The Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 E lens for Sony E was my first time making an attempt a Viltrox lens. Truthfully, I wasn’t fairly certain what to anticipate. I’ve used loads of third-party lenses however by no means these. Properly, I used to be blown away by the sharpness of this lens. I am excited to share my experiences, each good and unhealthy, with this powerhouse of a lens in such a tiny bundle.
I went via a little bit of a whirlwind expertise with the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 lens. I’m all the time excited to speak about new merchandise I attempt to love but in addition to share any points alongside the way in which. As a employees author right here at Fstoppers, Viltrox despatched me their AF 56mm f/1.7 lens to check out. Proper out of the field, my first impression was how petite and light-weight this lens is at solely 170 grams (5.9 oz). After reviewing different heavier zoom or telephoto lenses not too long ago, this was a stark distinction. At 56mm APS-C, this lens is an 85mm full body equal. This focal size shines for portraiture, panorama, road, and product pictures. With a strong set of options on paper, it’s a nice alternative for a lot of pictures genres.
Key Options
- Light-weight and Transportable: Extremely-light 170 g design, simple to hold wherever, making it superb for journey and road pictures.
- Superior Optical Efficiency: 56mm f/1.7 aperture, 9 teams, 11 components, with 4 ED and three high-refractive components for sharp, clear photographs and exquisite bokeh.
- Quick and Quiet Autofocus: STM motor ensures fast, silent focusing. Helps eye/face autofocus.
- Sturdy and Dependable: Waterproof and anti-fouling coating on the entrance lens, strong steel mount, constructed to face up to each day use and difficult environments.
- Versatile Compatibility: 52 mm diameter helps commonplace filters; Kind-C interface permits simple firmware updates to maintain your lens acting at its finest.
- Optimized for Video: Minimal focus respiration, inner focus design, and steady efficiency make it a dependable alternative for creators.
Chances are you’ll be accustomed to the idea of a nifty 50. It is the nickname for a 50mm prime lens as a go-to strong a part of your package. They’re typically reasonably priced and tried and true. Properly, I simply checked the price on B&H, and the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 lens is only $180. It is a very accessible and reasonably priced lens that may give you prime quality with out breaking the financial institution. For those who’re a brand new photographer, switching from a distinct digicam physique model and want lenses, or simply wish to add extra lens decisions to your package, you possibly can simply buy a few totally different focal lengths. With these kinds of costs, you may find yourself with a package of super-sharp, light-weight primes for the price of one high-end zoom. In comparison with the zoom, sure, you’ll have to vary lenses, however the massive professional is the price financial savings and prime quality.
One different side of this explicit lens that isn’t the case in most Viltrox lenses is that it doesn’t have the handbook aperture ring that we’re now used to seeing in many more moderen lenses. That is the devoted ring on the base close to the mount that permits you to management your aperture on the lens somewhat than utilizing a dial in your digicam. By not together with this handbook aperture ring and saving on construct price, the lens matches right into a extra accessible value bracket. So that may both be a professional or con for you relying on how vital that characteristic is.
Autofocus Scare
The lens arrived simply earlier than my collection of back-to-back autumn hikes—excellent timing to check it open air and create panorama pictures. Nonetheless, instantly, I used to be having issues with it. Each time I might go to take an image, it might hunt for a number of seconds, typically for fairly a very long time, earlier than deciding on its focus. I wasn’t having this subject with another lens. I attempted twiddling with the digicam settings, however finally it got here right down to the lens.
I reached out to Viltrox, they usually let me know that there was a recognized subject and a firmware replace. After updating, the lens appears to be completely high-quality, and I am so relieved. I wish to reiterate how sharp this lens is. All the things about it’s superb apart from that focusing subject, so to have that one factor fastened was a weight off my shoulders. I used to be actually having fun with the lens, and I didn’t wish to should reject it. With it working completely now, I may give it my full approval after which some. So I would not let that cease you, however I’ll all the time share these sorts of issues. Once more, on this case, I’m so grateful for a fast decision. If anybody with an analogous subject stumbles upon this text whereas trying to find a decision, replace your lens firmware immediately—it’s a straightforward repair. You will discover their firmware updates and how to guide by clicking here.
In The Discipline
Now again to the enjoyable half. So far as the lens itself within the discipline, even earlier than the firmware replace, as soon as centered, I can’t say sufficient how sharp this factor is! My goodness. This can be one of many sharpest lenses I’ve ever labored with. From edge to edge and at any aperture setting, the photographs taken with it are fully crisp. With the f/1.7 widest aperture, I used to be in a position to seize lovely low-light panorama imagery showcasing high-quality particulars. That broad open, you each scale back noise and, paired with a pointy lens, render a lot colour, element, and distinction.
One in all my favourite images this previous autumn, I created with this lens. I used to be in Pennsylvania, USA, having fun with the autumn colour and elk. One morning, I walked up a hillside simply earlier than dawn to look at an elk herd that I might hear bugling within the distance. The elk have been cloaked in a veil of fog, grazing, and sometimes sparring—it was autumn, the rut in any case. Because the solar started to rise above the hillside, the fog slowly burned away. It created essentially the most attractive layered composition. The rolling hills grew to become virtually like islands floating within the mist. I shortly switched from my telephoto on the elk to the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7. With that 85mm equal focal size on my full body digicam, I captured all the scene by making a panorama, every slice at 1/400 s, f/14, ISO 5,000. The ultimate picture actually captures what it felt like to face there—so true to life in colour, depth, and temper.
As autumn developed, I went on to create extra photographs, and every time, my respect for Viltrox grew. From sunrises to sunsets, sudden aurora nights, to flat-lay macro-like scenes, I had a blast reviewing this lens. Having by no means used their merchandise, I now have a number of images taken with the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 that I really like in my portfolio.
Conclusion
I am glad that I used to be in a position to check out this Viltrox lens as a result of it put the model on my radar. Now I am beginning to see Viltrox, even up to now month or so, come out with much more lenses. I am excited to observe alongside and see what else they launch as a result of, at these value factors, sure, please! Plus, having this stage of high quality affordably permits you to strive focal lengths and kinds that possibly you would not earlier than, simply as a consequence of how costly lenses are. As a nature photographer, I’m eyeing their new tremendous broad lenses, excellent for astrophotography. Have you ever ever tried a Viltrox lens earlier than? Any favorites? Let me know your ideas within the feedback under.
In the meantime, if you would like so as to add the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 to your package, you’ll find it and the rest of Viltrox’s lenses here at B&H.com.
