You have to admire Viltrox.  Just a few short years ago I reviewed my first Viltrox lens (a manual focus wide angle), but by their third lens, I was reviewing an autofocus lens.  And, since that point, they have tackled most modern mirrorless platform with autofocus lenses, from Sony E/FE to Fuji X to Canon EF-M and RF to Nikon Z.  That takes a lot of guts, as each platform has its own unique challenges, but Viltrox has smartly packaged and repackaged their optical designs with new looks, cine versions, and releases on new platforms like Canon RF and Nikon Z.  They have pulled it off, too, with largely successful lenses at very competitive prices.  About a year ago I reviewed what was the first of a new series of lenses for 2021, a 24mm F1.8 STM lens which I reviewed in a Sony FE mount.  The 24mm was to be followed up in 2021 with a 35mm F1.8 along with a 50mm F1.8 lens.  2021 didn’t turn out like any of us planned, however, and development of the 35mm and 50mm lenses got pushed back.  Here we are at the beginning of 2022, however, and the Viltrox AF 50mm F1.8 STM is here.

I’ve been anticipating the arrival of this particular lens because I do think it meets a need in the market.  Sony has had a FE 50mm F1.8 on the market since 2016, but that lens came when full frame mirrorless was still in its infancy, and it shows in some ways.  It has a cruder micromotor autofocus system which is buzzy, slow, and the lens is not internally focusing.  That lens also is a “plastic fantastic” with a plasticky build and is completely devoid of features.  The Sony lens is fairly inexpensive ($250 USD), but leaves a lot to be desired.  I’ve been recommending the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 to potential buyers instead, as, though it also has a plasticky build (and isn’t quite 50mm!), it has a stronger autofocus and optical performance.  I quite like that little lens and continue to reach for it.  The Viltrox AF 50mm F1.8 helps to fill the void for those looking for a nicer budget 50mm option.  Though a bit more expensive ($375 USD), it offers a nicer build, better autofocus, and, in many ways, a superior optical performance to the Sony, and, at the least, a better build than the Samyang.

This review will explore whether or not the Viltrox justifies that price hike relative to the Sony lens, and whether or not the Viltrox AF 50mm F1.8 worthy of consideration for your Sony full frame (or APS-C) mirrorless camera?  Get my opinion by watching my definitive video review or reading my text review of the lens.

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I want to thank Viltrox for sending me a test retail copy of the lens for review. As always, this is a completely independent review.  The opinions here are completely my own.  *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with the new Sony Alpha 1 which will serve as my benchmark camera for the foreseeable future (my review here).

Photos of the Viltrox AF 50mm F1.8 STM 

Photos Taken with the Viltrox AF 50mm F1.8 STM 

Gear Used:

Purchase the Viltrox AF 50mm F1.8 STM @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Viltrox Store (use Code DUSTINABBOTT for a discount) | Pergear | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK 

Purchase the Viltrox AF 24mm F1.8 STM @ B&H Photo  | Amazon | Viltrox Store (use Code DUSTINABBOTT for a discount)  | Pergear (Worldwide)  | Amazon Canada  | Amazon UK 

Purchase a Sony a7C @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

Purchase the Sony Alpha 1 @ Camera Canada | B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

Purchase a Sony a9M2 @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

Sony a9 Camera:  B&H Photo | Amazon | Camera Canada  | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 
Sony a7RIV Camera: B&H Photo | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

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Purchase a Sony a7C @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

Peak Design Leash Strap:  Peak Design Store | B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada  | Amazon UK

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