Viltrox AF 50mm F2

The Viltrox AF 50mm F2.0 Air is a compact autofocus standard prime for full-frame mirrorless cameras with Sony E, Nikon Z or Leica L mount. As part of the Air series it is built around low weight and a small body. Viltrox positions it for portraits, street photography and everyday use.

Optical design

Viltrox specifies 13 elements in 9 groups with 3 ED, 4 high refractive index and 1 aspherical element, plus an HD nano multi-layer coating. The aperture runs from F2.0 to F16 with 9 blades. The minimum focus distance is 0.51 m at a maximum magnification of 0.11x, so it is not a close-up lens. The viewing angle is 47.4 degrees. The lens covers the full-frame format.

Autofocus and handling

An STM stepping motor with a lead screw handles focusing, and the lens uses internal focusing. Viltrox states minimal focus breathing and support for the camera's in-body stabilization in video, but the lens has no stabilizer of its own. A USB-C port allows firmware updates. On the L-mount version Viltrox lists native support for in-camera lens corrections.

Build and size

The weight is 205 g on Sony E and Leica L and 220 g on Nikon Z. The diameter is 65 mm (68 mm on Z) and the length is 56.5 mm on E, 58.6 mm on Z and 54.4 mm on L. The filter thread measures 58 mm. Viltrox does not list weather sealing for this lens.

Where it fits

Viltrox sells a more ambitious 50mm in the AF 50mm F1.4 Pro, which is much larger and heavier. In the Sony E system the Sony FE 50mm F1.8, the Sigma 50mm F2 DG DN Contemporary and the Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G are the direct comparisons in this class. For Nikon Z, the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S and the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 are the native options. L-mount users can look at the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm F1.8.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Light at 205 to 220 g with a small body
• 13 elements with 3 ED and 1 aspherical element
• STM autofocus and USB-C firmware updates
• 58 mm filter thread
• Available for Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L

Cons

• Maximum aperture of F2.0 is not as bright as F1.4 or F1.8 standard lenses
• Minimum focus distance of 0.51 m
• No in-lens stabilization
• No weather sealing listed

Verdict

The AF 50mm F2.0 Air suits full-frame shooters who want a small and light standard prime and do not need the largest possible aperture. It is a sensible lightweight option next to the heavier F1.4 designs.