Viltrox has been a company to watch as they navigated, first introducing a decent series of primes for the APS-C mount that I enjoyed using, to now offering multiple lines of lenses for both full frame and APS-C, not to mention lenses with some serious speed and MTF claims. Again, all with exceptional prices.
Now, the downside, as you read this, is that there are no RF mount lenses at all. Viltrox hasn’t obtained permission or followed the traditional process and released RF mount lenses regardless of what Canon thinks. Similarly, Nikon isn’t that represented, especially on full-frame lenses, but there are APS-C lenses available on the Z mount.
Viltrox 56mm F1.2 Pro
The first lens, and the one that is most intriguing to me, is the 56mm F1.2 PRO for the E-mount and Fuji XF-mount; I would imagine it will also be made available on the L-mount in the future.
Core features of the Viltrox 56mm F1.2 Pro
56mm APS-C Prime (85mm Full-Frame Equivalent).
Ultra-Bright F1.2 Aperture for Portraits & Low-Light.
Pro-Grade Optical Design: 13 Elements in 8 Groups (1 UA, 1 ED, 3 HR).
Dual HyperVCM Motor for Fast, Silent Autofocus.
0.5 m Minimum Focusing Distance.
Durable Full-Metal, Weather-Sealed Body.
67mm Standard Filter Thread.
USB-C Firmware Upgrade Port.
Viltrox supplied the element design and also the MTF diagram for this lens, and it looks impressive. For an APS-C lens, this may give the Sigma 56mm a good run for its money and is even faster.
Viltrox 56mm F1.2 PRO MTF and Elements
Contrast is nearly flawless throughout the image and extends deep into the corners, while resolution barely falls off in the corners. With the meridional and sagittal lines almost overlapping each other, this is usually a good indication of excellent bokeh and extremely low coma aberrations. Assuming QA can match this and deliver this in real-world results, then this is an exceptional APS-C prime lens.
The Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN was always one of my favorite portrait lenses on the EOS-M system, and it was brilliant. The MTF of the Sigma 56mm F1.4 lens doesn’t come close to that of the Viltrox lens.
My Thoughts
This appears as if it will be a stunning lens, and I’m jealous of the X and E mount having this in their portfolios. The lens is available now for a stunningly low price of $551 USD, and you can purchase it directly from the Viltrox website.
AF 15mm F1.7 Air E/Z/XF
Also announced today is the newest member of the Air series of lenses, the Viltrox AF 15mm F1.7 AIr APS-C for Sony, Nikon and Fujifilm mounts. This is an extremly inexpensive lens, so while we are looking at the details, do keep that in mind.
Advanced Optics: 12 Elements in 10 Groups (3 ED, 3 HRI, 2 Aspherical).
Standard 58mm Filter Thread.
AF 15mm F1.7 Air MTF and Elements
Considering the price of this lens, with a 22mm equivalent field of view, it is likely decent, offering strong center performance. There’s a separation along the meridional and sagittal (light black colored lines), which seems to indicate to me that, if wide open, there would be coma in the corners for this lens.
Wide open performance seems decent, but not exceptional, and contrast is good throughout, including in the corners. Resolution tails off into the corners, but still is decent.
My Thoughts
The lens appears decent for an ultra-wide lens with an equivalent focal length of around 21mm. The resolution and contrast, according to the MTF, are good but not exceptional. However, for a low price of under $250, this is a bargain lens that may offer a fantastic bang for the buck.
L-Mount Press Release
At the same time as all of this, Viltrox and the L-mount alliance announced that Viltrox has joined the L-Mount alliance. I would expect Viltrox’s full frame lenses to be ported to the L-mount as soon as possible.
Viltrox Joins the L-Mount Alliance and Utilizes the L-Mount Standard Developed by Leica Camera AG in Future Product Development
Teaneck, September 1, 2025 – As a new member, Viltrox is the 10th company to join the L-Mount
Alliance since the public announcement of the L-Mount standard at Photokina in 2018. The alliance consists of founding members Leica Camera AG, SIGMA, and Panasonic, as well as Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH, DJI, ASTRODESIGN, SAMYANG Optics, Blackmagic Design, and SIRUI. This collaboration enables Viltrox to develop products with the L-Mount which will present great benefits for a wide range of photo and video applications.
The L-Mount was developed by Leica Camera AG with the aim of providing customers with a future-proof, flexible, robust, and precise bayonet mount that would fulfil even the most demanding photographic needs. After its initial appearance, development of the L-Mount was continued by Leica as well as by its strategic partners. This led to significant improvements with new and more sophisticated L-Mount technology, resulting in a constantly growing portfolio of cameras and lenses from all existing and new alliance partners, currently comprising over 20 cameras and more than 120 lenses. All lenses made for the different systems within the L-Mount Alliance can be used on all cameras without adapters and without any functional limitations – this illustrates one of the numerous benefits of the common bayonet.
Valentino Di Leonardo, Managing Expert Technology & Licensing at Leica Camera AG: “The L-Mount Alliance has been a key pillar of Leica Camera AG’s strategy from the beginning, standing for openness, innovation, and the highest standards in photography. With its bayonet system, it offers outstanding flexibility across a wide range of photographic and videographic applications. By welcoming Viltrox as a new member, we are strengthening our network with a highly regarded partner that shares our vision of a forward-looking and versatile system. Viltrox contributes valuable expertise in high-quality lens development and brings fresh momentum to our ecosystem. Together, we aim to offer photographers and filmmakers an even more comprehensive and flexible system that meets the most demanding requirements.”
DAI JINHUI (Daniel Dai), CEO at Viltrox: “Viltrox has joined the L-Mount Alliance, further expanding the system’s reach with high-quality, versatile, and accessible lenses. This collaboration complements Leica’s portfolio by inspiring a new generation of creators – from passionate enthusiasts to seasoned professionals – while reinforcing a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem alongside alliance partners DJI, Panasonic, Blackmagic Design, and Sigma.”
About the L-Mount Alliance
The members of the L-Mount Alliance all utilize the L-Mount Standard developed by Leica Camera AG for mirrorless camera systems. Currently, the members of the alliance are Leica Camera AG, SIGMA, Panasonic, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH, DJI, ASTRODESIGN, SAMYANG Optics, Blackmagic Design, SIRUI, and Viltrox. The partners in the alliance utilize the L-Mount Standard for cameras and lenses that are offered under their own brand names. They market their respective products as competitors, and each with their own product and marketing strategies. The alliance works together on advancing the technology of the L-Mount Standard.
About the L-Mount Standard
To ensure maximum product diversity, the diameter of 51.6 millimeters was chosen to make the L-Mount suitable for use not only with full-frame cameras, but also on cameras with APS-C sensors. The short register of only 20 millimeters enables a short distance between the lens and the sensor, which in turn allows for a considerably more compact construction – which is particularly helpful for developments in the wide-angle lens segment. To ensure resistance to even the most extreme conditions and guarantee maximum reliability for many years of intensive use, the camera bayonets are manufactured from wear-resistant stainless steel, with four flange segments that prevent canting and ensure a secure and precisely positioned lens attachment. The standardized L-Mount contact strip facilitates trouble-free communication between the electronic components of the lens and the camera – including the possibility of installing future firmware updates for lenses to react to technological advances and exploit the full performance potentials of the lenses. Further information can be found at: www.l-mount.com
About Viltrox
Viltrox, established in 2009, is a globally recognized leader in camera lenses and adapters, specializing in high-performance equipment for photography and cine. Its portfolio includes cinema and autofocus lenses – such as the LAB, Pro, and Air series launched since 2018 – along with monitors, adapters, and lighting solutions.
Driven by innovation, the company expanded further into cine in 2022 with the “EPIC” anamorphic and “LUNA” zoom lenses, offering cost-effective solutions for filmmakers worldwide.Renowned for their exceptional optical quality, reliability, and accessible pricing, Viltrox products reflect a commitment to engineering excellence and user-cantered design, empowering content creators across still and motion photography domains.
About Leica Camera
Leica Camera AG is an international, premium manufacturer of cameras, lenses, and sports optics products with a company history stretching back over 150 years. As part of its growth strategy, the company has expanded its portfolio to include mobile imaging (smartphones) and the manufacture of high-quality lenses for glasses and watches, and is also represented in the home theater segment with its own projectors.
Leica Camera AG, with its headquarters in Wetzlar, Germany, and a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, has a worldwide network of its own distribution companies with over 120 Leica Stores.
The Leica brand stands for excellence in quality, German craftsmanship, and industrial design,combined with innovative technologies. An integral aspect of the brand culture is the promotion of the culture of photography, with around 30 Leica Galleries worldwide, the Leica Akademie, and international awards such as the Leica Hall of Fame Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA).
Richard has been using Canon cameras since the 1990s, with his first being the now legendary EOS-3. Since then, Richard has continued to use Canon cameras and now focuses mostly on the genre of infrared photography.
That’s a big move for Viltrox. Their lenses have really improved over the last few years, and joining the L-Mount Alliance should give them even more room to grow. Excited to see how their lineup expands from here.
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