Vistilen AF 55mm F1.8 Pro

The Vistilen AF 55mm F1.8 Pro is a full-frame autofocus prime from the brand's Pro series, offered for Canon RF, Nikon Z, Leica L and Sony E mount. At 55mm it sits close to the natural field of view of the human eye, and Vistilen suggests it for portraits, landscapes and still life. On Canon RF, Vistilen calls the mount EFR and lists Canon EOS R bodies as compatible.

Optical design

Vistilen specifies 11 elements in 8 groups, with ED, aspherical and high-refractive-index elements named on the product page, and says the design supports 8K sensors. The diaphragm has 9 blades and closes to F16. The minimum focus distance is 0.55 m. The full-frame diagonal angle of view is 43.3 degrees. The detailed data sheet exists only for the RF version; the shop pages for the Nikon Z, Leica L and Sony E versions carry no specification table.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is handled by a stepping motor that Vistilen calls Dual-Guide PSM, which it says combines high speed with very low noise. The lens supports eye and face detection autofocus, and Vistilen mentions minimal focus breathing for video. The product page does not show an aperture ring or customizable buttons.

Build and size

The filter thread is 58 mm. The RF version measures 74 mm in diameter and 88 mm in length and weighs 370 g. The body is made from polymer, which Vistilen credits for the light weight. Weight and length for the other mounts are not given in the sources used here.

Where it fits

Fast 55mm and 50mm lenses on full frame include the Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Zeiss Sonnar T*, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 and the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM, and the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S for Nikon Z. The Panasonic Lumix S 50mm F1.8 covers L mount. Within Vistilen's range the 55mm Pro is the standard prime above the AF 35mm F2.

Pros and cons

Pros

• F1.8 with 9 aperture blades and a 0.55 m minimum focus distance
• ED, aspherical and high-refractive-index elements named by Vistilen
• Light at 370 g for the RF version
• Available for four mounts

Cons

• No image stabilization in the lens
• No aperture ring or custom button shown
• Data sheet only for the RF version, other mounts without weight and size
• Compatibility with Canon RF is stated by Vistilen only

Verdict

The AF 55mm F1.8 Pro is a light standard prime with a fast aperture that is offered for several mounts. It suits users who want a simple autofocus lens in the 50mm range and accept a spartan control set.