Review of Viltrox AF 56mm 1:1.7 STM ED IF (APS-C for Sony E, Nikon Z, FujiFilm X)

Navigation

1. In short
2. Main Specifications
3. Assembly
4. Focusing
5. Firmware Upgrade
6. Image quality
7. Examples of photos (+source files)
8. Price
9. My experience
10. Video review
11. Results
12. User Comments
13. Add your review or question on the lens

In this review I will abbreviate the Viltrox AF 56mm 1:1.7 STM ED IF lens as 'Viltrox 56/1.7 AF'.

It's important: This review shows the Viltrox 56/1.7 AF version for Sony mirrorless cameras with a mount Sony e-mount and with firmware version v1.02. At the same time, there are modifications of this lens for mirrorless cameras APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) и APS-C FujiFilm X.

UPDATED: at the end of September 2024, a version of Viltrox 56/1.7 AF with a white body color appeared.

In short

Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is a modern lens for mirrorless cameras with a “cropped” APS-C sensor (coefficient crop factor Kf=1.5x or more). In terms of its parameters, Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is a very attractive solution. First of all, Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is intended for creative photography and video shooting. Including Viltrox 56/1.7 AF can act as a portrait lens, it EGF (equivalent focal length) on cameras with crop factor Kf=1.5x equals 84 mm, which almost completely corresponds to the classic focal length of 85 mm, which is considered well suited for portrait photography.

Automatic focusing is carried out using a stepper motor. The image quality is at a very high level.

Viltrox 56/1.7 AF can be considered the younger brother of a very successful model Viltrox AF 56mm 1:1.4 STM ED IF C. Unlike its older brother, the new Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is a lightweight and compact lens, with lower price.

Also Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is an alternative to the original autofocus similar lens Sony E 1.8 / 50 OSS (Optical Steady Shot, SEL50F18, E-mount, 2011).

System APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) at the end of summer 2024 remains poorly developed and does not have any similar lenses of the 50/1.4 class, and therefore Viltrox 56/1.7 AF for APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) is a very interesting and in demand solution.

In the case of a system fujifilm x the new Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is an alternative for FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS SUPER EBC XF 50mm 1: 2 R WR (2017). Perhaps the Viltrox 56/1.7 AF will also be looked at by those users for whom the original high-aperture models are of the same type 50mm 1:1 XF R WR, 56mm 1:1.2 XF R, 56mm 1:1.2 XF R APD, 56mm 1:1.2 XF R WR will turn out to be too expensive.

The price for a brand new Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is low and amounts to approximately 160 dollars.

It's important: when searching and choosing autofocus optics for Sony E-mount APS-C Use these very useful links:

• All autofocus lenses for Sony E / Sony NEX (original and from third-party manufacturers)
• All Viltrox Lenses

Alternatives

All similar autofocus lenses (“fifty kopecks” and “about fifty kopecks”) for cropped mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor for mounts X, E, Z, L, Ef-m, RF-S:

1. Sony E 1.8 / 50 OSS [IS]
2. FujiFilm 50mm 1:1 XF R WR [X]
3. FujiFilm 50mm 1:2 XF R WR  [X]
4. FujiFilm 56mm 1:1.2 XF R [X]
5. FujiFilm 56mm 1:1.2 XF R APD [X]
6. FujiFilm 56mm 1:1.2 XF R WR [X]
7. Viltrox 56/1.4 (overview) [X, E, Z, EF-M] (video)
8. Viltrox 56/1.7 (overview) [X, E, Z] (video)
9. Sigma C 56 / 1.4 [X, E, Z, L, EF-M, RF-S]
10. TTArtisan 56 / 1.8 [X, E, Z]
11. Tokina 56 / 1.4 [X, E]
12. Yongnuo 50/1.8 PRO [X, Z]
13. Yongnuo 50/1.8 (overview) [X, E, Z] (video)
14. Yongnuo 50 / 1.8 II [IS]
15. Yongnuo 56/1.4  [E,Z]
16. Meike 55 / 1.4 [X, E, Z]
17. Brightin Star 50/1.4 (overview) [X, E, Z] (video)

Main technical characteristics of Viltrox AF 56mm 1:1.7 STM ED IF

Review Instance Name	On the lens barrel: AF 56/1.7 ED Viltrox + data plate Near the front lens: AF 56mm 1:1.7 STM ED IF Image Size Ø28.4mm Ø52mm 0.55m/1.8ft On the box: Viltrox APS-C AF 56/1.7 AUTO FOCUS PRIME LENS
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 Pass 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 Special Coated optics, with protection of the front lens from water and dirt USB-port for firmware update Electronic focus ring Included hood Viltrox AIR – the lens belongs to the AIR lens line, which is characterized by lightness and compactness (these include models 20/2.8, 56/1.7, 40/2.5) Important: lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its use
Front Filter Diameter	52 mm, plastic thread for filters
Focal length	56mm Equivalent Focal Length for Cameras Sony E APS-C / APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) / APS-C FujiFilm X is 84 mm
Zoom ratio	1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by	for cropped mirrorless digital cameras. Theoretically, the lens is suitable for all digital mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses and mount SONY E/FE и APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) и APS-C FujiFilm X
Number of aperture blades	9 rounded petals
Tags	bayonet mount mark hood attachment mark
Diaphragm	from F/1.7 to F/16 without aperture control ring
MDF	0.55 meters, maximum magnification ratio 1:9.1
The weight	171 grams without lids according to my measurements (version under Sony e-mount) 200 grams with two caps and a lens hood according to my measurements
Optical design	11 elements in 9 groups. Elements used ED (Extra Low Dispersion, low dispersion elements) and H.R.I. (High Refaction Index, ultra-high refractive index) The diagram is clickable to enlarge.
Lens hood	Bayonet-type lens hood included in delivery
Manufacturer country	MADE IN CHINA (Made in China)
Period	Since 3 April 2024 years for APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) / APS-C FujiFilm X. And from August 19th for Sony E APS-C
Instructions	Included in delivery
Price	About $160, see current prices on Aliexpress

The actual aperture ratio (T-stage) is quite high, and is at the T/1.5 level.

Aperture F/1.7 approx. three stops wider F/5.6 aperture, which is used in some 'dark' standard lenses. Each step gives a twofold increase in aperture: 1.4 -> 2 -> 2.8 -> 4 -> 5.6. In numerical terms this means that the Viltrox 56/1.7 AF should be 11 times lighterthan stock lens Sony 16-50mm f / 3.5-5.6 PZ OSS or Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS II, which at 50 mm focal length can use a maximum relative aperture of only 1:5.6. Calculating the difference in relative apertures (count aperture ratio) is done in an elementary way: (5.6*5.6)/(1.7*1.7)=11. The creative potential of such a lens is difficult to overestimate. Amateur photographers often use it as a portrait lens. Many people simply want a fast prime to complement their kit lens.

Assembly

The lens came for review new in its original box. The package does not include a USB cable for updating the firmware.

Viltrox 56/1.7 AF has metal mount. The focus ring is plastic, with veins, not rubberized.

The weight of the Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is approximately 170 grams. The lens body is made of plastic. The assembly is high quality. The lens feels good in your hands.

A durable plastic lens hood is included in the package. Bayonet type lens hood, snap-on reliably. The lens hood can be installed in the opposite direction (in transport mode), but in this case, access to the focus ring is partially lost.

The front and rear protective covers are plastic, massive, and easy to use.

The diaphragm consists of 9 blades. At values ​​F/1.7-F/4 the hole takes on a fairly round shape. At values ​​F/8-F/16, the aperture opening takes the shape of a regular hexagon. The diaphragm works quickly, does not stick, but creates excessive noise from frequent opening/closing.

It's important: The lens is initialized after the camera goes to sleep and wakes up, and when the camera is turned on. During initialization, the lens changes its aperture from F/16 to the specified value. The lens also sets a certain focusing distance.

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.

Important: Initialization takes about one and a half seconds, which makes it difficult to quickly turn on the camera and take the first photo.

Focusing

Very important: Viltrox 56/1.7 AF will only work correctly with modern cameras with a Sony E mount. Certain difficulties may arise with older models. For example, on cameras Sony NEX-F3 (2012) and Sony a3500 (2014) Viltrox 56/1.7 AF auto focus works very poorly. Most likely, for the Viltrox 56/1.7 AF to work correctly, you need a camera with phase focusing sensors. For example, on older models Sony NEX-6 и Sony a7 the lens works correctly.

The lens has a built-in STM focusing stepper motor. The motor runs very quietly.

Auto focus speed average, closer to high. The focusing speed is sufficient for comfortable work in most photo tasks.

The focusing ring is plastic, wide, with veins. Electronic focusing ring, rotates very easily, has no extreme positions. The ring can be rotated with only one finger. There is virtually no lag in the electronic focusing ring.

During auto focus focus ring remains stationary.

Lens has internal focus, the front and rear lenses remain stationary during focusing. It is possible to use various filters without any problems.

The minimum focusing distance is 55 cm and the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 9.1.

Focus Features:

1. Important: The focusing quality of the Viltrox 56/1.7 AF greatly depends on the camera used.
2. Viltrox 56/1.7 AF has a strong 'Focus Breathing' effect (changing the viewing angle while focusing). When focusing towards the MDF, the viewing angle decreases.
3. Focus Shift (focus shift, changing focus distance due to iris)
4. Viltrox 56/1.7 AF does not have a hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop), which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens to infinity under any external temperature conditions. To accurately aim at infinity, you cannot simply bring the focusing ring to its extreme position. This is a common problem with lenses with an electronic focus ring.
5. Unknown compatibility with teleconverters.

Firmware Upgrade

The lens is equipped with a port USB TYPE-C 2.0 (a common port that many smartphones and other devices use). When connected to a computer, the lens is recognized as a 'Viltrox DFU' 1.96 MB drive. The drive carries the file DeviceInformation.txt - a text file with information about the lens and firmware, as well as the firmware file UserProfile.dat itself.

To update you should download the firmware file from the official website and copy it to the 'Viltrox DFU' drive, wait 5 seconds, then make sure that the text file shows the new firmware version. You may need to update information about your drive and/or connected devices. At the time of writing this review, there was no firmware update for this lens yet. It is worth noting that Viltrox constantly updates the firmware for its lenses.

Image quality

In general, the image quality of the Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is at a high level.

Resolution

• in the center of the frame at F/1.7 the lens is wonderful in terms of resolution
• there is a very slight drop in sharpness towards the edges of the frame at F/1.7. Even across the field of a full-frame sensor at 1.7, the resolution to the edges and corners drops slightly (example)
• after approximately F/2.8, the resolution is at a very high level across the entire field of the frame

Distortion

• small pincushion distortion
• the overall level of distortion is at a level typical for such lenses
• the nature of distortion is unified, easily corrected in the editor

Vignetting

• the overall level of vignetting is at a level typical for such lenses
• noticeable vignetting is observed only at F / 1.7-F / 2.5
• vignetting almost disappears at F / 2.8-F / 4
• vignetting is easily fixable in the editor
• full frame sensor lens covers like this

Aberration

• there is a small amount of chromatic aberration at open apertures
• there is a weak one friging (HA in the blur zone)
• aperture down to f / 4 significantly reduces the amount of HA

Rest

• the aperture opening at F/1.7-F/4 values ​​is quite round and smooth; at F/8-F/16 values ​​you can see regular nine-sided angles
• The lens tolerates side and back light well
• in many scenes, the lens can create a pleasant / neutral bokeh

There is no lens profile for the lens in popular RAW converters, but most likely the profile will appear shortly or you can create it yourself.

Examples of photos on APS-C (Sony a3500)

Camera used Sony a3500 (20MP Sony Exmor APS-C HD CMOS sensor) and Sony NEX-F3 (16 MP Sony APS-C HD CMOS sensor).

• Original photos from Sony a3500 и Sony NEX-F3 in RAW format (Sony '.ARW') you can view / download this link (100+ files, Google Drive gallery).
• Developed/converted photographs from Sony a3500 и Sony NEX-F3 in JPEG format ('.jpg') you can view / download this link (120+ files, Google Drive gallery).

More photos will be added over time.

EGF Such a lens on cameras with an APS-C sensor corresponds to approximately 84 mm, which is close to the classic focal length of 85 mm for portrait photography. And the equivalent aperture in terms of depth of field is approximately F/2.55. As a result, on cameras with an APS-C sensor with Viltrox 56/1.7 AF, you get something like an 85/2.8 class lens.

Electronic front curtain shutter Sony a3500 in some photographs the bokeh was spoiled at open apertures and shutter speeds shorter than 1/1000 of a second, the reasons for this problem are described here... The lens is not to blame, purely a shutter feature Sony a3500. With a camera Sony NEX-F3 I used mechanical front and rear curtains and there were no problems with bokeh.

Prices

Prices for Viltrox 56/1.7 AF on Aliexpress you can see at this link.

My experience

I worked with this lens for about a month and took about 10.000 shots with it. I mostly filmed at a festival that lasted a whole week (a thousand frames a day + a few other creative ideas).

Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is the ideal solution for those who Viltrox 56 / 1.4 too expensive.

Viltrox 56/1.7 AF – very available A “real” portrait lens for cropped mirrorless cameras. One of the best of its kind. I can strongly recommend it to anyone who wants a “fifty-kopeck” or “portrait” camera for their cropped mirrorless camera APS-C SONY E, APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) и APS-C FujiFilm X

Once again, the Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is simply excellent for the price.

Video review

Results

The Viltrox 56/1.7 AF is an affordable portrait lens that copes well with other creative and not-so-creative photographic tasks. Optical quality is at a high level. One of the best similar lenses in terms of ratio prices and quality. True, there are compatibility problems with some older cameras Sony E mount, but for systems Nikon Z (Nikon DX) и fujifilm x There are no special restrictions.

main advantages

1. internal focusing, electronic wide focusing ring
2. quiet and fast stepper focusing motor, tenacious automatic focusing (on cameras of the latest models)
3. good/excellent build quality: metal mount, reliable and comfortable caps, bayonet-type hood
4. USB port for firmware upgrade, easy firmware upgrade method
5. nine-petal diaphragm
6. modern complex optical design with special optical elements
7. nice / neutral drawing, which can be used as a good artistic technique during portraiture
8. high resolution across the entire frame field already at F/1.7
9. low level of chromatic aberration, vignetting and distortion
10. good value for money

main disadvantages

1. limited selection of cameras with full compatibility. Critical: Lenses are not recognized by some older camera models. Updating the firmware does not change the situation. Most likely, the lens will only work with cameras that have phase focusing sensors (from the Sony NEX series - this NEX-5R, NEX-5T, NEX-6, from the Sony ALPHA line - all except older Sony models a3000, a3500, a5000)
2. there are no indicators such as focusing distance scale, depth of field, etc.
3. no AF/MF focus mode switch
4. the lens is not protected from environmental influences
5. there is no image stabilizer (there is Sony E 1.8 / 50 OSS)
6. there is no aperture control ring (there is Viltrox 56 / 1.4)
7. slight noise from the diaphragm mechanism
8. sometimes there is a long initialization of the lens
9. not the most convenient maximum magnification ratio, which is 1:9.1 (for example, Sony E 1.8 / 50 OSS it is 1:6.3)
10. some minor optical imperfections, such as a small amount of flare in strong backlight

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval.