VILTROX 35mm F1.7 E-Mount Large Aperture APS-C STM Auto Focus Prime Lens for Sony E-Mount Camera FX3 A7C A7RII A7SII A7II A7RIII A7IV A7RIV A9 A1 ZVE1 A93 A6700 A6600 A6500 A6400 ZV-E10 FX30 ZV-E10II
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AI Verdict
This 170g APS-C 35mm f/1.7 prime lens with STM autofocus delivers sharp central images and creamy bokeh for Sony E-mount cameras.
This 170g, f/1.7 prime lens is a strong fit for APS-C Sony E-mount users who prioritize portability and shallow depth of field. Its 52.5mm equivalent focal length makes it a versatile 'normal' lens for various shooting scenarios, and the STM autofocus is quick enough for most stills and video, provided external audio is used.
If you need built-in image stabilization or silent autofocus for video with internal audio, look for lenses explicitly stating OSS (Optical SteadyShot) or a quieter linear motor.
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Pros
- Produces a dreamy background blur with its f/1.7 aperture and 9 aperture blades, effectively isolating subjects.
- Captures sharp details, particularly in the center of the frame, even when shooting wide open at f/1.7.
- Weighs only 170g, making it a lightweight option for street photography or travel.
- Features an STM motor for fast and accurate autofocus, including eye and face detection, with minimal focus breathing for video.
- Includes 1 ED, 2 high refractive index, and 1 aspherical lens elements, alongside multi-layer coating, to reduce optical aberrations.
- Offers a micro USB port for future firmware updates, extending its compatibility and performance.
Cons
- Autofocus motor noise can be audible and picked up by in-camera microphones during video recording.
- Image sharpness at the edges of the frame can decrease when stopping down to narrower apertures.
- Lacks built-in image stabilization, requiring reliance on in-camera stabilization or external gimbals for shake reduction.
- Maximum magnification is limited to 0.11, preventing close-up macro photography.
- Bokeh balls can exhibit a lemon shape in the corners of the frame.
Dimension Scores
The lens delivers sharp central images even at f/1.7 and produces creamy bokeh, though edge sharpness can soften when stopped down.
The STM motor provides fast and accurate autofocus with eye/face detection, but it is not silent.
It offers minimal focus breathing, which is beneficial for video, but the audible autofocus noise is a drawback for internal audio recording.
Weighing only 170g, this lens is exceptionally lightweight and compact, making it highly portable.
Best For
- Street photographers needing a compact, fast prime for APS-C cameras.
- Portrait photographers seeking background separation and low-light capability on a budget.
- Videographers who use external audio and require minimal focus breathing.
- Travelers looking for a lightweight, single-focal-length lens for everyday shooting.
Not Recommended For
- Videographers relying solely on in-camera audio due to audible autofocus noise.
- Users who frequently shoot in low light without in-body image stabilization or a tripod.
- Macro photographers needing high magnification for close-up subjects.
Watch Out For
- The autofocus motor produces an audible clicking sound, which is noticeable if you're recording video with your camera's onboard microphone.
- Edge sharpness can soften when the lens is stopped down from its maximum f/1.7 aperture.
- There's no optical image stabilization, so you'll need to use your camera's in-body stabilization or a gimbal to reduce shake, especially for video.
- The closest focusing distance is 0.33m, resulting in a maximum magnification of only 0.11, so don't expect macro-like close-ups.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DQP6SQ7Z |
| Brand | VILTROX |
| Lens Type | Wide Angle |
| Item Weight | 6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Viltrox |
| Item model number | 35mm f1.7 |
| Product Dimensions | 5.12 x 3.94 x 3.15 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Sony E |
| Camera Lens Description | AF 35mm F1.7 Sony E |
| Focal Length Description | 35mm F1.7 Fixed Focal Length |
What Buyers Say
Users are consistently surprised by the image quality this lens delivers for its price, particularly its central sharpness and ability to create pleasing background blur. Many highlight its compact size and light weight as significant advantages for everyday use. The autofocus is generally quick and accurate, supporting modern features like eye detection, but its audible operation is a recurring point of contention for video shooters.
“Dude, for under 200 bucks, this thing is crazy sharp in the middle and the bokeh is so creamy, my portraits look way more expensive than they actually were. Just gotta remember to use my external mic for video 'cause that AF noise is real.”
Common Praise
- Subjects are isolated effectively with a dreamy background blur due to the f/1.7 aperture.
- Images are sharp in the center, even when shooting wide open at f/1.7.
- The lens is noticeably lightweight at 170g, making it comfortable for extended shooting.
- Autofocus is fast and precise, with effective eye and face tracking.
- Chromatic aberration is minimal, leading to cleaner images.
- Focus breathing is very low, which is a plus for video recording.
Common Complaints
- The autofocus motor makes an audible clicking sound that can be picked up by the camera's internal microphone during video.
- Edge sharpness degrades when the aperture is stopped down from its widest setting.
- There is no optical image stabilization, requiring reliance on camera body stabilization or external gear.
- Bokeh balls in the corners can appear elongated or lemon-shaped.
- The maximum magnification of 0.11 isn't suitable for close-up or macro work.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, you'll notice how often you reach for this lens because it's so light and unobtrusive on the camera.
- You'll quickly learn to compensate for the lack of optical stabilization by adjusting your shutter speed or relying on your camera's IBIS.
- The f/1.7 aperture becomes a go-to for indoor shots without flash, significantly reducing ISO noise compared to kit lenses.
- The micro USB port for firmware updates is actually useful, as Viltrox often releases updates to improve compatibility or performance.
- You'll start appreciating the minimal focus breathing more for casual video clips, even with the AF noise caveat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this lens compatible with full-frame Sony E-mount cameras?
While it physically mounts, this lens is designed for APS-C sensors. On a full-frame camera, it will likely operate in crop mode, resulting in a lower resolution image.
Does this lens have image stabilization?
No, this lens does not have built-in optical image stabilization. You'll need to rely on your camera's in-body image stabilization (IBIS) or use a gimbal for stable shots.
What is the filter thread size?
The VILTROX 35mm F1.7 lens has a 52mm filter thread.
Can I update the firmware on this lens?
Yes, the lens is equipped with a micro USB interface at the bottom, which allows for convenient future firmware upgrades.
How close can this lens focus?
The minimum focusing distance for this lens is 0.33 meters (33cm).
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a prime lens like this, you're trading zoom flexibility for image quality and a wider maximum aperture. The '35mm' refers to its fixed focal length, and 'f/1.7' is how wide the aperture opens, letting in more light and creating that blurry background effect. This lens is specifically for APS-C sensor cameras, so it acts like a 52.5mm lens on those bodies.
F1.7 Large Aperture
This number tells you how wide the lens can open. A smaller f-number (like f/1.7) means it lets in a lot of light, which is crucial for shooting in dim conditions without cranking up your camera's ISO. It also creates a shallower depth of field, making your subject pop against a blurred background, often called 'bokeh.'
STM Auto Focus Motor
STM stands for 'Stepping Motor.' This type of motor is generally known for being smooth and relatively quiet, which is important for both still photography and video, as it helps achieve precise focus quickly.
170g Lightweight Design
The weight of your lens significantly impacts how comfortable your camera setup is to carry and shoot with for long periods. A 170g lens is incredibly light, making your camera feel less bulky and more suitable for travel or street photography.
APS-C Compatibility
This means the lens is designed for cameras with smaller, APS-C sized sensors. On these cameras, a 35mm lens behaves like a 52.5mm lens on a full-frame camera, giving you a 'normal' perspective that's similar to human vision, making it versatile for portraits, street, and everyday shots.
Alternatives
If you need optical image stabilization for handheld video or completely silent autofocus, look for lenses with 'OSS' in their name or those specifically marketed for silent video performance. If you need to zoom, you'll need to consider a zoom lens instead of a prime.
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