The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Viltrox AF 56mm f1.7 XF and the Rokinon 85mm F1.8 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Rokinon 85mm F1.8 is the longer of the two lenses at 81mm. The Viltrox AF 56mm f1.7 XF with a length of 55mm, is 26mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Rokinon 85mm F1.8 also has a larger diameter of 68mm compared to the Viltrox AF 56mm f1.7 XF's 65mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Viltrox AF 56mm f1.7 XF weighs 171g, which means it is 173g (50%) lighter than the Rokinon 85mm F1.8 which has a weight of 344g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Fujifilm X Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Fujifilm X Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Viltrox AF 56mm f1.7 XF has a filter size of 52mm whereas the Rokinon 85mm F1.8 has a 62mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Viltrox AF 56mm f1.7 XF:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Rokinon 85mm F1.8:
Lens Mounts
Both the Viltrox AF 56mm f1.7 XF and the Rokinon 85mm F1.8 has the same Fujifilm X lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Fujifilm X lenses are Fujifilm X-T30 III, Fujifilm X-E5 and Fujifilm X-M5.
Rokinon 85mm F1.8 is also available in Canon EF-M and Sony E mounts.
Focal Range
Viltrox AF 56mm f1.7 XF is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 56mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
84mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Rokinon 85mm F1.8 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 127.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
