Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 Pro

The Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 Pro is an autofocus portrait prime for APS-C cameras with Sony E, Fujifilm X or Nikon Z mount. On APS-C its 56mm focal length corresponds to roughly 85mm on full frame, and the F1.2 maximum aperture makes it the fastest 56mm in the Viltrox range. It is aimed at portrait, low-light and still-life work.

Optical design

According to Viltrox, the lens has 13 elements in 8 groups, including 1 UA (ultra-precision aspherical), 1 ED and 3 HR (high refractive index) elements. Viltrox says the UA element is there to subdue onion-ring bokeh and the ED element to correct axial chromatic aberration. The diaphragm has 11 blades and closes down to F16. The minimum focus distance is 0.5 m with a maximum magnification of 0.13x,.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is driven by a Dual HyperVCM motor, which Viltrox describes as faster, quieter and lower in vibration than its STM motors. The aperture diaphragm itself is driven by an STM motor. The Sony E and Nikon Z versions have an Fn button, an AF/MF switch and a CLICK switch for the aperture ring. The Fujifilm X version leaves out the CLICK and AF/MF switches because Fujifilm bodies do not support them, according to Viltrox. A USB-C port allows firmware updates. Viltrox calls a slight rattle of the focus group with the lens switched off normal for the VCM motor.

Build and size

The barrel is full metal with seals against dust and splashes and a water and smudge resistant coating on the front element. The filter thread is 67 mm. The weight is about 570 g for E mount, 575 g for X mount and 595 g for Z mount, with lengths of 91.7, 92 and 94.1 mm and a diameter of 78.4 mm.

Where it fits

In the Viltrox lineup it sits above the AF 56mm F1.4 and the AF 56mm F1.7 and below the AF 75mm F1.2 Pro in focal length. Viltrox itself notes that a full-frame 85mm F1.4 such as the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro produces stronger background blur at the same framing, because the 56mm F1.2 on APS-C corresponds to roughly an 86mm F1.8 in full-frame terms. Other options are the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary and, for Fujifilm X, the Fujifilm XF 56mm F1.2 R WR.

Pros and cons

Pros

• F1.2 maximum aperture at an 85mm-equivalent view
• Fast VCM autofocus with minimal focus breathing according to Viltrox
• Full-metal, weather-sealed body
• 11 aperture blades

Cons

• Heavy for an APS-C lens at 570 to 595 g
• Minimum focus distance of 0.5 m
• No image stabilization in the lens
• The X-mount version has no CLICK or AF/MF switch

Verdict

The AF 56mm F1.2 Pro is a bright, solidly built portrait lens for APS-C shooters who value maximum aperture over weight. The F1.4 and F1.7 56mm lenses are lighter options.