Viltrox, known for producing high-quality lenses at incredibly affordable prices, has once again won over our reviewer, Matthew Richards. In fact, Richards awarded the Viltrox AF 27mm F1.2 Pro an impressive five-star rating in his evaluation.
Recently, Viltrox introduced a new lens, the AF 40mm f/2.5 Z. It’s distinct from the Pro lenses in the Viltrox lineup in that it’s smaller, lighter, and even more cost-effective. Retailing at a mere $158 / £130, it seems to be an absolute steal. However, to reach this lower price point, there are some concessions, most notably in the maximum aperture, which, while fairly wide, is somewhat modest for a short prime at f/2.5.
The 40mm focal length is an intriguing choice, diverging from the more common 50mm or 35mm focal lengths offered by most manufacturers. It’s a hotly debated topic, but many argue that 40mm perfectly captures the world as seen through human eyes. This lens is designed for Nikon’s full-frame cameras and covers the entire image circle, eliminating any need for cropping. Despite this, it can also be used with Nikon’s APS-C cameras, though this alters the focal length to 60mm. This versatility makes it ideal for various types of photography, from portraits to weddings to landscapes.
As for the lens’s specifications, it has an optical structure comprising 10 elements in 6 groups. This includes 1 ED lens, 3 high refractive index lenses, 1 aspherical lens, and a nano multi-layer coating that repels water, grease, and grime. The lens also features seven aperture blades, a 52mm filter thread, and a minimum focus distance of 0.34cm (1.1ft).
You can get the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z lens right now from Amazon and other online retailers. It’s priced at £158 / £130, with Australian pricing yet to be confirmed.