Viltrox vs VILTROX

Overview of the Viltrox 25mm F1.7 E and VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji

The Viltrox 25mm F1.7 E is available for $176.00, while the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji costs slightly more at $179.00. This puts the Fuji lens at a price difference of just $3, or about 1.7% more expensive than its Sony counterpart. Both lenses cater to different camera systems but share a similar design philosophy and target audience of photographers looking for quality prime lenses with fast apertures.

Build Quality and Design

Both the Viltrox 25mm F1.7 E and the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji showcase a lightweight design, making them suitable for travel and daily use. The 25mm lens weighs only 170g, making it easy to carry around without adding significant bulk to your camera setup. The 35mm lens, while slightly heavier, still maintains a compact profile that's comfortable for extended shoots. Additionally, the 35mm lens features an extended lens hood designed to enhance image contrast by reducing stray light. This thoughtful design detail varies slightly between the two but speaks to the manufacturers' commitment to user experience.

Aperture Performance

The aperture specifications for both lenses are identical, with a maximum aperture of f/1.7. This allows for exceptional low-light performance and provides beautiful background blur, or bokeh, which is particularly important for portrait and street photography. The ability to work in low-light conditions makes both lenses appealing to photographers who require versatility in various lighting scenarios. The large aperture also affords greater control over depth of field, enhancing creative possibilities regardless of your choice between the two.

Autofocus Mechanism

The Viltrox 25mm F1.7 E and the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji both utilize STM stepper motors for autofocus, providing a quiet and efficient focusing experience. The 25mm lens is noted for its face and eye recognition capabilities, making it especially useful for portrait photography. The 35mm lens boasts fast autofocus and low focus breathing, which is beneficial for video recording as it ensures smooth transitions during focus changes. This makes both lenses reliable for different shooting situations, but the added features in the 35mm lens may be more appealing to videographers.

Optical Quality

In terms of optical design, the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji stands out with its more complex arrangement of 11 elements in 9 groups, which includes specialized elements like High Refractive, Extra-low Dispersion, and Aspherical elements. This combination helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortion. While the optical design specifics for the 25mm lens aren’t detailed, its bright f/1.7 aperture suggests it can still deliver sharp images suitable for everyday shooting. If optical quality is a key concern, the Fuji lens may offer an edge due to its advanced design.

Versatility in Shooting

The Viltrox 25mm F1.7 E is compatible with a range of Sony E-mount cameras, making it an excellent choice for users of popular models like the a6400 and a6600. The VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji is designed for the Fujifilm X-Mount system, covering a wide array of cameras from the X-T1 to the X-PRO02. Both lenses are versatile, but your choice will depend on your camera system. The close focusing distance of the 35mm lens, which is just 0.33 meters, enhances its versatility for capturing detailed close-up shots, making it suitable for a variety of photography styles.

Price vs. Value

At $176.00, the Viltrox 25mm F1.7 E presents a slightly lower price point when compared to the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji, which is priced at $179.00. This difference of about $3 can make a significant impact for budget-conscious photographers. While they are comparable in many aspects, the value you derive from each lens may depend on your specific needs and preferences, such as the camera system you use or the type of photography you pursue.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Viltrox 25mm F1.7 E and the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji ultimately comes down to your camera system and shooting preferences. If you are a Sony E-mount user looking for a lightweight lens with reliable autofocus and good low-light performance, the Viltrox 25mm F1.7 E is an excellent option. On the other hand, if you prefer Fujifilm cameras and seek a lens with advanced optical design and close-up capabilities, the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji may be the better choice despite its slightly higher price. Both lenses offer excellent features for their respective systems, making either a solid investment for photographers.