Viltrox defies major brands with its 50mm F2 air lens at low prices
Vilttrox, manufacturer of Chinese third -party optics, continues to unroll its new objectives launching roadmap and develop its ultra compact and light air range. After the AF 25mm F1.7 Air And AF 35mm F1.7 Air Designed for APS-C hybrids, the manufacturer unveils a new 50 mm F2 designed for 24×36 mm hybrids and available in Sony E and Nikon Z.
The Viltrox AF 50 mm F2 Air offered in Nikon Z or Sony E mount. © Viltrox
Of course, it is quite possible to use this new 50 mm on a Sony or Nikon hybrid equipped with a sensor in APS-C format. In this case, a 1.5x conversion coefficient must be applied to obtain the equivalent focal length which will then be 75 mm. In Full Frame version, a 50 mm is the standard focal length par excellence which can cover a wide variety of subjects ranging from portrait report and even the landscape. In APS-C version, the 75 mm will however be a little long for reporting or landscape but ideal in portrait configuration.
The objective has a large maximum F2 opening provided by a diaphragm with 9 strips. This brightness offers two advantages: the objective is very comfortable in low light conditions (hands -on, indoors or at night for example) and it allows you to play easily with the bokeh effects and short depths of field.
The Viltrox AF 50 mm F2 Air and its AF STM motorization. © Viltrox
It is an autofocus objective equipped with a step -by -step STM motorization, which ensures a rapid, precise and silent development: an undeniable advantage for video use, for example. On this point, Viltrox has designed this objective taking into account the phenomenon of “focus breathing” (slight change of focal length according to the focusing distance), which is reduced to the maximum. It offers a minimum focusing distance of 51 cm, which gives it a good ability to practice close photo, with a maximum magnification ratio of 0.11x.
The optical formula of the Viltrox AF 50 mm F2 Air. © Viltrox
The objective is made up of 13 lenses divided into 9 groups, with 1 aspherical element, 3 slight dispersion glasses and 4 glasses with high refraction index. There is also a Nano-Multicouche treatment, which reduces flare and ghost images.
It is a very compact and light goal. On the scale, you can read the weight of 205 grams, and it measures 5.6 cm long. We find at the level of its mount a USB-C socket for possible firmware updates.
Availability and price
The new Viltrox AF 50 mm F2 Air is already available and offered at a price of 211 euros in Sony E mount, or Nikon Z.
First opinion
Offered around 200 euros, this new 50 mm F2 is positioned as a formidable alternative to Nikon and Sony or even Sigma models. By comparison, a sigma 50mm f2 dg dn | Contemporary is offered around 710 euros, the Sony FE 50 mm F2.5 g is offered around 580 euros and the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 s is offered around 700 euros. Once again, if the optical performance is there and if the promises, in particular autofocus level are held, this new Viltrox AF 50 mm F2 Air should logically be essential and a super alternative for those who wish to embark on the world of the fixed focal length without breaking the bank.
