Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 vs Viltrox AF 50mm f/2 Air
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 has more in its favour on paper. The FE 50mm f/1.8 gathers more light for low light and background blur; the AF 50mm f/2 Air is the alternative. The Sony lens is the mount maker's own, while the Viltrox is a third-party alternative.
Choose the FE 50mm f/1.8 for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.8, about 0.3 stops more light)
- a lower price (about £100 vs £160)
Choose the AF 50mm f/2 Air for
- less weight (175g vs 186g)
| FE 50mm f/1.8 | AF 50mm f/2 Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Viltrox |
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/2 |
| Weight | 186 g | 175 g |
| Stabilisation | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | No |
| Filter size | 49mm | 52mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £229 | £169 |
| Used at MPB (Sony E / FE) | £80–£113 | £154–£159 |
More lens comparisons
See all Sony E / FE cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 better than the Viltrox AF 50mm f/2 Air?
The FE 50mm f/1.8 offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.8, about 0.3 stops more light), a lower price (about £100 vs £160); the AF 50mm f/2 Air offers less weight (175g vs 186g).
Which is better value, the FE 50mm f/1.8 or the AF 50mm f/2 Air?
On Sony E / FE, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 costs about £100 against about £160 for the Viltrox AF 50mm f/2 Air (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/1.8 worth it over f/2?
f/1.8 gathers about 0.3 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: Nikon Z, L-Mount).