The budget category lens is one of the most competitive category in the photographic world. And guess what? Viltrox has just introduce a new 56mm F1.7 AF lens. Did I mention its cost USD$139? More new lenses means more choices for us.
Let’s get to it. I have always love Viltrox for its great IQ its lenses produce. They may not be the smallest or lightest but one can rest assure the IQ is always good. I have known many professional using a Viltrox. How is theIQ of this lens compared with its competitor?
Generally speaking it is very good. Contrast SOOC is great especially for lenses in this segment. As you know some lenses SOOC are rather soft or flat. Below is a SOOC close up shot. This lens minimum focusing distant is at 0.55m. Great for a portraits lens and also many other application.
If you are looking for good bokeh, I would recommend this lens. The bokeh is great at F1.7. Its may not be the most bokelicious lens as its only F1.7 but I think it’s good enough. Good enough separation!
AUTO FOCUS
Auto focus on this lens is average to me. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not slow. For day to day shooting it work beautifully. It’s just not lighting fast; just quick.
CHROMATIC ABERRATION
Chromatic aberration or some call it purple fringing; its pretty well control on this lens. Which is a good thing. I do encounter some flare when the light does hit on the lens. That is where you put on the plastic hood. Right?
SIZE AND DESIGN
I like the size of this lens. At 52mm in diameter; it’s a good size when paired with any X-series camera. Weighting at 171 grams, this lens is feather weight class. Of course it’s made of plastic. And its does feels pretty premium. Feels like a Sigma lens. On that note this Viltrox lens design does looks like a Sigma lens too. Which is not a bad thing. Lens mount is metal and has a USB-C for future lens firmware update. There is no aperture ring on this lens and it’s not WR.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion; I am happy there is another budget lens flooding the market. For this 56mm F1.7 AF lens by Viltrox; if you are on a budget; I think this lens is a worthy consideration. It’s price very well and it certainly worth more than the price suggest.
