Viltrox AF 35mm 1:1.7 STM ASHP ED IF (APS-C for Sony E, Nikon Z, FujiFilm X) Review

Navigation

1. In short
2. Main Specifications
3. Assembly
4. Focusing
5. Firmware Upgrade
6. Image quality
7. Examples of photos (+source files)
8. Price
9. My experience
10. Video review
11. Results
12. User Comments
13. Add your review or question on the lens

In this review I will refer to the Viltrox AF 35mm 1:1.7 STM ASHP ED IF XF lens as 'Viltrox 35/1.7 AF'.

It's important: This review shows the Viltrox 35/1.7 AF version for FujiFilm mirrorless cameras with bayonet mount fujifilm x and with firmware version v1.02. At the same time, there are modifications of this lens for mirrorless cameras APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) и Sony e-mount.

In short

Viltrox 35/1.7 AF is a modern lens for mirrorless cameras with a “cropped” APS-C sensor (coefficient crop factor Kf=1.5x). According to its parameters, Viltrox 35/1.7 AF is a very attractive solution. First of all, Viltrox 35/1.7 AF is intended for everyday and creative photo and video shooting.

Automatic focusing is performed by a stepper motor. The image quality is at a high level.

The Viltrox 35/1.7 AF can be considered the “little brother” of a very successful model Viltrox AF 33/1.4 AF. Unlike its older brother, the new Viltrox 35/1.7 AF is a lightweight and compact lens, with a more low price. The price of the new Viltrox 35/1.7 AF is low andleaves about $160.

Such 35mm lenses are in great demand and can be considered standard solutions for everyday photography tasks.

• for the system APS-C Sony E-mount Viltrox 35/1.7 AF lens is an alternative to the original autofocus similar lens Sony E 1.8/35 OSS (Optical Steady Shot, SEL35F18, E-mount) (2012)
• for the system APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) there are no original similar solutions (as of the end of 2024), and therefore the Viltrox 35/1.7 AF lens will be in high demand for this system
• for the system APS-C FujiFilm X Viltrox 35/1.7 AF lens is an alternative to the original autofocus lens FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS XC 35mm 1: 2 (2019) and FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS SUPER EBC XF 35mm 1: 2 R WR (2015)

It's important: when searching and choosing autofocus optics for fujifilm x Use these very useful links:

• All autofocus lenses for FujiFilm X (original and third-party)
• All Viltrox Lenses

Alternatives

Below are all the fast 30-35mm autofocus lenses for mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor:

1. Carl Zeiss Planar 32/1.8 Touit (E, X, 2012)
2. Sony 35/1.8 OSS (E, 2012)
3. FujiFilm 33/1.4 XF (X, 2021)
4. FujiFilm 35/1.4 XF (X, 2012)
5. FujiFilm 35/2 XC (X, 2019)
6. FujiFilm 35/2 XF (X, 2015)
7. Canon 32/1.4 (EF-M, 2018)
8. Leica 35/1.4 SUMMILUX (L/TL/CL, 2016)
9. Samsung 30/2 (NX, 2010) [overview]
10. Sigma 30/1.4 (E, X, Z, L, EF-M, RF-S, MFT, 2016) [overview]
11. Sigma 30/2.8 EX DN (E, MFT, 2012)
12. Sigma 30/2.8 A DN (E, MFT, 2013)
13. Tokina 33/1.4 (E, X, 2021)
14. Viltrox 33/1.4 (E, X, Z, EF-M, 2020)
15. Viltrox 35/1.7 (E, X, Z, 2024) [overview]
16. Yongnuo 33/1.4 (E, X, Z, 2024)
17. Yongnuo 35/1.8 (Z, 2024)
18. TTArtisan 35/1.8 (E, X, Z, 2023) [overview]
19. TTArtisan 35/1.8 AF II (E, X, Z, 2024)
20. Meike 33/1.4 (E, X, Z, 2024) [overview]
21. Sirui 33/1.2 (2023)

Main technical characteristics of Viltrox AF 35mm 1:1.7 STM ASHP ED IF XF:

Review Instance Name	On the lens barrel: AF 35/1.7 XF Viltrox + data plate Near the front lens: AF 35mm 1:1.7 STM ASPH ED IF Image Size Ø28.4mm Ø52mm 0.33m/1.1ft On the box: Viltrox APS-C AF 35/1.7 AUTO FOCUS PRIME LENS X-mount
Basic properties	XF – the lens is designed for Fujifilm mirrorless cameras with X-mount AF (Auto Focus) - the lens supports auto focus STM (Scarpets Motor) - focusing stepper motor IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus ED (Extra Low Dispersion) - low dispersion elements in the optical scheme ASPH (ASPHERICAL) – aspherical elements in the optical design H.R.I. - elements with an ultra-high refractive index Special Coated optics, with protection of the front lens from water and dirt USB-port for firmware update Electronic focus ring Included hood Viltrox AIR – the lens belongs to the AIR lens line, which is characterized by lightness and compactness (these include models 20/2.8, 56/1.7, 40/2.5) Important: lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its use
Front Filter Diameter	52 mm, plastic thread for filters
Focal length	35mm Equivalent Focal Length Sony E APS-C / APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) / APS-C FujiFilm X is 52.5 mm
Zoom ratio	1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by	for cropped mirrorless digital cameras. Theoretically, the lens is suitable for all digital mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses and mount SONY E/FE и APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) и APS-C FujiFilm X
Number of aperture blades	9 rounded petals
Tags	bayonet mount mark hood attachment mark
Diaphragm	from F/1.7 to F/16 without aperture control ring
MDF	0.33 meters, maximum magnification ratio 1:7.7
The weight	172 grams without lids according to my measurements (version under APS-C FujiFilm X). The model weighs exactly the same 56/1.7. 222 grams with two caps and a hood according to my measurements (version under APS-C FujiFilm X)
Optical design	11 elements in 9 groups, including 1 ED element, 1 aspherical element and 2 ultra-high refractive index elements
Lens hood	Bayonet-type lens hood included in delivery
Manufacturer country	MADE IN CHINA (Made in China)
Period	From December 18, 2024 (this review was published on the day of the lens announcement)
Instructions	Included in delivery
Price	Around $160, check current prices on Aliexpress from official Viltrox dealer Amazon

The actual aperture ratio (T-stage) is quite high, and is at the T/1.8 level.

Aperture F/1.7 approx. three stops wider F/5.6 aperture, which is used in some 'dark' standard lenses. Each step gives a twofold increase in aperture: 1.4 -> 2 -> 2.8 -> 4 -> 5.6. In numerical terms this means that the Viltrox 35/1.7 AF should be 11 times lighterthan stock lens FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS SUPER EBC XC 16-50mm 1:3.5-5.6 OIS II, which at 35 mm focal length can use a maximum relative aperture of only 1:5.6. Calculating the difference in relative apertures (count aperture ratio) is done in an elementary way: (5.6*5.6)/(1.7*1.7)=11. The creative potential of such a lens is difficult to overestimate. Amateur photographers often use it as a portrait lens. Many people simply want a fast prime to complement their kit lens.

Assembly

The lens came for review new in its original box. The package does not include a USB cable for updating the firmware.

Viltrox 35/1.7 AF has metal mount. The focus ring is plastic, with veins, not rubberized.

The weight of the Viltrox 35/1.7 AF is approximately 170 grams. The lens body is made of plastic. The assembly is high quality. The lens feels good in your hands.

A durable plastic lens hood is included in the package. Bayonet type lens hood, snap-on reliably. The lens hood can be installed in the opposite direction (in transport mode), but in this case, access to the focus ring is partially lost.

The front and rear protective covers are plastic, massive, and easy to use.

The aperture consists of 9 blades. At F/1.7-F/4 the aperture takes a fairly round shape. The aperture works quickly and does not stick.

Focusing

The lens has a built-in STM focusing stepper motor. The motor runs very quietly.

Auto focus speed average, closer to high. The focusing speed is sufficient for comfortable work in most photo tasks.

The focusing ring is plastic, wide, with veins. Electronic focusing ring, rotates very easily, has no extreme positions. The ring can be rotated with only one finger. There is virtually no lag in the electronic focusing ring.

During auto focus focus ring remains stationary.

Lens has internal focus, the front and rear lenses remain stationary during focusing. It is possible to use various filters without any problems.

The minimum focusing distance is 33cm and the maximum magnification ratio is 1:7.7.

Firmware Upgrade

When connected to a computer, the lens is recognized as a 1.96 MB 'Viltrox DFU' drive. The drive contains a DeviceInformation.txt file - a text file with information about the lens and firmware, as well as the firmware file itself UserProfile.dat.

To update you should download the firmware file from the official website and copy it to the 'Viltrox DFU' drive, wait 5 seconds, then make sure that the text file shows the new firmware version. You may need to update information about your drive and/or connected devices. At the time of writing this review, there was no firmware update for this lens yet. It is worth noting that Viltrox constantly updates the firmware for its lenses.

Image quality

In general, the image quality of the Viltrox 35/1.7 AF is at a high level.

Resolution

• in the center of the frame at F/1.7 the lens is wonderful in terms of resolution
• there is a very slight drop in sharpness towards the edges of the frame at F/1.7. Even across the field of a full-frame sensor at 1.7, the resolution to the edges and corners drops slightly (example)
• after approximately F/2.8, the resolution is at a very high level across the entire field of the frame

Distortion

• small pincushion distortion
• the overall level of distortion is at a level typical for such lenses
• the nature of distortion is unified, easily corrected in the editor

Vignetting

• the overall level of vignetting is at a level typical for such lenses
• noticeable vignetting is observed only at F / 1.7-F / 2.5
• vignetting almost disappears at F / 2.8-F / 4
• vignetting is easily fixable in the editor

Aberration

• there is a small amount of chromatic aberration at open apertures
• there is a weak one friging (HA in the blur zone)
• aperture down to f / 4 significantly reduces the amount of HA

Rest

• the aperture opening at F/1.7-F/4 values ​​is quite round and smooth; at F/8-F/16 values ​​you can see regular nine-sided angles
• The lens tolerates side and back light well
• in many scenes, the lens can create a pleasant / neutral bokeh

There is no lens profile for the lens in popular RAW converters, but most likely the profile will appear shortly or you can create it yourself.

Sample photos on APS-C

The camera used was FujiFilm X-T2 (24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor). All photos in this review are shown without processing, according to the principles ZEROJPEG.

• Original RAW (FujiFilm '.RAF') photos can be view / download this link (30+ files, Google Drive gallery).
• The original photos in JPEG ('.jpg') format can be view / download this link (30+ files, Google Drive gallery).

Prices

Prices for Viltrox 35/1.7 AF on Aliexpress can look at this link or Amazon.

My experience

Viltrox 35/1.7 AF is simply excellent for its price.

Video review

Results

Viltrox 35/1.7 AF is an affordable standard fixed lens that copes well with various photographic tasks. Optical qualities are at a high level. One of the best similar lenses in terms of price and quality.

main advantages

1. internal focusing, electronic wide focusing ring
2. Quiet and fast stepping focus motor, tenacious autofocus
3. good/excellent build quality
4. USB port for firmware upgrade, easy firmware upgrade method
5. nine-petal diaphragm
6. modern complex optical design with special optical elements
7. nice / neutral drawing, which can be used as a good artistic technique during portraiture
8. high resolution across the entire frame field already at F/1.7
9. low level of vignetting and distortion
10. good value for money

main disadvantages

1. there is no AF/MF focus mode switch (for example, there is MEIKE 33/1.4 STM)
2. there is no aperture control ring (for example, there is MEIKE 33/1.4 STM)
3. there is no image stabilizer (for example, there is one in Sony E 1.8 / 35 OSS)
4. the lens is poorly protected from environmental influences (for example, MEIKE 33/1.4 STM rubber seal of bayonet)
5. minor optical imperfections

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval.