After spending some time with the Viltrox AF 50mm F2.0 Air lens, we do understand exactly what is the target group of this product. Small dimensions, low weight, and support for both Full Frame and APSC models, clearly aim for users who wish portability, good performance, and low price. The 50mm size for a lens mostly aims for portraits and all-around lenses, while a 35mm would be better for street photography. We cannot find many things to nag about this lens, especially with its low price of 229 euros.

The build quality is very good (hard plastic), with no weather sealing and no buttons at the lens. There is also no in-body stabilization, which isn't a bad thing, just pump up the shutter's minimal speed to 1/125 or 1/250 and also ISO, most modern Sony bodies can handle high ISO without any problems. The performance figures are also impressive, this is a very sharp lens that can cover even A7R sensors, provided that you understand the lens limits and purpose. The AF performance is there, smooth, fast, and without much noise. The chromatic aberration and distortion are minimal, while there is high vignetting at F2.0, which isn't as bad as it sounds since you can either correct it at the post or close the aperture to F2.8 or F4.0. Flare resistance also isn't top and Bokeh, while present isn't the smoothest.

The lens also houses a USB Type-C port and we did perform a firmware upgrade that improved some aspects of the lens. Its biggest strength is the retail price, which the competition hasn't got and as we see it, if Viltrox keeps releasing such quality products at low prices, competition from Sigma, Samyang, and Sony will have troubles in the future. Great work from Viltrox, highly suggested if you are in the market for a "cheap" 50mm lens for the Sony E-mount system. For a limited time period by visiting this link you will get an additional 8% discount, hurry up!