Nikon Z, Review, Viltrox

Review: Viltrox AF 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO (APS- C)

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Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO on a Nikon Z fc

Viltrox AF 27mm 1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO is the company’s second lens in its APS-C PRO series lenses, 75mm f/1.2 being the first. 27mm focal length in APS-C format, roughly equivalent to 40mm full-frame. While it”s not a “real” wide-angle lens, it is wider than a normal 50mm lens, which, in my opinion, can be more useful for everyday and street photography, compared to a 50mm lens,  as it allows to include more of the environment. On the other hand, it does not introduce the perspective distortion of a 35mm wide-angle lens. This lens was released with X mount earlier and now it is released with Z and E mount, with a few improvements to the original X version. I test the new Z mount version on a Nikon Z fc camera.

Sample Images

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Laowa CF 8-16mm f/3.5-5 C-Dreamer Zoom APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.8
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/3.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/8

Most of the sample images in this review and many more can be found in higher resolution here.

Specifications

Focal Length 27mm
Angle of View 55.2º
# of Aperture Blades 11
Max Aperture f/1.2
Min Aperture f/16
Min Focus Distance 0.28 m
Filter Size 67 mm
Lens Mount Nikon Z, Fuji X, Sony E
Weight 605 g
Size (D x L) 82 x 94mm
Elements/Group 15/11

You can buy this lens from manufacturer’s online store Viltroxstore.com  with 8% discount if you use one of the following affiliate links or use coupon code MARTINMH or

Buy on Viltrox: Z-mount , E-mount, 8% discount (Affiliate links)

Buy on B&H: Z-mount, E-mount, X-mount $545 (Affiliate links)

Or by on Amazon: amazon.com, amazon.de, amazon.co.uk, amazon.fr for $545 (Affiliate links)

Variations

The Fuji X mount version that was released earlier than the this Nikon Z (and the Sony E) mount lens has the same optics and lens construction scheme, but there are a few differences between that version and these new releases. They are mostly related to the extra features on the body like buttons and switches that are added to these new versions

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO (Fuji X mount version)

To see the details read on!

Handling

Build

The Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF is an autofocus APS-C lens with electronic contacts for transferring full Exif info to the camera and setting the aperture automatically from the camera, but no image stabilization, which hardly is necessary for a lens of this focal length. The build quality is excellent, it feels that all the materials are of quality and metal build. It reminds a lot the Sony G-Master series of lenses, both in build, size, and form. The front element has an HD Nano coating with water-resistant and anti-fouling coating.

Size

It is quite heavy and big for being an APS-C lens and it seems that Viltrox has followed in Zeiss Otus and the previous generation of Sigma Art’s footsteps to put quality above everything else. Here is a size comparison with some  other lenses with (about) the same focal length.



From left to right Viltrox 27/1.2, Laowa 25/0.95, Nikon Z 28/2.8, TTArtisan AF 27/2.8. Note that the Laowa is even faster with its f/0.95 max relative aperture and the Nikon is actually an FF lens, but due to its compact size fully usable on APS-C cameras, although it is an f/2.8 lens, which 2.3 stops slower than the Viltrox. As seen in the image above the lens comes with a big and deep plastic hood.

Features

There is a weather-sealing gasket under the metallic lens mounting plate, which also incorporates a USB-C port for future updates.

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO USB-C Port
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO Lens Mounting Plate

There is an aperture ring on the lens with gentle clicks every third of an f-stop (à la Sony GM lenses), a luxury not offered by many lenses, and an A position for the Automatic control of the aperture from the camera. The wide focusing ring turns smoothly and can be set to control aperture or exposure compensation instead of being a focusing ring. The focus mechanism is internal, which means the length of the lens does not change when you focus and the front element does not rotate. The autofocus (focus-by-wire with STM stepping motor) is accurate and relatively silent and fast. I was a little surprised by the AF speed, I used the lens for street photography and the AF never failed to keep up.

I’m happy to see that Viltrox has listened to the demands from the users and added both an AF-MF switch and a switch for de-clicking the aperture, none of which existed on the earlier released Fuji X version.

Declicking switch

 

AF-MF switch and the function button

As if the programmable focusing ring, declicking, and AF-MF switches have not been enough, there is yet another function button (also new in this version) under the AF-MF switch that can be set to a myriad of different functions on the lens or the camera (default focus lock). This can make the handling of not only the lens but also the camera much easier and more pleasant. 

All in all, except for possibly a smaller size, the handling and build quality do not leave much to be wished for, well done.

Optical Features

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Viltrox AF 27mm f/1.2 PRO

Different manufacturers have different ways of measuring and showing their lenses’ MTF charts, but I have to say that this chart presents among the most impressive and promising curves I have ever seen. Well, let’s see how the lens behaves in real life!

Sharpness (Infinity)

For the infinity sharpness test, we look at three areas of the image, center, mid-frame, and corner, see highlighted areas in the image below!

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | Infinity Sharpness Chart

Well, this is an extraordinary performance, the sharpness is excellent right from max relative aperture at f/1.2 both in the center, mid-frame, and corner. The peak sharpness is at f/4-f/5.6. The corner sharpness is not as impressive as the center or mid-frame sharpness at the widest apertures and from f/11 the diffraction reduces the sharpness a little, nonetheless the sharpness is excellent at all apertures.

Sharpness (Portrait)

Let’s look at the points of interest for portraits at the portrait distance: the very center, the center’s inner periphery  (1/3 rule intersection), and the center’s outer periphery (1/4th intersection).

Portrait Points of Interest

Excellent sharpness at all points from f/1.2, the outer periphery is slightly darker due to the vignetting at f/1.2. At the max aperture of 1.2, you have just slightly less contrast than at 1.4 and smaller apertures. Excellent performance again.

Sharpness (Close-up)

Although close-up sharpness is excellent from f/1.2, by stopping down to f/1.4 it gets perfect and will not change by any further closing the aperture, as you can’t get anything better than perfect.

You may or may not see slightly more difference if you pixel peep test shots on the new Fujifilm 40 Mp sensor but on normal APS-C sensors it is almost impossible to see any difference between different apertures, they will look excellent at any aperture. The sharpness at all distances is truly impressive and the Viltorx 27 fulfils the MTF chart promise regarding the sharpness and contrast, excellent.

Lens Distortion

Good news here too, virtually no distortion at all.

Vignetting

Less than 2.4 EV vignetting at f/1.2, which is improved quickly by stopping down. Light fall-off is at about 1 EV at f/2 and about 0.5 EV at f/4

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | Vignetting Chart

f/1.2: 2.4 EV
f/1.4: 2.1 EV
f/2.0: 1.0 EV
f/2.8: 0.7 EV
f/4.0: 0.6 EV
f/5.6: 0.5 EV

Focus Shift & Aberrations

No focus shift at all could be seen in the tests, but some longitudinal chromatic aberration wide-open at f/1.2 and f/1.4. It is at a minimum amount at f/2 and at f/2.8, it is gone.

The lateral chromatic aberration is very well controlled as you will not see any sign of it anywhere. Here is a 100% crop of the extreme corner of an image with very high contrast.

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/5.6 

Flare Resistance

In this category, you can make any lens look more or less bad if you try long and hard. That said, I think we find this lens’s only optical flaw that you need to be careful with. Although it is not a complete catastrophe, for such a great optic otherwise, the flare resistance does not come up to the same excellent level of quality standards we have seen with this lens in other sections.  Unfortunately, the deep lens hood does not help much if you get the sun in or on the edges of the frame. In those cases, you should be careful with your composition or throw some shade with your hand or other means on the lens to avoid flares.

Do not judge the lens’s flare resistance based on this section’s images alone, where I have put the lens under stress testing. In the sample images I have several pictures with the sun in the frame without any ugly flares though.









Coma

Good news here again, the coma is well controlled and nothing to worry about. See the following image, which is 100% crop of the extreme corner of an image taken with the Viltrox 27/1.2

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2

Sunstars

Sunstars should not be expected from 11 rounded aperture blades, but to my surprize, this Viltrox 27/1.2 could generate 22 pointed sunstars from f/4. Although not very well defined at f/4, they get better by f/5.6 and from f/8 they are relatively well defined, a weak halo can be sensed in the center part of the stars though.

Focus Breathing

Somewhat less good news for video makers here as the Viltorx 27/1.2 shows a quite strong focus breathing.

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | Focus Breathing

Bokeh

The beauty of bokeh is in the eyes of the beholder. In my eyes, this is another feature of the Viltrox AF 27/1.2 PRO with excellent results.

Let’s have a look at the bokeh itself first!






No onion rings in the bokeh balls and the 11 rounded aperture blades make a wonder in keeping the bokeh balls circular even if you stop down to f/4. Bokeh balls get a mild cat’s eye shape towards the far edges and corners at f/1.2, but they start getting round by stopping down and at f/2 they more or less circular even at the edges. This is very good indeed. Let’s see the out-of-focus quality in normal everyday photography at different distances!

Very Close

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2 | ~0.3 m
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2 | ~0.6 m

Buttery smooth indeed. Let’s make the distance larger and see!

Close

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2

Still beautifully soft and nice. Let’s go even further away!

Medium Distance

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2 | 1.5-2 m
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2 | 1.5-2 m
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2 | ~2-3m
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2

It’s the normal portrait distance and bike here is extra important. Fortunately the bokeh still looks nice, to my taste. Let’s do even farther away to the most demanding long distance!

Long Distance

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2

This Viltrox can produce soft and pleasant bokeh from any distance to the subject; from close to long distance with both dark, light and contrasty background. In these sample images you can see the bokeh and out-of-focus blur with the subject at different distances. You can also see several other images among the sample images sections at the beginning and end of the article.

Conclusion

I LIKE AVERAGE I DON’T LIKE
Excellent Sharpness (everywhere in the frame, at all apertures, at all distances)
Build quality/handling
CA control
Coma correction
Distortion correction
Bokeh
Price		 Vignetting
Sunstars		 Flare resistance
Size & weight

The Viltrox AF 27/1.2 PRO is a great, very well-built, feature-rich lens that produces extremely sharp images at all apertures, everywhere in the frame. It has very nice bokeh and colors too.  This lens is an astonishing lens, that actually doesn’t have any competition in either Sony’s, Canon’s or Nikon’s APS-C offerings. Fuji’s closest competitors, Fujifilm’s 23mm f/1.4 or 33mm f/1.4, are not a 27mm lens. They are not as fast as the Viltrox with its f/1.2 max aperture either. They are more than twice as expensive as well. So, no competition among Fuji lenses either.

You should bear in mind though that it is not completely flawless, its flare resistance is not top-notch. Nevertheless, It makes an excellent value for money, especially considering that this Viltrox is faster than it closest competitors. If you want a standard super fast lens with great characteristics and can cope with its flare, and its size/weight, then this is the lens for you at a good price point.

If you are interested in buying this lens or any of the lenses in the Alternatives section, support our efforts by using the links below or given under each lens. It won’t cost you a penny and some cases even gives you discounts.

You can buy this lens from manufacturer’s online store Viltroxstore.com  with 8% discount if you use one of the following affiliate links or use coupon code MARTINMH or

Buy on Viltrox: Z-mount , E-mount, 8% discount (Affiliate links)

Buy on B&H: Z-mount, E-mount, X-mount $545 (Affiliate links)

Or by on Amazon: amazon.com, amazon.de, amazon.co.uk, amazon.fr for $545 (Affiliate links)

Alternatives

There are no real alternatives actually, all the other lenses at 27-28mm focal length are slower than this Viltrox and the ones with f/1.2 aperture or faster are either wider or longer in focal length. I mention a couple of them anyways.

Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 CF APO
A completely manual lens. About 2/3rd of a stop faster than the Viltrox. Just a little wider, which tilts the lens from standard focal length towards a mild wide-angle focal length. Available in Sony E, Nikon Z, Fuji X, Canon RF, and Canon EF-M mount
Buy from Laowa store on venuslens.net  $549

TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8
For Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fuji X mounts. Autofocus, about 2.5 stops slower, very small and compact, good for travel and street.
Buy new from TTArtisan online store  $149 (Affiliate links)
Buy new from  amazon.com, amazon.de, amazon.co.uk, amazon.fr  $159 (Affiliate links)

Voigtländer 27 mm F2.0 Ultron
Only for Fuji X mount. Manual focus, about 1.5 stops slower. The smallest of all alternatives, if you can cope with manual focus great for street and travel.
Buy new: amazon.com, amazon.de, amazon.co.uk, amazon.fr for €549 (Affiliate links)

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8
Only for Nikon Z cameras, autofocus, about 2.5 stops slower
Buy from: amazon.com, amazon.de, amazon.co.uk, amazon.fr $276 (Affiliate links)

Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8
Only for Nikon Z cameras, autofocus, about 2.5 stops slower
amazon.com, amazon.de, amazon.co.uk, amazon.fr $496 (Affiliate links)

More Sample Images

Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.8
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.8
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/5
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/9
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.2
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/10
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/11
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/2.5
Review Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PROViltrox 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO STM ASPH ED IF PRO APS-C nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE Fuji X canon rf m43 review nikon z z-fc z30 z50 test sharpness bokeh coma vignetting Flare 24mp nikon z6 z6ii 46mp nikon z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/8
Nikon Z fc | Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO | f/1.8

Most of the sample images in this review and many more can be found in higher resolution here.

Further Reading

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You can buy this lens from manufacturer’s online store Viltroxstore.com  with 8% discount if you use one of the following affiliate links or use coupon code MARTINMH or

Buy on Viltrox: Z-mount , E-mount , 8% discount (Affiliate links)

Buy on B&H: Z-mount, E-mount, X-mount $545 (Affiliate links)

Or by on Amazon: amazon.com, amazon.de, amazon.co.uk, amazon.fr for $545 (Affiliate links)

This site contains affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase via the links at no additional cost to you. This helps support the creation of future content.

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Martin

Martin M.H. lives outside Stockholm, Sweden. He is a M.Sc. in Computer Technology but he has been a passionate photographer for over 45 years. He started his photographic adventures when he was thirteen with an Agfamatic pocket camera, which he soon replaced with a Canon rangefinder camera that his mom gave him in his teenages. After that he has been using Canon SLR, Nikon SLR manual focus and Autofocus, Sony mirrorless crop sensor, Nikon DSLR and Nikon Mirrorless. He has photographed any genre he could throughout the years and you can see all kind of images in his portfolio. During the later years though it has been mostly landscape, nature, travel and some street/documentary photography.

14 thoughts on “Review: Viltrox AF 27mm f/1.2 STM ASPH ED IF PRO (APS- C)”

  2. Thank you for the review!!

    How is it possible that these new lens manufacturers are doing a similar or sometimes a better job than the old established ones!?
    Look at the corners wide open…wow

    Reply

    1. Of course they can do it but they’ve got greedy, if they do it they want so much profit that nobody would buy them.

      Reply

  4. Incredible lens ! Already spotted on Fuji side, it gives me some real GAS for a Z APS-C Nikon (…under the pressure of the Fuji X100VI hype 😉
    With the DX 24mm 1.7 as a wider and compact alternative.

    No RF-S mount ?? I understand : So many lens already available for the RF-S mount…

    Reply

      1. Martin, the Zfc is 1/4000e max, which is on the short side nowadays with electronic shutters : Was it a often a problem @f/1.2 ?

        Reply

        1. Not often, but it was a problem on sunny days, when I had important details in the sun.
          You can see that there are a couple of portrait shots taken at f/1.8 among the sample images, it was because that was the widest aperture I could use if I wanted to keep all details in the highlights.

          Reply

          1. Thanks. GAS got me. I’m opening the Z mount with this combo, not the Zf+40/2 #Too many gear.

  5. When I shoot street photography I mainly use a Sigma 35 mm f/1.2 ART on Sony full frame, but after seeing this lens review I would not hesitate to get this lens and an APS-C camera as a smaller travel friendly alternative. Just an outstanding lens.

    Reply

  6. Martin, thank you for this excellent and very informative review!

    How did you find the lens’ autofocus performance on the Zfc, please? Was the AF as accurate and reliable as on Nikon’s own Z-mount lenses?

    I have a Z50 and am very tempted by this Viltrox lens, but have doubts over its AF performance. This is because Viltrox isn’t licensing the Z-mount AF protocols from Nikon, unlike Sigma does.

    Reply

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