This prime lens for APS-C sensor cameras is rumored to hit the sweet spot of price and performance
(Image credit: Viltrox / photorumors.com)
Viltrox is about to release a new APS-C format 35mm f/1.7 lens for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X mounts, according to several rumor sites. The fully autofocus lens will be priced at around 800 Chinese yuan, which works out at a very affordable $110 / £90 / AU$175 with a direct currency conversion.
Due to be released for the three mounts simultaneously, according to Photo Rumors, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 has a configuration of 11 elements in nine groups, including two extra-low dispersion elements, one high-refractive index element, and one aspherical element. The lens's widest f/1.7 aperture puts it ever-so-slightly faster than Nikon's own Z 35mm f/1.8 S, but at a fraction of the cost. The minimum aperture is f/16.
An STM focus drive should ensure zippy autofocus. It has a minimum shooting distance of 0.33m with a maximum magnification of 0.13x, and a 45º angle-of-view. Up front is a 52mm filter thread, and it promises a small and lightweight build, with dimensions of 64 x 54.7mm and weighing just 170g.
The lens will be available in Nikon Z mount, as well as Sony E and Fujifilm X mounts (Image credit: Viltrox / photorumors.com)
The lens is part of the Viltrox Air series, joining the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7, Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8, and Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 lenses that are already available. We rated all three lenses highly, awarding each our 'Recommended' gong, so we expect this latest lens to offer a similar combination of good performance at an attractive price.
There are a fair few third-party 35mm autofocus lenses already in the market, so the lens will be up against some pretty stiff competition. In fact, Viltrox already has a full-frame 35mm f/1.8 autofocus lens in Z mount, which costs significantly more at around $400 / $315 / AU$625, so it will be interesting to see how this new lens compares.
As the 35mm lens is specifically for APS-C sensor cameras, it has an effective focal length of 52.5mm with the 1.5x multiplier taken into account, so can be regarded as a 'nifty fifty' in traditional full-frame terms.
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Prior to joining digitalcameraworld.com as News Editor, Adam was the editor of N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine for seven years, and as such is one of Digital Camera World's leading experts when it comes to all things Nikon-related.
Whether it’s reviews and hands-on tests of the latest Nikon cameras and lenses, sharing his skills using filters, tripods, lighting, L brackets and other photography equipment, or trading tips and techniques on shooting landscapes, wildlife and almost any genre of photography, Adam is always on hand to provide his insights.
Prior to his tenure on N-Photo, Adam was also a veteran of publications such as PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, so his wealth of photographic knowledge isn’t solely limited to the Big N.
