Viltrox AF 55mm F1.8 EVO

The Viltrox AF 55mm F1.8 EVO is a compact full-frame normal prime with autofocus for Sony E and Nikon Z mount. It was introduced together with the AF 35mm F1.8 EVO as one of the first two APO lenses in the EVO line and is aimed at portraits, street photography and everyday shooting with a field of view slightly narrower than a classic 50mm.

Optical design

Viltrox lists 13 elements in 9 groups with 2 ED, 2 HR and 1 UA element and describes the design as apochromatic (APO). According to Viltrox and press coverage, the aim is to reduce chromatic aberration and color fringing and to keep color rendition consistent in high-contrast scenes. The diaphragm has 9 blades and stops down to F16. The minimum focus distance is 0.43 m at a maximum magnification of 0.16x.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus is driven by an STM motor with a lead screw and supports face and eye detection from the camera. The lens has a focus ring, an aperture ring with a CLICK switch, an Fn button and an AF/MF switch. The mount is rubber sealed and the front element has a water and smudge resistant coating. The filter thread is 58 mm, and a USB-C port handles firmware updates.

Build and size

The E-mount version weighs about 370 g with a diameter of 69 mm and a length of 76 mm. The Z-mount version weighs about 390 g and is 78 mm long. The body shares its 58 mm filter size and general proportions with the AF 35mm F1.8 EVO and the AF 85mm F2.0 EVO, so the three lenses form a matching set.

Where it fits

At 55mm and F1.8 the lens sits close to the usual 50mm F1.8 class. On Sony E, direct comparisons are the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 and the Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Zeiss Sonnar T*. On Nikon Z, the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S is the obvious reference. Within Viltrox, the AF 50mm F1.4 Pro offers one stop more light with VCM autofocus at a much higher weight, while the AF 85mm F2.0 EVO covers the portrait end of the EVO trio.

Pros and cons

Pros

• APO design aimed at low color fringing, according to Viltrox
• Compact at 370 to 390 g with a 58 mm filter thread
• 0.43 m minimum focus distance
• Aperture ring with CLICK switch, Fn button and AF/MF switch

Cons

• F1.8 is a stop slower than F1.4 standard lenses
• STM instead of VCM focus motor
• No image stabilization in the lens
• Weather protection limited to the rubber-sealed mount and coated front element

Verdict

The AF 55mm F1.8 EVO is a light, carefully equipped standard prime with an APO design. It fits photographers who want a compact everyday lens and do not need F1.4 or the weight that comes with it.