Expanded view for Fujifilm, Sony, and Nikon APS-C mirrorless cameras now available with Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 Air lens
The Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7, the latest addition to the Viltrox Air series, is now available for APS-C mirrorless cameras with Fujifilm XF, Sony E, and Nikon Z mounts. This fast autofocus prime lens offers an effective focal length equivalent to a 22.5mm wide-angle on a full-frame camera, making it a versatile choice for landscape, street, and travel photography.
Key Features
- Weight: The weight of the lens varies depending on the mount, ranging between 180-195g.
- Compatibility: The Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 is compatible with Fujifilm XF, Sony E, and Nikon Z mounts.
- Included Accessories: The lens includes a petal-shaped lens hood and a protective pouch bag in the price. A 5% discount is available if purchased from Amazon before August 2.
- Construction: The lens is constructed from 12 elements in 10 groups, including three High Refractive (HR) elements, three extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements, and two aspherical (ASPH) elements.
- Price: The lens goes on sale today with a retail price of $239 / £229.
- Built-in USB-C Port: The lens has a built-in USB-C port for updating firmware.
- Minimum Focusing Distance: The minimum focusing distance of the Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 is 23cm.
Performance and Reviews
The Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 has received generally positive reviews for its combination of image quality, build, and price, but with some caveats.
Image Quality
The lens delivers good sharpness especially when stopped down to around f/2.8, with usable results even wide open at f/1.7. Detail and contrast are strong, and color rendition is neutral and well saturated, matching well with Fujifilm's color science. However, there is some softness at the edges, noticeable coma aberration (wedge-shaped light points near edges), and some challenging flare in certain lighting (especially backlit or sun near frame edges). Vignetting is relatively high but expected for such a compact wide-angle lens. Distortion is present, described as a small wavy pattern, which might affect architecture photography negatively.
Autofocus
The AF is quite good for a budget lens—fast, quiet, and sensitive enough to make it practical for travel and landscape photography. The focus breathing and focus shift are average but present.
Build & Handling
The lens is lightweight, compact, and well-built using quality plastics and tight assembly. It lacks weather sealing but has an internal focusing design that offers some dust protection. The build and handling compares well with other modern lenses at this price point.
Bokeh
Not a lens designed for creamy background separation due to its ultra-wide angle, but reasonably smooth bokeh can be achieved in close focus situations with a distant background.
Price and Value
Widely regarded as offering excellent value with optical performance better than its low price suggests, making it attractive for APS-C photographers needing a fast 15mm prime without breaking the bank.
Mount Compatibility
Reviews mostly focus on Fujifilm X mount but the lens is similarly appreciated on Sony E and Nikon Z mounts due to similar optical design and autofocus performance.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons | |-----------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Good sharpness (esp. stopped down)| High vignetting | | Neutral, saturated colors | Some coma and distortion (wavy) | | Fast, quiet autofocus | Flare issues at certain angles | | Compact, lightweight build | Average close-up sharpness | | Affordable price, great value | Focus breathing and shift present| | Good color match for Fujifilm | Limited sunstars performance |
Overall, the Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 Air prime lens is well suited for landscape, street, and travel photography on APS-C mirrorless cameras from Fujifilm, Sony, and Nikon. Its optical strengths and affordability outweigh the moderate drawbacks in vignetting, flare, and distortion for most users.
- The Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7, compatible with Fujifilm XF, Sony E, and Nikon Z mounts, offers versatility for landscape, street, and travel photography on APS-C mirrorless cameras.
- While the lens delivers good sharpness, there is some softness at the edges and noticeable coma aberration that might affect architecture photography.
- The lens has a built-in USB-C port for updating firmware, and it is currently available for purchase with a retail price of $239 / £229.
- For photography enthusiasts who need a fast 15mm prime lens without breaking the bank, this lens offers excellent value due to its optical performance.
- The Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 is praised for its fast, quiet autofocus, compact, lightweight build, and good color rendition, particularly when matched with Fujifilm's color science.
