Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G vs Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm, the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G for standard, the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO for standard.
Choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G if…
- ✓You value portability — at 173g (6.1 oz) it's lighter than the 800g (1.76 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.15x.
Choose the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.5, better for low light and subject separation.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G's f/2.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm, Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 173g (6.1 oz) vs 800g (1.76 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G or the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm, the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G for standard, the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO for standard.
Who should choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G?
Choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G if you value portability — at 173g (6.1 oz) it's lighter than the 800g (1.76 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.15x.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO?
Choose the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.5, better for low light and subject separation.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G and the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 PRO opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G's f/2.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 40mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.5 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 57° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | VCM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 45 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.23x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $549 |
| Filter Size | 49mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 68mm | 84.5mm |
| Length | 45.5mm | 111mm |
| Weight | 173g (6.1 oz) | 800g (1.76 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
