Viltrox has launched a 15mm F/1.7 lens to their Air lineup for APS-C cameras, the primary wide-angle within the sequence. It’s compact sufficient to slot in your pocket and priced at $239, which places it firmly within the funds class. That could be sufficient purpose to take discover, however it additionally raises a number of questions, akin to whether or not a lens this small and this quick can ship the type of high quality most shooters count on, even from an entry-level lens. Let’s take a look.
Viltrox continues to broaden their lineup throughout a number of fronts. Final month, they introduced their first aerial lens, and finally yr’s IBC 2024, they confirmed us the LUNA, a 42-420mm T5.6 cine zoom lens for big format cameras. The Viltrox Air sequence focuses on compact, reasonably priced lenses for APS-C creators. That vary, from entry-level autofocus primes to specialty cinema glass, reveals how Viltrox is positioning itself as a model with stunning breadth.
Small however mighty
What stands out most to me in regards to the Viltrox 15mm F/1.7 Air lens is its mixture of velocity, measurement, and worth. Most different wide-angle lenses which are this small both cease at f/2 or f/2.8, or they get larger and pricier in the event that they’re sooner. The Viltrox weighs solely 180g/6.34 oz to 195g/6.9 oz (varies barely by mount), and is about 56mm (2.2in) in size, really sufficiently small to slot in your pocket. Like different lenses within the Air sequence, this one can also be minimal in weight and measurement with out sacrificing an excessive amount of by way of aperture or on a regular basis usability. As well as, the lens helps Exif information transmission and firmware updates through USB-C.
Sufficiently small to hold in your pocket. Picture credit score: Viltrox
Now for picture high quality
For a lens this small, the Viltrox 15mm F/1.7 Air has a stunning quantity of optical design. There are 12 components in 10 teams, together with three extra-low dispersion components to cut back chromatic aberration and three high-refractive components that assist keep sharpness towards the sides. Two aspherical components ought to preserve distortion below management, plus the lens has a water and dust-resistant coating. It’s the type of design you would possibly count on from a dearer lens, and it means that Viltrox isn’t chopping corners in the case of picture high quality.
Compact and lightweight. Picture credit score: Viltrox
Auto-focus and shut focus
Viltrox has fitted the lens with a stepping motor (STM) that handles each autofocus and guide focus. Based on the corporate, it’s designed to be quick and quiet, so well-suited for video. Whereas it could not sustain with premium programs by way of monitoring or velocity, it ought to maintain its personal for many on a regular basis capturing. The lens focuses as shut as 0.23 m (9.1 in), with a most magnification of 0.1x, so it’s not meant for macro work, however remains to be helpful for capturing particulars inside a large area of view.
Picture credit score: Viltrox
What not to count on
At this worth level, a number of trade-offs are to be anticipated. The lens has minimal controls, doesn’t embrace climate sealing, and whereas the physique isn’t metallic (though the bayonet is hardened aluminum-alloy), its light-weight development is a part of what makes it so moveable. And as talked about above, the autofocus is pushed by a stepping motor, which can not supply the identical monitoring efficiency as higher-end programs. Nonetheless, for on a regular basis capturing with a vibrant F/1.7 aperture in such a compact type, the compromises appear well-balanced.
Viltrox 15mm F/1.7. Picture credit score: Viltrox
Specs
- Lens Mount: E, Z, XF
- Lens Components: 12/10
- Focal Size: 15mm
- Viewing Angle: 84.9°
- Aperture: F1.7-F16
- Variety of Aperture Blades: 9
- Taking pictures Distance: 0.23m-∞
- Focus Mechanism: Inside focus
- Focus Motor: STM
- Focus Mode: MF, AF
- Max. magnification: 0.1x
- Lens Dimension: ø: 2.6 x L: 2.2″ / ø: 65 x L: 56.4 mm
Weight: ≈180g (naked lens) - Filter Dimension: Φ58mm
Within the field. Picture credit score: Viltrox
Worth and availability
The 15mm F/1.7 joins Viltrox’s Air sequence, an increasing line of small, light-weight autofocus primes designed for APS-C mirrorless programs. The lens is out there now from Amazon and different retailers, with a listed worth of round $239. For extra info, head over to the Viltrox web site.
Do you personal one in every of Viltrox’s Air lenses? How does the price-to-performance stack up for you? Share your ideas within the feedback.
