Viltrox AF 50mm F1.4 Pro

The Viltrox AF 50mm F1.4 Pro is a full-frame standard prime with autofocus for Sony E and Nikon Z mount. It belongs to Viltrox's Pro series, alongside the AF 85mm F1.4 Pro, and targets portrait, street, low-light and video work with a classic 50mm field of view and an F1.4 maximum aperture.

Optical design

Viltrox specifies 15 elements in 11 groups with 1 UA (ultra-precision aspherical), 3 ED and 8 HR (high refractive index) elements. According to Viltrox, the UA element suppresses onion-ring bokeh, distortion and coma, and the ED elements reduce chromatic aberration. The diaphragm has 11 blades and stops down to F16. The minimum focus distance is 0.45 m at a maximum magnification of 0.145x.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus is driven by Dual HyperVCM voice coil motors, with face and eye detection support from the camera. Viltrox describes the system as fast and quiet. The lens has a customizable Fn button, a CLICK switch for the aperture ring and an AF/MF switch. A USB-C port handles firmware updates, and Viltrox recommends firmware v1.14 for optimized focus performance on the E-mount version. As with other Viltrox VCM lenses, the focus group can rattle when the camera is off, which Viltrox has described as normal for its VCM motors.

Build and size

The barrel is full metal with weather sealing and a water and smudge resistant coating on the front element. The filter thread is 77 mm. The E-mount version weighs about 800 g and measures 84.5 mm in diameter by 111 mm in length. The Z-mount version weighs about 830 g at 113 mm long. That is considerably heavier than typical 50mm F1.8 lenses.

Where it fits

Within the Viltrox range, the AF 50mm F1.4 Pro complements the AF 85mm F1.4 Pro; Viltrox compares the two as a standard and a portrait focal length with the same series design. On Sony E, alternatives in the same class include the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art and the Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE. On Nikon Z, comparable options are the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S and the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S.

Pros and cons

Pros

• F1.4 aperture with a 0.45 m minimum focus distance
• Fast VCM autofocus and minimal focus breathing according to Viltrox
• Weather-sealed all-metal build with Fn button, CLICK and AF/MF switches
• Available for both Sony E and Nikon Z

Cons

• Heavy at 800 to 830 g
• Large 77 mm filter thread and 84.5 mm diameter
• No image stabilization in the lens
• Focus group rattles when the camera is off

Verdict

The AF 50mm F1.4 Pro offers a bright standard focal length with a pro-style control set in a solid, weather-sealed body. The trade-off is weight and size, so shooters who prefer a light 50mm may look at slower alternatives.