Viltrox AF 56mm F1.4 review

The Viltrox AF 56mm F1.4 is an amazingly affordable ‘portrait prime’ for APS-C format mirrorless cameras

Viltrox AF 56mm F1.4 Z
(Image: © Matthew Richards)

Digital Camera World Verdict

With a classic ‘effective’ focal length of 85mm on APS-C format Fujifilm X, Nikon Z and Sony E mirrorless system cameras (90mm on Canon EOS M bodies) this Viltrox lens is a prime candidate for portraiture. That’s reinforced by its fast f/1.4 aperture rating, enabling a tight depth of field. It’s as sharp as you like with lovely soft bokeh. Build quality, handling and overall performance are excellent, making it incredible value at the price.

Pros

  • +

    Classic effective focal length

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    Impressive build quality

  • +

    Lovely image quality

Cons

  • -

    Aperture ring has no click-steps

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    No locking switch for Auto aperture setting

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    Lacks any weather-seals

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Think ‘portrait prime’ and you’re probably thinking of an 85mm lens with a fast aperture rating, at least for full-frame cameras. The Viltrox AF 56mm F1.4 gives you the same effective focal length on an APS-C format body, with mount options including Canon EOS M, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z DX and Sony E. The effective focal length is actually closer to 90mm on Canon bodies, due to the greater crop factor.

Specifications

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.