual focus override? That is not how any other Fuji I’ve owned works. Maybe XH2 is wack?

[@KevinDeal]

@@EDHBlvd I am just reporting what I had to do to make it work. Ask Fuji

[@EDHBlvd]

@@KevinDeal man Fuji is getting strange. Or maybe its something to do with that Viltrox lens. I still find it odd that it has an MF/AF switch on it. No Fuji lenses have this, nor does my Viltrox 27mm 1.2, which is their newest “Pro” line lens.

[@KevinDeal]

@@EDHBlvd Maybe it's just a quirk with the 75. I need to get ahold of the wider Viltrox lenses to review next.

[@iTedTube]

Is it not too big for little camera such as xt30 ?

[@KevinDeal]

I put it on my XT20 and, yes it’s front heavy for sure. But it’s still manageable.

[@just_eirik]

I have this and it’s super good! Have you updated it lately? It makes the IBIS much better.

[@KevinDeal]

I haven’t updated it. Sounds like I should.

[@user-ew4uo1dl5m]

Dear hello, your videos are so instructive!!!! I would like an advise: I am behind two lenses, but I have multiple doubts to choose the right ones between these four options: the 35mm f/1.2, the 50mm f/0.95 (both from 7Artisans), the 75mm f/1.2 and 85mm f/1.8 (both from Viltrox). I want to pick two which don't repeat features. I'll use them for modeling and occasionally street photo. My camera is a fuji X-H1..... could you help me? thanx

[@KevinDeal]

The 35mm 1.2 and 50mm 0.95 are both manual focus lenses, so that's something to consider. Both the 75mm and 85mm might be too long for some street photography but they are excellent for portraits. If you're mainly using the lens for portraits, I would go with the 75mm. It's made for that.

[@user-ew4uo1dl5m]

@@KevinDeal Yes I know they're manual, and that's ok. So which one you combine the 75mm with? the 35mm or the 50mm? thanks

[@KevinDeal]

@@user-ew4uo1dl5m I would do the 35mm.

[@GratoNite]

Hey Kevin! I'm a new photographer, currently I only own the Fujinon XC 35mm F2, I've been shooting portraits, street, etc, to find out that I actually like portraits, and I want to focus on it, mostly I shoot bust up, half, and full body shots, rarely headshots, I'm on the fence of getting this Viltrox 75mm or Sigma 56mm, which would be better for me?

[@KevinDeal]

I own both lenses. That’s a tough one. I prefer using my 75 more outdoors and my 56 more indoors. Nonetheless, I also did a review of the 56, which I will share below. The 75 is a sharper lens for sure. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5q8doV3bs6Ja6Msi=jHoNaSlbf50Ud9nR

[@GratoNite]

@@KevinDeal I see, I'm a mix of Outdoors and Indoors, but portraits mostly indoor, the only issue is space right? Like if the indoor venue is small, I might not be able to back away for a good framing

[@KevinDeal]

@@GratoNite Sometimes, yes. But also, the fact that it goes to 1.2 (the 75mm) allows for larger bokeh balls, which tend to happen in busier environments, which are usually outdoors.

[@jearlynoga2129]

Hi I really have to ask because I used to have Canon 6D with Canon 85mm 1.8 and because it doesn’t have a stabilizer, I have to use it under f3.5 to have a sharp photo when I really want a good bokeh. So now, I switched my Canon 6D to fujifilm Xt30 ii and I want to buy 75mm 1.2 - Question: Do you think, I can use f1.2 without my photos getting blurry (motion) if I use it given that Xt30 ii does not have ibis? your answer would be a great help thanks!

[@KevinDeal]

I don't see it being an issue. Just make sure your shutter speed is fast enough and your ISO is high enough. You're not going to notice any nose on that XT30 below 1600 ISO. Plus if you're shooting at 1.2 you're going to have to keep your shutter speed higher anyway. Outdoors, during daylight, sometimes 1/8000 isn't fast enough.

[@user-zg3wh9vz3u]

Anyone using it with an XT3 ? How are the results if you have ?

[@KevinDeal]

I’ve used it on the XT20 and I like it.

[@carterjohnson25]

This is a Sony APS emount lens not a Fuji lens. You need to change your camera to maximize this lenses potential😮

[@KevinDeal]

Why would anyone change entire camera systems to take advantage of a little bit of quality that nobody is going to notice on a third party lens?

[@jimbimedia]

If you have an xf90mm, do you need this lens?

[@KevinDeal]

Great question. "Need"? I doubt it. "Want", that depends on the person. I don't own a 90mm and the main reason is because I don't feel like I need one. Maybe if I find some insane deal on Facebook Marketplace, I'd consider it. I'd never consider buying the 90mm new because I already own the Viltrox 75mm.

[@jimbimedia]

I have owned the Fuji 90mm for years. I need to hear from someone who has actually experienced both lenses.

[@KevinDeal]

@@jimbimedia I never said I've never used the 90mm. Just that I don't own it. The 90mm is a beast of a lens.

[@Vinterloft]

It will give you shallower DoF. This has similar compression as the Samyang 135mm F2. The 90mm F2 is not even close to either of them. The biggest strength of the 90mm F2 is the focus speed, as it is the only Fuji X lens with triple linear motor. The Viltrox 75 is sharper though. Noticeable but both are amazing.

[@JeffreyHauser]

Hi Kevin. Your prior comment about saying that you did not say that you never used one,(Fuji 90mmf2 lens) rather that you did not own one reminds me of the movie “Quiqley Down Under”starring Tom Selleck & Alan Rickman. Rickman’s character asks Tom Selleck about using a pistol. Tom Selleck replies, “I never had much use for one.” As Alan Rickman’s character lies dying on the ground having been shot by Tom Selleck with a pistol, Tom Selleck stands over Alan Rickman & says about using a pistol” I said that I never had much use for one (a pistol), I never said that I didn’t know how to use one.” Hope you can find the humor in this!😂😂😂

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

Even if perfect photo . The printers or print machine can make errors 😂

[@KevinDeal]

This is true. Lol.