Third-party lenses are very important for many users, with companies such as Viltrox pushing boundaries. The company has models such as 35mm AF f1.2 LAB, 75mm AF f1.2 Pro E, and AF 27mm f1.2 Pro Z, which are some exciting lenses that offer a truly bright aperture. The company has now extended this range with the launch of a new lens, the 56mm f1.2 AF Pro, which is ideal for serious photographers looking for a reliable option. Here is a look at what the lens offers for creators.
The new 56mm by Viltrox is one of the widest aperture lenses in the company’s portfolio. So far, they have only introduced options such as f1.7 and f1.4. This latest iteration is also designed for full-frame cameras such as Nikon Z, Sony E, and APS-C models, and the XF system.
So, what does the lens offer? Well, it is designed with 13 elements in 8 groups, including 3 high-refractive index (HR) lenses, 1 extra-low dispersion (ED) lens, and 1 ultra-large & precision aspherical (UA) lens. There is also Advanced HD nano coating to help keep aberrations and distortions at bay. The lens is also equipped with a focus lock button, a click switch, an AF/MF switch, and a focus and aperture ring. The XF variant, however, doesn’t include the click switch.
The lens also has a hyper VCM motor (VCM), which is used for fast autofocus. It has a close focusing distance of 0.5m, a maximum magnification of 0.13x, internal focus, a filter thread of 67mm, and dust and drip resistance. The lens weighs 570g for Sony, 575g for Fujifilm, and 595g for Nikon Z. There is also a slight difference in size. The Sony version measures 78.4×91.7mm, the Fujifilm version is 78.4x92mm, and the Nikon version is 78.4×94.1mm. The Viltrox lens is $580.
Only Fujifilm has its own 56mm f1.2 lens. However, Nikon and Sony do not have one. Sigma has a 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary, but it costs slightly less than the Viltrox version, just $530. While the lens produces great images, it has noticeable pinch cushion distortion in RAW files and severe vignetting.
The new lens is likely to perform much better. We can say this because the company’s previous offerings have been excellent. An example is the 50mm AF f2 Air. The lens has autofocus, solid image quality, and is very affordable. As we said in our review, “The Viltrox AF 50mm f2 Air manages to not only tick off every box but also surprised me with just how good it was for the price.” There is also an 85mm f1.4 FE, which also produces great colors and has fast focusing. In that regard, the new Viltrox 56mm f1.2 will be liked by street photographers, portrait photographers, event photographers, and wedding photographers. If you are someone who is looking for a second lens that performs well and is budget-friendly, then this is your option.
For more information, head to Viltrox’s website.
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