Sony E Autofocus

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 is designed for APS-C sensors. On APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras its field of view equals 53 mm in full-frame terms. Full-frame bodies use it in APS-C (crop) mode, recording only part of the sensor and fewer megapixels.

Sony E-Mount cameras

Full frame (in APS-C mode):: Sony A7R VI, Sony A7 V, Sony FX2, Sony A1 II, Sony A9 III, Sony A7C II, Sony A7CR, Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V, Sony A7 IV, Sony A1, Sony FX3, Sony A7S III, Sony A7C, Sony FX6, Sony A7R IV, Sony A9 II, Sony FX9, Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Sony A9, Sony A7R II, Sony A7S II, Sony A7 II, Sony A7S, Sony A7, Sony A7R
APS-C:: Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700, Sony FX30, Sony ZV-E10, Sony A6600, Sony A6100, Sony A6400, Sony A6500, Sony A6300, Sony A6000, Sony A5100, Sony A5000, Sony A3000, Sony NEX-5T, Sony NEX-3N, Sony NEX-6, Sony NEX-5R, Sony NEX-F3