Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 AF
Announced September 27, 2021
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 AF is a budget-friendly prime that provides solid central sharpness and a durable metal build for photographers seeking an affordable entry point. While it delivers excellent value for money, the lens exhibits optical compromises including softness at wide apertures and a lack of weather sealing.
Weighted from 18 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast and quiet autofocus performance
- Budget-friendly price point
- Helpful features like an aperture ring and USB-C firmware port
- Durable all-metal construction
- Good central sharpness at f/1.8
Cons
- Lacks weather sealing
- Noticeable vignetting and softness at maximum aperture
- Presence of chromatic aberration and ghosting
- Distortion issues requiring post-processing correction
- Long minimum focusing distance
- Launch price $399 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 35mm f/1.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 40 cm (0.1x)
- Filter thread 55mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 370g (13.1 oz) · 70 x 89.9 mm (2.76 x 3.54 in)
Expert Reviews
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With this caveat in mind I can still recommend the Viltrox AF 35mm f1.8.
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While the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 is not a terrible lens, it’s definitely below average in a lot of ways.
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The good news is that it is still a good lens now, so if you do choose it among the other options, you will have made a very good choice.
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[T]he Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 AF is a relatively low-budget lens and some optical compromises have been made here and there.
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For 379 bucks, this is a very nice option to get into a 1.8 lens quickly for a Nikon or quickly for a Sony E-mount. Very good choice, very good option for the money.
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So while this Vox lens may not give you the best possible image quality, it definitely is excellent value for money.
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Considering the price, I think Viltrox have really nailed it when it comes to their 35mm f1.8.
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The contrast is so crisp and clear. The bokeh rendering is killer.
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[...] Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 AF is a very solid budget-friendly prime lens.
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If you’re shooting more casually or want to eventually build a collection of cheaper lenses to save significant money, this lens is great. It’s a solid lens for $400 at launch, and I like it more than the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8.
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Given its low price point, the lens performed how I expected, but on a whole it's relatively good value for money.
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I really like this lens, that's why I bought it. And I bought it for the metal build quality, the compact size, and obviously the tack sharp images you get wide open at F1.8.
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What you really want to see is the example photos and videos that I've taken with the 35mm f/1.8 AF, and my overall thoughts on this lens are it's a lot of fun. The autofocus is quiet and snappy, very quick, and I think it's a very affordable comparable lens to the Nikon lens.
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I can at the same time really suggest this lens because it's very affordable. It's a good entry point into 35mm photography. It's not the highest quality, but still I'm in love with this.
- Rudy Visuals 7/10
Unfortunately, not a terrible lens by any means, but just not a great lens.
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This lens delivers results that are on par with any premium brand lenses from Nikon, Sigma, Tamron or even Sony.
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If you are considering Viltrox lenses, I'll be honest, you cannot go wrong with them. [...] I would not have any hesitation recommending these.
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If you're looking for an all-purpose kind of walk-around lens with a versatile focal length with a really bright aperture to give you the ability to carry that lens from day into night [...] I think this is a great one, and [...] a great value as well.
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