Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS vs Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4
Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS has more in its favour on paper. The AF 56mm f/1.4 gathers more light for low light and background blur; the E 50mm f/1.8 OSS is cheaper. The Sony lens is the mount maker's own, while the Viltrox is a third-party alternative.
Choose the E 50mm f/1.8 OSS for
- less weight (202g vs 290g)
- a lower price (about £140 vs £150)
- optical stabilisation
Choose the AF 56mm f/1.4 for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.4, about 0.7 stops more light)
| E 50mm f/1.8 OSS | AF 56mm f/1.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Viltrox |
| Focal length | 50mm | 56mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 |
| Weight | 202 g | 290 g |
| Stabilisation | Yes | No |
| Weather sealing | No | No |
| Filter size | 49mm | 52mm |
| Made for | APSC | APSC |
| New price | £249 | £289 |
| Used at MPB (Sony E / FE) | £114–£169 | £130–£169 |
More lens comparisons
See all Sony E / FE cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS better than the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4?
The E 50mm f/1.8 OSS offers less weight (202g vs 290g), a lower price (about £140 vs £150), optical stabilisation; the AF 56mm f/1.4 offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.4, about 0.7 stops more light).
Which is better value, the E 50mm f/1.8 OSS or the AF 56mm f/1.4?
On Sony E / FE, the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS costs about £140 against about £150 for the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/1.4 worth it over f/1.8?
f/1.4 gathers about 0.7 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Sony E / FE (and other mounts: Fujifilm X, Nikon Z). Both are made for crop sensors.