Viltrox AF 27mm f/1.2 lens review

Yet another potentially incredible f/1.2 lens hits the market from Viltrox, and our expectations for their new lenses are getting higher and higher - let's see what it can do.
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All pictures taken by me on Fuji X-T3 and X-H2 cameras.
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[@SovietLensReviews]

This is first-party performance from Viltrox. Very impressive seeing an f1/.2 at this price point with perfect sharpness & no coma. Wow.

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

Viltrox should spend more time on final control and tolerances in stead of speed.

[@TheCruisinCrew]

Viltrox is quickly becoming a fantastic (and affordable) 3rd party lens manufacturer... I'm impatiently hoping for some excellent zoom lenses in the future! :)

[@marcp.1752]

A Viltrox PRO series 16-55/F1.8 or F2 constant aperture.....into smaller size than the XF 16-55/F2.8 would being cool...and cheaper, of course. 🙂

[@ryanclouse299]

Not gonna happen. First of all f2/f1.8 would be quite a bit larger/heavier especially to keep the performance in line. And Viltrox is not know for there small and light lenses. Closest alternative would be the sigma 18-35mm f1.8 for ef aps-c adapted to fuji. And that's definitely not a small lens and doesn't have the full range you listed.

[@marcp.1752]

@@ryanclouse299 I've had the 18-35/1.8 ART Sigma myself, but the size & focal length is too limiting...well, you simply *can't* know, what Viltrox is testing into their labs. Perhaps someday they'd surprise us with a fine PRO APS-C zoom anyway.

[@tridinh1011]

@@marcp.1752 that is physically impossible

[@tridinh1011]

@@ryanclouse299 i only want that viltrox build quality and price with the pro line's IQ. the weight and size can go jump in a can lol. 16-50 f2.8 would be perfect even if it is as big as the xf16-55

[@Mamo878]

Viltox is killing it lately. Keep it up!

[@davidgaritta9195]

I have the older Fuji 23mm and the 27mm WR pancake lenses and initially was going to trade them towards the newer Fuji 23mm WR BUT, this lens maybe the one to go for. I actually like the 27mm (40mm FF) focal length and Viltrox has been killing the game with the 13mm and 75mm. I’m pleasantly happy that IQ is pretty good wide open at 1.2 which makes things enticing and the price point is favorable too. I don’t mind the size as the newer 23mm WR’s size is similar. Decisions, decisions…..

[@SyntheticFuture]

That's damn impressive. Looking forward to a Sony version. Would love to see that AF performance. The image quality is most excellent!

[@ninjastronghold]

Second PRO lens and another hit! Bravo Viltrox!

[@andrear9500]

They are releasing very competitive lenses. Hard to beat them when you are about to pay. I’m awaiting the 16mm z version to be available. Another hit

[@outalingamcrap9366]

I am waiting for a 50mm f1.2 version of the AF PRO to be released instead of getting the 75mm f1.2

[@johnfarr2916]

I watched Chris’s review of the Fuji 23 1.4 WR again. This Viltrox lens has better corner sharpness, almost no distortion, similar vignetting, similar CA, and no coma. The focus breathing issue may be a deal breaker for some video shooters. I have their 75 1.2, which is fantastic for concert photography for individual or small group shots. This wider focal length will be great for larger group or full stage shot. Really looking forward to getting one.

[@destinybond]

This is amazing for around half the price of the 23 1.4 wr you get a wider aperture, no visible distortion, better sharpness and contrast around the corners at lower aperture and at close up image. I’m convinced to get this as my next lens!!!

[@SyntheticFuture]

Yeah seems like an amazing deal. Definitely blows my Sony 28mm f2 out of the water at only 30% more expense. It's a wider aperture and a lot better image performance. It's going to be down to the focus motor if I'm going to upgrade. But it may very well happen 😁

[@warricksmith5178]

I'm yet to see a review that directly compares this lens with rivals. But it is substantially bigger and heavier than the FX23/1.4, which is an important consideration for many users.

[@tridinh1011]

​@@warricksmith5178 pal2tech has tested it against the xf and old viltrox lenses. Results are as expected, no real difference in normal use, this is a bit (like barely noticeable) softer in the corners at small apertures, but overall you will never notice which picture comes from which lens

[@bencompson]

I like the book selections you've used for your close up example shots.

[@franklonyai4278]

There are other good reviews on this lens out there but for me Chris' reviews are the gold standard. All the time I am waiting for them to show up. Since the first review of the 27 showed up on the web a few days ago, I kept checking when Chris' will show up. This review is probably one of the shortest ones compared to the others but It has all the ingredients that matter. For some reason the statements that Chris makes have more weight for me. Thanks for the great review and ready to buy this Viltrox lens after the 13 and 74. Sorry Fuji...

[@christopherfrost]

I try and keep these reviews short and straight to the point :-)

[@SyntheticFuture]

They are also super consistent so it's easy to compare lenses. A big advantage for sure 😁

[@jonathans.9372]

I feel like there's no need to apologize to Fuji, these 3rd party lenses make the Fuji X system all the more attractive to anyone who wants those Sigma ART type "size and weight is no object", high-quality lenses. I love it! Sony also isn't hurting from their 3rd party support, in fact these days that's a great reason to choose whether or not to get into a system.

[@tridinh1011]

​@@jonathans.9372 3rd party support gives anything more variety and just makes that thing better. Not just photography, gaming, game systems, phones, etc.

[@OkwyUgonweze]

This lens has quickly become one of my favorite ,just so sharp and beautiful.

[@GianFrancoRodriguez0]

Quite excited about a lens like this being available in the market! Thanks for your thorough reviews, Chris.

[@wolfgartom]

Been using this lens on my xh2 for about 6 months and it’s been just fantastic!

[@anastasiospapatsoris5326]

Thank you for yet another excellent review Chris. I am delighted to see this fine offering by Viltrox, as the 41mm full frame equivalent focal length is my favourite!

[@TechnoBabble]

The image quality and field of view of this lens on APS-C reminds me of the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 on full frame. One of my favourite lenses.

[@userjjb]

1.53 crop factor means this is a f/1.8 FF equivalent aperture, not f/1.4

[@TechnoBabble]

@@userjjb I must have forgotten where I said it was equivalent to f/1.4 on full frame.

[@ilmatanela1816]

​@@TechnoBabbleactually in terms of light gathering they are equivalent, while different in DOF. A larger depth of field can be beneficial in many scenarios. Recently this bokeh thing is running out of control. Somehow in 2023 the web is still full of biased commenters which believe an FX 1.4 lens is 1.5 times brighter than a 1.4 DX one.

[@TechnoBabble]

@@ilmatanela1816 Relevance? Nobody asked and it wasn't even remotely brought up. Both you and the other guy are just trying to defend your purchases, even though nobody cares. Nobody with a brain actually thinks a lens is "brighter" because it's made for a larger sensor. The equivalence thing is for the actual results, f1.4 on full frame will be better in low light than f1.4 on APS-C with all else being equal.

[@ilmatanela1816]

@@TechnoBabble I guess you misinterpreted my comment. I consider this a very welcome entry and was actually agreeing with you, the performance is great for the money. Hope the reliability will be on par. I shoot different formats, therefore I don't have any to defend. And, most important, at my age I save my energy for more constructive activities than arguing. Nevermind, take care.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Looks like a great lens. Nice review as always!

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

Between the 13mm, 27mm, Fuji's 56mm and the 75mm Fuji users really have an amazing set of fast primes at a reasonable cost. Definitely my dream kit.

[@classicboy97]

Another stellar review by Mr. Frost. Any chance you might be able to look at the new voigtlander 27mm f2 ultron for fuji x-mount? :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's definitely a sweet lens. I love the focal length and the performance!

[@jcblum1507]

Amazing review and good job Viltrox

[@MM-mo9hn]

Would love an update to their 50mm 1.8 to start matching the amazing quality of their more recent lenses.

[@vincentsolon3216]

I have my viltrox 75mm f1.2. That was my first lens since kit lens and I'm very impressed on the image quality, handling and price of it

[@daviddyephotography]

Excellent review after your review of the viltrox 13mm for my Z50, I grabbed it right away. now Im waiting for your review on the nikon new 24, 26 mm lenses for comparison

[@mikefoster6018]

Cool review. I was curious about this lens, as there's growing hyper around 40mm full frame (27mm crop) as an 'ideal' street focal length.

[@--.--]

I didn't see so sharp lens at f/1.2, good job

[@shawnfoodfever]

impressive f1.2 from viltrox 😍😍👏👏

[@GarethDanks]

Im a massive fan of the new 'pro' line from Viltrox! Really impressive image quality, focusing and value!! not the time to be a great snob for sure! haha.. great vid as always

[@gdjaybee742]

WOW, Viltrox is giving Sigma and Tamron a run for their money. I was torn between Viltrox 23 1.4, Sigma 23 1.4, and now this Viltrox 27 1.2 might be a great option for now leaning towards this. Gonna be waiting for the Sony version. Although, the 35 mm perspective, the thought of 1.2 aperture is very interesting, I know Viltrox has a 75 1.2, but my priority right now is the 35mm perspective.

[@ArteUltra1195]

Dream focal length and aperture for a one lens travel kit, shame I don‘t have a fitting camera body

[@EST84x]

Wow, another winner.

[@DeepteshLovesTECH]

Viltrox making better and more ambitious than Fuji themselves! Keep going Viltrox! High end lenses don't need high end pricing!!

[@brianode11]

Wonder how the this 27 & the 75 work on the good ole Fuji XT1? Love that camera. 👍

[@joewe7]

Great lens, now we got a suberb sigma 23mm 1.4 and the viltrox 27mm 1.2 - which one u prefer?

[@ArkCullberg]

Fantastic!

[@frankfeng2701]

2:00 The only downside is the focus breathing. Since I already own 24GM, I'll use that on a6700 with focus breathing compensation turned on, giving me effectively the same focal length as 27mm, albeit at around f/1.6

[@Termidryna]

Fantastic performance at f/1.2 🎉

[@BojanBojovic]

Wow, what a lens! 🙆

[@solarfox024]

Soon is in stores, i'll buy one. I hope so.

[@ramonarias1234]

simply WOW

[@truecuckoo]

Nice!

[@outalingamcrap9366]

Hoping for Viltrox to add the 50mm f1.2 into its Pro lineup to add to the 75 and 27

[@David-pm9nm]

Greeting! Could you please make a video comparing the Viltrox 27mm 1.2 and the Sigma 23mm 1.4 for video recording? Or tell me which one is better for Fuji X-t 4. I'm a videographer and I'm not sure which of these two lenses to buy for video recording. Similar focal length, but I prefer the bokeh on the Viltrox. It seems to me that both lenses have a problem with autofocus for video and with focus breathing. Can the new firmware fix this problem? Thank you!

[@terrybrooks395]

Thanks for listening and including coma check, would be even better if you used an artificial star point

[@MC-hr1py]

Damn can they make like an 1.8 version? Can only seem to either get the pancake 2.8 or this big 1.2, just need something in between.

[@LukaszKlim-ge9xx]

Hi, Christopher Sony Zeiss 35mm F2.8 any review?

[@summarity]

Can now be preordered for Sony E on Amazon

[@cameraprepper7938]

Would be nice to se how it performs on a 40 megapixels sensor APSC camera.

[@jambob169]

This is bonkers. Been waiting for a fast(er) 27mm to come along for ages! I was gonna compromise and go for the sigma 23mm, but I'm definitely gonna grab one of these instead.

[@clementc7297]

Just got a copy for 488€ in Germany. Oh boy. That piece is sharp and heavy. It makes a good compliment to my 27 mm 2.8. I will sell all my gear and keep the 27s and the 14 mm. Maybe I could trade the 14 for a Sigma 10-18 2.8.

[@lovejaypo]

How about it on X-T5 40mp?

[@kaimelis]

You really need to test these with the 40 megapixel sensor.

[@LasseMalmgren]

I would love to see some night-sky stars images with this lens. No coma bodes well, but if you can snap a milky way or similar and show us it would be much appreciated :-)

[@JeanV1986]

There is something I don't understand: if I understood correctly, the lens is only made in Fuji X mount for the moment, yet at 1:50 on, you are showing focus breathing on a Sony A7Riii. Did I miss something?

[@ActuallyMeister]

Cant wait for 35mm and 85mm f1.4 for sony full frame

[@norgerichard]

Wow, impressive.

[@christophergibbons8748]

This vs the voitlanger 27mm is a tough choice

[@chris42069]

It looks great, but not taking that size/weight hit over the Sigma 30mm 1.4 which is the best APS-C Lens Ive used

[@---md1zr]

Great lens on a6700. Wish they would make more 1.2 lenses

[@Huba_ha]

Dream lens

[@sottheaphoeurng9044]

I would like to see something like this for eos R system😢

[@gromenteal2133]

Please review the new Nikon 70-180 z. I am checking your channel everyday to see your reviews for this lens.

[@appleblows1]

what will I do with my 16f1.4 if I buy this lens?

[@dobrecristianro]

Impressive lens.

[@perstale2]

Suggestion; I just bought a Raynox DCR-250, and only did a few sample shots with it attached to m fuji 70-300. for the cost it seems like a steal for someone just looking for macro capablities for their existing lenses, i am definatly buing step down rings to try it out with my samyang 135 F2 fuij. Ignoring the corners i think this is a great buy to get into macro with lenses you allready own :)

[@J.R.Y.]

Weird issue with the aperture giving inconsistent exposures.

[@bunnyhallow]

Hopefully the E-mount version is compatible with the lens breathing compensation function present in recent Sony Cameras.

[@quikee9195]

Things like are usually reserved to Sony lenses only, but then Viltrox is not licensed so maybe they will find a way how to signal to turn on the breathing compensation (at some point).

[@TechnoBabble]

Almost 100% certain that won't happen. That feature is only supported on Sony lenses and even then it's generally only the higher end of the G and GM lenses.

[@NC-NC-NC]

omg this is so damn sharp

[@franzkreul9624]

I think I might change my 33mm/1.4 WR to this lens. 👍😀

[@npdady]

"One of the best lenses ever made for the fuji system." now I'm really hyped.

[@JeanV1986]

It is amazing to see how quickly chinese manufacturers improved to become not only competitive, but also threatening to big established brands. Kudos to them.

[@tomas-34]

Canon and nikon Such prices are completely crazy. A good replacement if the camera shutter takes a long time

[@akay64x2]

What a brilliant lens! Also, Chris's videos are one of the few I hit like before hitting play. Great work.

[@thebitterfig9903]

These Viltrox Pro lenses seem optically incredible. The 75 seems optically stellar, but not super versitile due to the size, tight reach, and weak minimum focus distance. This is still kinda heavy, but the wider angle and solid minimum focus distance would make it really versatile. With this "wide-standard" lens and a mid-telephoto already, I wonder what's next in the pro line? A 40mm or so? That'd be a slightly tight standard, kind of equivalent to a lot of the classic fast 58mm lenses out there.

[@TechnoBabble]

The 75mm is only a little behind something like a 105mm f/1.4 on full frame, I wouldn't consider that to be "not super versitile". Lots of people love the Sigma and Nikon 105mm f/1.4 lenses.

[@thebitterfig9903]

@@TechnoBabble the big issue of versatility for the 75, as I see it, is the size and weak minimum focus distance. Many 135s are great for a lot of close up work that doesn't need to be serious macro. While this probably could take good landscapes, it'd be lousy to lug about in a backpack. I have no doubt that the 75 is brilliant for portraits, but I know it just wouldn't be right for me.

[@TechnoBabble]

@@thebitterfig9903 Yeah, the size and weight thing doesn't really apply to me, lol. I use a Sigma 40mm f/1.4 almost daily, so I don't really mind heavy lenses.

[@KennyVo120]

Cheering on a faster 50 from Viltrox!! Maybe a refresh of their 56mm in 1.2... I'll be first in line!

[@tridinh1011]

@@thebitterfig9903 your "size and weight issue" is stupid because that lens is smaller than pretty much any other lens of equivalent performance/numbers

[@BitWolf]

They removed AF/MF switch on this one?! PLEASE VILTROX update 75 so we can completely turn off that one as well... compatibility chart and various modes with that switch are horrendous...

[@studioedin5288]

I bought the 27 and 75, I don't feel I need anything else , I don't shoot too wide, and 27 is perfect between 23 and 35 and I was always considering which one to choose. And difference from 35 to 56 isnt huge eather so might aswell go with 75

[@stephanreiche3072]

Danke!

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks for your support!

[@gz-n3gzmail142]

The good thing about Viltrox is that they are making lenses not in any OEM plans. The only downside is that it gives OEM brands the excuse of not needing to do anything in APS-C.

[@akilamperouge960]

i want a 23mm 1.2 viltrox version,..

[@bitmobile5587]

This lens is ridiculously good

[@ducnvd]

Con lens Đỉnh của đỉnh

[@striderwhiston9897]

Are you going to be reviewing the 24mm 1.7 Nikon Z soon?

[@christopherfrost]

Yes! I have a copy coming to my office soon for testing.

[@striderwhiston9897]

@@christopherfrost Very nice!

[@jackslater8688]

Sweet

[@BrightExposure]

3:28 WOW!

[@muttishelfer9122]

@ChristopherFrost An AF/MF switch on the lens is not necessary for Fuji bodys.

[@kaneclements7761]

Chris at one point the text said Sony A7 RIII? 😕

[@christopherfrost]

Yes, I've just noticed that too. Typo

[@kaneclements7761]

@@christopherfrost I always blame auto correct. 😬

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

Their 75mm is a banger of a lens and even on the monstrously demanding XH2 sensor. I'm positively blown away by it. Stunning considering where they started off from and definitely at par with Sigma's Art lenses in many ways. Although, I dislike the hood design on my copy. It doesn't seem to click confidently.

[@outalingamcrap9366]

Now with both the 27 & 75 in existence, I'm waiting for a 50mm f1.2 to eliminate any need for the 75mm😊

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

​@@outalingamcrap9366while they're w different brand with a different approach and market segment, you could have a look at the new Sirui range of AF 1.2 lenses. I believe they have a 50 or 56. But I'm curious why you wouldn't consider the new 56 from Fuji. It's overpriced though in my opinion.

[@b.syngkrem6925]

Viltrox need to make one or two zoom lens too.

[@warrenbarnes9653]

Would you prefer this lens to the Sigma 30mm F1.4? I note that the Sigma is much more compact.

[@GeorgeKalokairinos]

Size and weight is a problem. Sigma is better value imo. But if you dont care about size and weight go for the newest viltrox.

[@pizzablender]

The Sigma has quite strong longitudinal chromatic aberration. And coma. Which can be annoying. But then, size makes up a lot for that.

[@xray111xxx]

Sony FE please. Doubt if Canon EF is a reality, but just in case, my Sonys are waiting. This lens did well.

[@ritrattoaziendale]

Never expected such a performance from Viltrox! Very good IQ. The only thing that still doesn't fully convince me on Chinese lenses is the mech/electronic durability, the firmware updates to keep it compatible if something changes in the camera bodies in the next 10/15 years (if I pay 550$ for a lens I expect it to work for at least 10 years, 15 on average, 20 would be gold standard), and service and spare parts in the long run. As a professional those are things to put on the scale when evaluating third party lenses.

[@HenryPiffpaff]

I want to add lens coatings to that list

[@jeremytheoneofdestiny8691]

Professionals really should stick to 1st party. These lenses are aimed toward hobbyists and enthusiasts I feel.

[@ritrattoaziendale]

@@jeremytheoneofdestiny8691 depends on what third parties; half of my lenses are Sigma Art, had no problems with them, if needed the Sigma Service is in my hometown, a 20min drive, so I'm confident with those lenses. I wouldn't be as confident with a chinese lens, if I buy one it certainly will be low cost, and basically an extra/spare lens, so something I could enjoy shooting, but wouldn't block my workflow if the lens suddenly dies in the field.

[@TechnoBabble]

​@@jeremytheoneofdestiny8691 I shoot daily with the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 on Sony, it has objectively better optical quality than any Sony lens in that focal length range. Sure, the 35mm GM and 50mm GM (Both f/1.2 and f/1.4) are physically smaller, lighter, and have better autofocus... but if I just want the best technical results than Sigma is simply better.

[@nickandrievsky5705]

I prefer native lenses, difference in price is not that huge and I most of 3d party lenses feel cheap. Not sure 1.2 makes sense for 27mm, big and heavy, so not for street or travel which 27 supposed to cover. It’s better to try it in a shop anyway.

[@kylecouture1917]

This lens is waterproof right?

[@ziqiangzhao3188]

yes thats right

[@rooob74]

Now i am torn between the sigma 30 1.4 and this one😁

[@ryanclouse299]

Between those two get this one. 👍

[@NotAnotherChannel_Channel]

Viltrox is winning me over.

[@haydar9004]

Will wait till sony version come out

[@itacatv2146]

41mm a “moderately wide” angle? I always thought anything between 35mm and 50mm (or even 55mm) is a normal range. That being said the focus breathing and strong vignetting is unacceptable IMO and why would they use a plastic hood when they always used metal ones? I guess it’s OK for photography, but not as much for video.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Unfortunately is too close to a 50mm full frame. They should release a 21 or 23 pro version

[@DethronerX]

Guess its only good for photos. I always welcome all characteristics like distortions, fringing, flares, but i hate ghosting and focus breathing

[@parranoic]

I'm more than likely going to sell my 23 f2 and ttartisan 28mm f2.8 for this

[@reheapification2]

I do not need this lens as I have my Sigma 30mm…. When will this come out for Sony?

[@thebitterfig9903]

I'd guess early 2024. The 75mm f/1.2 came out for Sony about 6 months after the first Fuji ones were released.

[@reheapification2]

Perfect. Time to save up and itch that GAS.