Viltrox just announced its new AF 75mm F1.8 EVO lens. The EVO series is claimed to combine high-performance optics, intuitive physical controls, and a compact, lightweight design.
The AF 75mm F1.8 EVO is a slightly faster, more affordable option than the AF 85mm F2.0 EVO, but it only covers APS-C sensors.
The EVO series is designed to sit between the Air and LAB series in Viltrox’s line-up. Just like the LAB series, the EVO series features a clickless aperture, which makes it easier to use for video work.
The AF 75mm F1.8 EVO is being touted as a very affordable APS-C prime lens for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X cameras.
Key features
- APS-C | f/1.8 to f/16
- Fast Portrait-Length Lens
- Nano-Coating and Resistance Coating
- 2 ED & 2 HR Lens Elements
- Minimum Focus Distance: 74cm / 2.43′
- 11 Elements in 9 Groups
- Autofocus with Manual Override
- STM Stepping Motor
- Filter Size: 58mm
- USB-C Interface for Firmware Upgrades
The optical design consists of 11 elements in 9 groups, and 9 aperture blades. Viltrox claims that the AF 75mm F1.8 EVO achieves edge-to-edge clarity even when shot wide open at F1.8. It is also claimed to maintain exceptional sharpness and natural contrast from center to corner.
The front filter diameter is 58mm, and the minimum focus distance is 74cm / 2.43′.
The lens features an STM stepping motor, which is claimed to provide fast, quiet, and accurate AF for both photography and video applications.
Size & Weight
The AF 75mm F1.8 EVO weighs 355g / 12.52 oz.
| WEIGHT | |
| Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO | 355g / 12.5 oz |
| Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE for Fuji X | 257g / 9.1 oz |
| Voigtlander Portrait Heliar 75mm f/1.8* | 580g / 1.3 lb |
| Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony E | 230g / 8.11 oz |
| 7Artisans Lite Series 50mm f/1.8 AF Lens (Sony E) | 178g / 6.3 oz |
*Covers full frame
Above, you can see how its weight compares to some other 75mm F1.8 prime lenses.
The lens is pretty lightweight and easy to use with small-sized cameras like the Sony FX3/FX30/FX2, Nikon ZR, etc.
Build Quality
The Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO has a rubber-sealed lens mount that provides resistance to light rain and dust, and a water and smudge-resistant front element coating.
It is solidly made and well constructed, especially given its affordable pricing. While it doesn’t have the same feel to it as the more expensive Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE, it is still good for a sub $350 USD lens.
Other Features
There is a customizable focus function button; an aperture ring click switch, switchable between stepped and stepless, which is ideal for hybrid photo and video use. There is also an AF/MF switch.
You can also use the Viltrox App for firmware updates and function customization via the USB-C input on the lens. The lens supports EXIF data transmission with compatible cameras.
You also get a lens hood in the kit.
Sharpness Tests
I tested out the lens at a variety of f-stops to see how sharp it was. The Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO is pretty sharp, even when used wide open at F1.8. There is a slight sharpness improvement when you stop it down slightly.
Flare
The flare the lens produces isn’t what I would categorize as great; however, that is just my personal opinion.
There is quite a bit of halation at F1.8 and a loss of contrast. At F5.6, there is less halation and better contrast.
Focus Breathing?
The lens does have some focus breathing, and it doesn’t perform as well as its more expensive sibling, the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE.
Real World Use
The lens performs well. While it does have a little bit of interesting optical characteristics, it’s still very sharp and clean. While F1.8 isn’t super fast, it still allows you to capture footage or photos in low-light environments.
As a comparison, above, you can see some quick footage that was taken with the AF 85mm F2.0 EVO FE by a colleague of mine who owns a Sony FX3. He liked using the lens and found it to be nice and sharp. He also thought the AF performance was pretty good for a non native Sony lens.
As another comparison, above is footage taken with the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE.
Price & Availability
The Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO is now available for $329 USD.
| PRICE | |
| Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO | $329 USD |
| Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE for Fuji X | $449 USD |
| Voigtlander Portrait Heliar 75mm f/1.8 | $699 USD |
| Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony E | $349 USD |
| Viltrox AF 85mm F2.0 EVO | $275 USD |
| Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE | $598 USD |
| Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens | $1,948 USD |
| Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 | $648 USD |
| Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II | $599 USD |
| Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | $1,199 USD |
| Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 | $440 USD |
| Meike 85mm f/1.8 Mark II | $229 USD |
| AstrHori 85mm f/1.8 II | $329 USD |
| Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8S DF DSM | $345 USD |
Above, you can see how that price compares to some other 75mm and 85mm lenses. Please note that a lot of these other options cover full-frame sensors.
Thoughts
Viltrox makes very solid and well-performing lenses that offer very good value for money. The Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO produces nice, sharp images even when used wide open. There is a small amount of breathing, but it is well controlled. The AF performance is also pretty good. The lens doesn’t have a lot of ‘character,’ but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The lens is very compact and lightweight, and it would make for a good match with a wide array of cameras.
