Viltrox AF 15mm F1.7

Focal length: 15 mm
Aperture: f/1.7
Weight: 195 g
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Min. focus distance: 23 cm
Length: 58.5 mm

Overview

The Viltrox AF 15mm F1.7 Air is an autofocus wide-angle prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras with Sony E, Fujifilm X or Nikon Z mount. It is part of Viltrox's Air series of compact lenses. With a field of view of 84.9 degrees it corresponds to roughly 22.5mm on full frame, which suits travel, architecture, street scenes and vlogging.

Optical design

Viltrox lists 12 elements in 10 groups with 3 ED, 3 high refractive index and 2 aspherical elements, plus advanced coatings against flare and ghosting. The aperture runs from F1.7 to F16 and has 9 blades. The minimum focus distance is 0.23 m at a maximum magnification of 0.1x. The lens is designed for APS-C sensors only.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is handled by an STM stepping motor with internal focusing and eye and face detection. Viltrox emphasizes minimal focus breathing and low distortion for video. There is no stabilizer in the lens, so handheld video relies on the camera's own stabilization. Manual focus is available as well.

Build and size

The weight is 180 g on Sony E and Fujifilm X and 195 g on Nikon Z. The diameter is 65 mm, the length 56.4 mm on E, 56.7 mm on X and 58.5 mm on Z. The filter thread is 58 mm. Viltrox describes the front element as splash-resistant with an anti-fouling coating, but it does not list a fully weather-sealed body for this lens.

Where it fits

Within the Air series the 15mm is the wide partner to the AF 25mm F1.7 and AF 35mm F1.7. A wider, faster option is the Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4, and the Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 Air goes much wider still. In the Sony E system, the Sony E 15mm F1.4 G and the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary cover a similar angle of view. Fujifilm X users can compare the Fujifilm XF 14mm F2.8 R and the Fujifilm XF 16mm F1.4 R WR.

Pros and cons

Pros

Bright F1.7 aperture at a wide 22.5mm equivalent view
Only 180 to 195 g
Close focus at 0.23 m
STM autofocus with eye and face detection
3 ED and 2 aspherical elements

Cons

Not fully weather sealed according to Viltrox's description
No in-lens stabilization
Slower than F1.4 alternatives such as the Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 or the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Covers APS-C only

Verdict

The AF 15mm F1.7 Air gives APS-C shooters a light, bright wide-angle prime that is easy to carry all day. Photographers who need weather sealing or an even larger aperture can look at the larger F1.4 designs.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 15 mm
max focal length: 15 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.7
max f (max zoom): f/1.7
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 12
Groups: 10
Weight: 195 g (0.43 lb)
Filter diameter: 58 mm
min focus distance: 23 cm (9.06 in)
Length: 58.5 mm (2.3 in)
Diameter: 65 mm (2.56 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Viltrox AF 15mm F1.7 fit?

The Viltrox AF 15mm F1.7 is designed for APS-C sensors. On APS-C Nikon Z cameras its field of view equals 23 mm in full-frame terms. Full-frame bodies use it in APS-C (crop) mode, recording only part of the sensor and fewer megapixels.

Nikon Z cameras

Full frame (in APS-C mode):: Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5II, Nikon Z6III, Nikon Z8, Nikon Zf, Nikon Z9, Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6II, Nikon Z7II, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z7
APS-C:: Nikon Z50II, Nikon Z30, Nikon Z fc, Nikon Z50