My FAVORITE Viltrox Lens...Ever!

My favorite Viltrox lens ever: the 75mm lens for Fujifilm cameras. Full review, unboxing and ergonomics, image quality, autofocus performance, minimum focus distance, and a comparison with the 90mm and 85mm. Get the lens here: geni.us/vEPK
📔 Table of Contents
00:00 | Opening
00:38 | Disclaimer
02:43 | Unboxing and Ergonomics
04:34 | Image Quality
08:32 | Autofocus Performance
10:20 | Minimum Focus Distance
10:58 | Comparison With 90mm
11:47 | About The 85mm
12:39 | Conclusion and Recommendation
13:51 | Goodbye and Outro
🎥 Gear Discussed/Used in Video
Viltrox 75mm Lens: geni.us/vEPK
Fujifilm XT5: geni.us/p5vnF
Fujifilm XT4: geni.us/nJUB4
Fujifilm XT3: geni.us/xbqo5
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🎬 Production Notes
Producer and Host: Chris Lee
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📺 ABOUT THE CHANNEL
pal2tech offers fun and easy-to-follow photography and camera training videos, tech products, and help for camera owners. Also, camera settings, tips/tricks, photography techniques, Capture One photo editing, and business strategies. You'll also find technology and device reviews, video production training, Fujifilm X series camera information, and lens reviews.
NOTE: Product reviews are entirely independent. Some of my links have an affiliate code. If you purchase gear with these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
#fujifilm #pal2tech #photography

[@andrew.turner]

The full disclosure is why you are one of the most trusted reviewers on youtube. Thank you for the transparency.

[@tomekmalysz5148]

True

[@topbrew42]

@@tomekmalysz5148 Yes, being open and honest here and it is refreshing tbh.

[@darrenburgess4259]

Agreed.

[@juliedumouchel4637]

You are so honest. Being transparent makes you a trusted person.

[@John-rm4lg]

I very much appreciate the gear reviews. I think the vast majority of Fuji users have older body cameras, xt2, xt3, etc. All the reviews now seem to be done on the newer 40MP bodies. I was wondering how these lenses, the 75-1.2 and the new 27-1.2, would fare on my xt3, which I'm very happy with and have no intention of changing in the foreseeable future. I believe this may be of interest to many of your subscribers. Thanks again for all your hard work.

[@deanwongzy]

Viltrox has really been killing it lately. The 13mm f1.4 was impressive. This looks to be a good one as well

[@mppfilms]

Same here in Switzerland. I love the 13mm f1.4.

[@Metalfreakz17]

yes I think the 13mm and this one are totally slaying it lol giving fuji lenses a run for its money 😅

[@Vinterloft]

Just FYI to anyone who thinks it should have a metal hood like other Viltrox lenses, metal hoods are pure vanity and guarantees shattered glass if you drop the lens as nothing is there to absorb the impact. There's a reason Fuji and Nikon stopped doing it, and Sony and Canon never did it.

[@jameskurzynski2386]

So good to hear your reviews again! Even though I saw a lot of other videos that came to the same conclusion you did about this lens, I've come to wait for your reviews since I've always found your reviews best match my experience with gear. Thanks!

[@patriziovalentino8508]

So good to have you back Chris! Your Studio looks incredible! Thanks Chris.

[@damienfenton3880]

Greeting from Dublin, Ireland! Welcome back, thanks for your review, and the new studio looks fantastic. I really appreciated the honesty and integrity of the disclaimer. Top marks from me!

[@sbaugh]

Mine comes today! Im so excited. Also - your channel is just beyond excellent. And moral. And all that. Thanks for what you do.

[@blutac318]

Looks a fantastic lens. So many amazing new lenses coming out for Fujifilm recently. I wish I could try them all! Probably not got a use case for them all though. Great to see you properly back to it, and hope everything calms down soon!

[@showdaKOs]

it comes full circle! i discovered your channel searching for a Viltrox 85 review 2 years ago. I bought the lens and it became my favorite lens (i also have the 50-140 wich is objectively better in term of IQ but the 85 is way more compact and with some caracter on portraits!). I really don't need the 75 right now but I have no doubt it's as fantastic as you describe it and maybe in 1 or 2 years...

[@johngoodwin34]

Keep going your so needed We all know how you must feel at times as we get low too. Look on the bright side and feel lucky that you are so loved for what you do for us in explaining Fuji system to us all. I’m looking forward to you helping me sort out the XH2. There’s a lot in there to clear up.

[@World-of-Fireworks]

Oh man, I just bought their 'very best lense ever', the 13mm and now there's their 'greatest lense' the 75mm one. My purse won't like hearing that :/

[@cankoklu]

Yeah I was going to say the same thing.. purchased the 13mm mainly thanks to this channel.. and love it.. but now I have to buy another one?

[@goldzahn5771]

@@cankoklu do you shoot portrait with the 13mm lens? If so, I would really like to see some of them. Seriously.

[@westdk6705]

He is good sales man ....

[@cankoklu]

@@goldzahn5771 no not at all.. it gets either super distorted at close range or the subjects become really small and lost at medium range. (I do have the viltrox 56mm for that though)

[@AsianFlew]

Forget the purse, I will have to figure out how to hide yet another lens from my wife.

[@user-sj4xe1sv7w]

Your reviews are a whole show! Love it love it love it!!! ❤❤❤

[@jaegerschtulmann]

Love this focal range, I used to own the 105mm f1.4 for my full frame camera and this is the closest you can get with Fuji. Well-done viltrox, I'll be adding this lens to my collection soon as the xf90mm f2 is a bit too tight for what I shoot

[@charlescarlson1290]

Great review! Thanks and great to have you back on. I’ve been considering the 90mm. It sounds like the 75mm might fit my needs.

[@evtimstefanov8377]

Great video as always Chris! Thank you so much man!

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Great revue Chris! Thanks for this! I hope all is well with you. Mine arrives next week.

[@carlosdias1940]

Hi Chris! Great return!!! No worries about the disclaimer. We've seen your work and the review is outstanding. Have browsed over other channels, but on this one as usual, as more detail and a practical approach. Outstanding lens and wondering how it will turn out a future 23mm?! Cheers

[@humbertosegura4883]

I absolutely loved your full disclosure!, I'm a new subscriber from this moment on!

[@Musicology76]

ooooh yeeeees the video I've been waiting for!!!!!!!!! thanks maaaaaan

[@jerrymarshallphotography]

Helpful AND entertaining :) Great review Chris and thanks for the transparency and disclosure. Makes you even more trustworthy of a resource in my eyes. Well done. Been looking for alternatives to Fujinon lenses (I only have the one 16-80 that came with my X-T5) and Viltrox seems to be near or at the top. Love your videos Chris, keep them coming!

[@misterfilmguy]

Very ethical disclosure and great review as usual!

[@mudgie069]

Very excited to get this lens in the near future. Looks amazing. Great review as always.

[@Warddegeest-]

Thank you, from Belgium. I have the viltrox 13mm, and so excited to look at your review!

[@johnhal1]

I love your integrity and honesty. ❤️

[@PedroSantos64]

Was just waiting to find your review on this Viltrox lens that has been "following" me for months!!! Thanks

[@laurapeter3857]

Thank you for the full disclosure! 🎉

[@Jnewtonwright]

I love and respect the honesty. I’m subscribing.

[@jakobschneeberger3965]

Great review. Thanks a lot, Chris 🙏👍👍👍

[@jooyoonchung3593]

I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that you can get such a high performing, wide aperture telephoto for x-mount - with autofocus!

[@johnhaze2774]

I just picked up this lens and it’s a beast. Thanks for the review.

[@billd8949]

Thanks for the review! The weather sealing is a big bonus, and would be interested in an image quality battle with the 16-55 zoom

[@benjieee28]

You're back !!!

[@unclelearnstorock]

Absolutely the best reviews, the best disclaimers and because of you good sir. I've bought this 75m. Absolutely amazing. Out of this world.

[@4honor]

Love your reviews! Appreciate the transparency, but not needed from you~ Long time viewer, so I always trust your words!

[@nancybateman7378]

Really like the look of your new studio!

[@tritc]

Great lens and perfect review ❤

[@rexao]

I was just about to go for the 56 1.2 Fujinon and you just lightened my way out. Thank you!

[@igor.usachev]

Hey, Chris! Thank you for such a helpful and important video! Viltrock has definitely started making very decent lenses!

[@user-bm3il5dt2r]

To be honest, I really enjoy watching this video because of the decent review about the lens. Good job！

[@gregpantelides1355]

Welcome back!!!!! :-)

[@VictorAmaru]

Fantástico video men! This Viltrox shiny

[@damasovi_travels1244]

very cool video!!! love your new studio!!!

[@mirraalwin]

Awesome gift from Viltrox 😍

[@pedromacd]

Fantastic review. New subscriber here for sure. Probably also a new fuji xt5 and viltrox customer as well... I'm replacing my old pentax k20 and this review has just helped make my mind up. Love your enthusiasm. Magic.

[@atobmartialarts9987]

I want to say thank you for doing these videos. And I am new to Fujifilm cameras. I bought a xt4. I know absolutely nothing about camera or filming for that matter. I bought this camera too shoot videos for my website. I spent the last week learning how to work my XT4 camera. I watched most of your videos. Thank you for teaching me to not be afraid of this camera. I've had it for a year and it was adjusted to shoot video and I left it alone. Not I am playing with it and shooting stills and video thanks to watching your videos. Again I can't thank you enough. God bless

[@Musicology76]

I lllllllllove your new setup, man!

[@krystianb.6696]

Very nice, professional review. Thanks. I know what I wanna buy...

[@vnjoshi4]

Been waiting for this review lol. I was trying to decide on this lens.

[@CharlesTay]

Thanks for the recommendation. I just bought this lens for use with XT5.

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

Very good and helpful review, now it’s decision time (I like the new hair look btw).

[@par__m3]

I just recently picked up an X-T5 and can't wait to get my hands on this lens.

[@FlorianCortese]

Welcome back, Chris. Thanks for this review. Looking forward for more to come. The new studio looks awesome!

[@pal2tech]

Thank you Florian. Your kind words made my entire day. 🙏

[@jcblum1507]

Great video!!! Great teacher 😊

[@MarcioK]

Hi, Chris. Just received my 75mm f/1.2 three days ago (was one of the 50 lucky to get it on the Viltrox site pre-sale). Your impressions are right - the sharpness of this lens is insane, bokeh is great, it is a amazing lens. Did still not have too much time to test it, probably will do some kind of comparison to my 85mm f/a.8 (mine is the newer version). But here is my two cents to add to your great review: - AF speed - my first impressions are that is not a very slow AF lens, but it is slower than the 13mm f/1.4 (the thinner DOF probably is the culprit) and the 85mm f/1.8. But the 85mm f/1.8 became much speedier with Viltrox firmware update, maybe it would be the same with this one; - It is not a bug, but kind of a (for me) no logical operation of the AF/MF switch on the lens when used in my X-S10, when you have the "AF+MF" focus option turned on in the menu: when the switch on the lens is on "AF" position, the lens works only in AF (no MF engaged with half-pressed shutter)/ when yo put the switch in "MF" mode, it becomes AF+MF. If the "AF+MF" option is turned off in the menu, then the camera is AF only and MF only, following the switch position on the lens. For me, I would prefer that when the AF+MF option is turned on in the menu, the lens behaviout would be AF+MF with the switch in AF, and MF only with the switch in MF. Don't know how it works in the cameras with AF mode switch on body (XTs and older X-Es), or in the newer X-Hs. In the X-E4, since is almost the same hardware as the X-S10, I guess the behaviour would be the same; Regards, Marcio

[@FeelINi1]

you are the coolest fuji camera reviewer. I watch every review. Laughed at the end. Thank you. Hello from cold Russia

[@technodronesogxl9783]

I am definitely looking to implement this into my lens lineup. I have the Viltrox 13mm 1.4, 18 55mm 2.8, xf16-80, and the XF100 400 lens which has a 77mm filter thread. I saw a lot of reviews saying that the 13mm 1.4 was a fast auto-focus lens. I am at one point thinking to add the XF50 140mm but the newer Sigma lens has me dreaming of a 60 600.

[@dalibort82]

Great review... one of the best on YT 🙂 I just order one for me

[@tjkrueger2655]

Unlike the other 3rd parties, Viltrox recognized the holes in the lens lineup and went for those... the 13 1.4 and this 75 aren't redundant and filled a role that was needed. More of this from Sigma and Tamron, please

[@paceyombex]

AMEN! and let's hope Tamron, Sigma, and Rokinon to embrace Fujinon design philosophy. Aperture ring is an integral part of the Fuji experience, it's almost a sin to not include one at this point.

[@tjkrueger2655]

@paceyombex yeah, I can't live without the aperture ring now

[@jessekedar]

It also seems they took the criticism of the soft focus at the edges of the older lenses and the too smooth click less aperture seriously

[@Vinterloft]

We badly need the Tamron 35-150 F2-2.8 on Fuji, it's the only zoom I want.

[@paceyombex]

@@Vinterloft That's a versatile zoom, although I would love if they redesigned it for APS-C, so smaller size.

[@kylecouture1917]

Hi Pal2Tech. I recently got an xt4 (largely because of you). It is my very first camera and I got a great used deal on one with a shutter count under 1000. It came with the 18-55 kit lense. I just picked up a viltrox 56mm 1.4 and its coming in the mail today. I am so excited. Maybe one day I will get this lense!

[@reboundk1ng]

Been wanting to get that 56mm viltrox. Is it good for photos?

[@hamdouch26]

Hi @kyle, is it good for portraits 56mm?

[@kylecouture1917]

@@reboundk1ng i think so yes.

[@kylecouture1917]

@@hamdouch26 i think so yes.

[@jamesfoley4769]

Great video Chris...Maybe a video on using both lens and camera ?xt5) stabilizations? Good or bad.

[@ericthestone]

Thanks for another great review. Now I am waiting for Amazon Canada to stock up!

[@zeissiez]

Amazing lens, especially for the price. Thanks for the review.

[@Sjorezz]

Hi Really nice Video. And this is definitely a lens to consider. One tip though minimal focus distance is measured from the sensor not from the front element towards the focus point. At @10:20

[@JeDxDeVu]

Got myself the 13mm and the 75mm . I really really like them both. Couldn't be happier. I can't decide which one to take out, so I got a bigger camera bag and now take them both 😆. Great build quality and image quality is sharp but not sterile. I'd like to see them do a 40mm 1.0. Just me.

[@G.A.Visuals]

man i want this lens so freaking bad! looks like viltrox did an amazing job on this lens.

[@jonathanhird5772]

Love the new studio set up! Just gotta watch out for Hal2tech in the background!

[@arcadian91007]

I have this lens, and the 85mm from Viltrox. I agree with your review. This 75 mm is a great lens. very happy with it. The autofocus is not as fast as Fuji 23mm or the 33mm f1.4, but its sharpness is superb.

[@visionz_n_media]

I have owned this lens since it’s release day. It’s not just my favorite Viltrox lens but my favorite lens for XF mount period. The focal range is close to my favorite full frame portrait lens, 105mm f/1.4. Nice video as always.

[@jooyoonchung3593]

Which 105 1.4 do you have? How does the viltrox AF compare in continuous? I have a Nikon 105 1.4 which has speedy and accurate AF on my z6ii, but I want to have a somewhat equivalent lens like the viltrox for my lovely Fujis, but am hesitant because I’ve heard some say the continuous AF can be inconsistent / hit or miss.

[@visionz_n_media]

@@jooyoonchung3593 I own the sigma 105 1.4. I rented both the Sigma and the Nikon versions and the Sigma was just as good as the Nikon, minus the flaring. But the autofocus is fast and a little more quiet. The Viltrox 75 1.2 is fairly snappy with acquiring focus. It falls slightly behind the Nikon and sigma in my testing but it is more than capable of keeping up during a portrait session or b roll. I have not had any issues with focus. I use this lens on my XH2 and it drives it flawlessly. I’ve recently done some graduation shoots and this lens had every shot in focus while my Nikon Z6ii paired with the Nikon z 35s had missed about 10% of the shots. This may not always be the case but shooting during golden hour, I got better results with the Viltrox than my native Nikon setup that day.

[@haroon420]

Blooming heck!! I’ve just recently got into the KZbin photography channels and my god, pretty much all them have like 2-3 minutes disclaimers. 😂😂 I mean I love it.. but I just wanna say no other channel category likes to give such a detailed disclaimer ahead of their videos. It’s refreshing and cute!! ❤😂😂

[@maddhendrix]

Still have another week till mine gets delivered. I can't wait to shoot with this. The weather is warming up, it's beautiful outside! Can't wait

[@IanHorne1967]

Fantastic review buddy! I'm no clairvoyant but I see one of those in my very near future 😂 Love your channel!

[@vivahabbitvanassen]

Wow, what an sweet lens I will keep it on my I would love to have lens. For sure I love the price . You answers my questions in regards to testing it on X3 it’s is now on my wish list.

[@davidcrawford9148]

Just picked up my new X-T5 Four days ago and after seeing your review tonight I've ordered the 75mm Viltrox as I think it will fit nicely with my photography style. Thanks for a great review and I've followed you for the past few months because I like the transparency and review style.

[@lisonvarughese3594]

Whats your thoughts .?! Even i bought xt5 now im planning to buy 75mm . So whats ur opinion ?!

[@davidcrawford9148]

@@lisonvarughese3594 I have the Fuji 56 f1.2 and in my opinion it performs on par so I’ve decided I like the extra reach of 75 mm as it fits my style and will sell the 56. Value proposition for the 75 can’t be beat and for me performance is excellent

[@davidcrawford9148]

I’ve also decided to get an after market grip as it adds extra reassurance as the lens slightly larger - better suits my larger hands

[@riswandikoedratphotography2745]

I have both the 13mm and 27mm lenses. Love them both. Thinking of getting the 75mm.

[@MarcLerchs]

Thank You too much for sharing. I have to try my first portrait session with this setup next week, and I'm soooooo stressed... My model is a well known artist... And I never made portraits before.... Thanks this vid, my stress goes a little bit down, now. Greetings from Belgium. :)

[@CCCP85]

Very helpful

[@edc5338]

Vilktrox and Fuji are killing it. I have 3 Viltrox lenses, the 13, 23 and 75. Awesome glass on my Xt-5 and XS-10. Your videos are excellent.

[@hamdouch26]

What prime good for both portrait and landscape? I have the 16-80 Lense

[@edc5338]

@@hamdouch26 I use the 16-80 a lot and the 16 1.4 at times for landscapes. The 55-200 is also good for landscapes. The 35 and 56mm are great for portraits

[@hamdouch26]

@@edc5338 thanks، planning to get 75mm viltrox after this review and 13 mm as well..do you see better options?

[@stevew7779]

Been shooting this for a week and I'm in love! In fact, I think I rate it even more highly that my beloved Fuji 33mm.

[@evanstheframe]

Hi, love your channel and it’s my go to when getting new equipment and setting up. Been going through all your content on xt5 before pulling the trigger on one as an upgrade for my XT2. Also been looking at all your Viltrox videos, can you tell me how the Viltrox stack up on the xt5 due to Fuji not even recommending all their own Fuji lenses lol?

[@Johnsson25]

Oh my goodness! I bought myself a dozen of these lenses at once, they are so good.

[@dandanu2526]

After watching your review, I realized how good the Fujifilm 56 mm 1.2 R is and bought it.Thank you!

[@jakobschneeberger3965]

I just bought the Viltrox 13mm. A great lens too 👍👍👍

[@jacksponsler9341]

Great review and appreciate the disclosure but you are a trusted resource of balanced information regardless. If possible, could you also review the Tamron 150-500mm lens with the new X-T5? It would be great to see if other third-party manufacturers are attempting to raise the bar in support of Fujifilm as well.

[@redrocklead]

Saw another site's photos, yep I'm buying.

[@Mowikan]

Great close portrait lens and bokeh creator when needed. Thx!

[@bobabout256]

Great review and an exciting potential lense. Did you ever complete an X-T5 review. I tried one for a short time and got rather a lot of soft focus shots with the various red label zoom glass 2.8s I tested. That said, I also got some of the sharpest autofocus images I’ve ever taken but just not the consistency. The camera was indicating focus lock. I’m not a Fuji user but investigating a change to the Fuji range. I’d love to see your thoughts as an experienced Fuji user. I shoot something of everything but mostly action and wildlife. PS I think you were also going to assess the hand grip 👍

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

For the longest time, I was waiting for Sigma to release something similar to the 105 f/1.4 for APSC and this one comes the closest. Definitely buying this one.

[@summers9218]

Your daughter has grown into a beautiful lady. I saw her growing as i had follow your videos from the beginning when she was there,so i see the change. Great video as always. But waiting time is too long for this lens dont know when they will sold world wide..

[@GoodPhotos]

Ah HA! PROOF! Proof... that we can trust you to tell us what you actually think of a product with absolute candor and honesty. I rarely shoot telephoto and the Viltrox 85/1.8 (first ver that I got second hand) is more than adequate for the few instances that I need longish and bright, but when the 75/1.2's start hitting the USED market, it's good to know that it is even better than the 85/1.8. :) Keep up the good work. We appreciate you.

[@charleskoonu]

it will be great if viltrox lauch a line of pro primes not only for Fujifilm, for all the existing mounts, and Pal you don´t need to do a disclosure about anything, you´re one of the most honest and excellent camera reviewer in all youtube, all your videos are excellent and detailed.

[@sweet4nice2003]

Thanks for the Dr.Dre into music Chris 😁😂✌️...love the look and review of this lens ....I hope it become available in South Africa soon as well.

[@just_eirik]

Dangit now I have to get one! Hope they get them back in stock soon. Or better yet. I hope the stores here in Norway get some for sale soon.

[@fen3184]

Love the review. Thank you. Only thing missing...? (Cough) Weather Sealing (Cough) 😉

[@daveboyle5751]

Put The 11mm extension tube on it and you can get some great macro shots with it, gets to around 25cm from the from of the front element to the subject.

[@MainyaXiong]

I appreciate this video review! I bought the Viltrox 85mm, 56mm, and 35mm lens for my X-S10. I’m a beginner photographer, so maybe I don’t have my settings right, but these lenses were underwhelming 😅 I’ve shot a handful of sessions and the images just weren’t as sharp as I’d like. Highly considering selling them all to get this Viltrox 75mm.

[@tipipeski]

Ok. I'm sold. I'm buying it. 23mm is so so but nice, 13mm is impressive.

[@secardive1]

The greatest lens ever!!😍🙏 Very good and cheap!! I hope yo see soon more of this Line Up on the Aps-C line for Fujifim and Sony, like : - Viltrox 18mm f1.2 - Viltrox 28mm f1.2 - Viltrox 40mm F1.2 - Viltrox 90mm F1.2

[@cdreyes81]

Even now, it is a great buy. Can't wait to see what firmware can do for it in the future.