Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X) vs Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X) is 10mm, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X) for wide-angle, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 56mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $149 vs $199 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 105g (3.7 oz) it's lighter than the 160g (5.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.1x.
Choose the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 56mm vs 10mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF opens to f/1.7 vs the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X) is 10mm, Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF is 56mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X) or the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X) is 10mm, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X) for wide-angle, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X)?
Choose the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X) if you shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 56mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $149 vs $199 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 105g (3.7 oz) it's lighter than the 160g (5.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.1x.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF?
Choose the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF if you want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 56mm vs 10mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X) and the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 AIR XF opens to f/1.7 vs the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Fujifilm X)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 10mm | 56mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 110° | 28° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 15-15mm | 85-85mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 12 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $149 | $199 |
| Filter Size | 49mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 55mm | 60mm |
| Length | 20mm | 60mm |
| Weight | 105g (3.7 oz) | 160g (5.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
