The Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 FE steps right into a crowded area the place 50mm lenses are virtually a ceremony of passage. What makes this one stand out is its mixture of construct high quality and $549 worth for a full body, f/1.4 optic. That’s not pocket change, however for what it affords, it sits in a aggressive candy spot for anybody wanting a quick, well-built 50mm with out going into premium territory.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this detailed video takes an in depth take a look at the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 FE on a 61-megapixel Sony a7CR. Frost runs it by way of the same old optical torture checks, together with sharpness, vignetting, bokeh, and autofocus accuracy. The lens impresses instantly with its strong, all-metal physique and easy end. It’s heavier than you may count on at 1.8 lbs, however that weight comes with a premium really feel and weather-sealing across the mount. It additionally features a USB-C port for firmware updates, an aperture ring that may click on or flip easily, and a customizable focus-hold button. Frost notes one quirk: you possibly can hear the glass parts transfer barely when tilting the lens, one thing he finds mildly annoying however frequent today.
Frost’s testing reveals robust heart sharpness at vast apertures, with photos turning into glorious by f/2. Nook sharpness trails barely behind however catches up round f/4. Autofocus is fast, silent, and dependable, particularly in steady mode. Video shooters will respect its minimal focus respiratory, a function typically reserved for pricier optics. Whereas it lacks picture stabilization, the 77mm entrance filter thread and strong building make it sensible for a lot of setups. The general dealing with offers off a “premium however approachable” impression, although its measurement and weight make it much less nimble for informal use.
Key Specs
Focal Size: 50mm
Aperture: Most f/1.4, Minimal f/16
Lens Mount: Sony E
Format: Full Body
Minimal Focus Distance: 1.48 ft (0.45 m)
Magnification: 0.14x
Optical Design: 15 Components in 11 Teams
Aperture Blades: 11
Focus Kind: Autofocus
Picture Stabilization: No
Filter Dimension: 77mm
Dimensions: 3.3 × 4.4 in (84.5 × 111 mm)
Weight: 1.8 lb (800 g)
The place the Viltrox begins to point out limits is in close-up work and wide-open distinction. At its minimal focus distance, photos at f/1.4 present a noticeable drop in distinction and a few shade fringing, although stopping all the way down to f/4 clears most of it up. Flare management is common, with some glare when robust gentle sources enter the body. Nevertheless, coma is properly managed, and its 11-blade diaphragm produces stunning solar stars from f/5.6 onward. The bokeh, which is mushy, clear, and freed from harsh edges, is a powerful spotlight. Frost factors out that whereas specular highlights tackle a cat’s-eye form close to the corners, they continue to be easy and freed from inside patterns.
He’s upfront about its trade-offs: it’s not the sharpest 50mm available on the market, but it surely comes surprisingly shut. For the associated fee, you get a lens that performs properly on high-resolution our bodies, affords strong construct high quality, and appears refined. In comparison with the bigger, pricier 50mm f/1.2 choices, it appears like a balanced center floor that doesn’t demand compromise in too many areas. Take a look at the video above for the total rundown from Frost.
