First thoughts on the Fujifilm X-mount lens.
As I get older, I can no longer bear the idea of working outdoors as winter approaches. All the outdoor images that you will see on the channel from now on were made a few weeks ago. I am done until February, maybe even March… It's just too cold outside. So let's talk about this 75mm lens made by Viltrox. With the 13mm lens, these two are the only non-Fujifilm lenses I own and use with the Fujifilm XH2s… and there is a reason why…
I never reviewed the VILTROX AF 13mm F1.4 XF because I barely use it for photography. It is always on my camera for videos, but I should sometimes take it out of the bag for a few stills because it’s a great lens overall. We will mostly talk about the VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF here but I had to mention the 13mm because I am really impressed by what Viltrox has achieved with these.
Both work well with the XH2s, they are snappy, responsive, and deliver sharp images. They are also well-built and are available at a decent price. There is no 13mm in the Fujifilm X-mount lens catalog, and I must admit that I first got it because, well I had the XF 23 and 33mm lenses...
I sometimes need for my portraits a tighter lens, and the VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF seemed perfect for my needs. It has autofocus of course, and if you often shoot in dark places the f1.2 should help. Fujifilm doesn’t doesn't have a 75mm either, so it was a no-brainer for me. I had to get one.
The following two images of Charline, were made just before my first images made with the just-released GFX100II. I had the Fujifilm XH2s in my bag and the 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF, so I decided to make a few images as a warm-up.
Charline P. (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF
1/400sec f/1.2 ISO 80
The full Behind-the-scenes of this session made with the GFX100II is on the way (I promise).
I also took the 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF with me during my trip to Geneva. I stopped working with Dance studios a few years ago but made an exception with Aerial Dance Geneva. I really enjoyed shooting without flashes the past weeks, so I decided to work this way this time again.
Mylène S. (Geneva - Switzerland)
Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF
1/800sec f/1.2 ISO 80
When working with studios, you photograph performers of different levels. Which requires the ability to adapt and create the best images possible no matter who is in front of your lens. I usually simplify my compositions and add environmental elements inside my frame for more visual interest.
Mylène & Marie Caroline (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF
VILTROX AF 13mm F1.4 XF
Of course, I used the 13mm lens too. My other 2 Fujifilm lenses also helped me create a wide variety of images for my clients.
Mylène S. & Marie Caroline (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF
1/1600sec f/1.4 ISO 80
Viltrox was able to build a lens that behaves like a native Fujifilm lens. The 75 flares a little, but the contrast doesn't suffer too much... You might even like the effect. My only complaint would be the overall size of both lenses. I chose the XH2s because I wanted a more compact package when I travel. Both these lenses while they are not gigantic, could have been smaller.
I then took it out for a spin one night (or very early morning) and tried a few images using only street lights.
Emma Z. (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm XH2s + VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF
1/1600sec f/1.4 ISO 80
I have to admit, I really like this 75mm. I now just miss a 50 or 56mm lens. I was hesitating with the XF50mm f1.0 but passed because of the amount of Chromatic Aberration in backlit images.
Have you got any suggestions for me? Tell me in the comments below!
In the meantime, learn more about the 75mm: VILTROX AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro XF
I played with another set of lenses recently, but more about these in my next post.