This year’s CP+ Show in Yokohama, Japan, had many exciting reveals. From Canon to Panasonic, the CP+ Show had some great reveals, and we hoped to see some of them, but they didn’t happen. Like the cameras, we also heard and saw some exciting lenses from Japanese and Chinese third-party manufacturers. For instance, Schneider Kreuznach x LK Samyang and 7Artisans‘ AF 35mm f1.4 and 24mm f1.8. Just like them, Viltrox also teased new lenses, which included models of the AIR, PRO, and LAB series. Of the three, new images of another lens in the PRO model have surfaced online.
According to Photo Rumors and Asobinet, images of the Viltrox AF 50mm f1.4 PRO have been leaked online. The images come from a Weibo account called Camera Beta, and the price of the lens for the moment is 2799 yuan (about $384). Other than that, the specs of the lens are still under wraps. Here are the images.
What makes the camera interesting is that this is the first lens in Viltrox’s PRO lineup that is compatible with full-frame sensors, reports Asobinet. The lens was originally teased on the road map last year, but it is only now that we are seeing photographs of the device. As a result, the optical performance remains to be seen, especially since the PRO series has two more lenses, the 85mm f1.4 (already unveiled at the CP+ Show) and the 35mm f1.4. Even at the CP+ Show, we did not see the makeup of the lens, as details were being kept under wraps.
From the looks alone, the lens appears huge on a Sony full-frame camera like the a7C II. However, we will only know how heavy or huge it is once the specs are revealed. There is an aperture ring, which is de-clickable, something that videographers would need. However, considering its price range, the lens will be against Sigma’s 50mm f1.4 ART, which is priced at $849. If Viltrox is able to perform better, at a lower price point, many would opt for it.
However, considering our past tests, such as the Viltrox 135mm f1.8 FE, we believe the PRO lineup will provide pleasing results. As we said in our review for the 135mm, “The image quality is stunning and comparable to what Canon outputs. That means that the lens surely has character to it. It’s also a fast focusing lens and can track eyes with few issues.” So, we have a lot going for it. The challenge remains the price, which we believe can increase with time due to tariffs. If that comes true, then the price, which is at $384, can go up to $940. This makes it more expensive than the 135mm, which is priced at $899.
It is best to wait and see how things unfold. The trade war may end in the next few weeks. But that is just our wishful thinking.