Viltrox AF 50mm F/2 FE Air

Specifications01

MountSONY FE

Focal length50mm

Max aperturef/2

TypeCinema · Portrait · Prime

Weight205 g

Filter size58 mm

Physical length65 mm

Barrel diameter65 mm

Min focus distance0.51 m

Max magnification0.11

Aperture blades9

Optical elements13

Groups9

AutofocusYes

StabilizationNo

Weather sealedNo

Lens hoodpetal-shaped (bayonet mount, supplied)

Approx price$199

Additional Info02

TypeStandard prime

Category["Sony FE (Full Format)"]

Angle Of View47.4°

Review AuthorKlaus

Review Rating8

Other FeaturesUSB-C port for firmware updates

Review VerdictViltrox Air lenses didn't disappoint so far, and this also applies to its newest member. The Viltrox AF 50mm f/2 FE is not only very consistent but also very sharp across the relevant aperture range. The center quality is excellent straight from f/2 and the outer image field is easily very good. The peak performance at f/4 is truly impressive. Image distortions and lateral CAs are very low. Axial CAs are a somewhat noticeable at f/2, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. The quality of the bokeh may not be the greatest of them all, but it's quite decent for a fifty. Mechanically, the lens stays true to its "Air" designation. It's very lightweight, yet the execution is very decent for a consumer grade lens. The engineered plastics are of good quality and the focus ring turns smoothly. The AF is quick and silent. Weather sealing is not provided. Some may still find it hard to believe that quality lenses exists outside the mainstream gang, but Viltrox is rapidly becoming a serious threat to the establishment. And the Viltrox AF 50mm f/2 FE is probably the best of the affordable 50mm lenses that we tested so far. Viltrox lenses can be purchased via the Viltrox online store or the usual suspects such as Amazon or B&H.

Review Criteria{"Build Quality":7,"Optical Quality":8,"Price / Performance":9}

Review Published2025-04-02T13:00:00+00:00

Optical Construction13 elements in 9 groups (3x ED, 4x HR)