Viltrox Pro AF 75mm F1.2 (Sony APS-C E-Mount) Definitive Review: Simply Amazing!

[@MicaelWidell]

This lens is effectively an equivalent of 115mm f/1.8 on full frame. Which is very exciting combined with Sony's latest AF features. Never before has such creamy bokeh been possibly in APS-C, especially not in such a compact size and with such a cheap price tag. 😍

[@aliendroneservices6621]

62.5 mm maximum aperture diameter. 105 mm f/1.4 lens has a maximum aperture diameter of 75 mm.

[@sulev111]

Idk man... this vs a Samyang 85/1.4. I'd say similar results in terms of bokeh. There are also cheap f0.95 manual focus 50mm lenses. And there is always the option to use a speedbooster. However, this might be the best bang for buck native E-mount package.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Getting AF and F1.2 on APS-C is pretty special.

[@OccultDemonCassette]

Kinda shocked by such an excellent performance from Viltrox. They've come a long way.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You and me both. Starting with the 13mm F1.4 they really started to up their game...and now they are pretty much as good as anything.

[@kevindiossi]

No surprises here. Anyone that was familiar with the truly brilliant 13mm f/1.4 was eagerly awaiting the 75mm f/1.2 when it released early this year on Fujifilm. Initially on my X-T5 and X-H2S that lens performed very well. But then a firmware update came out that introduced a shocking improvement to autofocus…an improvement so great that I didn’t think that level of improvement would be possible just from dragging a computer file onto the lens. Since that update, I can confidently track dogs running toward the camera at f/1.2. There are certainly some images in a sequence that miss, but we’re talking a keeper rate of 70-80% at 20-30fps. That’s about as good (equally as poor? LOL) as any native Fujifilm lens I own with their Linear Motor AF and those all have a greater depth of field.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly. At this point the limitation is Fuji's AF, not the lens. I still love the lens on Fuji, though, as it can actually resolve the 40MP sensor in a way that few lenses can.

[@ReflexVE]

This lens made me not miss the XF56mmF1.2 that I traded a friend for it. The autofocus had always been acceptable on my X-S10 but when I moved to the H2s it inexplicably got far worse, half my shots were just unusable. Swapped to this lens and man what an upgrade both in image quality and performance. Can't wait to see how the 27 performs.

[@luciandanaila7561]

13mm still rocks! True that!

[@luciandanaila7561]

Yes I bought one and the Viltrox 27mm f1.2, as well, and they're simply amazing! You are so right! Great review - as always! Can't wait for the new release from Viltrox - as they promised a new APSC Pro f1.2 lens - which is a surprise focal lenght at this point in time, but I bet they would pick an odd focal lenght - just to break the ice! There's a new kid in town when it comes to high optics performance - and this is by far Viltrox rising... I use Sony A6400 and A6600 - both with ulanzi cages and side and upper grips - and the weight of the lens is not really an issue. Image quality is breath-taking - as if suddenly you are using major upgrades! Stills are impecable and autofocus is 99% reliable on the Sony platform. I've noticed Sony A6400 is faster with Viltrox 75mm f1.2 and the A6600 makes a perfect match with Viltrox 27mm f1.2. I must admit the 27mm is more versatile and is a night beast. The colours really pop outdoors at daytime and to be honest I kind of like them both for portrait photography - as both of them really make you re-think the way you compose a picture and the way you use space, light and perspective - they help you grow in your creative realm. I love zoom lenses - you know - to reach the unreachable ... that's why I've invested in Sony 70-350mm APSC lens and in a Tamron 18-300mm APSC - and they served me right, but using these Viltrox lenses knocks you down in reality check - they produce better results than my Sony A7III ever did with native Sony lenses that I own. Things get a bit interesting with the APSC line - it's a major revival and I guess Sony never seen Viltrox come this hard in the game, stilling their glory away! Keep it up! Respect!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They are pretty amazing lenses.

[@EE-my8zp]

Hello Dustin, i have the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE version 1 and i am using it with a6000, i am thinking to sell the samyang and get the viltrox 75mm instead, also my plan for future is to stay in apsc. What do you think should i go for it. If you had the samyang would you sell it for the viltrox if you used it on apsc body?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say that if you intend to stay on APS-C, then go for it. The Viltrox is an amazing lens, and you will be pleasantly surprised by how sharp it is...and how good the AF is.

[@janiscollette1737]

Great review as always! Question for you. Do you think that this lens in APSC mode on my Sony A7R5 would be equal in comparison to the Samyang 85 1.4 II? I'm struggling with whether I want to keep this Samyang when I can get more reach with this one. i have the 16 1.8 (Sony) and the 13 1.4 for my Fuji so I'm familiar with the quality of these pro lenses? I understand the decrease in mega pixels but I'm fine with that if the image quality better.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If 26MP is enough for you, then the images this lens produces are pretty amazing.

[@johnnyr-518]

Viltrox on fire with their recent releases. I hope they release a mark 3 of their primes to compete with the sigma trifecta for aps-c.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Mark 3 or MK 2?

[@bayorotilu5435]

Just curious... would you say this lens on the A7R5 would produce the same image quality and compression with the 50mm 1.2 GM in cropped mode?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not sure the bokeh would be quite as magical as the GM (that's a gorgeous lens!), but it's very sharp. You would never get these focal lengths to line up, though, as the 75mm will always behave like 112.5mm because of the crop factor, whereas the GM will never act like more than 75mm due to the crop factor.

[@stevanusliwanto]

hi sir, i want ask. is it worth to buy if i use sony a7c? or better i buy samyang 85mm f1.4 mk ii? thankyou

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Samyang is a probably a better choice on the a7C, as the APS-C mode on that camera doesn't have very high resolution.

[@withoutpassid]

Thank you for the excellent review. In your opinion, what combo produces sharper images and better 3D rendering: the Sony a7iv with Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 or the a6700 with Viltrox 75 mm f/1.2?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I tend to lean towards full frame in general, but the Viltrox makes this very close.

[@withoutpassid]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you :)

[@canucklehead28]

As always Dustin, great video! I preordered the A6700 and this is definetely going to be in my bag in the near future.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Awesome. enjoy!

[@MoreData-hz8hm]

Any update?? How is the lens performing with the a6700? 📸

[@luciandanaila7561]

I hope you chose the A6700 for pictures mainly because sadly it's getting rather hot in video - that's why I've returned it, though I kind of regret it, 'cos I've got no use for the falcam dedicated cage no more... Great camera for stills, not so much for video - it reminded me of Gopro 10... LoL ... I've seen Ulanzi even made a dedicated fan to be attached rear-side - but it's rather noise when shooting videos, so.... How is your experience so far?

[@canucklehead28]

@@luciandanaila7561 The stills are beautiful. I'm just getting into video, so for the foreseeable future, my clips will not be long enough to worry about overheating. I have a lot to learn before I get to that stage of shooting long clips. And apart from the overheating issue, it's still a beast of a video camera, in my opinion.

[@rsat9526]

@@luciandanaila7561 Been using A6700 since release and I never have issue with overheat during my video shoot and I live in Thailand where the only 2 seasons we got are HOT and HOTTER!. I don't do long form video though. The longest one recently was 4K 24p of the entire 2 hours concert where I pause between each song and I did not have issue (used almost 2 batteries though).

[@acouragefann]

Have you perchance received a sample of the Viltrox 28mm F1.8? It's one of my favorite focal lengths but there seems to be very few reviews out there atm.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't, actually. They skipped over sending me a loaner of that lens and went right to the others

[@martinaldrich]

just curious if you know why the 10% off at the Viltrox store is no longer valid? would love to pick up this lens. Thanks for the great review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It will be available on the 14th. They disable the code on new lenses for the first two weeks

[@brianhoag3872]

I just picked this up lightly used for $350 and will couple it with my A1. Exciting indeed. I see this as a reasonable bargain replacement for the 135 1.8, although not quite the same focal length.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair, though it will be at a reduced resolution level. The performance of the lens is very impressive.

[@neerajbute2094]

Great review, good to see flying bird shot was tack sharp. Wanted to know if there are any updates on af performance after firmware update 1.0.4 in dec 23 as people say that it was not reliable for fast moving subjects like birds in the very first firmware? 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.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It still seems to work pretty well to me.

[@neerajbute2094]

@@DustinAbbottTWI oh, good to know. Maybe it's f1.2 people are having issues with. At 1.2 DOF being so shallow, must be hard to focus fast moving subjects. What aperture did u shoot the bird shot in this video?

[@efrainsueldo]

how this lens performs in a full frame sony such as sony a7rV? thank you

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It isn't close to covering the full frame image circle, if that is what you're asking. It works amazing in APS-C mode, though.

[@efrainsueldo3254]

@@DustinAbbottTWIyes but what is the equivalent in FF 105 f1.8 ?

[@alexmirza5210]

There is the newish sigma 85mm f1.4 dn art for full frame sony mirrorless that has stellar optics apparently for the full 61Mp A7RIV and V, but I wonder if the autofocus is quite that fast being heavier. Now there's a plethora of hot competition and choice that would have been unbelievable just a few years ago. It has really come of age.

[@martinsmyth5580]

Hi Dustin, greetings from Ireland. What camera did you use with the lens

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The a7RV in APS-C mode (26MP)

[@stevesvanderpool8653]

It's not official until I hear it from you Dustin! Ear piece in and ready to learn !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy...and thanks, Steve. That's very kind.

[@jamesseward9263]

I get the impression you like this lens?? Lol! How would the bokeh compare to the sigma 105mm or the Sony 135mm at full body portraits ? Thanks 😊

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Depth of field would not be quite as shallow as those lenses, but it is very nice in that application.

[@paololarocca7684]

thanks for the review, I look forward to see what the 27mm 1.2 is like, a more useful general purpose focal length and hopefully a bit smaller and lighter...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I love that focal length, so yes, I'm personally very excited by that lens on both Fuji and Sony.

[@luciandanaila7561]

27mm is fine, but 75mm still makes a difference in portrait photography outdoors - it's different - as in better different!

[@ralphsaad8637]

Thanks Dustin. Unfortunately, most mainstream reviewers will dismiss this lens and not even bothe r reviewing it because it's called "Viltrox". Sony shooters are being spoiled.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm actually quite excited by new Viltrox releases starting with the 13mm F1.4. They just keep getting better and better.

[@luciandanaila7561]

This ain't a lens you can easily dismiss! Once you try it, you can't go back to Sony plastic that's fantastic! Viltrox rising - it's already happening... the pro badge will be be the next G soon enough!

[@shred3005]

Pentax uses a distinctive red gasket ring on the mount of it’s WR lenses too, at least the lenses I have.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's interesting. I'm not a Pentax reviewer, so I'm not familiar with that.

[@nielsvangucht1410]

Great Review ! Verry informative! Can you do a comparrison between this lens and the sony 85mm f1.8 ? I know it is a fullframe lens but i would like to see the difference in quality and AF on an a6700 and to know if it would be worth it to sell my 85 and get this lens instead. Thank you so much for all the good work you've been putting in to this channel ! Keep up the good work ! Greatings from Belgium.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi there, I'm afraid that my review schedule is booked full for months in advance, so I don't think I'll be able to do that review.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

As the owner of a number of Fujifilm X series bodies, spanning from the XT20 to the S10( ( would have purchased the S20 had it been released) to date, have been absolutely delighted with the excellent Sigma 56 1.4, this lens certainly provides food for thought, however the Sigma 56 1.4 provides an overall excellent form factor and weight balance. Will see if this lens is being imported into Australia, if so, simply due to exchange rate factors, it will be more expensive than in Northern America. However, I will take some persuading to move from the Sigma 56 1.4, which does such an excellent job on my a6400 and, tbh, I don't need the 1.2 with its attendant weight and size. Clearly, it will appeal to many, apart from the video presenter !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Robert, the Sigma 56mm is a great lens. Very compact and very sharp. The bokeh isn't as nice as this lens, but travelling light is also important. I always say there is no reason to buy a new lens if you're happy with what you already have.

[@hoangminhhiep308]

Is it dark corners at f1.2?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

About two stops - not bad for such a fast lens.

[@hoangminhhiep308]

​@@DustinAbbottTWIThanks you! Can it edit dark corners on body Sony zv-e10?

[@eosuser1]

Thx for the review….how many frames per second were you able to get…I assume the Sony cripple hammer limits it to 15?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

15FPS as per usual.

[@ZorPrimeGR]

I am waiting for the Nikon Z version. I shoot in a Z6. The thing is that I already have the Nikon z 85mm f1.8 so I am wondering if I will gain any depth of field and bokeh using the 1.2 APSC. Also, I see you have an old 100 drachma bill in your charts. Nice! George from Greece.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi george, I believe that the Nikon version is coming soon. You should get a slightly more shallow depth of field with the 75 mm. I've had that drachma bill for a long time

[@Gary008]

I have just one full frame body and am fine with 26mp for portraits. For portraits, I'm curious of any compelling reasons to buy the Samyang/Rokinon 135mm f1.8 AF over this Viltrox? The Viltrox is cheaper ($549 vs ~$825) & lighter (675g vs 772g). I think the Samyang/Rokinon's advantage comes mostly down to more pixels (full frame), or am I missing other major advantages like better AF? Thank you and for all the awesome reviews, video *and* written.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you feel like the 26MP is enough, then I would give this lens a try. It's quite a joy to use even in crop mode.

[@suryaalways8141]

Thank you 👍 sir

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@rayhewitt2206]

Come on Canon, when will be able to take advantage of the more reasonable priced third party lenses, great review Dustin, as always, (never seen you quite so impressed before though) Looks a stunning op[tic.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I completely agree. I'm so frustrated with Canon right now.

[@EricSzeto]

A designed&made in China lense! I am proud of it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's one of the best thus far.

[@niceyesplease]

So if this was a Canon RF lens it would be 2500 Euros. Nice lens from Viltrox.

[@EasyLifeES]

Interesting lens, good video! "Image Gallery" - No option to "Decline All" cookies (in your website) ! I'm NOT ok with that...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's not something that I've intentionally set or required, and you are the first to report that back to me, so it may have more to do with your browser/security arrangement.

[@EasyLifeES]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Really, I mean... No offense but, I didn't born yesterday, none of my browsers have anything wrong. Just for seeing some pictures on you website WE don't have to sell "our private data" to basically anyone in the world. That is something very serious. NOW you know... And you can make the required changes to give the people the OPTION to "Reject All" cookies with just one push of the button. Thank in advance! That is fair play! Cheers mate!

[@maxsr3236]

Why does KZbin constantly unsubscribe me from your channel? I always wonder "Why hasn't Dustin Abbott uploaded a video for so long?" only to find that I'm not subscribed anymore. I start to feel like Sisyphus.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s weird. Hopefully not a widespread problem

[@GallicGarlic]

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

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I wouldn't doubt it.

[@reheapification2]

I will be getting this along with A6700. RIP wallet.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - for sure.

[@MoreData-hz8hm]

Hey, any update on that combo? I will soon buy the a6700 + this lens as well!

[@reheapification2]

@MoreData-hz8hm love the combo. Sharpest potraits I have ever taken. There is a bug in the Viltrox firmware so make sure to change SteadyShot from Auto to Manual with Focal Length 75mm in your a6700 everytime you use this lens. It is annoying. But I can take sharp photos at 1/8s shutter speed with this setting.

[@MoreData-hz8hm]

@@reheapification2 wow that's amazing to hear... And oh wow thanks so much for telling me about that bug... Since I am completely new to photography I will surely need to Google how to do that... Do you think the a6700 is good for someone completely new to photography? Thanks so much

[@reheapification2]

@@MoreData-hz8hm I only have ZV-E10 and a6700. It is good enough for me.

[@McCurleyFries]

This lens seems insane for the price…

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's because it is.