Viltrox AF 90mm F2.2 EVO Review
Viltrox recently announced its new AF 90mm F2.2 EVO lens that covers APS-C sensors. Viltrox also announced the AF 75mm F1.8 EVO as well. The EVO series is claimed to combine high-performance optics, intuitive physical controls, and a compact, lightweight design.
The AF 95mm F2.2 EVO is a slightly longer and slower option than the AF 85mm F2.0 EVO, but it only covers APS-C sensors.
The EVO series is designed to sit between the Air and LAB series in Viltrox’s line-up. Just like the LAB series, the EVO series features a clickless aperture, which makes it easier to use for video work.
The AF 90mm F2.2 EVO is being touted as a very affordable APS-C prime lens for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X cameras.
Key features
- APS-C | f/1.8 to f/16
- Fast Portrait-Length Lens
- Nano-Coating and Resistance Coating
- 2 ED & 2 HR Lens Elements
- Minimum Focus Distance: 74cm / 2.43′
- 10 Elements in 8 Groups
- Autofocus with Manual Override
- STM Stepping Motor
- Filter Size: 58mm
- USB-C Interface for Firmware Upgrades
The optical design consists of 10 elements in 8 groups, and 9 aperture blades. Viltrox claims that the AF 90mm F2.2 EVO achieves edge-to-edge clarity even when shot wide open at F2.2. It is also claimed to maintain exceptional sharpness and natural contrast from center to corner.
The front filter diameter is 58mm, and the minimum focus distance is 74cm / 2.43′.
The lens features an STM stepping motor, which is claimed to provide fast, quiet, and accurate AF for both photography and video applications.
Size & Weight
The AF 90mm F2.2 EVO weighs 345g / 12.17 oz. in Nikon Z mount.
| WEIGHT | |
| Viltrox AF 90mm F2.2 EVO | 345g / 12.17 oz |
| KIPON Iberit 90mm f/2.4 Lens for FUJIFILM X | 368g / 12.98 oz |
| Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 II Lens for FUJIFILM X |
320g / 11.29 oz |
| Rokinon 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Fujifilm X | 770g / 1.69 lb |
| TTArtisan 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens (Nikon Z) | 748g / 1.6 lb |
Above, you can see how its weight compares to some other 90mm and 100mm prime lenses that cover APS-C sensors.
The lens is pretty lightweight and easy to use with small-sized cameras like the Sony FX3/FX30/FX2, Nikon ZR, etc.
Build Quality
The Viltrox AF 90mm F2.2 EVO has a rubber-sealed lens mount that provides resistance to light rain and dust, and a water and smudge-resistant front element coating.
It is solidly made and well constructed, especially given its affordable pricing.
Other Features
There is a customizable focus function button; an aperture ring click switch, switchable between stepped and stepless, which is ideal for hybrid photo and video use. There is also an AF/MF switch.
You can also use the Viltrox App for firmware updates and function customization via the USB-C input on the lens. The lens supports EXIF data transmission with compatible cameras.
You also get a lens hood in the kit.
Sharpness Tests
I tested out the lens at a variety of f-stops to see how sharp it was. The Viltrox AF 90mm F2.2 EVO is pretty sharp, even when used wide open at F2.2. There is a slight sharpness improvement when you stop it down slightly. For a sub $330 USD prime lens, the sharpness was impressive.
Flare
The flare the lens produces isn’t what I would categorize as great; however, that is just my personal opinion.
There is quite a bit of halation at F2.2 and a loss of contrast. At F5.6, there is less halation and better contrast.
Focus Breathing?
The lens does have some focus breathing, and it doesn’t perform as well as some of its more expensive siblings like the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro
Real World Use
The lens performs well. While it doesn’t have a lot of interesting optical characteristics, it’s very sharp and clean. While F2.2 isn’t super fast, it still allows you to capture footage or photos in low-light environments.
I found that the lens was easy to use.
As a comparison, above, you can see some quick footage that was taken with the AF 85mm F2.0 EVO FE by a colleague of mine who owns a Sony FX3. He liked using the lens and found it to be nice and sharp. He also thought the AF performance was pretty good for a non native Sony lens.
As another comparison, above is footage taken with the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE.
Price & Availability
The Viltrox AF 90mm F2.2 EVO is now available for $369 USD.
Above, you can see how that price compares to some other 75mm, 85mm, 90mm, and 100mm lenses. Please note that a lot of these other options cover full-frame sensors and some are only manual focus.
Thoughts
Viltrox makes very solid and well-performing lenses that offer very good value for money. The Viltrox AF 90mm F2.2 EVO produces nice, sharp images even when used wide open. There is a small amount of breathing, but it is well controlled. The AF performance is also pretty good. The lens doesn’t have a lot of ‘character,’ but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The lens is very compact and lightweight, and it would make for a good match with a wide array of cameras.
