- Viltrox introduces 75mm f/1.8 and 90mm f/2.2 autofocus lenses for APS-C
- They are available in Sony E, Fujifilm X and Nikon Z mount versions.
- We still don’t know the outcome of the Nikon/Viltrox lawsuit
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Viltrox lenses, and why not? The Chinese lens maker makes some of the best quality and affordable third-party lenses, and now we have two more to choose from: the AF 75mm F1.8 EVO and the AF 90mm F2.2 EVO.
Both lenses are available from today in Sony E, Fujifilm There are often offers on the Viltrox site; in fact, there’s already around 5% off those prices at launch.
They are designed for APS-C cameras, meaning both lenses work directly with Sony A6700, Nikon Z50 II, Fujifilm
These focal lengths are particularly popular for portrait photography (I especially love the 135mm focal length) and the bright maximum aperture for each capable of rendering blurred backgrounds.
Being ‘EVO’ lenses, the pair is affordable, especially lightweight, and will be impressively sharp considering those factors. And you should know: we’ve already tested other EVO lenses, including the full-frame 85mm F2 EVO, and we expect the same high quality from the latest additions to the series.
Each lens features a clickable or non-clickable aperture ring, a customizable function button and AF/MF switch, plus autofocus powered by an STM motor. They are practically the same size and accept 58mm lens filters, while the 75mm lens weighs 11.8 oz / 335g and the 90mm lens weighs 11.3 oz / 320g.
With a minimum focusing distance of 0.74m, neither lens is particularly strong for close-up photography.
The 90mm F2.2 is a different proposition to Viltrox’s 135mm F1.8 LAB lens for full-frame cameras, which has the same effective focal length: that flagship lens costs three times as much in price and weight. No, Viltrox’s EVO lenses are designed to deliver dreamy bokeh and sharp detail for enthusiast-level cameras, but in a neat, lightweight package. I’m excited to share my review of the 90mm lens soon.
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So what’s up with the Nikon lawsuit?
It’s no surprise to see more new prime lenses from Viltrox; has been prolific especially in the last two years. What made me raise my eyebrow, however, is that both of these new lenses are available for Nikon cameras.
Earlier this year, we reported that Nikon was suing Viltrox for alleged patent infringements and that the case would go to court sometime in March. Since then, that situation has been terribly quiet and we do not know the status of this case.
So if you’re a Nikon user of, say, the Z50 II or the Z30, should you buy either of these new lenses? I don’t see much risk: it would be a very aggressive move for Nikon to push future firmware updates for their mirrorless cameras that break existing compatibility with Viltrox lenses.
However, there could come a point where Viltrox lenses rise in price, should Viltrox start paying royalties to Nikon as a result. Until then, it remains arguably the best value lens maker of them all, even if Sigma overall has a wider choice.
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