Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 vs Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 for standard, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) for standard.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 if…
- ✓You value portability — at 310g (10.9 oz) it's lighter than the 595g (1.31 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm, Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is 56mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is 310g (10.9 oz) vs 595g (1.31 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 or the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 for standard, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) for standard.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 if you value portability — at 310g (10.9 oz) it's lighter than the 595g (1.31 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 and the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50mm | 56mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 47° | 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 85-85mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Dual HyperVCM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 41 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $580 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 72mm | 78.4mm |
| Length | 86.5mm | 94mm |
| Weight | 310g (10.9 oz) | 595g (1.31 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
