Telephoto lenses with high speed are often quite large and heavy in practice. Recently, I tested the Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO, which stood out for its compact design and low weight.
With the Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.8 EVO, the next model in this series follows, offering a lighter alternative to the significantly heavier lenses with f/1.2 or f/1.4 apertures. For this practical test, the lens was mounted on the compact Fujifilm X-E5.
Technical Specifications of the Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.8 EVO
On paper, the lens is aimed at photographers who value a balanced ratio of image quality and portability. On an APS-C sensor, the 75mm focal length provides an angle of view equivalent to about 112mm in full-frame format. The maximum aperture of f/1.8 offers high speed but also allows a compact body with a 58mm filter thread.
Inside, eleven lenses work in nine groups. Among them are two lenses with particularly low dispersion and two high-refractive glass elements to correct optical aberrations. A coating on the front lens reduces reflections and stray light. A quiet stepper motor, which works directly with the camera electronics, ensures automatic focusing.
The minimum focusing distance is 74 centimeters. With a weight of around 325 grams and a metal housing, the optic fits into the manufacturer's EVO series. A USB-C port on the mount allows future firmware updates directly via computer.
The mount is equipped with a rubber lip that protects against dust and moisture. In addition to the version for Fujifilm X, the lens is also available for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts. The scope of delivery includes both lens caps, a lens hood, and a cloth bag.
In Practice on the Camera
When you attach the 75mm f/1.8 to the Fujifilm X-E5 body, the good weight distribution is immediately noticeable. While heavy telephoto lenses on the flat bodies of the X-E series quickly lead to noticeable front-heaviness, this combination remains pleasantly balanced and can be held comfortably for extended periods.
I really like the manual aperture ring. I am a big fan of this mechanical control and always prefer it to a digital setting via the camera's dials. This becomes especially apparent when you switch the camera off in between.
If you then see a subject, you can mechanically preselect the appropriate aperture even before the camera is ready to operate. Unfortunately, switching on still does not happen without delay—many regards to Fuji at this point. Additionally, you always have aperture and shutter speed directly in view without having to look at the display. The aperture ring clicks cleanly into third-stop increments and has a pleasant mechanical resistance.
The stepper motor works quickly and quietly when focusing. With static subjects and good light, the system focuses reliably. With rapid distance changes, the motor occasionally needs a brief moment to hit the exact point. The camera system itself also takes a short pause from time to time depending on the subject. In everyday photography, however, the autofocus speed is completely sufficient.
In terms of image sharpness, the lens delivers convincing results even at open aperture. In the center of the image, the Viltrox renders details and fine structures clearly already at f/1.8. Towards the edges, sharpness drops slightly at fully open aperture but increases significantly when stopping down to f/2.8 and f/4.0, then offering a uniform image field up to the corners. Together with a high-resolution 40-megapixel sensor, many details are captured, so subsequent cropping is easily possible.
Chromatic aberrations on strong contrast edges occur only to a small extent and can be removed with a few clicks during RAW processing. The background blur is calm and even thanks to the nine-blade aperture. Subjects can be cleanly separated from the background through the combination of focal length and aperture, while light points in the background remain largely round. In backlight situations, the included lens hood helps keep contrast stable in the image.
Conclusion on the Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.8 EVO
After the test, the Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.8 EVO leaves a consistently coherent and practical impression. The manufacturer succeeds here in a convincing compromise between high speed and compact dimensions. Instead of forcing the last bit of aperture at the expense of weight and handling, this prime lens offers exactly the level of mobility you want on slimmer camera bodies.
Optically, the lens delivers a sharp and detailed image center from open aperture. If you want to bring the outer image areas to a comparable homogeneous level, simply stop down by one to two stops and benefit from the high resolution of modern sensors. The blur areas appear pleasantly calm, and the subject separation capability is fully sufficient to clearly distinguish a subject from its surroundings.
In addition to the optical properties, the overall haptic concept is particularly convincing. The solidly crafted metal housing conveys reliable quality without being unnecessarily heavy in the bag. The manual aperture ring proves to be a real added value in everyday use. The ability to mechanically preselect the aperture before switching on, or to check shutter speed and aperture value with a quick glance from above, makes photography delightfully direct.
Photographers only have to accept minor compromises in terms of equipment. A dedicated optical image stabilizer is missing, so with longer exposure times you rely on the internal stabilization of the camera body. The autofocus also occasionally reacts with a brief pause in interaction with the camera electronics during rapid distance changes, but overall it works quietly and accurately.
If you are looking for a light, fast prime lens with classic mechanics and do not want to carry the noticeable mass of significantly heavier models, you get a very balanced tool at a fair price here.
Buy the Lens
The lens is available in specialist photo stores and online—including directly from the manufacturer in the Viltrox Shop or at Amazon.
Sample Images
