Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.2 (Sony E-mount version) lens review

[@dobrecristianro]

Currently the AF had been fixed in the latest 1.04 firmware from December. The lens autofocus is now fast and accurate. Great lens.

[@jopppsss]

Yeah. On my A6400 with updated firmware it is indeed faster.

[@hotfootrabbit]

Ah that's good to here. Been looking for a nice n fast lens for low light video shooting.

[@RobberZhi]

Can’t believe he’s still on the first chapter of John.

[@Hornwiesel]

It's a very boring book

[@weeks55]

He’s just being polite and not posting spoilers

[@EverythingCameFromNothing]

Best not to read too much if you wanna stay Christian 😬

[@StymyParsley]

@@EverythingCameFromNothingwow aren’t you so edgy

[@EverythingCameFromNothing]

@@StymyParsley haha I wouldn’t say so. Do you think I’m wrong? Have you read the entire Bible? 🤔 😬

[@S_G_86]

Viltrox always improves autofocus performance with SW updates so I am sure they will fix that issue. I will definitely pick one up as soon as they release it , perfect portrait lens for APS-C

[@niqart]

Hope someday Voltrox release 105mm F1.8 a very underrated focus

[@gdjaybee742]

Hey Chris, huge fan of yours since the DSLR review days. I would respectfully suggest to add eye tracking autofocus for your test. Sometimes lens perform differently depending on the autofocus mode. Also, the biggest reason (to me) why a lot of photographers have finally switched to mirrorless is because of the face and eye auto detect/AI focusing features of mirrorless bodies. Especially for primes, since most of the time they are used for portrats, eye focus tracking is important. I believe the a7r3 is already up to date with latest eye/face tracking, but I don't believe the a5100 is.

[@ilmatanela1816]

Agreed

[@joeaddison]

I disagree, eye tracking focus would render near identical results to the single point testing that Chris is already doing. The camera is just telling the lens where to focus the lens has no effect on the eye tracking experience other than the speed and accuracy that comes from the test Chris already performs

[@gdjaybee742]

@@joeaddison I've started following Tom Calton's reviews because his test for autofocus was exactly what I was looking, real world autofocus scenarios or moving subject, and found lenses to be good point to point but did not fair well with moving subjects and lose track and focus. Your theory might be sound, but in practice its a different story.

[@young_padawan]

Sir, I watch many a channel for infotainment. But when it comes to purchase decisions, I always ensure to check your review of it first. Thank you for the good work!

[@NickErickson]

I just bought this for my Fuji X-S10 and WOW. The sharpness of this lens is stunning. Quickly becoming my favorite lens

[@morecarstuff]

OMG im so proud to see people still using the a5100! omg i miss my a51000 soooo much

[@VGScreens]

You can pick them up for so cheap now, same as the also fun NEX range. Find one with the two kit lenses and you can easily sell the lenses separately and get a free body out of it, happy shopping :)

[@lukazupie7220]

Proud?😀

[@lh6063]

I just came from mr Morris' review video, he was using a6700 for testing, and I feel like the lens performed better than it did with the cameras in your video. Maybe the newer camera could benefit more from this lens? Great video and thanks for the review.

[@sparkestudio]

Hi Christopher, sorry to bother you but would like to ask if you could include at least in comment the version of the lens firmware. This way if something is noticed in your review we can seen with a new firmware or if at the time you had the current firmware.

[@Hornwiesel]

Chris Frost the GOAT

[@victorlim5077]

Excited to see this lens on the Z mount as well.

[@ro30]

Z-?!

[@pxlnomads2027]

I think it's already available for Z

[@neovirtuality]

I don't mind their name sounds like a medicine. I hope they keep producing great lenses, specially for my Z cameras.

[@nicedward7544]

Stop using Viltrox and contact your doctor if you get persistent fevers, puke blood, or begin to have suicidal thoughts

[@nicedward7544]

Seriously considering getting it even though i use full frame

[@ayhancapan]

I'd be happy to see it on a5100 man. :)

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

That's the equivalent of a 112mm F1.8 on full frame, that's insane depth, keeping in mind that the Sigma 16mm f.14 is about 100 to 150$ less, i think this lens is very very affordable.

[@Stevedawhoop]

It’s similar to Samyang 135mm f1.8 which is about 800, so 2-300 less, amazing bargain for apsc

[@ironspike171]

Dear Christopher, i know you personally shoot Canon, but consider upgrading your Sony body. There are other reviews out praising the AF speed of the lens, even compared to Fuji. Try to loan a fast and actual Sony body, and compare it with you recent 5100 and A7R3. There will be plenty of new and foremost 3rd party lenses for Sony out that you have to be up to date - even for the sake of testing. On the other side: Im a huge! fan and supporter of your „i test everything the same way i ever did“ - i fully understand this.

[@sebastianrau5780]

I have this Lens for Fuji and it's absolutely stunning ❤️

[@matthewqin3672]

Hi Chris, why dont test COMA? I belive some people would like to use this lens for astrophotography instead of 135mm on full frame

[@LasseMalmgren]

Exactly !

[@GallicGarlic]

Confused .. FF or APS-C lens?!? 😅

[@neerajbute2094]

Any updates on af performance after firmware update 1.0.4 in dec 23 as people say that it's not reliable for fast moving subjects like birds? I am in the market for buying one. I currently have sigma 18-50 f2.8 for my a6700, looking to have a prime now-- confused between sigma 56 f1.4 and the this viltrox 75. Performance wise 56 seems to be reliable. Wether sealing, image quality wise viltrox seems better. Also this will add a bigger focal length for my use.

[@weeraphatsrisuk8281]

Viltrox 75mm f1.2 on mine is really sharp i also enjoyed.

[@pxlnomads2027]

Is this for full frame? I mean I know you can use full frame lenses for apsc but I would like to know if this will increase in focal length when I put it on my a6400

[@hanzsirilan2943]

it is an aps-c lens. it will be effectively 112.5mm on your a6400

[@CristoforoBonissone]

#christopherfrost - Hello Chris, what is the size of the placard (INCH/CM) what do you use to test the lenses ? Excellent +++. Ciao

[@awsjaff]

Please, Test Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 DG HSM ART? you haven't tested yet!

[@MattTrevett]

I have this lens and it's perfect in every way. Do you have any questions about it? I could also put up some sample photos if you like.

[@roxikoko3744]

What firmware was this? The latest offers a vast improvement for AF.

[@striderwhiston9897]

Heya chris, are you going to review the 2019 versions of the Tokina 11-20 and 11-16?

[@kaneclements7761]

I have this lens for Fuji and shoot it on a a 40 MP X-T4. Very pleased with it. Optically the results are excellent. The latest firmware V 1.02 has improved auto focus a lot. Still not zippy per se, definitely more confident.

[@DQmanglocQ]

Dont you mean xt5??

[@frankweber356]

To update on a Mac is a No-Go.....it does not show up. In Forums they say Viltrox say.....try all cable you have. I think this quite annoying. I took a short usb -C from a small SSD Drive. That worked.

[@tomdchi12]

If they brought out a Gen 2 with better AF on L mount, I'd be very tempted. Equivalent of 112mm f1.8 would be pretty useful as your sample photos illustrated!

[@antimotivation10]

There is no equivalence 112 f1.8. It remains f1.2 only the distance linked to the apc-s sensor is visible. Because if you compare this lens with 135mm f1.8 this viltrox will have more light. So it's still &f1.2 mrtci

[@tomdchi12]

@@antimotivation10 in terms of brightness/exposure you’re absolutely correct - f1.2 is f1.2 regardless of film or sensor size for those aspects as you pointed out. I should have clarified that I was referring to DoF/bokeh specifically.

[@nightdonutstudio]

Since apsc has about one stop worse high ISO performance. We could just say equal to the performance of f1.8 on full frame.

[@IliasKoureas]

@@nightdonutstudio That depends on the sensor

[@GungKrisna12]

Only if Viltrox decided to join the L MOUNT ALLIANCE

[@TheYouTubeMechanic]

Once it finds you, does it hold focus ok?

[@jarekblaminsky]

the thing is if I buy the lens 1.2 i really care how does it perform at 1.2-1.6 . I often hear people say - yes but it works great on f 2.0 or .3.5-5.6 .. If I want f.2.0 I would buy something f 1.8 and make it 2.0...

[@noscopesallowed8128]

This is looking like a very attractive lens to me. Hopefully they can make use of that USB-C port and focus on the auto focus? I think I'll pick it up if they do.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Great review. Where can i find that test chart?

[@jakob9435]

Looks like its decentred cause of that weird corner behavior. Have you looked at the other edges aswell ?

[@MOTOJendays]

I was thinking same thing. His other test with the 75 1.2 the lens came out much sharper in the corners as well as close up image quality was way better when he did Fuji test.

[@WillyMouna]

hey my friend. Could you advise me? I have money only for one portrait lense for now. I between viltrox 75mm 1.2 or fuji 33mm 1.4. Wich one you think would be a best for now? greetings from brazil.

[@russandloz]

I love Viltrox for dx on Nikon, I consider them pro lens quality especially for the price. Shame the autofocus is lagging a bit but I'd love this lens & not too heavy at 620g

[@stormfalconstudios]

Where did you find a crystal Pepsi?

[@ianhrp]

It’s a stunner of a lens on the Fuji XT5 in fact for the money it’s one of if not the best lens I have had before.

[@vadergrd]

images are stellar!!

[@JeneralMat-zp2ii]

Tasty bokeh. Hi sir. Could you redo the fast standard lens battle on canon apsc. Thank you...

[@cameraprepper7938]

I do not understand why Sonys new A6700 camera only have 26 megapixels, now Fuji have two APSC cameras with 40 megapixels which have the sensor made by Sony ! The latest Lenses can have resolution enough for 40 megapixels, it is also time for Sony with a 93 megapixels "full frame" camera.

[@jarekblaminsky]

I have Sony Vr and trust me.. not many lenses can really take the full advantage of that sensor 62 mpx..

[@dobrecristianro]

40 megapixels on crop sensor size means REALLY worse low light performance.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@dobrecristianro No, there are not much difference ! And with the benefit of more megapixels, you have more to play with. Just ask Fuji X-H2 and Fuji X-T5 owners !

[@brianpatterson6934]

Chris, your reviews would be much more relevant with a newer body to test with - the a7r3 hardly represents Sony's current AF performance. I'm using this lens on an a7r5 and it is killer in the AF department. You're seeing a lack in body performance in your AF commentary, not lens deficiency. Otherwise, you provide a good optical review and give us what we need...thanks!

[@LasseMalmgren]

Did you try this lens on a night sky? I'd love to see how it performs on the stars in the corners? :)

[@suryaalways8141]

Sir....Samyang 85mm 1.4 ii vs viltrox 75mm 1.2 Which is the best ? For Sony Aps-C

[@raalaa121]

£450 can buy you a good Sigma E-Mount F1.4 FULL FRAME lens these days in the second hand market.

[@rsat9526]

The same can be said to 3P lens used..... they will cost even less too. Making comparison on second hand basis on native lenses but not the same for a 3P option sounds ridiculous...and if anything similar sharpness and performance at significantly lower cost? Ok .....

[@RODPROD1873]

Doesn't seem to perform as well as the Fuji version going by your reviews?

[@maninhat77]

Right? Even the corners at 1.2 were good. I wonder if maybe the quality differs from piece to piece

[@carlosduarte20]

Love your reviews, best in the business.... Full frame 112.5mm @ f1.2 would make f1.8 bokeh full frame still allowing f1.2 light gathering. I really like the idea of this lens and plan on buying the Z mount version

[@Folly_Inds]

the F stop doesn't scale in the same way that focal length does.

[@carlosduarte20]

​@@Folly_Inds 112mm @ f1.2 light gathering creating f1.8 Bokeh on full frame equivalent sounds useful to me.

[@JetBen555]

@@Folly_Inds it does because crop sensor are noisier by default

[@xrxhomeboyxrx]

@@Folly_Inds what do you mean? he is right, it would gather 1.2 of light but it would yield a larger dof compared to a hypothetical 112mm 1.2 ff lense

[@antimotivation10]

​@@carlosduarte20There is no equivalence 112 f1.8. It remains f1.2 only the distance linked to the apc-s sensor is visible. Because if you compare this lens with 135mm f1.8 this viltrox will have more light. So it's still &f1.2 thanks

[@johnrichardalagao7223]

Should have tested it on a newer body to test its af speed and accuracy better

[@pspr33]

Could the AF be improved with new firmware perhaps? Otherwise, a great value lens IMO.

[@Eyeofkamau]

Yes

[@zeissiez]

Top performance at a bargain price

[@IliasKoureas]

My next lens for my Nikon Zfc. Such a STEAL

[@jensenperalta7927]

maybe it will do great on a6700 with it's latest auto focus system

[@dobrecristianro]

I have this combination, it's stunning. AF speed is really fast and accurate.

[@RishiRajKoul]

Amazing review

[@Xirpzy]

I like my Viltrox. Wont give the very best results but are fun to use.

[@GallicGarlic]

Maybe in 10 years with sensor and lenses getting better .. that sort of results will be obtained by .. M4/3 😅

[@juliaanderson74]

how about Viltrox 85mm full frame with AF?

[@antimotivation10]

There is no equivalence 112 f1.8. It remains f1.2 only the distance linked to the apc-s sensor is visible. Because if you compare this lens with 135mm f1.8 this viltrox will have more light. So it's still f1.2 thanks

[@navis5284]

APS-C only.... bummer for FF users

[@SivaSandeepEadara]

I will get this for fuji.

[@LukaszKlim-ge9xx]

I think the Voigtlander 65mm F2 is an overall a better lens with nicer bokeh than this F1.2. Plus additionally gives macro 1:2

[@nicedward7544]

One of the best lenses ever. I recommend it to everyone if they can deal with MF

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

It feels strange to use very big lenses on smaller APS-C sensor cameras. It contradicts the idea to have a overall smaller system with APS-C cameras just like you can find on the FUJI X-T series.

[@dobrecristianro]

This is not a very big lens...

[@JeDxDeVu]

Great lens once it’s got all the firmware updates

[@photoangelov]

I'll have to disagree with the A7R III being adequate enough for testing modern lens AF. Also, maybe a comparison between this and the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 would be nice, in order to determin the one true APS-C portrait king.

[@Garbid]

Different focal length. For me that lens is for outside or longer reach. 56 is enough for even indoor portrait and sometimes longer reach.

[@constantinosmarinou5605]

I was literally searching about this lense a while ago😂

[@BernardoSilva70]

I just got it and it looks the part! The bokeh is insane, the image insanely sharp, BUT the focus motor is incredibly loud, louder than any lens I've ever owned, so I think I got a faulty copy. Can you comment on your focus noise on different scenarios? kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppSpkqmFmJKMY9U

[@williamsolis1]

An Englishman saying zee.

[@GinoFoto]

Unrealistic performance only 10 years ago.

[@dobrecristianro]

yeah, 10 years ago Canon was asking 1500 euros for the 50 F1.2 L which was soft as hell at F1.2