Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 vs. Fujinon 90mm f/2: A Portrait Photographer’s Perspective
When it comes to headshot photography, the choice of lens has a huge impact the quality and character of the final image. The lens is even more important than the camera body—after all, as the saying goes, "Date your camera body, marry your lenses."
Many portrait and headshot photographers love to go with a “nifty fifty” or something close to that range, and the Fuji 56mm f/1.2 is a very popular choice for good reason. Although it is a fantastic lens, my secret weapon for stunning headshots has been the Fujinon 90mm f/2—a lens that has consistently delivered stunning results.
Enter the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2. Although I was initially skeptical, this recently released “Pro” lens has become my go-to lens, particularly in challenging shooting environments. Here's a closer look at why the Viltrox 75mm has edged out the 90mm f/2 in my day-to-day work, and why both lenses still hold a place in my photography arsenal.
The Challenge of Small Spaces: Why Focal Length Matters
As a headshot photographer, I often find myself working in less-than-ideal conditions—conference rooms, offices, or even small meeting spaces. In these environments, the focal length of a lens becomes crucial.
The longer the focal length, the more you need to step back from your subject to fit them comfortably in the frame. With the Fujinon 90mm f/2, I sometimes found myself pressed up against a wall, struggling to capture the shot I envisioned.
Since I shoot on the Fujifilm X system, which uses an APS-C crop sensor, the effective focal length of these lenses is even longer. On a crop sensor, the focal length is multiplied by 1.5 times, so the 90mm f/2 behaves like a 135mm lens on a full-frame camera, and the 75mm f/1.2 acts like a 112.5mm lens. This crop factor further emphasizes the need for extra room when using longer focal lengths, making the Viltrox 75mm's slightly wider angle of view even more valuable in tight spaces.
The Viltrox 75mm f/1.2, with its full-frame equivalent focal length of 112.5mm, offers a slightly shorter reach compared to the 135mm equivalent of the Fujinon 90mm. This difference might seem minor on paper—just 22.5mm—but in practice, it gives me the crucial extra space I need to compose my shots without feeling cramped. The 75mm still delivers the compression effect I love that is so flattering for capturing faces, but with the added benefit of being more adaptable to confined areas.
Image Quality: The Art of Sharpness, Bokeh, and Rendering
When we talk about image quality in photography, we’re referring to a combination of factors like sharpness, bokeh, and rendering.
Sharpness is all about how well the lens captures fine details. The Fujinon 90mm f/2 has a well-deserved reputation for producing incredibly sharp images, with every strand of hair and every pore rendered in crisp detail.
Bokeh refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photo. A lens with good bokeh creates a smooth, pleasing blur in the background, which helps to make the subject stand out.
Rendering is a broader term that encompasses how a lens handles colors, contrast, and the overall look and feel of the image.
For years, the Fujinon 90mm f/2 was unmatched in these areas. It’s a lens that produces images with a certain "magic"—a combination of sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and a distinct rendering style that makes portraits truly stand out. I was initially skeptical that the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 could compete on the same level.
To my surprise, the Viltrox 75mm delivers image quality that rivals the 90mm. The sharpness is excellent, capturing fine details with precision. The bokeh is creamy and smooth, ensuring that the subject is always the focal point of the image. And the overall rendering is stunning, with vibrant colors and contrast that give my headshots a professional and polished look. There’s no noticeable sacrifice in image quality when switching to the Viltrox 75mm.
Build Quality: A Lens Designed to Last
One of the most impressive aspects of the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 is its build quality. This new “Pro” line of Viltrox lenses, including the 75mm, offers a fit and finish that rivals the native Fuji lenses. The lens feels solid and durable in hand, with a metal construction that exudes quality. It's clear that Viltrox is investing in creating lenses that will stand the test of time and withstand long-term hands-on use. This attention to detail in the design and construction makes the Viltrox 75mm not only a powerful tool for capturing stunning images but also a reliable piece of equipment that I trust in my professional work.
Autofocus: Speed and Precision
Autofocus is a critical feature in any lens, especially for a portrait photographer. When capturing headshots, it’s essential that the lens locks onto the subject’s eyes quickly and accurately, as even the slightest delay or misfocus can result in a less-than-perfect shot.
The Fujinon 90mm f/2 is known for its linear autofocus system, which is one of the fastest and most reliable in Fujifilm’s lineup. It’s a lens that has never let me down in fast-paced environments, where I need to capture a fleeting expression or subtle movement.
The Viltrox 75mm f/1.2, while not boasting the same linear autofocus system, is no slouch in this department. Its autofocus is quick and responsive, allowing me to capture sharp images with confidence. In most scenarios, the difference in autofocus speed between the two lenses is negligible, making the Viltrox 75mm a solid performer in both studio and on-location shoots.
Where the Fujinon 90mm f/2 Still Shines
Despite the advantages of the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2, the Fujinon 90mm f/2 isn’t leaving my kit anytime soon. There are certain situations where the 90mm still reigns supreme, particularly in outdoor natural light photography.
In outdoor settings, where I have more room to move around, the longer focal length of the 90mm becomes an asset rather than a limitation. It allows me to stand farther back from my subject, creating a sense of distance that enhances the natural environment in the frame. Additionally, the 90mm f/2 offers a unique rendering quality—a slight coolness in color temperature and a level of microcontrast detail that adds depth and texture to the image. This "je ne sais quoi" is something I haven’t found in any other lens, and it’s why the 90mm remains my go-to for certain outdoor shoots.
Excellent sharpness and background separation with the Fuji 90mm f/2, shot on Fujifilm X-T5
Conclusion: The New Everyday Favorite
For day-to-day headshot photography, particularly in small, confined spaces, the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 has become my new favorite lens. It provides the perfect focal length for maneuvering in tight environments while still delivering the compression and image quality that make headshots stand out. The autofocus is reliable, the rendering is beautiful, and the overall performance is on par with the legendary Fujinon 90mm f/2. On top of that, the build quality of the Viltrox 75mm is outstanding, making it a durable and trustworthy addition to my kit.
However, the 90mm f/2 isn’t going anywhere. It still has a special place in my kit for those outdoor shoots where its longer reach and unique rendering qualities shine. In the end, both lenses have their strengths, and having them both allows me to tackle a wide range of photographic challenges with confidence. But for everyday use, the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 has become my go-to lens, proving that sometimes, a slight change in focal length can make all the difference.
Image quality samples, shot with the excellent Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 Pro on Fuji X-T5
Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I'll dive into the practical differences between using the Fuji X-T4 and X-T5. As a long-time user of both cameras, I’ll share insights on how they stack up in real-world shooting scenarios.
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