Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 XF lens review with samples

This new autofocus lens from Viltrox is already out on Fuji X mount, and should hopefully be out fairly soon on Sony E-mount (giving an APS-C image circle - not full-frame).
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All pictures taken by me on a Fuji X-T20 camera.
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[@JonathanBradysouth-africa]

You are the GOAT when it comes to reviews Chris. Love always from Durban, South Africa. thank you for all you do.

[@Zenfiren]

Thanks a lot for this review, i needed this review a lot to make a final decision between this and Fujis 56mm f/1.2

[@volkerarminhafner8530]

Thank you for your excellent lens review again. Finally a fast prime with a fast autofocus system. Something the Fujifilm 56 can't give you. I was very disappointed with the autofocus system. So I sold it. I m looking for a replacement. Your review helped a lot.

[@shawnzhu9027]

I waited 2 days for this video!!!!!!!!

[@ucNguyenViethp]

very good review, thank!

[@robertcudlipp3832]

Just looking for a 50/56 mm lens for my Fuji bodies. The fast Fuji 56/1.2 and is beyond my financial reach. This could be just what I have been looking for. Thanks, Chris. Now just to start the search to see if this lens is imported into my native Australia.

[@SlaveNCMC]

Thank you!

[@manphoto1972]

With X-T3 or 4 it's a perfect lens with better AF than fuji equivalent.

[@77oregano77]

Nice level headed review compared to the others I've seen for this lense.

[@paulchoccyt1303]

I'm gonna keep an eye on this and see how it gets on around Feb 2021 - would be good to have an update once maybe some firmware updates have been passed out.

[@professionalpotato4764]

I was just about to sleep after watching your other Viltrox videos. Ok, just 1 more. Honestly this trio by Viltrox suddenly makes the XT4 a viable option now.

[@Jidccruz]

Which trio?

[@professionalpotato4764]

@@Jidccruz The 23, 33, 56mm trio by viltrox

[@pyotrpig]

Looking forward to 13mm f1.4 which I expect to be a real Astrophotography monster

[@SunnySoCal]

i will likely never buy this lens but i always drop in to leave a like 👍🏾 i love the content chris great work as usual

[@RCGJR_]

I always trust someone that actually knows how to pronounce “bokeh” 💙 great review! Might add this to the cart as well, really love my 85mm.

[@dvdmessage]

Fantastic review as always I did miss the howdy in the intro I feel that needs to come back

[@lzmorais]

The video was loading, I was awaiting the "Howdy everyone", when Christopher fooled me too.

[@echolaoful]

You sold alot of lenses for this companies Christopher. Well done sir!

[@eXaviar]

Nice one, but I want to notice you that the manufacturer can and do implement lens correction in the raw files ( @04:56 ). Not as much as in jpg but more than we can know

[@thoughtcriminal7198]

I wonder if you had the camera on high performance or boost mode, also the latest Fuji firmware update to benefit the autofocus.

[@PankajKumar6493]

Hey Chris, do you think since Fuji officially supports third party lenses now, this lens can get better with software updates (from Viltrox side through USB)?

[@echolaoful]

I love this Lens, but then I used it with Strobe and Flash. It does not expose properly. I used the same flash power with my Fuji lens or 23 1.4. 180 SS F8 and ISO 200. All were working good except the 56 1.4

[@moe4273]

I haven't seen the video already but I'm sure it's great ! Your reviews never disappoint

[@oliverlison]

@f2.8 there was still a lot of purple fringing in the centre. I wonder it this is gone by F4?

[@lauuura007]

The Version I bought has an issue with aperture chatter, maybe `updating´ it will solve the problem

[@SquirrelHybrid]

How accurate are the colors for your test at 3:36? Compared to your Fuji 56 f1.2 review, the Viltrox looks noticeably less vibrant.

[@EduBroncano]

Although it's awesome to have a third party brand releasing new products for Fuji... Man, that clickless aperture ring totally kills my motivation for this Viltrox family. Also does the MFD. However I'm really excited to see if some other third party brands will join Fuji. It would be great to see a Sigma X Family

[@savnac]

Seriously. There is zero point in a smooth aperture ring on a lens where the aperture is electronically coupled anyways. It doesn’t close or open smoothly.

[@itacatv2146]

@@savnacnot true. It’s Fuji’s fault. Other brands like Sony do offer a smooth aperture. They should’ve just made it so that in video it opens or closes slowly and that would be enough. BTW most Viltrox lenses have clicks, but the 3 small ones don’t. It is what it is.

[@GreenAppleMusic]

Good video

[@DrErickLopez]

Excellent review as always. I always love that shot of the red coffee can. Other lenses you reviewed has much more saturation than this one. This lens seems a bit bland to me.

[@LohTec]

You'd have to make sure you only check vs other Fuji lenses at least, and possible he adjusted the color settings. Either way, easy to get more saturation in post.

[@DrErickLopez]

​@@LohTec I agree, you can make your pics really pop in post.

[@user-hr3lj2zw9p]

What's the best for the Sony crop Viltrox AF 33mm f / 1.4, Viltrox AF 56mm f / 1.4, Sigma 30mm f / 1.4 DC DN or maybe the VILTROX 85mm f / 1.8 Mark II?

[@YuutaShinjou113]

I'd only buy this for its filter diameter, for consistency with the Kamlan lenses I want to buy. At least I have a portraiture lens.

[@shadmanahsan7625]

Can we have a comparison between the fuji and viltrox 56mm please.

[@jobanski]

Mind if I make a request? Could you please compare the viltrox 56mm with the viltrox 85mm?

[@theizza68]

Sigma 56mm f1.4 is the better choice for me for the Sony system but this isn't a bad performer.

[@trym2121]

I'd pick used Sony 50mm oss instead of this. That one is better optically but Sigma 56 is always the king

[@pdebie1982]

It's so much cheaper than the 56 1.2 by Fuji. This lens is a real competitor. It performs very good against the 56 1.2.

[@johansphoto]

@Br So Autofocus is much more reliable than the 56 f1.2 v1, and image quality is surprisingly good. I have not had much problem with CA on my copy and when it appears it is easily removed in lightroom.

[@miroslavpandza6002]

Hi Christopher. Which is better sigma 56 or viltrox 56

[@benzpascual8568]

Pls review the e mount soon

[@polopi87]

Does it have image stabilization?

[@flyengine]

Could to list who in the UK is your supplier of these lenses

[@ClumsyDragon3]

Thanks for the review Christopher. Do you know if the auto focus works on the Fuji XT1?

[@christopherfrost]

Should do

[@professionalpotato4764]

I hope you'll be able to do a comparison between Sigma f/1.4 APS-C primes vs the Viltrox counterparts.

[@wtfgadget]

the viltroxs is never a match to sigmas in terms of sharpness and contrast

[@benblitzkrieg]

Sigma is sharper by leaps and bound. That DC DN 1.4 Trio cant come sooner to Fuji X!

[@M.Redsky]

any chance you review the new XF 56mm 1.2?

[@artemholstov9207]

Fujifilm have recently released firmware updates fixing stepped exposure when recording a video. This only applies to cameras with the latest sensors afalk

[@christopherfrost]

Do you have a link to that? I'd like to take a look.

[@artemholstov9207]

Fujifilm does not explicitly refer to this issue, they just say 'minor bug fixes'. But there are videos and forum threads showing that it has been fixed. I did not bother checking myself to be honest because I mostly take stills.

[@kodefashmodefa]

These viltrox lenses realllly got me eyeballing a used Fuji camera... when my budget gets a little beefier than “ramen life” rofl

[@shakilmahmud2730]

6:00-6:03 .... is it edited or unedited? plz reply

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Looks like they've tried to emulate the Sigma 56mm. I only have the 16mm Sigma, but that's so good I'm looking for a second hand 56mm right now.

[@trym2121]

Nope, this doesn't hold against sigma 56. Confident AF, small size, circle bokeh ball, very low LoCa even wide open, warmer color (closer to Fuji) than colder rendition from Viltrox

[@thedondeluxe6941]

@@trym2121 Then we agree, if that wasn't clear from my comment :-) I'm going for the Sigma. Super happy with the 16mm I already have. Lovely rendering.

[@rolandbelongtheflip]

Chris can you review the Tamron 17-28mm 2.8? Would love to see what you have to say about it.

[@christopherfrost]

Eventually, yes

[@renmartcallejo1151]

I have viltrox 56mm x mount but when I used it with my fujifilm xt200, my camera freezes also the auto focus is not working and it can't take any shots. Is the lens defective?

[@christopherfrost]

Maybe. Contact Viltrox

[@jillmurray605]

I just this lens for my m50 and the lens blades keep opening and closing anyone why this is happening and how to stop it

[@pyotrpig]

howdy Chris =))

[@nickbakis1553]

Great review as always Chris. If you could only pick one and putting price aside, which would it be, the 50 f2 or this one?

[@christopherfrost]

Probably this Viltrox lens, really, the brighter aperture would be worth it to me

[@nickbakis1553]

@@christopherfrost Thanks a lot Chris

[@jd3330]

FOR 329$, this is a package. I am waiting for a 16mm if they ever release one

[@trym2121]

They're doing 14mm. It's in their roadmap

[@jd3330]

@@trym2121 Oh seriously??? Is it also a 1.4?

[@erikekanugraha1735]

Wonder about the new fujinon 50mm f1.0 perform

[@passioncrew5136]

Expensive

[@cdreyes81]

One sees flaws, I see character

[@Hondanovich]

WHERE IS MY "HOWDY EVERYONE"?!

[@mikesuryo]

now I'm just gonna wait for the viltrox 16mm f1.4 and the zoom lenses (with fixed aperture) he he he

[@TheJoejoez]

How does IQ compare against the Fuji 60mm 2.4? A fuji 60 used is about the same price as this new...

[@christopherfrost]

Haven't tested that lens, although this one will give you far more out of focus backgrounds

[@projectambr]

Dumb question but what does the red boxed letter C stand for? 😂

[@DavidFontanari]

Wonderful review as always! Can I say just a "but"? But this lens is sharper tran the Fuji f1.2, I can say it as a fact, a lot of serious reviewers noticed it, even at f1.4 it is sharper. 56 Fuji is not an outstanding lens anyway, good as max, but nothing special

[@christopherfrost]

I checked the result myself from the files on my hard drive, and the Fuji lens is *much* sharper

[@ThisIsWideAngle]

You do mention your camera which has a quite dated auto focus capability compared to newer fuji cameras. You might make that more clear that your presentation of the hunting focus might be much more improved with a newer model camera, or you don´t review this at all. I own the 33mm 1.4 and it has the best video auto focus of every fuji lens i ever used.

[@powerlurker]

its good value on the fuji system，but sony e has sigma 56 1.4 same price point，and better in every way，their market strategy is smart，stay in fuji system

[@trym2121]

Everybody is gangsta until Sigma comes to the system

[@BojanBojovic]

To me only the ASTIA has nice skin tones, while all other profiles have too much red in the skin range, especially when edited in CO which is even more red than LR. Maybe it is just my preference because of Nikon, I never liked Canon red skin tones.

[@ubacow7109]

idk why they arent making these mft because they would acutally sell more of them if they did~ It should be mount adaptable ~

[@patrick.771]

Thank you for your review! I guess image quality will then be the same with a Fuji X-H1. Nice lens for that price but I probably will go for the Fuji 50mm F2 - costs about the same at "grey market". Angry Ken gave the Viltrox a 10/10 and also compared it to the new Fuji 1.0 (he made the same picture with them to compare it - but the photos were made in different light conditions and therefore it's not very helpful). The Fuji 1.0 he rated with a 2/10 in daylight. Would be interested in your review of that lens ;-)

[@trym2121]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZjMqoqBp7Rqrtk Watch this. This guy also says it's kinda cumbersome to use wide open unless you have ND filter.

[@PeterPrism]

Fuji 60 macro x ever

[@SaxbyVisuals]

which one Sigma 56 1.4 or Viltrox 56 1.4?

[@christopherfrost]

The Sigma is better but it costs more

[@geopapa80]

Looks like a decent lens, but probably the sony version won't be worth the price advantage over the sigma 56mm 1.4.

[@trym2121]

Yup. That particular sigma is a beast. I changed from Sony to Fuji now and the only thing I missed is that little beast of a lens. Circular bokeh ball, excellent rendition, very low LoCA and very small. I really hope Sigma will go to x-mount soon.

[@theizza68]

The sigma was selling for $329 not too long ago for just a day on Adorama and B&H. I expect it to go that low again for Black Friday.

[@veselingramatikov]

Please do vs Fuji 56 1.2

[@mtsandstone]

FYI, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJuaaXqaZ7d7hdE

[@D800Lover]

Is this lens 56mm full frame. It seems to say so on the Amazon page I am looking at right now. Very odd to make one for what is an APS-C type camera?

[@christopherfrost]

I did say clearly in the review that it's only for APS-C cameras

[@ksuura]

Mehh!! sharpness level is good only at f2.8, CA and purple fringing is very noticeable, Fuji 50mm f2 wr is a better lens, although slightly different focal length or get 56mm f1.2 used.

[@ahmonon4352]

56 f/1.2 has even stronger CA wide open and soft corners

[@kmg1100]

Paid €275 for a mint second hand 50mm f2 and never looked back. Amazing lens!

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

@@ahmonon4352 You probably used a very bad copy of the lens.

[@michaeltan9512]

It looks like Chris might just received a bad copy of this lens. Look at reviews from other youtubers and the sharpness is basically the same as fuji 56 f1.2.

[@trym2121]

We need sigma 56 in Fuji system. That one will eat most 50mm as breakfast

[@chanwooslegendarynananana3754]

Is viltrox the only 3rd party lens that has AF?.

[@christopherfrost]

On Fuji? Yes, apart from Zeiss

[@mixdown78]

The Crop Faktor ist 1,52 x 56mm = 85,12mm not 84mm.. ;)))) but i love your reviews!

[@Station9.75]

Really? I mean... really?

[@christopherfrost]

Haha, fussiest comment of the week ;-) but yes, you are correct :-)

[@mixdown78]

@@christopherfrost 😘

[@Aksunkuvat]

Its 1.53 actually.

[@mixdown78]

@@Aksunkuvat oh.. yes

[@DerJohnnyWalker]

The AF of Fujis 56 1.2 ist not very good. In fact it is not usable for fast subjects. The AF of the 50 2.0 ist really good and incredible sharp.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

It should be remembered that some of the "legendary " Fuji lens, 16 1.4, 56 1.2, are now quite old designs. The much newer 50/2 appeals more.

[@gator2279]

"Little" purple fringing.

[@PhilGMonte]

Lol 😂

[@runningredfox6407]

XF56 APD here. The purple fringing issue is similarly bad...

[@gator2279]

@@runningredfox6407 not in 56 1.2 normal version also T-stop is not 2.0 like this viltrox 1.4 XD

[@runningredfox6407]

@@gator2279 Do you own a xf56? Because in the rewiews I dont see real difference in purple fringing between non APD and APD version.

[@gregorybissell4255]

Yeah purple fringing on the regular 56 has terrible fringing at 1.2 for the money you pay for it.

[@bogdanlecina2689]

Why not canon ef-m? :/

[@trym2121]

It will be released but nobody knows when. Also, Ef-m is going to be dead soon, my friend. It's in the rumor. IMHO, it won't be dead but will be stagnant or as stepping stone like Sony's apsc. There won't be any more lens release and the body tech will trickle only from RF camera. Canon is rumored to release apsc RF version in one or two years for more serious shooter. I think Ef-m will stay to accommodate casual shooters that only use body+kit

[@bogdanlecina2689]

@@trym2121 I don't think so. It may be developed slower than the canon RF system, but it won't be dead. I've heard this rumor 5 years ago and canon still suports this system. New lenses (although weird imo) are coming as rumors says, this same with eos m7 and m50 mk II/m60. I don't belive in complete end after eos m7, because I've heard that before. For sure eos m family isn't canon main interest, as is eos R line right now. When they will accomplish eos R (and maybe apsc option) line development, they will come back to eos m, as it is completly different camera category. This same with the lenses, RF lenses completly breaks everything connected to lightweigh and mobility. And this system don't need much to be good and interesting (and of course cheap), not only for amateurs. And in my opinion this rumor is very negative for ef-m line because some lens companies are afraid of investing in it, or they are doing it quite... weird? Ef-m have so much wide angle MF lenses, but it lacks seriously in zooms for example. That's why i'm not happy with the mount option of this 56mm. Canon small mirrorless apsc RF family will be for sure quite unique. Anyway we will need to wait to see what future will brings us :)

[@christopherfrost]

It'll be coming to EF-M soon I think

[@Optidorf]

Quite baffling that the new 50mm f/1.0 is almost as five times as expensive as this lens.

[@christopherfrost]

Actually, not really: the brighter the maximum aperture of a lens is, it gets disproportionately harder to design the optics to be corrected properly. At the extreme end of the scale, there's a huge difference in design challenges between f/1.0 and f/1.4

[@Aksunkuvat]

@@christopherfrost not to mention that actual t-stop of viltrox is probably 1.6~

[@fellowcitizen]

Minor quibble: 56 x 1.52 = 85mm ;)

[@philiphoughphotography4061]

Viltrox has better autofocus than the fuji 56 personally..

[@UrbanPlumbers]

Greetings? What happened to howdy?

[@trulsdirio]

So, I get no feedback but also no smooth aperture control? Viltrox, just give us a damn switch to activate clicks already if you must insist on having the option to go without.

[@Nikonguyen0912]

The color fringing is so hurtful to my eyes

[@mtsandstone]

compare to Chris review of fuji 56mm f1.2, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJuaaXqaZ7d7hdE, viltrox 56mm lens can be called a F2.0, at f1.4 of V lens is too soft and, to me, useless

[@andrepoon]

Why can’t Fuji release a new version of their 35mm f1.4... sad ☹️ face

[@NVIK5]

A 1.4 lens that becomes usable past f4...

[@FollowJesusNotME]

How much do you make off KZbin for a video?

[@sugar_cain]

tell viltrox to make 16mm f1.4 😂

[@phillipcamanoii7585]

I heard they're making a 13mm f1. 4