Vistilen AF 25mm F1.7

The Vistilen AF 25mm F1.7 is a compact autofocus prime for APS-C cameras with Canon RF mount. Vistilen calls the mount EFR and lists Canon EOS R bodies, including the APS-C models R7, R10, R50 and R100, as compatible. On APS-C the 25mm focal length corresponds to roughly 40mm on full frame, a wide-normal view for street and everyday photography. It is the smallest and lightest lens in Vistilen's RF lineup.

Optical design

According to Vistilen, the optical construction has 12 elements in 9 groups. The diaphragm has 9 blades and closes to F16. The minimum focus distance is 0.25 m, which allows close shots from a short distance. On an APS-C body the horizontal angle of view is 51.1 degrees. Vistilen describes the image as sharp with low distortion and little focus breathing, but gives no special glass types and no figures for these claims.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is driven by a silent STM drive. Vistilen says the autofocus responds quickly and holds focus continuously, which it presents as useful for video. The product page shows no aperture ring and no custom buttons. The black barrel is described as plain and minimal, so it fits many camera styles.

Build and size

The filter thread is 52 mm. The lens is 67 mm in diameter and 59 mm long and weighs 170 g. That makes it very compact for an F1.7 lens and a good match for small bodies like the EOS R50 or R100.

Where it fits

Within RF, APS-C users can also use full-frame lenses such as the Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM and the Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM, or the Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary and Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary for a faster aperture. The Vistilen AF 33mm F1.4 is the next step in focal length and aperture within the same brand, and it is heavier at 314 g.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Only 170 g and 59 mm long
• Close minimum focus distance of 0.25 m
• F1.7 aperture with 9 blades
• Quiet STM autofocus

Cons

• No image stabilization in the lens
• No aperture ring or custom button shown
• Slower than the F1.4 lenses of the Sigma Contemporary series
• Compatibility with Canon RF is stated by Vistilen only

Verdict

The AF 25mm F1.7 is a small and light standard lens for APS-C bodies on Canon RF. It gives up some maximum aperture compared with F1.4 designs but wins in size, weight and close focus.