50mm lenses run the gamut from under $100 to well over $1,000 and everywhere in between. Almost every new photographer is told to buy one of the budget options, a nifty fifty, but this lens offers a bit of an upgrade in performance and image quality without flirting with the stratospheric prices of top-shelf options. Is it worth the bump in price? This great video review takes a look.
Coming to you Christopher Frost, this excellent video review looks at the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.8 lens. Viltrox has made a name for themselves recently by offering affordable lenses, and while this lens won't compete price-wise with that nifty fifty you can find for $60 or $80, it does offer some notable improvements and extra features, particularly when it comes to image quality (which is sharp, with pleasing bokeh), and you may find its $379 price a nice sweet spot between the ultra-budget options and $1,000-plus professional lenses. In addition, its construction is a bit more rugged. I have never been a big fan of nifty fifty lenses, but I think this model leaves a lot more room for the photographer to grow with it and could be a tool that stays in the bag much longer. Check out the video above for Frost's full thoughts.
This lens doesn't seem like it offers much value at $400. If I was in need of a budget nifty fifty on the E mount platform I'd just go with the Sony one at $250. If I was looking to step things up to the next level I'd spend a few more dollars for the Samyang 1.4.