Sony Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 Air E Lens (Sony E) Review

Look, if you're on a Sony APS-C camera and you want a fast, fun, wide-angle prime that won't break the bank or your wrist, this Viltrox 15mm f/1.7 is a no-brainer. It's tiny, it's bright, and it gives you that 22.5mm full-frame equivalent field of view that's perfect for tight spaces and creative shots. Just don't expect it to be your do-everything travel lens.

Honestly, the biggest surprise here is how good the bokeh is for such a wide lens. It lands in the 85th percentile, which means those out-of-focus backgrounds are actually smooth and pleasing, not busy and distracting. The trade-off is the autofocus, which is just okay at the 47th percentile. It's fine for portraits and street shots, but don't rely on it for fast-moving action.

At $239, this lens is a steal for what it does. You're getting a fast aperture and excellent build quality that punches way above its price. If your needs match its strengths—portraits, street, creative wide shots—it's absolutely worth it.

Compared to the popular Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, this 15mm is a totally different beast. The 35mm is more of a standard view, while this 15mm is distinctly wide and more creative. Against something like the Meike 55mm f/1.8 Pro, you're trading reach and potentially better portrait compression for a much wider, more immersive field of view. Pick this if you want to get close and fill the frame, not if you want to stand back.

If you shoot a Sony APS-C camera and find yourself in tight indoor spaces, love environmental portraits, or just want a creative, fast prime that's easy to carry, buy this lens. It's a fantastic specialized tool. But if you need razor-sharp landscapes, fast action AF, or a single walk-around lens, look elsewhere.