Viltrox’s 90mm F2.2 EVO Unleashes a Bokeh Monster for Fujifilm’s X-Mount

The following review may be the cause of some division across the photographic community. I don’t particularly have a problem with bokeh, it can absolutely make your portraits pop or bring attention to a subject by isolating them in a frame, but I’ve never bought a lens because it promises to completely blur out a background. That said, the Viltrox 90mm F2.2 EVO is designed first and foremost, to be an absolute bokeh monster. Here are my thoughts after a few weeks using it for work and play.

Viltrox 90mm F2.2 EVO Key Features

The following list of features has been taken from the Viltrox AF 90mm F2.2 EVO’s product page on BH Photo Video.

• APS-C Format | f/2.2 to f/16
• 135mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
• Short Telephoto Prime Lens
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.4′
• 10 Elements in 8 Groups
• Noiseless STM Stepping Motor
• USB-C Interface for Firmware Upgrades
• Weather-Resistant All-Metal Lens Body

One of the immediate benefits of this lens is its size and weight. Not covered above, the 90mm EVO is only three inches in length (78mm) and only weighs 11.3 ounces. To call this lightweight is an understatement when you consider the 135mm full-frame equivalent focal length you get. In terms of the physical construction of the 90mm F2.2 EVO, I found that it feels solid throughout, making it a joy to work with. Everything feels like something you’d expect from a premium product – something akin to what you’d expect from Sigma or even Fujifilm itself.

The aperture ring is a delight to use, though it’s worth mentioning that there is no way to de-click the aperture. Videographers might find this bothersome, but I think it can be overlooked in no small part because of how capable this lens is. If there is one caveat that needs to be mentioned it’s the lack of weather-sealing at the front element. As the features list states, the lens does have some weather-resistance but that’s limited to the mount. I’d give it some serious thought before taking this out in heavy rain or a waterfall shoot.

Put Some Faces in Front of This Lens

While its F2.2 maximum aperture might not turn heads like an F1.2 or F.14, the 90mm F2.2 EVO does something special when paired to Fujifilm’s crop-sensor cameras. For one, it delivers some of the sharpest images I’ve taken with my X-Pro 3. Secondly, if you’re photographing people, this lens delivers some of the most flattering images you can create. I recently used this lens to document my local church’s community service event. Thanks to the 135mm equivalent focal length, I was able to discretely maneuver around the church members and the community members they were serving without having anyone feel like there was constantly a lens in their face. This kind of discretion is my preferred way of documenting events that include vulnerable communities as it keeps the vibe of the event friendly, open, and welcoming. For the church, it allows me to capture the work they’re doing without having to interrupt them.

I don’t really recommend using this lens for anything that’s too dynamic – like street photography. Street photography at longer focal lengths can be problematic if you’re not intentional about what and how you make your photographs, but there are times when it can provide a unique perspective. A big part of that comes from the compression you can achieve at this focal length.

All in all, I found that the 90mm F2.2 EVO to be more of a scalpel than a Leatherman, and that’s not a bad thing. Instead of wondering if I can get it all done with one lens, the 90mm EVO is compact and light enough where I don’t have to make the compromise and just carry both tools.

Viltrox 90mm F2.2 EVO Sample Images

Who is the Viltrox 90mm F2.2 EVO For?

As you might have guessed, the Viltrox 90mm F2.2 EVO is not a general-purpose, do-everything lens. Instead, it’s more of a specialized tool for photographers looking for dramatic subject isolation. Some genres of photography will loan themselves better for a lens like this specifically outdoor photographers and wedding/event photographers. Whether you’re shooting at the back of a dimly lit church, or looking to maximize background compression in environmental portraits, the 90mm EVO makes a ton of sense. More fringe use cases might be for indoor sports or even some kinds of astrophotography, but in my experience, I’ve found that a 70-200 equivalent works best in these cases.

Lastly, and very specifically, when paired with a smaller camera body, like an X-T50 or similar, this is a great way to bring some serious reach to professional sporting venues. I love going out to catch a basketball game when in season, but my two local arenas – Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center – both have draconian restrictions on “professional” equipment. It’s largely an arbitrary decision that’s made by security at the gate, but usually my X-Pro and a shorter prime allow me to walk in unbothered. The short physical length of the 90mm EVO might be a great way to get into the game (or concert) without having to check your camera at the front.

Last Thoughts: A Must for Portrait Photographers

I mentioned this in my review of the Viltrox 75mm F1.8 EVO, but it’s worth saying again: I’ve loved some short telephoto lenses made by Fujifilm but could never justify the cost of picking one up for myself. I’ve largely been content to renting one when the occasion called for it, but dropping well over $1000 USD seemed irresponsible. Thankfully, the Viltrox 90mm F2.2 EVO is priced so well that it’s almost an impulse buy. This lens made me rethink my decision of skipping over owning a dedicated portrait lens; so much so in fact, that I’m finding myself looking for excuses to make more portraits. I think the 90mm EVO will do the same for you.

You can purchase the Viltrox 90mm F2.2 EVO for yourself through BH Photo-Video for $369 USD.

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