Viltrox AF 50mm F1.4 Pro

A not-so-standard, standard prime for full-frame Nikon and Sony mirrorless cameras

- 

It's been just over six months since I tested the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro for Sony cameras.

I'm still hoping that Viltrox will announce a Nikon Z version of the 85mm, but in the meantime, the 50mm lens is being launched in both Sony E and Nikon Z versions. The 50mm isn't really the little sibling of the 85mm, as they're exactly the same size and weight, and have an identical layout of controls. That said, while both lenses have the exact same diameter and a 77mm filter thread, the 85mm is an almost imperceptible 2mm longer. The Nikon Z version is 2mm longer again, and 30g heavier, but there's little in it. The 85mm bowled me over with its pro-grade build and handling, top-drawer image quality and all-round performance. The similarity of the two lenses is a positive, too, as this new addition sets out to be one of the best lenses for Nikon Z and Sony E-mounts.

Build and handling

If you're in the market for fast glass, 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 lenses should be top of your wish list. On a full-frame camera, a 50mm lens has an entirely natural perspective, and the 85mm focal length is perfect for portraiture. The faster Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 Lab and longer Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 Lab are also appealing.

Chopping and changing between lenses can be a chore, and I'm more likely to swap between different lenses when shooting with primes rather than a zoom. The main issue is that different lenses typically feel different in size and weight and have a range of controls. One of the most appealing things about this Viltrox 50mm is that it's a carbon copy of the 85mm f/1.4 Pro lens. Swapping between them, there's no pause in the creative flow, as they look and feel identical. The only difference is that the front optical element of the 50mm has a smaller diameter, although both have the same 77mm filter thread.