Viltrox AF 35mm f1.7 Z Review
The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 delivers pro-level autofocus and stabilization for a shockingly low price, making it the best value prime lens for Nikon Z cameras.
Overview
The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is a shockingly good lens for the money. The one thing you need to know is that it punches so far above its $179 price tag, it makes you question why you'd spend more. It's a sharp, fast, stabilized prime lens that feels great on a Nikon Z camera, and its autofocus is in the 98th percentile, which is just wild for a budget lens. If you're looking for a versatile everyday prime, this is the one to get.
Performance
What surprised me most was the autofocus. For a third-party lens under $200, I expected it to be slow or hunt a bit. Nope. The STM motor is quick, quiet, and accurate, even in decently low light. It genuinely feels like using a native Nikon lens. The stabilization is also a huge plus, letting you handhold shots at slower shutter speeds you'd normally miss.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Autofocus performance is elite for the price, hitting the 98th percentile. 96th
- Image Stabilization is included, which is rare on affordable primes. 94th
- Incredible value at $179. The build quality feels solid, not cheap. 88th
- Great for portraits and close-up work, with macro and bokeh scores in the 70th-96th percentile range. 81th
Cons
- Not weather-sealed, so keep it away from dust and rain.
- Its versatility score is low (38th percentile). It's a 35mm prime, so you have to move your feet.
- While good, pure optical sharpness is its 'weakest' strong point at the 70th percentile.
- The 'landscape' score is oddly low at 69.3, but for general use, it's plenty sharp.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 35 |
| Focal Length Max | 35 |
| Elements | 11 |
| Groups | 9 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.7 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.4 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 52 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 35 |
| Max Magnification | 0.13x |
Value & Pricing
This lens is an absolute steal. At $179, you're getting 90% of the performance of lenses that cost three or four times as much. It's a no-brainer purchase for any Z-mount shooter wanting a fast normal prime.
Price History
vs Competition
The direct competitor is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S. The Nikon is sharper, has better coatings, and is weather-sealed. It's also over $500. For most people, the Viltrox gets you 95% of the way there for less than half the price. If you need a zoom instead, something like the Panasonic 14-140mm is more versatile, but it's slower (f/3.5-5.6) and can't match the Viltrox's low-light or background blur.
| Spec | Viltrox AF 35mm f1.7 Z | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Canon RF Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Fujifilm VILTROX 56mm F1.4 STM APS-C Frame Auto Focus | Sirui Sniper Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus Lens (Sony E, | Yongnuo YONGNUO Upgraded YN50MM F1.8S DA DSM II Lens, for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm | 55mm | 24mm | - | 56mm | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.4 | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | f/1.2 | f/1.8 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Fujifilm X | Sony E | Sony A, Sony E |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | true | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 179 | 281 | 272 | 320 | 422 | 198 |
| AF Type | STM | STM | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | STM |
| Lens Type | - | - | Wide-Angle | - | - | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viltrox AF 35mm f1.7 Z | 95.6 | 73.6 | 94 | 68.7 | 74 | 80.5 | 37.5 | 66.3 | 87.8 |
| Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF STM Compare | 95.6 | 81.8 | 81.1 | 89.1 | 67.5 | 88.1 | 37.5 | 89.9 | 87.8 |
| Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Compare | 46.4 | 81.8 | 87.6 | 81 | 82.5 | 75.8 | 37.5 | 98 | 99.9 |
| Fujifilm VILTROX 56mm F1.4 STM APS-C Frame Auto Focus Standard Prime Compare | 95.6 | 81.8 | 88.8 | 85.3 | 34.6 | 88.1 | 37.5 | 86.7 | 87.8 |
| Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus Compare | 46.4 | 96.7 | 73.8 | 53.4 | 79.8 | 95.9 | 37.5 | 98 | 87.8 |
| Yongnuo Upgraded YN50MM F1.8S DA DSM II Compare | 95.6 | 68.8 | 90.1 | 90.6 | 34.6 | 75.8 | 37.5 | 86.7 | 87.8 |
Verdict
Buy it. Seriously. Unless you're a working pro who absolutely needs weather sealing and the absolute best optical performance, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is the best value lens you can put on a Nikon Z camera right now. It makes photography more fun because it just works, and it doesn't break the bank.