Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens, Fixed Focal Length Prime Lens vs VILTROX

Overview of the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens

The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM lens is priced at $219.00 and is designed for the EOS R series mirrorless cameras. This lens offers a compact and lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for photographers looking for portability without sacrificing image quality. It features a large F1.8 aperture that enhances low-light performance and allows for creative background blur, making it versatile for various photography styles, including portraits and landscapes.

With its optimized lens placement and coatings, the RF50mm effectively minimizes ghosting and flare while delivering outstanding color balance. It includes a Stepping Motor for smooth and quiet autofocus, which is essential for video recording and still photography. The lens's compatibility with the entire EOS R system further solidifies its place as a must-have for Canon users.

Overview of the VILTROX 35mm F1.7 E-Mount Lens

The VILTROX 35mm F1.7 E-Mount lens comes at a lower price of $179.00, making it about 17% cheaper than the Canon RF50mm. This lens is specifically designed for Sony E-mount cameras, including popular models like the FX3 and A7 series. It also boasts a large F1.7 aperture, which is slightly wider than the Canon's F1.8, allowing for beautiful natural bokeh and artistic blur effects.

The lens features a lightweight design at just 170 grams, making it ideal for spontaneous shooting situations. Its efficient and reliable autofocus system, powered by a built-in STM motor, enhances focus tracking and supports features like eye and face detection. The VILTROX lens is constructed with 11 elements in 9 groups, ensuring high-quality image production and versatility in various shooting conditions.

Design and Build Quality

The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM lens has a compact and lightweight design that enhances its portability, ideal for photographers on the go. While the exact dimensions are not provided, its ergonomic shape ensures it can be comfortably used for extended periods. The lens's build includes a control ring for direct setting changes, allowing for easy adjustments while shooting.

On the other hand, the VILTROX 35mm F1.7 also prioritizes lightweight construction, weighing just 170 grams. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, which is essential for those impromptu photography sessions. Additionally, the lens includes a micro USB interface for future firmware upgrades, showcasing VILTROX's commitment to enhancing user experience and lens performance over time.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Canon RF50mm F1.8 is noteworthy, with a large F1.8 aperture that excels in low-light situations. The lens includes a PMo aspherical lens to suppress aberrations and coatings designed to reduce flaring and ghosting, resulting in strikingly clear and vibrant images.

Conversely, the VILTROX 35mm F1.7 lens features an optical structure of 11 elements in 9 groups, which includes specialized lenses to enhance image quality. The presence of an ED lens and various high refractive index and aspherical elements ensures that this lens can produce high-definition images with minimal distortion. Both lenses are designed for creative photography, but the choice may depend on the specific shooting conditions and desired effects.

Autofocus and Usability

Autofocus is a crucial feature for both lenses, and each offers distinct advantages. The Canon RF50mm F1.8 employs a Stepping Motor for smooth and quiet autofocus, which is particularly beneficial for video recording. This feature allows photographers to capture sharp images without distracting noise, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios.

In comparison, the VILTROX 35mm F1.7 also utilizes a built-in STM motor, but it emphasizes efficient and reliable autofocus with support for eye and face detection. This added functionality can be a game-changer for portrait photographers who need to ensure their subjects are always in sharp focus. The overall usability of both lenses is excellent, but the choice may come down to specific autofocus needs.

Compatibility and Versatility

The Canon RF50mm F1.8 is exclusively compatible with the EOS R series mirrorless cameras, including models like the EOS R5 and EOS RP. This specialization allows Canon users to take full advantage of their camera systems, ensuring optimal performance and functionality. The versatility of the 50mm focal length makes it suitable for a wide range of photography styles, from portraits to landscapes.

On the other hand, the VILTROX 35mm F1.7 is designed for an extensive list of Sony E-mount cameras, including the A7 series, FX3, and ZV-E10. Its 35mm focal length offers a slightly wider perspective, which can be advantageous for street photography and environmental portraits. Both lenses provide versatility, but their compatibility is restricted to their respective camera systems, making it essential for users to choose based on the camera they own.

Which should you buy?

In conclusion, the choice between the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM lens and the VILTROX 35mm F1.7 E-Mount lens ultimately depends on your specific needs and camera system. The Canon lens, while slightly more expensive at $219.00, offers excellent optical performance, a compact design, and seamless compatibility with the EOS R series. It excels in low-light situations and provides smooth autofocus, making it a great choice for Canon users.

Conversely, the VILTROX lens, priced at $179.00, presents a more affordable option with a wider F1.7 aperture and efficient autofocus features that support face and eye detection. Its lightweight design and compatibility with a broad range of Sony E-mount cameras make it appealing to Sony users looking for versatility and performance.

Both lenses offer unique advantages, so the decision should be based on your camera system, shooting style, and whether the price difference aligns with the benefits you seek.