Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 X-Mount Review
Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 X-Mount Review
Introduction
As a professional wedding photographer, I'm always in pursuit of gear that enhances my creative expression and withstands the rigours of my work. I recently tried out the Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 lens for the X-Mount system.
Intrigued by its specifications and potential for my wedding photography, I took it to a recent shoot. This comprehensive review will share my detailed experiences, offering insights to aid your photographic endeavours.
Viltrox Pro AF 27mm 1/160 at F/1.2 ISO 250
The YouTube Review
If you would rather watch the YouTube Review, it’s right here. But do read on for more details and high-resolution images. And if you like, you can Subscribe to my YouTube channel.
A Brief History of Fujifilm and Third-Party Lenses
Fujifilm opened its X-Mount system to third-party lens producers to foster a more diverse and comprehensive lens ecosystem for its users. This decision, which dates back to around 2012, shortly after the introduction of the X-Mount with the Fujifilm X-Pro1, was driven by several key reasons:
Expanding Lens Choices: By allowing third-party manufacturers to produce lenses for the X-Mount system, Fujifilm expanded the range of available lenses for its users. This includes lenses with unique focal lengths, apertures, and features that might not be available in the native Fujifilm lens lineup.
Encouraging Innovation: Opening the mount to third parties enabled innovation and competition in lens design and technology. This has led to development of unique lenses and optical solutions, benefiting the photographic community.
Increasing System Attractiveness: A broader lens ecosystem has made the X-Mount system more attractive to potential buyers. Photographers often consider the availability and variety of lenses when choosing a camera system. By having a diverse range of lenses from both Fujifilm and third-party manufacturers, the X-Mount system appeals to a broader audience.
Cost-Effective Alternatives: Third-party lenses often provide more affordable alternatives to native lenses. This can be particularly appealing to amateur photographers or professionals on a budget, allowing them to access a range of lenses without the high cost associated with some first-party optics.
By opening up the X-Mount system, Fujifilm essentially acknowledged the importance of a diverse and robust lens ecosystem in the success and growth of its camera system. It also showed a commitment to providing its users with a wide range of photographic tools, enhancing the flexibility and creativity of photographers who choose the Fujifilm system.
Fujifilm's decision to allow third-party manufacturers to utilize autofocus (AF) capabilities in their lenses for the X-Mount system wasn't marked by a specific public announcement or a definitive date as far as I can recall. However, it's important to note a few critical points in this context:
Initial Third-Party Lenses: Initially, most third-party lenses for the Fujifilm X-Mount system were manual focus only. This was primarily due to the complexity of reverse-engineering autofocus compatibility and the potential legal and technical challenges involved.
Gradual Development: Over time, as the popularity of the X-Mount system grew, third-party lens manufacturers began to invest more in developing lenses with AF capabilities. This was partly facilitated by a better understanding of the X-Mount communication protocols and possibly through more open collaboration with Fujifilm.
Emergence of AF Lenses: Autofocus lenses from third-party manufacturers for the X-Mount system started becoming more common. Companies like Zeiss, with its Touit series, were among the early adopters to offer AF lenses for the X-Mount. Later, other manufacturers like Viltrox and Tamron followed, expanding the offerings with autofocus capabilities.
Firmware Updates: Fujifilm's regular firmware updates, which often improve lens compatibility and autofocus performance, suggest a supportive stance towards using third-party AF lenses on their cameras. This ongoing support has helped enhance the performance of third-party lenses over time.
Market Demand: The demand for more affordable or specialised autofocus lenses in the Fujifilm X-Mount system likely played a role in encouraging third-party manufacturers to develop such lenses.
The availability of third-party autofocus lenses for the Fujifilm X-Mount system evolved gradually rather than the result of a single policy change or announcement from Fujifilm.
Viltrox Pro AF 27mm 1/550 at F/1.2 ISO 125
Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 X-Mount Review
Lens Design and Build Quality
The Viltrox 27mm F1.2 greets you with confidence as soon as you hold it. The build quality is exemplary – a robust metal barrel that reassures you of its durability. The weight and size are notably balanced, ensuring the lens feels substantial yet not unwieldy. This aspect is crucial in wedding photography, where equipment needs to withstand long hours and diverse environments.
I was pleased that it is a weather-sealed lens, especially as I was shooting on Guy Fawkes Night, and it was a typical British day at Priston Mill, where I shot this wedding.
It passed with flying colours, not letting a single drop affect its performance. The physical controls, like the focus ring, are ergonomically designed and offer a tactile, responsive experience. These subtle yet significant design choices make a difference to me in hectic shooting scenarios.
Viltrox Pro AF 27mm 1/250 at F/1.8 ISO 250 (Six Shot Panorama)
Autofocus Performance
In wedding photography, missing a moment is not an option. The autofocus capability of a lens is, thus, paramount. The Viltrox 27mm F1.2's autofocus system blends speed and accuracy.
Its ability to swiftly lock onto subjects – the emotional exchange of vows or the energetic dance floor – is commendable. Its performance was particularly noteworthy in low-light conditions, such as dimly lit reception halls, where it maintained accuracy without any noticeable hunting.
Compared to the Fujifilm 56mm F1.2 Mark II, the focus acquisition has a marginally lower hit rate in low light. But not dramatically, and I would be happy to rely on the Viltrox Lens.
The autofocus motor's silence is a feature that deserves special mention. During solemn moments, like speeches or quiet ceremonies, the last thing a photographer wants is the distracting sound of a lens hunting for focus.
The Viltrox lens operates with such discretion that its presence becomes almost imperceptible, allowing me to blend into the background and capture candid moments unobtrusively.
Image Quality
Delving into the core of the lens – its image quality – the Viltrox 27mm F1.2- impressed me. The sharpness it delivers at F1.2 is excellent indeed. The lens's ability to resolve fine details is a testament to its optical design, which strikes an admirable balance between sharpness and character.
The quality of bokeh produced by this lens is also beautiful. The out-of-focus areas are rendered in a lovely 'creamy' way – smooth transitions and a pleasing aesthetic that adds excellent quality to portraits. This characteristic is beneficial in isolating subjects from busy backgrounds, a common challenge in wedding venues. As I’ve been mainly using the 18mm F1.4 recently, I noticed the difference in the bokeh immediately.
Colour rendition is another forte of this lens. It produces vibrant yet true colours, aided by the sensor of the Fujifilm X-T5 that I used, capturing the mood of a wedding day with authenticity.
The lens handles chromatic aberration admirably, with minimal signs, even in high-contrast scenarios. Marginal vignetting is present at wide apertures but is easily correctable in post-processing and, in some cases, adds to the artistic feel of the image. For very heavy backlit subjects, I noticed a small amount of fringing, but again, nothing too dramatic.
Unique Focal Range and Full-Frame Equivalent
The 27mm focal length on an APS-C sensor equates to roughly 40mm in full-frame terms, carving out a unique niche in the Fujifilm lens market. This focal length is remarkably versatile for wedding photography. It's wide enough to capture the grandeur of a venue or a group shot but also sufficiently tight for intimate portraits if that is what you shoot. Compared to the wider Fujifilm 23mm or the more telephoto Fujifilm 50mm, this 40mm equivalent strikes a sweet spot, offering a natural perspective. It's a focal length that feels inherently intuitive, as it closely mirrors how we perceive scenes naturally.
Technical Specifications and Their Implications
Focal Length: 27mm (40mm full-frame equivalent)
Maximum Aperture: F1.2
Minimum Aperture: F16
Lens Mount: Fujifilm X-Mount
Format Compatibility: APS-C
Angle of View: 45.5°
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.35m
Optical Design: 11 Elements in 9 Groups
Diaphragm Blades: 9, rounded
Autofocus: Yes
Filter Size: 62mm
Dimensions: 74 x 83 mm
Weight: 440g
These technical details might seem like just numbers, but they tell a story of a lens crafted for versatility and performance. The wide f/1.2 aperture is the show's star, offering incredible low-light capabilities and depth-of-field control. The optical design ensures that the images are sharp and aberrations are well controlled.
Additionally, the 9-blade diaphragm contributes to the aesthetically pleasing bokeh, making it an excellent lens for creative portrait work.
The Super Fast f/1.2 Aperture – A Creative Powerhouse
The f/1.2 aperture of this lens is a gateway to creative possibilities. In Fujifilm lenses, only the 56mm F1.2 and the 50mm F1.0 rival the aperture size. This wide aperture is crucial for low-light performance and depth of field control.
In numerous wedding scenarios, from dimly lit churches to softly illuminated reception venues, the f/1.2 aperture allowed me to capture crisp and clear images without resorting to high ISOs. This capability is invaluable, as it helps maintain image quality and reduce noise.
Moreover, the shallow depth of field achievable at f/1.2 creates stunning images with a dreamy, isolated subject and a beautifully blurred background.
This effect adds an artistic dimension to the images, a feature my clients appreciate. It's handy for highlighting details such as wedding rings, the delicate patterns in the wedding dress, or the bride and groom's expressions.
Weight and Size – A Considered Trade-off
While the Viltrox 27mm F1.2 brings numerous benefits, its weight and size are aspects to consider. Weighing in at 440g, it's heavier than Fujifilm's 56mm F1.2, around 405g. The heft and size primarily stem from the need to accommodate more significant glass elements essential for the f/1.2 aperture. However, I'm willing to make this trade-off for the benefits it brings.
In practice, I found the weight a non-issue, especially considering the balance it offers on my camera. Yes, it's noticeable, but not to the point of discomfort or hindrance.
The slight extra weight contributes to a more stable shooting experience, particularly in dynamic situations.
Usability and Handling in Real-World Scenarios
The Viltrox 27mm F1.2 is a joy to use in the field. Its ergonomic design shines, especially during long shooting days.
The focus ring is smooth, allowing for precise manual focusing when needed. The lens balances well on my Fujifilm X-Mount cameras (X-T5 and X-Pro3), which is crucial for maintaining agility and responsiveness during a wedding shoot.
At Weddings, I’m constantly on the move, capturing moments from various angles and perspectives. The lens's handling was superb, allowing me to change positions and compose shots without feeling weighed down.
The intuitive aperture ring meant I could adjust settings on the fly, keeping my attention on the subject rather than fiddling with the lens.
Video Performance – An Added Bonus
Although my primary focus is photography, the Viltrox 27mm F1.2 also seems to be a good choice for video. Its smooth and silent autofocus system is a boon for videography, ensuring that focus transitions are seamless and unobtrusive.
I’ve only shot clips of the family, but I feel this might be the lens I use for my future YouTube videos.
This versatility makes the lens a valuable tool for hybrid shooters who juggle between stills and video.
Comparison with Fujifilm Lenses
When comparing the Viltrox 27mm F1.2 to its competitors, its unique combination of wide aperture, focal length, and build quality stands out, particularly within the Fujifilm X-Mount lineup. Its closest rivals in terms of aperture size, the Fujifilm 56mm F1.2 and 50mm F1.0 offer different focal lengths, catering more to portrait photography.
The 27mm F1.2, with its wider angle, is more suited for capturing various scenes, from wide shots of wedding venues to intimate, candid moments, giving it an edge in versatility.
Portrait Photography with the Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 – A Matter of Distance
As a portrait photographer, choosing a lens and understanding its characteristics are crucial in capturing compelling images. While not a traditional portrait lens, the Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 offers unique opportunities when used thoughtfully.
The Importance of Distance
Managing the shooting distance is the key to making the most of this lens for portraits. Its 27mm focal length (equivalent to about 40mm in full-frame terms) offers a wider field of view than classic portrait lenses like 85mm or 56mm. This characteristic requires a careful approach to distance from the subject to achieve aesthetically pleasing portraits.
If you get too close to your subject, the lens can introduce some perspective distortion. This is not a flaw of the lens but a natural result of using a wider focal length.
Such distortion can exaggerate facial features, which might not be flattering in a portrait. For example, shooting a close-up face portrait might result in an unnaturally large nose or forehead.
Viltrox Pro AF 27mm 1/180 at F/1.2 ISO 125
Finding the Sweet Spot
The sweet spot with this lens is finding a distance that allows the subject to be the focal point while including some environmental context. This approach is particularly effective in lifestyle or environmental portraits, where the background plays a crucial role in telling the subject's story. At the proper distance, the 27mm focal length captures the subject naturally and flatteringly, without the distortion seen in closer shots.
The wide aperture of f/1.2 is great for portrait photographers, especially when separating the subject from the background. Even at a moderate distance, the lens can produce a beautifully blurred background, keeping the attention on the subject.
This ability to isolate the subject is beneficial in busy or unsightly environments, allowing the photographer to create a sense of intimacy and focus.
A Different Perspective
Using the Viltrox 27mm F1.2 for portraits encourages a different style of photography. It pushes the photographer to think beyond tight headshots, exploring compositions that include more of the environment. This perspective can be refreshing and engaging, offering a story-rich frame that reveals more about the subject and their surroundings.
While the Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 may not be the first lens that comes to mind for traditional portraiture, its unique focal length and wide aperture provide creative opportunities for portrait photographers. Understanding and utilizing the appropriate distance can yield stunning, context-rich portraits that stand out. This lens invites photographers to explore the balance between subject and environment, leading to a distinctive and compelling style of portraiture.
Professional Applications Beyond Weddings
While my focus has been on wedding photography, the Viltrox 27mm F1.2's capabilities extend far beyond. Its natural perspective makes it an excellent choice for street and documentary photography, where its wide aperture and compact design are advantageous.
Will it change my beloved 18mm & 56mm Combination?
As is well documented on this site, I switched from a 23mm / 56mm combination to an 18mm / 56mm combination around two years ago. I still maintain the Fujifilm XF 18mm F1.4 Mark II lens is one of the best to come from the Fujifilm stable. Whilst I enjoyed using the Viltrox 27mm, I will remain committed to the 18 / 56 combination - primarily because with the 40-megapixel sensors of the X-T5, I have a tremendous amount of leeway with the 18mm.
The Viltrox 27mm will come with me to every wedding, though. And, depending on the situation, I may get it out of the bag.
Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 X-Mount Review - Conclusion
The Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 X-Mount is a remarkable lens with a permanent place in my camera bag. Its fast aperture, versatile focal length, and solid build quality make it an invaluable tool for wedding photographers and other photography enthusiasts.
It strikes a perfect balance between technical prowess and creative flexibility, allowing photographers to push the boundaries of their craft.
If you are on a budget and want an excellent lens in that mid-focal range, then the Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 has to be worth considering.
You can purchase the Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2 X-Mount directly from Warehouse Express. Or, outside of the UK, directly from Viltrox.
All photographs are edited with my brand new Film Edition 3 Advanced Lightroom Profiles.
