The class of fast 75 mm lenses designed for mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor is in its infancy; in fact the Viltrox AF 75 mm f/1.2 was the first launch of this type. Several months later the Samyang lens, slower by 1 EV, joined it and the parameters of both lenses are presented in the following chart. There is a significant difference between aperture fastness so we are aware that such a comparison doesn't produce any biding conclusions. It is hardly a surprise that the faster Viltrox is noticeably bigger and heavier, it also features a bigger filter diameter and its optical system is more complex as well. The Samyang prevails when it comes to the minimum focusing distance but the Viltrox has more aperture blades. Both lenses come with autofocus and, to be honest, we are very pleased with the last offensive of independent producers when it comes to autofocus Fuji X models – the more the better.
In the photo below the Viltrox AF 75 mm f/1.2 is positioned between two Fujinon devices- the fast XF 56 mm f/1.2 R is on the left, the zoom XF 18-55 mm f/2.8-4.0 LM OIS on the right.
The tested lens starts with a metal mount that surrounds a black bottom with embedded contacts. A rear element is 22 mm in diameter, it doesn't move, and is positioned right below the contacts. The area around it is properly blackened. You should also mention the fact that you get there an USB-C plug socket that allows you to connect the lens to a computer and e.g. download the latest version of software or just check the present one. During our tests we had an opportunity to use it as the latest 1.0.3 version was made available so we could see at once the differences between it and the previous edition.
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The proper body of the lens starts with a black, metal ring that doesn't move. On the ring you can find information that the lens is made in China, its serial number, and a red dot, making an alignment with a camera easier.
A ribbed aperture ring, as wide as 13 mm, is the next part of the lens. It features markings every 1 EV and an A point, allowing the camera to choose the aperture automatically. The ring moves every 1/3 EV step and it doesn't offer you any other working mode.
Further on you see another immobile metal ring with basic parameters of the lens, the logo of the producer, the product series mark (Pro) and a focusing mechanism mode switch (AF/MF).
A manual focus ring, completely covered by fine ribbing, is the biggest part of the entire lens, being as wide as 28 mm, but you don't find any distance of DOF scale on it. The ring is a focus-by-wire construction and it moves pretty smoothly. Its focus throw amounts to 200-210 degrees, a very sensible value.
The lens ends with a metal hood mount inside which you can find also a non-rotating filter thread, 77 mm in diameter. The front element is slightly convex, 60 mm in diameter, it doesn't move, and is surrounded by a part of the frame with the name and basic parameters of the lens.
When it comes to optical construction you deal here with as many as 16 elements positioned in 11 groups. For a telephoto lens with a moderate focal length these numbers are pretty impressive. What's more, three elements are made of low dispersion ED glass and four other are made of high refraction index glass. Inside, you also find an aperture with eleven blades that can be closed down to a value of f/16 at the maximum.
Buyers get in the box with the lens: both caps, a hood, and a soft pouch with a leather-padded bottom.
