fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)
Sony SEL18135
What Buyers Say
fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)
This Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 lens is widely praised for its outstanding sharpness, compact size, and remarkable value for money. Users consistently highlight the excellent optical performance, especially on higher-megapixel sensors, and appreciate its lightweight design for travel and street photography. The main drawbacks are the audible autofocus noise, which can be heard from a few feet away, and autofocus speed that lags behind native Fuji glass. Overall, it's considered a fantastic budget prime that delivers professional-quality images despite a few minor compromises.
Pros
- outstanding sharpness
- compact and lightweight design
- excellent value for money
- great bokeh quality
- good for low light
Cons
- audible autofocus noise
- autofocus speed lags behind native glass
- minimum focus distance of 55cm
- plastic/resin build may feel cheap
- minimal controls
Sony SEL18135
The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens is widely praised as an excellent all-in-one travel and walkaround lens for APS-C E-mount cameras. Users consistently highlight its sharpness, compact size, light weight, and versatile 27-200mm equivalent zoom range. While many note it is not ideal for low light and some report significant vignetting at the wide end, the overall sentiment is very positive, with most considering it a great value kit lens upgrade.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile 27-200mm equivalent zoom range
- Effective optical image stabilization
- Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons
- Significant vignetting at 18mm wide end
- Not ideal for low light photography
- Variable aperture limits brightness at telephoto
- Some copies may have quality control issues
- Slight autofocus lag compared to premium lenses
Scores
Specifications
| fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount) | Sony SEL18135 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 56 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 56 mm | 135 mm |
| Elements | 11 | 16 |
| Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 1★ |
| ED Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.7 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | — | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Fujifilm X | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.17 kg★ | 0.33 kg |
| Filter Thread | 52 mm | 55 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM | Linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 550 mm | 450 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.11x | 0.29x★ |
Pros & Cons
fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)
- Strong build (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Below average macro (30th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Sony SEL18135
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong versatility (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong stabilization (81st percentile)81st %ile
Pricing
fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount) offers 2.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 91 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 20 specs.
