Viltrox has released a host of lenses over the last 18 months offering some excellent performance and solid alternatives to many of the bigger manufacturers. This review looks at the recently released 56mm f/1.4 for Sony APS-C cameras, a portrait lens that has some very stiff competition from Sigma.
Late last year, Viltrox unveiled two new lenses for Sony crop-sensor cameras: the 33mm f/1.4 and the 56mm f/1.4. Arthur R spent a week with the latter and weighs it up against the excellent Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary, a lens that has garnered some truly excellent reviews since it was announced at Photokina back in November 2018.
As Arthur discovers, there are some compelling reasons to save up those pennies and plump for the more expensive Sigma. Both lenses have 9 aperture blades and are similar in weight, though it’s worth noting that the metal body of the Viltrox suggests lighter glass given that the Sigma’s housing is plastic. In addition, the Sigma includes gaskets to keep out dust and moisture while the Viltrox will definitely need to stay out of the rain given that the mount not only lacks a gasket but is more susceptible to moisture thanks to the USB port built into it.
The Viltrox is currently on sale from B&H Photo for $299 making it cheaper than the Sigma which sells for $449. Which would be your choice?
