If you're on the lookout for an affordable portrait lens for your Sony APS-C camera, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 might just be what you need. This lens combines a solid build with strong performance, making it a compelling choice for those who want great images without overspending.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this great video review looks at how the Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 performs on a Sony APS-C camera. Frost focuses on key aspects like build quality, autofocus, and sharpness. Despite its low price point, the lens doesn’t feel cheap. It’s lightweight, weighing under 200 grams, but still feels solid thanks to its metal mount. There’s no weather-sealing, but the lens does include a smooth plastic focus ring and a USB-C port for firmware updates.
The lens’ autofocus is a mixed bag. In single shot mode, it’s a bit slow but accurate. However, when switched to continuous autofocus mode, the speed improves noticeably, making it more suitable for moving subjects. The 56mm focal length, equivalent to 84mm on full-frame, is ideal for portraits, while the f/1.7 aperture provides decent low-light performance and allows for pleasing background blur.
Image quality is where the lens shows its strengths and weaknesses. At f/1.7, the center sharpness is good but not exceptional, while the corners surprisingly offer better contrast and sharpness. Stopping down to f/2.8 improves the overall sharpness across the frame, with better brightness in the corners and enhanced contrast in the center. By f/11, the lens still maintains sharpness, though diffraction softens the image at f/16. Considering the price, the lens performs admirably, especially when stopped down.
Overall, the 56mm f/1.7 is a budget-friendly option that delivers solid performance, particularly if you’re willing to work around its limitations. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
