VILTROX AF 27MM F1.2 PRO
A ‘pro’ lens with a consumer price tag
The Viltrox AF 27mm F1.2 Pro picks up the baton from some seriously good f/1.4 lenses that are available in Fujifilm X, Nikon Z and Sony E mount options. We were impressed by the Viltrox AF 23mm F1.4 Z, Viltrox AF 33mm F1.4 Z and Viltrox AF 56mm F1.4 Z, which are all pretty much the same size and weight, plus the slightly larger Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 Z. Personally, I was so impressed by these four lenses that I bought them outright as my go-to lenses for when I’m shooting with my Nikon Z fc camera.
Combining fast and consistently accurate autofocus with good handling characteristics, Viltrox’s back catalogue of lenses include de-clicked aperture rings and are terrific value at the price, although the 23mm, 33mm and 56mm lack weather seals. The newer 27mm lens, which so far is available in Fujifilm X and Nikon Z mounts, sets the bar higher with its ‘Pro’ badge and superfast f/1.2 aperture, along with a feast of upmarket features. It’s naturally bigger and heavier than the trio of 23mm, 33mm and 56mm f/1.4 lenses, and getting on for twice the price, but is still standout value for money.
Key features
The 27mm focal length of this
APS-C format lens gives an ‘effective’ 40.5mm in full-frame terms, with a viewing angle of 55.3 degrees. It’s a little wider than a standard 50mm lens, but not quite as wide as a
35mm lens (again, in full-frame terms). I find the focal length works
well for everyday walkabout shooting and street photography.
A key feature of the lens is its super-fast f/1.2 aperture rating.
This enables a tight depth of field, which is always more challenging with crop-sensor cameras that with full-frame models. The quality of bokeh comes to the fore and, to help maintain good bokeh when stopping