Viltrox VILTROX 40mm F2.5 f/2.5 AF Lens for Sony E Mount, Review
The Viltrox 40mm F2.5 packs pro-level autofocus and stabilization into a tiny, $168 package. It's a video shooter's secret weapon, as long as you can live with an f/2.5 aperture.
Overview
The Viltrox 40mm F2.5 is a compact, full-frame prime lens for Sony shooters. It's a lightweight, stabilized option that promises solid autofocus in a tiny package.
Right away, you notice it's small and light at 167g. The 40mm focal length is a nice in-between, not quite a standard 50mm but a bit tighter than a 35mm. It's a simple, straightforward lens.
Performance
Where this lens really shines is autofocus and close-up work. Its AF performance is in the 97th percentile, which is seriously impressive for the price. The STM motor is quiet and fast, and it nails eye and face detection. The 0.34m minimum focus distance gives it great macro capabilities, scoring in the 94th percentile. The built-in stabilization is also excellent at the 91st percentile, great for handheld video. The optical quality is decent but not class-leading, and the f/2.5 aperture is a bit slower than some competitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Autofocus is incredibly fast and reliable. 95th
- Excellent image stabilization for video. 93th
- Surprisingly strong macro performance. 90th
- Tiny, lightweight build is easy to carry. 86th
Cons
- The f/2.5 aperture is slower than many primes.
- Optical sharpness is just okay, not great.
- Not weather-sealed at all.
- The 40mm focal length isn't the most versatile.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 40 |
| Focal Length Max | 40 |
| Elements | 10 |
| Groups | 6 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/2.5 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E, Sony FE |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.9 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 40 |
Value & Pricing
At around $168, this lens is a fantastic value for what it does best. You're getting top-tier autofocus and stabilization that rivals lenses costing three times as much. If those are your priorities, it's a steal. Just know you're compromising on maximum aperture and ultimate optical quality.
vs Competition
Compared to the popular Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, you lose over a stop of light (f/2.5 vs f/1.7) but gain stabilization and arguably better AF. Against a workhorse like the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S, the Viltrox is way cheaper and has stabilization, but the Nikon is sharper, faster, and built like a tank. For Fuji shooters, the similar Viltrox 25mm F1.7 offers a faster aperture but no stabilization. It's all about trade-offs.
| Spec | Viltrox VILTROX 40mm F2.5 f/2.5 AF Lens for Sony E Mount, | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Canon Canon - RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Standard Zoom Lens | Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II | Viltrox VILTROX 23mm F1.4 Auto Focus APS-C Frame Lens for | Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 40mm | 55mm | 28-70mm | 14-140mm | 23mm | 25mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.5 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 |
| Mount | Sony E, Sony FE | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 400 | 281 | 499 | 27 | 499 | 400 |
| AF Type | STM | STM | Autofocus | — | STM | STM |
| Lens Type | — | — | Standard Zoom | Telephoto | — | — |
Verdict
Buy this lens if you're a Sony shooter who values silent, reliable autofocus and stabilization for video above all else, and you're on a tight budget. It's perfect for vloggers or hybrid shooters. Skip it if you need a fast aperture for low light or crave the absolute best image quality.