Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro

This 2022 prime from Viltrox is a bright portrait lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Fujifilm X, Nikon Z and Sony E versions exist, so pick the one made for your system.

The 75mm focal length gives a telephoto view on APS-C. It suits portraits and selecting one person within an event. The f/1.2 maximum aperture helps in dim light. Check the view from your planned position, particularly when an aisle or barrier limits movement.

The lens has a substantial body and no built-in stabilisation. Consider support for long sessions, and check whether your camera provides body stabilisation. The fixed focal length means you change position to adjust framing.

The Fujifilm X version weighs 1 lb 7.6 oz (670 g) and measures 3.98 in (101 mm) long and 3.43 in (87 mm) across. Other mounts differ in weight and length. Account for the body when packing equipment or choosing support.

The front takes 77mm screw-in filters. A polariser or ND filter must match that thread.

On APS-C, 75mm gives a telephoto view suited to portraits and details within a larger scene. How much of a person fits depends on your distance. Camera position determines perspective. Choose a position that works for the composition and the person, rather than treating focal length as a fixed working distance.

The f/1.2 aperture lets in more light than a smaller opening. At the same shutter speed, that can allow a lower ISO in dim rooms or evening markets. Available light still determines the settings you need. Check that the exposure allows for a moving person as well as camera shake.

Depth of field can be very shallow at f/1.2, especially at close distances. A nearby face can stand out against a distant background. Focus carefully on the important eye, and stop down when more of the face must stay sharp. Check the result after the subject changes pose.

Closest focus is 2.9 ft (88 cm), measured from the sensor. Maximum magnification is 0.1x. This describes close-focus capability, not the distance you must use for portraits. Choose distance for the subject size and framing you want.

Weather sealing resists dust and light moisture. That helps during an outdoor portrait session on a windy beach or a dusty track, and it suits the mixed conditions of an all-day event.

There is no image stabilisation in the lens. A camera with body stabilisation can help with shake. A tripod supports a fixed composition, but the sitter can still move. Use an appropriate shutter speed and check focus again when their position changes.

Use cover in persistent rain, and keep both ends capped during transport. Remove loose particles before wiping the front glass. Check the mount is clean before changing lenses, especially after working beside sand or soil.

Three low-dispersion elements help reduce chromatic aberration, where colours focus differently and show as fringes. On a portrait, fringes tend to appear along high-contrast edges such as bright hair against a dark background.

Focusing is internal, so the barrel length stays constant while you focus. The lens never extends toward your subject.