Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 AF Nikon Z Camera Lens

The Viltrox 35mm Nikon Lens for Nikon Z-mount is a third-party autofocus prime lens designed for Nikon’s Z-series mirrorless cameras. It offers a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, making it a budget-friendly alternative to Nikon’s native Z-mount lenses. While it may not match the premium build and optical quality of Nikon’s S-Line lenses, it provides excellent value for enthusiasts and hobbyists looking for a versatile 35mm lens.

Key Features:

1. Focal Length: 35mm (a versatile wide-angle focal length, ideal for everyday use).
2. Aperture: Fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, great for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field.
3. Optical Design: 9 elements in 8 groups, including:
   • ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to reduce chromatic aberrations.
   • Aspherical elements to minimize distortion and spherical aberrations.
4. Autofocus: Features a stepping motor for quiet and smooth autofocus, suitable for both stills and video.
5. Build Quality: Solid construction with a metal mount, though it lacks weather sealing.
6. Size and Weight: Compact and lightweight, weighing approximately 320g (11.3 oz), making it highly portable.
7. Close Focusing Distance: Minimum focus distance of 0.35m (1.15 ft), with a maximum magnification of 0.1x.
8. Aperture Blades: 9 rounded blades for smooth and pleasing bokeh.
9. Compatibility: Designed specifically for Nikon Z-mount cameras.

Performance:

• Image Quality: Good sharpness and contrast, especially in the center of the frame, with some softness at the edges when wide open.
• Bokeh: Smooth and creamy out-of-focus areas, thanks to the rounded aperture blades.
• Low-Light Performance: The f/1.8 aperture allows for solid performance in low-light conditions.
• Video Performance: Decent for videography, with quiet autofocus and minimal focus breathing.

Pros:

• Affordable alternative to Nikon’s native Z-mount lenses.
• Fast f/1.8 aperture for low-light shooting and creative depth of field.
• Compact and lightweight design.
• Solid build quality with a metal mount.
• Good value for money.

Cons:

• Image quality may not match Nikon’s S-Line lenses, especially at the edges of the frame.
• Lacks weather sealing, limiting its use in harsh conditions.
• Autofocus performance, while decent, may not be as fast or reliable as native Nikon lenses.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Street photography.
• Portrait photography.
• Landscape and travel photography.
• Low-light and indoor photography.
• Videography (for hobbyists and content creators).

Conclusion:

The Viltrox 35mm Nikon Lens is a budget-friendly option for Nikon Z-mount users who want a fast, versatile prime lens without breaking the bank. While it may not offer the same level of optical performance or build quality as Nikon’s native lenses, it provides excellent value for its price and is a great choice for enthusiasts and hobbyists. If you’re looking for an affordable 35mm lens with autofocus capabilities, the Viltrox is worth considering.