Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro review: a go-faster portrait prime for APS-C format cameras

Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro on Nikon Z fc camera.

Viltrox has become a very prolific manufacturer of prime lenses over the last few years. Even at the specific focal length of 56mm for APS-C format cameras, there’s been the metal-bodied Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4, complete with aperture control ring, which I bought for my Nikon Z fc three years ago back in the summer of 2022. Then there was the ultra-lightweight Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 Air, which came along a little over a year ago. Now there’s this more pro-grade AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro with its super-fast aperture, more akin to the Viltrox AF 27mm f/1.2 Pro which was launched in 2023. The new AF 56mm aims to be one of the best portrait lenses for APS-C format Fujifilm X, Nikon Z and Sony E mount cameras.

Although chunkier than other Viltrox 56mm lenses, it’s certainly not a mismatch for slimline APS-C format camera bodies like the Sony A6000 series. (Image credit: Matthew Richards)