Viltrox Announces the 50mm f/1.8 for Sony E and Nikon Z-Mount
Viltrox has announced a 50mm f/1.8 lens for both Sony and Nikon mirrorless cameras, adding to the company’s expanding list of third-party lens choices for full-frame mirrorless bodies. This lens is a newcomer to Viltrox’s lineup but follows the same visual design language of the 35mm f/1.8. It’s constructed of 11 elements in 10 groups, including one extra-low dispersion (ED) element, two high-refractive index elements, and two aspherical elements. It has a minimum focusing distance of 55cm, uses a 55mm front filter thread, and has an aperture range of f/1.8 through f/16.
Viltrox says that the extra-low dispersion element reduces color fringing and chromatic aberrations that result in better clarity and color accuracy, while the high refractive elements help control spherical aberrations and reduce distortion. Viltrox claims that the lens autofocus motors minimize errors when photographers review and compose using live view, and bring precise and smooth focus to the shots.
The lens has a nano multi-layer coating, which has been applied to individual elements to suppress flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity when shooting in harsh light.
Without a lens cap and hood, the new Viltrox lens is relatively lightweight at just 350 grams compared to the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 which weighs 415 grams, for example. The company claims the bright f/1.8 aperture is well suited for working in low-light conditions and gives greater control over the depth of field.
Compatible with Sony E and Nikon Z-mount full-frame cameras, it can also be used with APS-C models where it will deliver a 75mm equivalent focal length.
Here are some sample pictures:
The aperture can be selected using an integrated manual aperture ring for tactile exposure control. The ring also has an A position for automated, camera-based aperture selection. The lens also comes with an integrated micro-USB port which can be used for downloading future firmware updates.
The Viltrox 50mm f/1.8 AF lens for Nikon Z-mount and Sony E-mount cameras is currently available to purchase for $399.
More info on Pergear’s website.
