Viltrox AF 50mm F1.8 FE

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 was judged a clear step up from the Sony FE 50mm F1.8's slow, noisy motor, though it trails linear-motor lenses for continuous tracking. Reviewers liked the build and aperture ring but noted it is larger and heavier than most budget fifties.

Owners like the rendering for portraits and everyday shots, the metal construction and the price, and many describe it as a big upgrade over the kit-level Sony fifty. It is often bought as part of the three-lens F1.8 FE set.

Complaints include occasional front or back focus before firmware updates, AF hunting in very low light, and the size compared with compact 50mm lenses.