Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO
Announced April 20, 2026
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 35mm f/1.8 II EVO is a compact, metal-bodied prime lens that delivers sharp images and robust build quality at a significantly lower price than first-party alternatives. While it exhibits some vignetting and focus breathing, it remains a highly capable and versatile choice for photographers seeking an affordable everyday lens.
Weighted from 20 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent center sharpness and contrast even at wide apertures
- Compact, lightweight, and durable metal construction
- Includes useful features like weather sealing, an aperture ring, and a USB-C port
- Pleasant bokeh and effective chromatic aberration control via apochromatic design
- Highly affordable pricing compared to premium alternatives
Cons
- Noticeable vignetting when shooting wide open
- Visible focus breathing during focus pulls
- Occasional flare in extreme backlit conditions
- Limited minimum focus distance compared to some competitors
- Lack of an aperture ring lock
- Launch price $395 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 35mm f/1.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z, L-Mount Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 34 cm
- Filter thread 58mm
- Weight & size 330g (11.6 oz)
Expert Reviews
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- OpticalLimits 8.5/10
It's almost getting boring - another Viltrox lens, another excellent performer. The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 EVO produces great center quality straight from f/1.8, and the borders/corners aren't a slouch, either.
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Once you factor that into the equation, there are few rational reasons not to go for the cheaper and very capable Viltrox (though there are some, such as after-sales service, for example).
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The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.8 EVO II FE offers excellent value for money and performs beyond what its price suggests.
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The Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO Lens offers a wide aperture and a versatile focal length in a compact, lightweight package, with excellent image quality and a remarkably low price. Use it for general-purpose needs, including full-body portraits, landscapes, and much more.
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The EVO is good enough that I think many people would be happy with it as their only 35mm lens, and, in my opinion, it outperforms either the Sony or Nikon first party alternative that cost more than twice as much.
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You can boldly state that you deal with another strong launch of Viltrox, one of the whole series. In our opinion, this lens will certainly find plenty of satisfied users.
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Whether you create photos or videos, whether you’re a portrait & wedding photographer or you’re a wilderness adventure nightscape photographer, we have a new champion of portability and affordability!
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We are again dealing with a lens that comes without any outstanding flaws and I am still wondering how Viltrox could come to that point in such a short time.
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If you value compactness over the greater bokehlicious qualities of a much larger f/1.4 alternative, but still want lots of features and excellent image quality, then the new Viltrox AF 35mm F1.8 EVO is an easy recommendation that's also easy on your wallet.
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[...] I really can’t recommend the Voltrox 35mm 1.8 EVO APO enough.
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The Viltrox 35/1.8 EVO is a good alternative to other similar original lenses. It's one of the best similar lenses for the Sony E/FE and Nikon Z mirrorless mounts.
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For Sony photographers looking for a versatile everyday prime, this is an easy lens to recommend.
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I think Viltrox has done a fantastic job to finally complete the evil trinity.
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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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[A] great addition to the Evo lens lineup. Great image quality, very well built, weather sealed, aperture ring with clicks that can be declicked, no purple fringing, great autofocus. It is hard to beat this lens in its price range.
- Nicco Valenzuela 8.5/10
[S]ince it's going to be sold for around $360, I think this is going to be a bang for the buck.
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The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.8 EVO II FE is proof that an affordable lens doesn’t have to feel like a compromise.
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Whatever brand you shoot with you should try these alternative affordable nice looking and superb performance highly recommended.
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I think it's the best image coming out of a compact autofocus lens in the market and I test a lot of lenses.
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I think Viltrox have been good putting up good lenses for like the past however however many years that I've been using them. This one is no exception.
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