Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7

Focal length: 35 mm
Aperture: f/1.7
Weight: 170 g
Filter diameter: 52 mm
Min. focus distance: 33 cm
Length: 56.4 mm

Overview

The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7 is a compact autofocus prime for APS-C cameras with Sony E, Nikon Z or Fujifilm X mount. It belongs to Viltrox's Air series, which stands for small and light designs. On APS-C bodies, 35mm gives roughly the field of view of a 53mm lens on full frame, according to Viltrox, so it works as a normal lens for portraits, street and travel.

Optical design

The optical construction has 11 elements in 9 groups. Viltrox lists 1 ED element, 1 aspherical element and 2 high-refractive-index elements, plus a nano multi-layer coating against flare and ghosting. The 9-blade aperture ranges from F1.7 to F16. The minimum focusing distance is 0.33 m with a maximum magnification of 0.13x, and the viewing angle is 45 degrees.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing uses a Viltrox STM motor with a lead screw, which the maker describes as quiet, and supports eye and face detection. Focusing is internal. Viltrox points out minimal focus breathing and compatibility with in-body image stabilization for video. The lens has no optical stabilizer of its own. There is no aperture ring; the aperture is set from the camera. USB-C firmware updates are possible, as Viltrox states on the product page.

Build and size

The lens weighs 170 g for Sony E and Fujifilm X and 180 g for Nikon Z. The size is 64 mm in diameter and 56.4 mm in length according to the specification table, while the page text mentions 54.7 mm. It has a metal mount, a water-repellent front coating, a lotus-shaped hood and takes 52 mm filters.

Where it fits

Fast 35mm lenses for APS-C in the database include the Sony E 35mm F1.8 OSS (155 g, with stabilizer) on Sony E and the Fujifilm XF 35mm F2 R WR (170 g) and XC 35mm F2 (130 g) on Fujifilm X. For more light and a heavier body, the Fujifilm XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR at 360 g and the Viltrox AF 33mm F1.4 are options. The brighter Viltrox lenses for full frame, such as the AF 35mm F1.8, cover a different class.

Pros and cons

Pros

Very light at 170 g to 180 g
F1.7 aperture and 0.33 m minimum focusing distance
Eye and face detection autofocus
Available for three APS-C mounts

Cons

No aperture ring
No built-in stabilizer
Viltrox does not state weather sealing on the product page
APS-C only, no full-frame coverage

Verdict

The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7 is a light, compact normal lens for APS-C cameras that adds an F1.7 aperture and autofocus with eye detection. It is a good fit for travel and everyday carry.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 35 mm
max focal length: 35 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.7
max f (max zoom): f/1.7
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 11
Groups: 9
Weight: 170 g (0.37 lb)
Filter diameter: 52 mm
min focus distance: 33 cm (12.99 in)
Length: 56.4 mm (2.22 in)
Diameter: 64 mm (2.52 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7 fit?

The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7 fits all Fujifilm X-Mount cameras. There its field of view equals 53 mm in full-frame terms (crop factor 1.5).

Fujifilm X-Mount cameras

APS-C:: Fujifilm X-T30 III, Fujifilm X-E5, Fujifilm X-M5, Fujifilm X-T50, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm X-T5, Fujifilm X-H2, Fujifilm X-H2S, Fujifilm X-T30 II, Fujifilm X-E4, Fujifilm X-S10, Fujifilm X-T4, Fujifilm X-T200, Fujifilm X-Pro3, Fujifilm X-A7, Fujifilm X-T30, Fujifilm X-T3, Fujifilm X-T100, Fujifilm X-H1, Fujifilm X-A5, Fujifilm X-E3, Fujifilm X-T20, Fujifilm X-A10, Fujifilm X-A3, Fujifilm X-T2, Fujifilm X-E2S, Fujifilm X-Pro2, Fujifilm X-T10, Fujifilm X-A2, Fujifilm X-T1, Fujifilm X-E2, Fujifilm X-A1, Fujifilm X-M1, Fujifilm X-E1, Fujifilm X-Pro1