Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 : Specifications and Opinions

Reviews

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The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

DomenicoZauber

sent on 14 Maggio 2023

Pros: Compact, lightweight, sharp, blurred, 52mm filters, construction, AF on Fuji, exceptional value for money.

Cons: Declicked apertures, firmware to be loaded off camera, chromatic aberration

Opinion: Exceptional quality / price ratio, we are talking about a portrait lens f / 1.4 at just over 300 euros from new, however, with a solid construction (it is not "plastic") and respectable image quality characteristics. Sharp already at full aperture but becomes a blade at the intermediate diaphragms and well contrasted, blurred pleasant and not distracting. Very compact, given the opening and also remains light with the possibility of mounting the very common 52mm filters, the same that in Fuji have, for example, the 18mm f / 2 and the 35mm f / 1.4. Reactive AF, which amazed me, almost at the level of the latest Fuji wr and better than the old generation Fujinon: mounted on X-T2 I did a dance job at night, with very "dancer" lights, so conditions among the worst imaginable, bringing home an excellent result (70-80% of shots in focus). The only features that did not convince me are the decliced diaphragm ring, the fairly heavy chromatic aberration at open apertures and updates to be done via cable instead of directly in the room (as happens instead for the twin lenses branded Tokina) but they are subtleties.

Agatensi

sent on 23 Agosto 2022

Pros: Yield at 1.4, maybe price, construction.

Cons: Speed af (at least on my Sony a6300), aperture ring not braked.

Opinion: Taken because it corresponds to a focal length congenial to me (85mm equivalent), it shows sharp files already at 1.4. Obviously closing they improve even more, and then "collapse" from f8 upwards. Built well, it weighs the right and is well balanced. I was not convinced by the autofocus (af eye not very usable on moving subjects) in general and the diaphragm ring not braked. Leaving it in A it often happens that it moves, thus shooting at f16. It is always to be controlled, much better without and diaphragm control from camera body. In short, a lens that makes its own, but if you look at the used with little more you take the Sigma 56 1.4, lens in my opinion more valid.

Simon1

sent on 08 Dicembre 2021

Pros: Autofocus, general quality materials

Cons: nothing x as I use it

Opinion: I took a few days intrigued this 56,1,4 to match my xt2, also having the 2 versions 56 1.2 Fuji where the Af seemed a bit 'too dancer, I state that my fun with these lenses are quite limited to photos to grandchildren, who never stand still, and immediately noticed a better Af, on 50 shots only 1 not hooked correctly, I state I am just a photography enthusiast and rightly these are just my personal considerations far away for sure to the lovers of details

Andreascaffidi

sent on 14 Ottobre 2021

Pros: Autofocus, overall quality, sharpness

Cons: cold shades

Opinion: I have been using it for about 2 months, mounted on the X-Pro3 and practically never unhooked, so I can get an idea. Surely for what it costs, especially used, it is very valid, I have little to say about it. The autofocus, combined with that of the camera, did not give me any particular problems in hooking the subjects, even in dim light. I noticed in the dominant photos cooler than other lenses, you can clearly see that they give more on the blue, but in post production we say that it corrects quite easily. Bokeh nice soft and great contrast. Very undecided initially whether to take the 56 of the parent company, but given the price I preferred to take the Viltrox and I did not regret it.

Stefano67

sent on 17 Luglio 2021

Pros: Autofocus , sharpness , contrast

Cons: few

Opinion: Coming from the experience of the magnificent Viltrox 85 1.8 mark 1, I took intrigued the 56, after two bad experiences (rehearsals) with the 56 of the parent company, where the Af seemed to me a little too dancer, and was immediately love, without many compromises, both videos and photos, with the magic of a length that I have always loved as the 85 on FF , the XT3 perfectly matches this lens returning faithful colors, slightly colder than fuji. In the counter light, some difficulty in maintaining the gost flare, but I think it is permissible from a glass that costs a third of the holder, but I shot anyway and found good results. The day before yesterday I tested it thoroughly in a shooting in the water with model, light of the early hours of the morning, he did not miss a shot, all in focus, perfect drops on the skin, diaphragm held constantly at 3.5, where probably gives the maximum of incisiveness. What to say ? Highly recommended on Fuji and remember to do the update

Fenice2002

sent on 02 Aprile 2021

Pros: Price, sharpness, brightness, colors, materials

Cons: Autofocus (on Sony A6400), Chromatic aberrations

Opinion: Comforted by what is reported on the alphablog website regarding image quality and AF performance similar to native lenses, I decide to combine my new A6400 with this portrait lens. It is built really well and the optical quality is remarkable (at f1.4 it already has a very good sharpness and closing it becomes really excellent). I confirm the issue of chromatic aberrations that in the pp phase I was only successfully able to mitigate in part. The big problem that led me to request its return is the AF. Inaccurate, slow, inconsistent and practically unusable with diaphragms more closed than f/1.8. I also updated to the latest firmware version, which seems to me to be even worse. This aspect totally obscures the good qualities of this lens. I cannot add to my machine that I have chosen precisely for its AF system a lens that mortifies its performance in this way. It's a real shame, but so is it. However, I appreciate Viltrox for having produced accessible lenses for ML as mother cases have now lost the light of reason on optical prices. I am confident that they can resolve in the future and then I will be happy to try again.

Stropy01

sent on 31 Gennaio 2021

Pros: Price, sharpness, brightness, materials, autofocus

Cons: Chromatic aberrations in situations of strong contrast

Opinion: Considering the abysmal price difference from its Fujifilm consideration (56mm f/1.2) this Viltrox is a lens to be taken seriously for anyone without a multiple-zero bank account. At a price of 284 euros (European retailer on ebay) we are buying a lens with opening at 1.4, which allows you to shoot even in precarious light conditions and returns a really soft bokeh. A lens that is built entirely of metal, that gives a great feeling and yet keeps the weight low. Which is the classic "blade" with intermediate openings and already at full opening it is over the top. That has precise and lightning-fast autofocus that many Fujifilm lenses dream of (make sure you've updated the lens firmware to the last available, the differences with the old updates can be marked). The only real defect I have currently encountered is the presence of chromatic aberrations in situations of high contrast with high openings, for example by photographing with direct sun. In normal contrast situations no problem. It should be considered, however, that practically all very bright optics suffer from this defect, and that it is easily retouched in post if it occurs. Then well, we can say that the 56mm Fuji is a sharper hair with a full opening, which has warmer colors, which has less obvious chromatic aberrations (and which, however, there are). But is everything worth a triple price? It is your choice; I made mine and I hold this object tight.

Fosco_

sent on 14 Gennaio 2021

Pros: Price (if you can't spend more), sharpness, bokeh

Cons: Obvious chromatic aberrations

Opinion: Purchased driven by rave reviews, but rendered after about a week and various trials. Its weak point is definitely the chromatic aberrations, present and evident even with not too strong lights, which disappear only at f4. Problem can be corrected in post production, but that precisely precludes the rapid use of jpg in the room, if necessary. For the rest, the lens generally has a good yield, both in terms of definition and in terms of colors and contrast. Autofocus is also almost always fast and effective, while noting momentary uncertainties, which can certainly be corrected with subsequent software updates. Ultimately it is an entry level lens with merits and defects that can be encountered in this price range. The purchase is to be considered depending on your budget and needs; of course, if you can spend more, there is no shortage of alternatives.