Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air
Announced February 28, 2025
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 AF 25mm f/1.7 Air is a compact, lightweight prime lens that offers exceptional value for photographers seeking sharp images and reliable autofocus. While it lacks premium features like weather sealing and physical controls, its performance and portability make it a highly recommended budget-friendly option for both stills and video.
Weighted from 16 reviewer scores
Pros
- Minimal focus breathing and smooth bokeh
- Compact, lightweight, and portable design
- Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus performance
- Excellent center sharpness and image quality
- Exceptional value and price-to-performance ratio
Cons
- Lack of weather sealing and physical controls
- Noticeable vignetting and soft corners at wide apertures
- Susceptibility to flare and ghosting
- Plastic construction
- Launch price $176 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 25mm f/1.7
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X APS-C
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 30 cm (0.11x)
- Filter thread 52mm
- Autofocus motor Autofocus
- Weight & size 170g · 64 x 54.5 mm (2.52 x 2.15 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 16 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9/10
The Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 represents incredible value for the dollar and punches well above its weight.
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This is a great walkaround lens, perfect for capturing the varied moments that life brings.
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At such low price, the lens still definitely comes recommended.
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The lens simply has to come highly recommended.
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Once again you deal here with an instrument with an excellent price/performance and price/quality ratio, so definitely worth recommending [...]
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[T]his is a very good lens on its own and a fantastic value for the price, with only one notable drawback.
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It’s also insanely great value for money with a rock-bottom asking price.
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At the end of the day I’ll just come out and say that I’ve been very happy with all three Viltrox lenses in my current DX bag – including the Viltrox 25mm 1.7. They are small, light, available in the focal lengths I want and have a really high performance to cost ratio.
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Like the other Viltrox APS-C Air series lenses, I found this 25mm lens enjoyable to use for the fact that it's so light and compact. Image quality is very good and it works very well in conjunction with my Z50.
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I will highly recommend the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air lens for beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals as well.
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This third installment in the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air series is, in my opinion, the best one they've made to date.
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Sure, it’s missing features that lens snobs might crave. But if you’re after a lightweight, affordable prime that delivers sharp images, smooth autofocus, and solid video performance without breaking the bank, this lens is hard to beat.
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[I]f you're looking for kind of a 35mm equivalent for APS-C, this here is kind of a force to be reckoned with. It's sharp, the autofocus feels reliable and smooth for both stills and video.
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[I]f you want an excellent lens at an awesome price, then I highly recommend picking up the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7.
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Honestly, if you're thinking about this lens, go out and grab it. I think it's a really good budget lens.
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Viltrox has once again delivered an excellent value-for-money lens. The AF 25mm f/1.7 provides great image quality, fast autofocus, and excellent portability, all at a fraction of the price of similar Fuji lenses.
