Viltrox AF 35mm F1.8 EVO

The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.8 EVO is a compact full-frame wide-normal prime with autofocus for Sony E and Nikon Z mount. It is one of the first two APO lenses in Viltrox's EVO line, introduced together with the AF 55mm F1.8 EVO, and Viltrox positions it for street, travel and environmental photography. It is a different lens from the older AF 35mm F1.8 in the database; Retailer listings call the new one the "II" EVO version.

Optical design

Viltrox specifies 13 elements in 10 groups with 2 ED, 3 HR and 1 UA element and describes the design as apochromatic (APO). According to Viltrox and press coverage, the aim is to bring red, green and blue wavelengths onto the same focal plane for cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes. The diaphragm has 9 blades and closes down to F16. The minimum focus distance is 0.34 m at a maximum magnification of 0.15x.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus uses an STM stepping motor with a lead screw and supports face and eye detection from the camera. The lens has a focus ring, an aperture ring with a CLICK switch, an Fn button and an AF/MF switch. The mount is rubber sealed and the filter thread is 58 mm. A USB-C port allows firmware updates.

Build and size

The E-mount version weighs about 355 g and measures 69 mm in diameter by 76 mm in length. The Z-mount version weighs about 375 g and is 78 mm long. Both use the same 58 mm filter size as the 55mm, 75mm, 85mm and 90mm EVO lenses, so filters can be shared across those lenses.

Where it fits

The AF 35mm F1.8 EVO follows the earlier AF 35mm F1.8 as the F1.8 option in the Viltrox range. Brighter Viltrox choices are the AF 35mm F1.2 Lab and the AF 35mm F1.7. On Sony E, comparable 35mm lenses are the Sony FE 35mm F1.8 and the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE, plus the 7Artisans AF 35mm F1.8. On Nikon Z, the Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.4 is a faster but larger alternative.

Pros and cons

Pros

• APO design aimed at low color fringing, according to Viltrox
• Light and compact at 355 to 375 g
• 0.34 m minimum focus distance
• Aperture ring with CLICK switch, Fn button and AF/MF switch

Cons

• F1.8 is slower than the F1.2 and F1.7 Viltrox 35mm lenses
• STM instead of VCM focus motor
• No image stabilization in the lens
• Weather protection limited to a rubber-sealed mount

Verdict

The AF 35mm F1.8 EVO is a small, well-equipped 35mm for travel and everyday shooting, and its APO design is the main selling point over the older AF 35mm F1.8. Photographers who need more light should look at the F1.2 Lab or F1.7 versions.