Viltrox VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Z, AF 35mm F1.7 Z-Mount for 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. 95th
- Image Stabilization is included, which is rare on affordable primes. 93th
- Incredible value at $179. The build quality feels solid, not cheap. 92th
- Great for portraits and close-up work, with macro and bokeh scores in the 70th-96th percentile range. 87th
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 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 35 |
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 VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Z, AF 35mm F1.7 Z-Mount for | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Sony YONGNUO Upgraded YN50MM F1.8S DA DSM II Lens, for | Nikon Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens (Nikon Z) | Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm | 17-70mm | 55mm | 50mm | 16-50mm | 14-140mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.7 | f/2.8 | f/1.4 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount | Nikon Z | Sony A, Sony E | Nikon Z | Micro Four Thirds |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 179 | 544 | 281 | 198 | 329 | 27 |
| AF Type | STM | Autofocus | STM | STM | Autofocus | — |
| Lens Type | — | Zoom | — | — | Zoom | Telephoto |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viltrox VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Z, AF 35mm F1.7 Z-Mount for | 95.4 | 72.7 | 92.4 | 92.5 | 73.3 | 80.2 | 38.6 | 67.6 | 87.2 |
| Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | 46.1 | 58.5 | 64.3 | 86 | 91.1 | 54.3 | 92.7 | 94.9 | 87.2 |
| Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | 95.4 | 81.4 | 82.1 | 88 | 66.4 | 88 | 38.6 | 92.8 | 87.2 |
| Sony YONGNUO Upgraded YN50MM F1.8S DA DSM II Lens, for | 95.4 | 67.7 | 90.1 | 89.8 | 34.6 | 75.4 | 38.6 | 88.9 | 87.2 |
| Nikon Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens (Nikon Z) | 46.1 | 58.5 | 83.6 | 78.1 | 90.1 | 54.3 | 88.8 | 67.1 | 87.2 |
| Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II | 46.1 | 34.9 | 99.8 | 78.9 | 86.5 | 40.9 | 98.2 | 88.9 | 87.2 |
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.