Viltrox AF 50mm F1.8 Z

Reviewers found it sharp in the centre from f/1.8 and very good across the frame by f/2.8 to f/4. Bokeh is smooth for an f/1.8 fifty, while longitudinal colour fringing and some cat's-eye highlights toward the corners appear wide open.

The STM AF is accurate with Eye detection but trails the Nikkor's stepping motors for speed and quietness in continuous tracking. Reviewers liked the build and aperture ring but noted the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 S is clearly sharper across the frame, so the Viltrox makes most sense on price.

Owners like the rendering for portraits and everyday shots, the metal construction and the price. Many bought it as a first fast fifty for a Z5, Z6 or Zf.

Complaints include occasional front or back focus before firmware updates, AF hunting in very low light, and the size compared with compact 50mm lenses such as the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 or 40mm f/2.