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Viltrox's 56mm F1.2 Pro lens is a fast and affordable portrait prime for APS-C users
DPReview News |
| Image: Viltrox |
On the heels of announcing it had joined the L-Mount Alliance, Viltrox has unveiled a new lens, though not for L-mount cameras. The AF 56mm F1.2 Pro promises "professional-grade" optical design and attractive bokeh for E and X mount APS-C cameras at a budget-friendly price.
The Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 lens sits in the company's Pro lineup, offering a fast maximum aperture with advanced autofocus. It's designed for APS-C cameras, providing a 84mm equivalent focal length. With the fast F1.2 aperture, it should be an excellent portrait prime lens for APS-C users.
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| Image: Viltrox |
The lens uses Viltrox's HyperVCM motor, which it says is smooth and silent with minimal focus breathing, making it an ideal choice for photo and video. It can focus as close as 0.5m (1.6'). The optical design comprises 13 elements in 8 groups, including three high-refractive index elements, one extra-low dispersion element and one ultra-large aspherical lens. Viltrox says the lens is sharp and clear across the frame and promises limited chromatic aberration.
The 56mm lens features an aperture ring that can be clicked or de-clicked, a dedicated Fn button and an AF/MF switch. Viltrox also made the lens to be a durable offering. The aluminum alloy body is weather-sealed, promising to keep out dust and moisture. It is compatible with 67mm filters and features a USB-C port for firmware updates.
The Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 Pro is available for E and X mount for an MSRP of $580.
Buy now:
X mount E mountPress release:
Viltrox launches AF 56mm Ultra-large aperture F1.2 Pro E and XF (APS-C) lenses
Masterful control of light and bokeh, ideal for powerful portraits
Shenzhen, China, September 1st, 2025 - Viltrox is pleased to announce the release of the AF 56mm F1.2 Pro E and XF (APS-C) lenses. The AF 56mm F1.2 Pro lenses’ professional grade optical design delivers astonishingly high resolution from center to edge, taking full advantage of the capabilities of higher-megapixel cameras. Even after extensive post-cropping or enlargement, the lens faithfully preserves image detail, with incredible sharpness and clarity. Ideal for expressive portraits, the F1.2 aperture creates stunning depth and dimensional layering for a mesmerizing artistic impact.
F1.2 Large Aperture: Subject highlighting and mastery of light
The F1.2 ultra-large aperture delivers impeccable bokeh, facilitating more layered images through a shallow depth of field, rendering dreamy background blur, and highlighting subjects clearly. There is a smooth transition between in-focus and out-of-focus areas. The large aperture’s greater light intake allows faster shutter speeds and lower ISO, delivering refined, detail-rich images in both low-light and well-lit environments.
Precision optical design delivers stunning results
The precisely engineered optical design of 13 elements in 8 groups achieves peak aberration control and onion ring bokeh control even at 1.2 aperture, delivering consistent sharpness and clarity right across the frame – this is aided by Viltrox’s advanced HD nano coating. The ultra-large precision aspherical lens works together with an ED (extra-low dispersion) lens that effectively corrects axial chromatic aberration, delivering crisp, color-fringe-free images. The 3 HR (High-refractive) elements strike the perfect balance of portability and optical excellence, making this lens a natural fit for compact APS-C camera systems.
HyperVCM motor for quiet high-speed focusing
Viltrox's patented HyperVCM motor provides faster and more precise focusing, while reducing vibration for smooth, silent performance – ideal for quickly capturing shots, and for fast-moving subjects. The silent operation and minimal focus breathing ensure a smooth and professional feel for video.
Tough and durable for all environmental conditions
The lens features high-grade weather-sealed construction with a high-strength forged aluminum alloy body. The matte black finish and protective coatings resist scratches, wear and lens contamination, while rubber seals keep out dust, splashes, and moisture – ensuring reliable performance, even in challenging outdoor environments.
More details and how to buy
For more information, please visit:
Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 Pro E: geni.us/56Pro_E_Viltrox
Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 Pro XF: geni.us/56Pro_XF_Viltrox
Amazon US:
Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 Pro E: geni.us/56Pro_E_AMZ_US
Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 Pro XF: geni.us/56Pro_XF_AMZ_US
Amazon EU:
Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 Pro E: geni.us/56Pro_E_AMZ_EU
Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 Pro XF: geni.us/56Pro_XF_AMZ_EU
MSRP: $580 / €599 / £530
