VILTROX vs YONGNUO

Overview of the Lenses

When comparing the VILTROX 15mm F1.7 E-Mount Lens for Sony and the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art Auto Focus Lens for Sony, both lenses bring unique features to the table, catering to different photography styles. The VILTROX lens is priced at $239.00, while the YONGNUO lens is approximately 17% cheaper at $128.00. This price difference reflects the distinct characteristics and capabilities of each lens, appealing to varying user needs.

Design and Build Quality

The VILTROX 15mm F1.7 lens boasts a robust design suitable for landscape and architecture photography, with a wide angle of view at 84.9 degrees. Its construction supports serious videography with smooth focus transitions. On the other hand, the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 lens features a metal outer shell and a solid build with a waterproof membrane, making it durable in various environments. Both lenses include a high-quality aperture system, but the VILTROX focuses more on ultra-wide shots, while the YONGNUO lens is ideal for standard perspectives.

Autofocus Performance

In terms of autofocus, the VILTROX 15mm F1.7 is equipped with an STM motor, providing fast and precise focusing capabilities. This makes it particularly beneficial for capturing moving subjects. The YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 also features quiet autofocus, which is essential for both photography and video recording. While both lenses deliver reliable autofocus, the VILTROX may have an edge in dynamic shooting scenarios due to its advanced motor.

Aperture and Image Quality

The VILTROX 15mm F1.7 lens has a large aperture of F1.7, composed of 9 aperture blades, allowing for beautiful background blur, particularly when shooting portraits. Meanwhile, the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 offers an aperture range from F1.8 to F22, providing versatility for different lighting conditions but with only 9 blades as well. This results in a slightly different bokeh quality. Both lenses are well-designed to minimize distortion, yet the VILTROX’s aperture may yield a more pronounced aesthetic for portrait and close-up photography.

Focal Length and Versatility

With a focal length of 15mm, the VILTROX lens is categorized as an ultra-wide angle lens, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and architecture. Conversely, the YONGNUO lens, with its 35mm focal length, serves as a standard prime lens, ideal for portrait photography and everyday shooting scenarios. This difference in focal length means that while the VILTROX excels in wide shots, the YONGNUO provides a more versatile approach for general photography needs.

Minimum Focusing Distance

The VILTROX 15mm F1.7 lens has a shortest focusing distance of 0.23 meters, allowing photographers to get closer to their subjects and capture unique perspectives. In contrast, the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 has a minimum focusing distance of 0.35 meters. This means that if you are looking to achieve dramatic close-ups or exaggerated perspectives, the VILTROX lens has a clear advantage, providing more creative possibilities.

Compatibility and Application

Both lenses are designed for Sony E-mount cameras, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of models. The VILTROX 15mm lens is particularly suited for the FX30, ZV-E10, and other APS-C format cameras, making it excellent for VLOGs and travel photography. The YONGNUO 35MM lens, with its compatibility across various Sony models, offers an entry-level option for both photography and video recording. This broad compatibility enhances the appeal of the YONGNUO for users who may own multiple camera systems.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the VILTROX 15mm F1.7 and the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 largely depends on your specific photography needs. If you are focused on wide-angle shots and require a lens for landscape or architecture photography, the VILTROX, with its wider aperture and shorter minimum focusing distance, is the better choice. However, if you prefer a versatile lens that performs well for everyday photography and provides a solid autofocus experience at a lower price, the YONGNUO is a compelling option. Ultimately, both lenses have their strengths, catering to different styles and preferences in photography.