Скачать или смотреть 40mm f/2.5 Showdown -- Sony vs. Viltrox (E Mount's BEST 40mm Lens?)

This match pits two 40mm f/2.5 Sony E mount lenses against each other: the venerable Sony 40mm f/2.5 G and the contender, the Viltrox 40mm f/2.5. The Sony G arrived in March 2021, showcasing Sony’s engineering prowess. The Viltrox, meanwhile, is a fresher face, launching for Sony E mount at the end of 2024. What makes this more intriguing? Viltrox has had years to examine the Sony’s design. It’s no secret that the Sony set a benchmark, but Viltrox has come out swinging with a design that looks even more advanced—on paper, at least.
The Sony uses three aspherical elements, while the Viltrox ups the ante with one aspherical element, one ED element, three HRI elements, and an extra corrective element at the rear. These are not optical twins, even if they share the same spec. Will that make a difference? Time to find out.

Specs Breakdown
Both lenses feature a focal length of 40mm and a 57-degree angle of view on full-frame sensors. Aperture ranges differ slightly, with the Sony extending to f/22 while the Viltrox stops at f/16. Element and group counts are also distinct, with the Sony having 9 elements in 9 groups, compared to the Viltrox’s 10 in 6.
Physically, they’re nearly identical in size, with only minor differences in filter size (Sony: 49mm; Viltrox: 52mm) and weight. The Sony edges out the Viltrox with closer focusing at 0.25m versus 0.34m.
While both mount natively to Sony E, the Viltrox also works with Nikon Z. As of this recording, the Viltrox is significantly cheaper—USD $140 versus the Sony’s $500 price tag in 2023.

Performance: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Sharpness: At close focus, wide open, the Viltrox has a slight edge in the center, though it takes pixel-peeping to notice. At f/5.6 and beyond, the Sony pulls ahead, especially at infinity focus. That said, the lenses balance each other out in real-world sharpness. For me, this one’s a tie.
Build Quality: The Sony is the clear winner. With an on-lens aperture ring, MF/AF switch, and customizable button, it exudes a premium feel that the simpler Viltrox lacks.
Contrast: Both lenses show nearly identical performance here, and it’s a tie.
Star Quality: The Viltrox wins with smoother and more appealing stars at narrower apertures. However, out-of-frame light sources can cause flares that are absent on the Sony.
Distortion: Both lenses exhibit mild barrel distortion, but the Viltrox edges ahead here. An interesting note: the angle of view differences are negligible except at the Viltrox’s closest focus point.
Light Loss: Wide open, the Sony delivers more even illumination, but the Viltrox wins stopped down.
Flare & Ghosting: In controlled tests, the Viltrox outperformed the Sony by exhibiting fewer ghosts.
Aberrations: This is where the Sony shines. The Sony produces sharper center details, better corner performance, and minimal chromatic aberrations. The Viltrox struggles with tangential astigmatism, coma, and overcorrected spherical aberration in certain situations.
Handling: Subjective, but the Sony wins with its additional controls and customizable interface. Fans of simplicity might prefer the Viltrox, but for me, the Sony takes this one.

Final Thoughts:
For USD $140, the Viltrox is an incredible value. It holds its own—and even outperforms the Sony in some areas—despite costing a fraction of the price. If you’re on a budget or don’t need the Sony’s premium features, the Viltrox is an easy recommendation.
That said, the Sony’s price premium may be worth it for those who value better corner sharpness, handling, and overall optical quality. Personally, I fall into the camp that values better handling and optical control, but even I must admit that the Viltrox makes a strong case for itself.
Which would you pick? Let me know in the comments!
(AI wrote this narrative.)

Full-res Test Photos
https://davidhancock.smugmug.com/40mm...

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Video Index:
0:00 - Intro
0:08 - Sony vs Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 Round Glass Review Showdown
3:06 - Sony vs Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 Specifications
3:54 - Sony vs Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 Performance Comparison
11:56 - Sony vs Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 Ranking

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References:
Cox, Arthur, M.A., B.Sc., F.Ints.P., Photographic Optics: A Modern Approach to the Technique of Definition, 13th ed. (London: Focal Press, April 1966).

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