The Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 E lens for Sony E was my first time trying a Viltrox lens. Honestly, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I've used plenty of third-party lenses but never these. Well, I was blown away by the sharpness of this lens. I'm excited to share my experiences, both good and bad, with this powerhouse of a lens in such a tiny package.
I went through a bit of a whirlwind experience with the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 lens. I am always excited to talk about new products I try and love but also to share any issues along the way. As a staff writer here at Fstoppers, Viltrox sent me their AF 56mm f/1.7 lens to test out. Right out of the box, my first impression was how petite and lightweight this lens is at only 170 grams (5.9 oz). After reviewing other heavier zoom or telephoto lenses recently, this was a stark contrast. At 56mm APS-C, this lens is an 85mm full frame equivalent. This focal length shines for portraiture, landscape, street, and product photography. With a robust set of features on paper, it is a great choice for many photography genres.
Key Features
- Lightweight and Portable: Ultra-light 170 g design, easy to carry anywhere, making it ideal for travel and street photography.
- Advanced Optical Performance: 56mm f/1.7 aperture, 9 groups, 11 elements, with 4 ED and 3 high-refractive elements for sharp, clear images and beautiful bokeh.
- Fast and Quiet Autofocus: STM motor ensures quick, silent focusing. Supports eye/face autofocus.
- Durable and Reliable: Waterproof and anti-fouling coating on the front lens, robust metal mount, built to withstand daily use and challenging environments.
- Versatile Compatibility: 52 mm diameter supports standard filters; Type-C interface allows easy firmware updates to keep your lens performing at its best.
- Optimized for Video: Minimal focus breathing, internal focus design, and stable performance make it a reliable choice for creators.
You may be familiar with the concept of a nifty 50. It's the nickname for a 50mm prime lens as a go-to solid part of your kit. They are often affordable and tried and true. Well, I just checked the price on B&H, and the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 lens is only $180. This is a very accessible and affordable lens that can give you high quality without breaking the bank. If you're a new photographer, switching from a different camera body brand and need lenses, or just want to add more lens choices to your kit, you can easily purchase a couple of different focal lengths. With these types of prices, you'll end up with a kit of super-sharp, lightweight primes for the cost of one high-end zoom. Compared to the zoom, yes, you’ll have to change lenses, but the big pro is the cost savings and high quality.
One other aspect of this particular lens that is not the case in most Viltrox lenses is that it does not have the manual aperture ring that we're now used to seeing in many newer lenses. This is the dedicated ring at the base near the mount that allows you to control your aperture on the lens rather than using a dial on your camera. By not including this manual aperture ring and saving on build cost, the lens fits into a more accessible price bracket. So that can either be a pro or con for you depending on how important that feature is.
Autofocus Scare
The lens arrived just before my series of back-to-back autumn hikes—perfect timing to test it outdoors and create landscape photos. However, immediately, I was having problems with it. Every time I would go to take a picture, it would hunt for several seconds, sometimes for quite a long time, before settling on its focus. I wasn't having this issue with any other lens. I tried fiddling with the camera settings, but ultimately it came down to the lens.
I reached out to Viltrox, and they let me know that there was a known issue and a firmware update. After updating, the lens seems to be perfectly fine, and I'm so relieved. I want to reiterate how sharp this lens is. Everything about it is amazing except for that focusing issue, so to have that one thing fixed was a weight off my shoulders. I was really enjoying the lens, and I didn’t want to have to reject it. With it working perfectly now, I can give it my full approval and then some. So I wouldn't let that stop you, but I will always share these kinds of things. Again, in this case, I am so grateful for a quick resolution. If anyone with a similar issue stumbles upon this article while searching for a resolution, update your lens firmware straight away—it’s an easy fix. You can find their firmware updates and how to guide by clicking here.
In The Field
Now back to the fun part. As far as the lens itself in the field, even before the firmware update, once focused, I cannot say enough how sharp this thing is! My goodness. This may be one of the sharpest lenses I've ever worked with. From edge to edge and at any aperture setting, the images taken with it are completely crisp. With the f/1.7 widest aperture, I was able to capture beautiful low-light landscape imagery showcasing fine details. That wide open, you both reduce noise and, paired with a sharp lens, render so much color, detail, and contrast.
One of my favorite photographs this past autumn, I created with this lens. I was in Pennsylvania, USA, enjoying the autumn color and elk. One morning, I walked up a hillside just before sunrise to observe an elk herd that I could hear bugling in the distance. The elk were cloaked in a veil of fog, grazing, and occasionally sparring—it was autumn, the rut after all. As the sun began to rise above the hillside, the fog slowly burned away. It created the most gorgeous layered composition. The rolling hills became almost like islands floating in the mist. I quickly switched from my telephoto on the elk to the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7. With that 85mm equivalent focal length on my full frame camera, I captured the entire scene by creating a panorama, each slice at 1/400 s, f/14, ISO 5,000. The final image really captures what it felt like to stand there—so true to life in color, depth, and mood.
As autumn developed, I went on to create more images, and each time, my respect for Viltrox grew. From sunrises to sunsets, sudden aurora nights, to flat-lay macro-like scenes, I had a blast reviewing this lens. Having never used their products, I now have multiple photographs taken with the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 that I love in my portfolio.
Conclusion
I'm glad that I was able to try out this Viltrox lens because it put the brand on my radar. Now I'm starting to see Viltrox, even in the past month or so, come out with even more lenses. I'm excited to follow along and see what else they release because, at these price points, yes, please! Plus, having this level of quality affordably allows you to try focal lengths and styles that maybe you wouldn't before, just due to how expensive lenses are. As a nature photographer, I am eyeing their new super wide lenses, perfect for astrophotography. Have you ever tried a Viltrox lens before? Any favorites? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Meanwhile, if you'd like to add the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 to your kit, you can find it and the rest of Viltrox's lenses here at B&H.com.
