Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE Review

According provided by Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE lens for Sony E-mount mount huge thanks GOX.ua.

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF C E. Exterior photos taken here.

Navigation

  1. In short
  2. Similar lenses
  3. History
  4. All lenses from Viltrox
  5. Main Specifications
  6. Assembly
  7. Diaphragm
  8. Focusing
  9. Firmware Upgrade
  10. Image quality
  11. Sample Photos
  12. My experience
  13. All Sony E APS-C cameras
  14. All Sony E APS-C Lenses
  15. Price
  16. Results
  17. User Comments
  18. Add your review or question on the lens

In this review, I will refer to the Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for abbreviated Viltrox 56 / 1.4.

Important: this review shows the Viltrox 56 / 1.4 lens for Sony E-mount cameras. But at the same time, it is also available with mounts Canon EF-M, fujifilm x и Nikon Z.

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE

In short

The Viltrox 56 / 1.4 is a fast lens for cropped mirrorless cameras with Sony E mount. It has internal autofocus and is quite quiet thanks to a stepping motor for focusing. Optically not bad, in the center of the frame it is sharp already from F / 1.4 (without any reservations), the build quality is at a high level. Among the shortcomings, one can single out chromatic aberration and nuances with auto focus.

Viltrox 56 / 1.4 is intended to serve as an alternative for SONY E 1.8 / 50 OSS (SEL50F18) и SIGMA 56mm 1: 1.4 DC DN C (CONTEMPORARY).

56mm on cameras with an APS-C sensor gives EGF equal to 84 mm, which is close to the classic 85 mm focal length that is most often used in portrait photography.

The price of Viltrox 56 / 1.4 is around $ 300.

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE

History

Viltrox 56 / 1.4 was officially announced in mid-2020. Now on sale 20 September 2020 years... Due to the many teasers, pre-announcements and leaks, the exact date of the announcement is difficult to determine. In addition, variants for different mounts and different body colors have been announced and announced at different times.

In the summer of 2021, a film lens was announced Viltrox 56mm T / 1.5 S.

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF C E. Lens shown on camera Sony a6300


All Viltrox Lenses

For full frame cameras with Full Frame sensor:

  1. Viltrox 16 / 1.8 AF (FE)
  2. Viltrox 20 / 2.8 AF (FE + Z + XF)
  3. Viltrox 24/1.8AF (overview) (FE+Z)
  4. Viltrox 28 / 1.8 AF  (FE+Z)
  5. Viltrox 35 / 1.8 AF (FE+Z)
  6. Viltrox 50 / 1.8 AF (FE+Z)
  7. Viltrox 85/1.8AF PFU (FE+XF)
  8. Viltrox 85 / 1.8 AF (RF+Z)
  9. Viltrox 85 / 1.8 AF II (FE+XF)

For cropped cameras with APS-C sensor:

  1. Viltrox 13 / 1.4 AF (X, E, Z)
  2. Viltrox 23 / 1.4 AF (X, E, Z + EF-M)
  3. Viltrox 27/1.2 AF PRO (X, E, Z)
  4. Viltrox 33 / 1.4 AF (X, E, Z + EF-M)
  5. Viltrox 56/1.4AF (overview) (X, E, Z + EF-M)
  6. Viltrox 56/1.7 AF (to be announced) (X, E, Z)
  7. Viltrox 75/1.2 AF PRO (X, E, Z)

Cinema lenses (manual focus only):

  1. 20mm T / 2.0 S (Full Frame, FE, L)
  2. 23mm T / 1.5 S (APS-C, E, MFT)
  3. 33mm T / 1.5 S (APS-C, E, MFT)
  4. 56mm T / 1.5 S (APS-C, E, MFT)

There are also Vitlrox lenses with manual focusing: 7.5 / 2.8 Fish-Eye, 20/1.8, 35/2, 85/1.8 etc. The easiest way to find and buy these lenses is from official Viltrox dealer on Aliexpress.

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF C E. Lens shown on camera Sony a6300

Main technical characteristics of Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE:

Review Instance Name Near the front lens: AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF Ø52mm 0.6m / 1.97ft

On the case: Viltrox + AF 56 / 1.4 E + C + E-mount + serial number

Basic properties
  • E (E-mount) - designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras
  • AF (Auto Focus) - the lens supports auto focus
  • С (CROPPED) - mark indicating that the lens for cropped cameras
  • STM (Scarpets Motor) - focusing stepper motor
  • IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus
  • DMF (DDirectly Mannual Focus) - direct manual focus
  • ED (Extra Low Dispersion) - low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • H.R.I. (High Refaction Index) - elements with an ultra-high refractive index in the optical scheme
  • HD Nano Multilayer Coating - special coating of optics, with protection of the front lens from water and dirt
  • USB-port for firmware update
  • Electronic focus ring
  • Aperture control ring
  • Lens hood and soft case included
  • Important: lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its use
Front Filter Diameter 52 mm
Focal length 56 mm, EGF for Sony cameras with APS-C sensor is 84 mm
Zoom ratio 1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by for Sony NEX / Sony ALPHA / Sony ILCE E-mount mirrorless cameras

There are options for mounts:

Number of aperture blades 9 rounded petals
Tags bayonet mounting mark and hood mounting mark, aperture numbers on aperture ring
Diaphragm from f / 1.4 to f / 16. The ring has marks F / 1.4, F / 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 + mode mark 'A'. Two intermediate values ​​between all pairs of numbers
MDF 0.6 meters, maximum magnification ratio 0.1 X (1: 10)
The weight
  • 290 grams per instruction
  • 302 grams according to my measurements without caps and hood (variant for Sony E)
  • 370 grams according to my measurements with lens hood and lids
Optical design 10 elements in 9 groups. The scheme includes

  • 1 low dispersion element
  • 1 ultra-high refractive index elements

Optical design Viltrox 56 / 1.4

The scheme is similar to the Planar modification with an additional three speed-booster lenses (from the bayonet side). Optical design identical to model Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 X... The same scheme is used by a cinema lens. 56mm T / 1.5 S

The image of the optical scheme is clickable to enlarge

Lens hood Bayonet type, metal, cylindrical (not petal), model Viltrox PL-11A
Manufacturer country Not specified, but known to be manufactured in China
Period
Firmware The lens from the review used firmware V 1.1.5 from 2020.11.19 and V 1.1.7 from 2021.05.20
Prices

The creative potential of such a near-fifty kopeck is difficult to overestimate. It is suitable for a wide range of photographic tasks. Amateur photographers often use it as a portrait lens (EGF 84 mm, ED in terms of depth of field F / 2.1). A lot of people just want a fast prime, especially in addition to their stock/kit lens. Aperture f/1.4 four steps wider aperture of f / 5.6, which is used in 'dark' kit lenses at the long end. In numerical terms, this means that Viltrox 56 / 1.4 is approximately 16 times brighterthan, for example, whale Sony 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6 OSS, which at 55 mm focal length uses a maximum aperture equal to only 1: 5.6. The calculation in the difference in the relative aperture (count the luminosity) is carried out in an elementary way: (5.6 * 5.6) / (1.4 * 1.4) = 16. 1mm difference between 55mm focal length Sony 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6 OSS and 56 mm in Viltrox 56 / 1.4 in real shooting conditions cannot be distinguished.

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF C E. Lens shown on camera Sony a6300

Assembly

The box with the lens contained a warranty card, instructions in different languages ​​(there is no Russian language), a cloth case, a desiccant, bags, a hood and the lens itself with front and back covers. The covers are made of dense plastic. In the box, the lens is mounted in a durable foam holder. Initially, the box is surrounded by an additional beautiful cardboard wrap, which serves as a kind of seal.

Important: Viltrox 56 / 1.4 is available in different colors depending on the system:

  • only black version of housing for Sony E mount
  • Canon EF-M mount silver body only
  • black or silver version of the housing for the Fujifilm X mount (+ limited edition with white и red case color)
  • black or silver housing for Nikon Z mount

Viltrox 56 / 1.4 has metal mount... The focusing ring is wide, not rubberized, metal (although it feels like plastic to the touch). The lens feels good in the hands. It is stated that the contacts of the microprocessor are gold-plated.

On the side of the rear lens there is a light-cutting hood that prevents excess flare and light scattering.

The Viltrox 56 / 1.4 does not have a protective rubber mount for the mount. The instructions indicate that the objective lenses have a special protective water-repellent coatingthat prevents contamination (something like an oleophobic coating).

The Viltrox 56 / 1.4 weighs about 300 grams. The diameter of the front filter is only 52 mm. Lightweight and small in size, it works well with the lightweight Sony NEX / Alpha ILCE cameras.

There is a bayonet mount mark on the body and a mark for quick attachment of the hood. The lens uses a long metal hood Viltrox PL-11A, which must be fixed in special slots located near the front lens of the lens. The hood can be installed in the transport mode with the reverse side, in this position, access to the focusing ring is practically not lost. It's important: To fix the hood in transport mode (until it clicks), you need to carefully align it with the lens barrel. Initially, it may seem that in this way it is completely impossible to establish.

The lens has a connector USB Micro B for connection to a computer (see the corresponding section below in the text).

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF C E. Lens shown on camera Sony a6300

Diaphragm

The diaphragm has nine blades. On heavily closed diaphragms, the diaphragm opening has the shape wrong hexagon.

The diaphragm mechanism makes a little noise during operation. After turning off the camera, the aperture automatically closes to f / 16, even if it was manually set to a different value.

The lens has an aperture control ring. Aperture value markers are engraved on this ring.

The aperture control ring is labeled F / 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 and two intermediate values ​​between each pair (1/3-stop increments). The ring rotates smoothly, without clicks and fixed intermediate values. There is an additional label 'A'. In the 'A' position, only automatic aperture control is available through the camera settings.

It's important: electronic aperture control ring... This means that the aperture blades are always electrically controlled, even when manual iris is used. Aperture cannot be controlled when the camera is turned off or on the lens detached from the camera.

Manual aperture control is quite smooth, without 'jumping', which is very important when shooting video.

It's important: The aperture control ring can be easily pulled from the 'A' position to the F / 16 position.

It's important: When going from F / 16 to 'A' mode and from 'A' mode to F / 16, the lens will initialize. During this, he sets a certain focusing distance. Also, the lens is initialized after the camera 'sleeps and wakes up', as well as when the camera is turned on.

It's important: When the lens is detached from the camera, or when the camera is turned off, or when the camera is in 'sleep' mode, the aperture blades are always closed down to f / 16.

It's important: Manual iris control allows you to eliminate spontaneous aperture jerk with some cameras in bright light in the 'Display Live View -> Off' mode. Sony mirrorless cameras during sighting in this mode can spontaneously close the aperture due to the fact that the current aperture and other camera settings give Live View overexposure. This process is sometimes very unnerving. Manual iris control allows you to always keep the set aperture value.

It's important: The FujiFilm X mount version of the lens jerks the aperture very hard during manual control. It is impossible to achieve manual adjustment with the plan. Maybe new firmware will fix the problem.

Interestingly: At F / 1.4, the aperture blades are not completely hidden in the lens barrel. One gets the impression that at f / 1.4 the aperture is not fully open. Most likely the lens is forcibly apertured to f / 1.4. This is done to achieve higher optical performance at 'full aperture'. Stories already known casewhen the lens software update Viltrox 85 / 1.8 AF led to an increase in aperture from f / 1.8 to f / 1.6.

The Viltrox 1.4 / 56's f / 1.4 aperture is fair and on par with other similar f / 1.4 lenses. For example, Viltrox 56 / 1.4 gives exactly the same exposure at F / 1.4 as SMC PENTAX-FA 1: 1.4 50mm at f / 1.4 (two lenses side by side look like this).

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF C E. Lens shown on camera Sony a6300

Focusing

For focusing, the Viltrox 56 / 1.4 uses stepper focus motor STM (Stapping Motor). Auto focus should work with all Sony E / FE mount cameras. Some sources indicate that a 'STM + Lead Screw Type' motor is used.

Focusing speed is average, closer to high, quite comfortable for work. After the lens loses accurate focusing, refocusing is performed quickly enough.

It's important: In difficult shooting conditions, as well as when shooting dynamic scenes, the focusing quality with the Viltrox 56 / 1.4 can be noticeably worse than with similar original lenses, for example, SONY E 1.8 / 50 OSS (SEL50F18)... Even in simple shooting conditions, the AF tenacity of the Viltrox 56 / 1.4 will be very dependent on the camera used. Perhaps over time, new lens firmware will improve this situation. It's important: Same remark applies to lens options for FujiFilm X and Canon M.

It's important: on camera Sony a3500 the quality of the autofocus is poor, the lens often focuses incorrectly, in some modes the focusing behaves strangely (constant focusing 'beat'). Perhaps in the future, new firmware will correct the situation. Most likely, this problem exists with all Sony APS-C E cameras, which do not have phase focus sensors (focusing only by contrast). Updating the firmware from V1.1.5 to V1.1.7 did not change the situation in any way. The lens is known to focus well on 6000-series cameras and on Sony full-frame cameras.

UPDATED: autofocus on Sony a6300 works good

Auto focus a little noisy... During focusing (automatic or manual), the motor noise is clearly audible. The noise is small, similar to the operation of STM motors in other lenses.

Lens uses electronic focus ring. Focus ring not rubberized, wide, in manual focus mode rotates approximately 270 degrees. When extreme positions are reached, the ring does not abut, but continues to rotate. Manual focus is enough conveniently... The focus ring rotates easily. I did not observe any lag (lag) when changing the direction of rotation. The focus ring makes a very faint sound of two plastic parts rubbing during manual focusing. The electronic focusing ring is implemented well, responds more to the angle of rotation than to the speed of its rotation.

On the case no MF / AF focus mode switch... To change the focus mode, use the camera menu.

During auto focus focus ring remains stationary, however, it can be freely rotated without any effect on focus (if the normal AF mode 'Autofocus', not 'MF', and not 'DMF' is enabled in the camera menu). During manual focusing, a scale of approximate focusing distances appears on the display of some cameras.

The lens has internal focusing, the front lens remains stationary during focusing. It is possible to use various filters without any problems.

The minimum focusing distance is 60 cm, while you can get the maximum magnification for close-up photography of 1:10, which is not very good. Lenses Viltrox 23 / 1.4, Viltrox 33 / 1.4, Viltrox 24 / 1.8, Viltrox 35 / 1.8, Viltrox 50 / 1.8 AF also have a maximum magnification ratio of 1:10. Apparently, some kind of unification is used when calculating optical schemes and focusing mechanisms. It is much more convenient to work with ordinary lenses - fifty dollars, in which the MDF is usually 45 cm. For example, the same Ynlens 50 / 1.8S focuses from 45 centimeters. The 15 centimeters difference when shooting small lenses makes itself felt very strongly.

'Focus Breathing' effect (changes in angle of view during focusing) very small and almost invisible.

There are no useful marks on the focusing distance, depth of field, or anything else on the lens.

Focus shift (shift-focus) was not noticed during operation and testing.

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Firmware Upgrade

On the mount side, the Viltrox 56 / 1.4 has a USB port that can be used to update the software (firmware / firmware) of the lens.

The common USB TYPE Micro B port is used for connection (many mobile phones use this one). The package does not include a USB cable. I used a USB cable from my old smartphone to connect. Latest Lens Firmware can be found here... Newer lenses from Viltrox have started using the USB TYPE C port.

The firmware update will most likely improve the compatibility of the lens with new cameras, improve the autofocus performance, and eliminate some other disadvantages.

Important: To update the lens firmware (software):

  1. Turn off the camera, detach the lens
  2. Connect the lens to a computer using a USB cable. The lens should be identified as a 'Viltrox DFU' drive
  3. Find the file 'DeviceInformation.txt' on this drive and check the current firmware version (the firmware version may not need to be updated)
  4. Copy the firmware file to the 'Viltrox DFU' folder (file with the '.dat' resolution, which must be downloaded from the official Viltrox website). Wait for the end of copying
  5. After copying is complete, the 'Viltrox DFU' drive will automatically shut down and reconnect after 5 seconds (approximately), after which you can check the current firmware version
  6. Disconnect cable
  7. Attach the lens to the camera
  8. Turn on the camera

I upgraded the firmware from V1.1.5 from 2020.11.19 to V1.1.7 from 2021.05.20 without any problems. The update took less than a minute.

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Image quality

The Viltrox 56 / 1.4 easily handles the 20MP APS-C type Exmor CMOS sensor at the heart of the camera Sony α3500 (ILCE-3500)... The pixel density is higher than that of Sony a7r II or a7r III... 42 MP sensor Sony a7r II everything is OK as well.

Optically, this is a quite good lens, from the obvious shortcomings I would single out only the strong chromatic aberration... There are no complaints about working at F / 1.4, this aperture is quite suitable for use.

It should be noted that for this lens there should be profiles for Photoshop and Lightroom (I did not find working links for them), which will help get rid of such shortcomings with one click.

Sharpness

  • confident sharpness at open aperture in the center of the frame, F / 1.4 in the center of the frame is fully 'working'
  • very good resolution in the center of the frame is achieved after f / 2.8
  • there is a drop in sharpness in the far corners of the frame
  • resolution in the corners of the frame reaches a good level at closed apertures around F / 5.6
  • at apertures after F / 5.6, more or less uniform sharpness is observed throughout the entire field of the frame (including far corners)
  • good contrast

Distortion

  • distortion is small, pincushion, unified
  • it is best to use a lens profile to correct distortion

Vignetting

  • weak vignetting at f / 1.4
  • vignetting disappears almost completely at values ​​after F / 2.0
  • vignetting decreases with focus towards MDF
  • vignetting is strongest when focusing at infinity

Aberration

  • the lens creates a large amount of chromatic aberration
  • there is a strong freeing (the color of the contrasting areas of confusion in green / blue and purple), the freezing is significantly reduced with aperture, after F / 2.8 it is weakly noticeable

Rest

  • the effect of the rays of the star is well pronounced (18 rays)
  • the lens works well with bright light sources in the frame, only in the most difficult conditions can you get small flares
  • satisfactory bokeh can be obtained in most cases
  • the optical scheme does not use aspherical elements, which means that the discs of confusion are without grooves and bulbous circles, which only benefits bokeh
Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Sample photos on APS-C (Sony a3500, JPEG + RAW)

All photos in the review are shown without processing. Camera used Sony a3500 Based on a 20 megapixel APS-C EXMOR CMOS sensor. All photos are on-camera JPEG. All examples were shot without a lens hood.

Some photographs were taken using a polarizing filter. GREEN.L CPL 52mm... Polarized photos are signed as '+ CPL'

Some of the photos were taken with a Cuely Fader ND2-400 52mm (S) variable density ND filter to avoid degradation of bokeh at fast shutter speeds, wide apertures and EFCS... True, a variable density ND filter gives other artifacts in bokeh and degrades the resolution. Photos with this filter are labeled '+ ND fader'.

Original JPEG '.JPG' photos can be view and / or download from this link (Google Drive, several galleries in several folders, for a total of 100+ photos). Original RAW photos '.ARW' can be view and / or download from this link (Google Drive, 24 photos).

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

My experience

Viltrox has released three best-selling crop lenses: 23/1.4, 33/1.4 и 56/1.4.

I am very pleased that Viltrox immediately reached the level of 'serious optics'. Particularly encouraging is the use of complex optical circuits that are not borrowing or updating old designs.

SIGMA 56 / 1.4 DC DN C и SONY E 1.8 / 50 OSS in general optically better than Viltrox 56 / 1.4, but also more expensive.

If there is a choice of such a lens, then I would not hesitate to take a cheap and very practical one. YONGNUO Ynlens YN50mm F1.8S DA DSM... The difference between 50mm and 56mm is not that great. The difference between f / 1.4 and f / 1.8 is 2/3 stops, which can also be experienced. But the cost between the lenses differs 3 times. And in general I really like YONGNUO Ynlens YN50mm F1.8S DA DSMwhich I consider to be almost the holy grail for the Sony E APS-C system.

Lenses Tokina atx-m 23mm F1.4 X, Tokina atx-m 33mm F1.4 X и Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 X are based on similar lenses from Viltrox (most likely even produced directly by Viltrox).

I noticed that Viltrox is being cunning, and for the MFT graph for the Viltrox 56 / 1.4 lens, instead of the widest aperture of F / 1.4, it shows the results for F / 1.8 (link to the official website, Viltrox caught by the hand as cheap!). Most likely this was done so that the graph lines were higher and the lens performance looked better.

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

All Sony E-mount cameras with APS-C sensor

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount


All Sony E lenses for APS-C

Fix Lenses:

  1. Sony 11 mm f/1.8 (announcement) [2022, black, AliExpress price]
  2. Sony 15 mm f / 1.4 G (announcement) [2022, black, AliExpress price]
  3. Sony 16 mm f/2.8 (overview) [2010, silver, AliExpress price]
  4. Sony 20 mm f/2.8 (announcement) [2013, silver, AliExpress price]
  5. Sony 24 mm f / 1.8 ZEISS ZA (overview) [2011, black]
  6. Sony 30 mm f / 3.5 MACRO (overview) [2011, silver, AliExpress price]
  7. Sony 35 mm f / 1.8 OSS (announcement) [2012, black, AliExpress price]
  8. Sony 50 mm f / 1.8 OSS (announcement) [2011, black/silver, AliExpress price]

Zoom Lenses:

  1. Sony 10-18 mm f / 4 OSS (announcement) [2012, black, AliExpress price]
  2. Sony 10-20 mm f / 4 G PZ (announcement) [2022, black, AliExpress price]
  3. Sony 16-50 mm f / 3.5-5.6 PZ OSS (overview) [2012, black/silver, AliExpress price]
  4. Sony 16-55 mm f / 2.8 G (announcement) [2019, black, AliExpress price]
  5. Sony 16-70 mm f / 4 OSS ZEISS ZA (announcement) [2013, black, AliExpress price]
  6. Sony 18-50 mm f/4-5.6 (overview) [2014, black]
  7. Sony 18-55 mm f / 3.5-5.6 OSS (overview) [2010, black/silver]
  8. Sony 18-105 mm f / 4 G PZ OSS (announcement) [2013, black, AliExpress price]
  9. Sony 18-110 mm f / 4 G PZ OSS (announcement) [2016, black]
  10. Sony 18-135 mm f / 3.5-5.6 OSS (overview) [2018, black, AliExpress price]
  11. Sony 18-200 mm f / 3.5-6.3 OSS (overview) [2010, silver, AliExpress price]
  12. Sony 18-200 mm f / 3.5-6.3 OSS LE (announcement) [2012, black, AliExpress price]
  13. Sony 18-200 mm f / 3.5-6.3 PZ OSS (announcement) [2012, black]
  14. Sony 55-210 mm f / 4.5-6.3 OSS (announcement) [2011, black/silver, AliExpress price]
  15. Sony 70-350 mm f/4.5–6.3 G OSS (announcement) [2019, black, AliExpress price]

Third-party autofocus lenses for Sony E APS-C:

Many interesting manual solutions are provided by Chinese manufacturers and brands. 7Artisans, TTartisan, Meike, Neewer, PerGear, Kamlan, Brightin star, Mitakon Zhongyi, Venus laowaFujian, ARTRALABAstrHori other. Autofocus Speed ​​Boosters are also interesting Viltrox Canon EF -> Sony E 0.71X и Metabones Canon EF -> Sony E 0.71X... List of full-frame cameras and lenses Sony FE (Full Frame E) here

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Price

The Viltrox 56 / 1.4 is priced around $ 300, which is a very attractive proposition. You can see the prices for Viltrox 56 / 1.4 with free shipping to the countries of the former CIS on Aliexpress at the official Vitlrox store - Viltrox Online SoreFor example, at this link.

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE for Sony E-mount

Results

The Viltrox 56 / 1.4 for Sony E mount is a very interesting lens for creative photography and filming. In general, everything is not bad, but a serious problem is compatibility with a particular camera in terms of the quality of autofocus, as well as noticeable spherochromatism. Viltrox 56 / 1.4 can be used as an alternative for SIGMA 56 / 1.4 DC DN Cas well as for the original SONY E 1.8 / 50 OSS.

10 main advantages:

  1. compact size, light weight
  2. high-quality assembly, metal hood included, protective coating of the front lens
  3. stepping focus motor fast enough
  4. internal focusing, DMF support, weak Focus Breathing effect
  5. Electronic focusing ring, comfortable manual focusing
  6. USB port for firmware update, constant firmware update on the official website
  7. Infinitely variable aperture control ring, nine aperture blades
  8. one ED and one HRI element in the optical scheme (for example, in Sony 50 / 1.8 OSS no special elements)
  9. EGF good for portrait photographyEGF is 84 mm)
  10. good optical performance, f / 1.4 'working'

10 main disadvantages:

  1. on heavily covered apertures, the aperture has the shape of an irregular nine-sided
  2. re-initializing lens during transition between 'A' <-> F / 16 aperture control modes and when the camera wakes up from sleep mode
  3. there is no aperture lock in 'A' mode (there is, for example, Viltrox 24 / 1.8)
  4. slight noise from the focus motor during auto and manual focus
  5. very poor autofocus performance with some older Sony cameras (no phase focus sensors)
  6. large MDF 60 cm, large maximum magnification ratio 1:10 (e.g. Ynlens 50 / 1.8S it is equal to 1: 7.1)
  7. no built-in image stabilizer (similar Sony 50 / 1.8 OSS he is)
  8. there is no protective seal for the mount, the lens itself is not protected
  9. it is not known where and how this lens should undergo warranty service
  10. strong milling

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 12, on the topic: Review of Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE

  • Alex

    somehow the pictures with YONGNUO Ynlens seemed quite sluggish, Viltrox in the open is much more interesting

  • Eduard

    not bad ... there is also a video review on it ... if it's interesting ..
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPnKf_fVbtA

  • koba

    Unsurprisingly, in China itself, this lens actually stopped sales of the original 56 / 1.4. Local buyers bought this lens in parallel with the original and returned the original to the seller a few days later (here you can return the purchased product to people within 7 days without any explanation).

    • Arkady Shapoval

      What is the original?

      • Andrei

        apparently referring to fujinon

    • Andrei

      What kind of Chinese fantasies about original ones? Does Sonya have 56 / 1,4?

  • Eugene

    Thanks for the review! .. it was interesting ..

  • Paul

    Perhaps I did not read the review carefully, but I did not find one detail - how does it cover the full frame, at the seven? What is the degree of vignetting at full frame, if any?

    • Timur

      also interested in this question

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The strongest vignetting (just black corners), there is no point in a full frame

  • Michael

    Good afternoon. I ask YOU to help in choosing from three lenses: YONGNUO LENS YN50mm F1.4, Canon EF Lens 50mm 1: 1.8 STM, Viltrox AF 56mm 1: 1.4 STM ED IF CE
    make a CHOICE for the camera kenon 7d
    Help, I photograph graduation ALBUMS, so I rely on your experience. What YOU took for yourself, Value for money, quality. If you reset the leader link to the lens on Ali Express, I will be happy. Thanks in advance Michael.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Used Kenon 50 1.4

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