Viltrox has recently expanded its EVO line-up with two new compact APS-C portrait primes, the Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO and Viltrox AF 90mm F2.2 EVO. These lenses are designed for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X mirrorless cameras, offering crop-sensor users lightweight telephoto options without the bulk typically associated with longer portrait lenses. Personally, I find it fascinating that Viltrox has managed to create such compact and lightweight lenses with telephoto reach, which is a significant achievement in the APS-C market. This development is particularly interesting given the growing popularity of APS-C cameras, as evidenced by the success of models like the Sony A6700, Nikon Z50 II, and Fujifilm X-E5. What makes these lenses stand out is the balance between reach and portability. The 75mm lens weighs between approximately 325g and 355g, while the 90mm lens ranges from about 320g to 345g, which is very much in line with the APS-C promise of smaller kits, especially for travel and hybrid creators. In my opinion, this is a significant step forward for APS-C photographers, as it provides them with more versatile and lightweight options for portraiture. The lenses feature ED and HR glass, with the 75mm lens using 11 elements in 9 groups and the 90mm lens using 10 elements in 8 groups. This design aims to deliver cleaner edge detail, better control of chromatic aberration, and more consistent rendering across the frame. Additionally, both lenses focus as close as 0.74m, making them useful for detail shots as well as portraits. One thing that immediately stands out is the inclusion of an STM autofocus system for stills and video, along with a 58mm filter thread and USB-C firmware update port. The Sony E and Nikon Z versions also add an Fn button, AF/MF switch, and click/de-click aperture control, although Fujifilm X users should note that the XF versions do not include these extra external controls. The launch of these lenses follows Viltrox's recent EVO expansion, including the 35mm and 55mm EVO primes, which makes the line increasingly relevant for photographers who want small, fast autofocus lenses. For broader context, it's worth reading our guides to the best lenses for portraits and when to use a telephoto lens, as these lenses fit well within the broader landscape of portrait photography. The Viltrox AF 75mm F1.8 EVO and AF 90mm F2.2 EVO are now available for purchase, with the official UK price set at £319 and £359, respectively. The US price is $329 and $369, while the Euro price is €389 and €429. These lenses are listed for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X mounts, and more details can be found on the official Viltrox website.
