Viltrox 25mm F1.7

Viltrox is on a roll in pushing out amazing budget prime lenses. Like their AIR series. Specifically, 56mm F1.7 and 35mm F1.7. Both are lightweight and have auto focus. Well priced. Today I have with me, their latest edition the 25mm F1.7.

Let’s start with what I don’t like about this lens. There are 2 in my opinion. 1st is the built quality. The whole lens is made of plastic except for the mount which is metal. This plastic feel issimilar to its 2 other Air series lenses. This plastic doesn’t feel cheap. Has a solid plastic feel and neither does it feel premium.

The other issue is; there is slight barrel distortion. Not really a biggy but if you are critical; this is something to lookout for. If you just looking for a general purpose lens; than this may not a real issue. It’s still a good lens to consider.

Now, let’s walk over to the good side. Before I start, let’s have a look at some snaps that I have taken with this new Viltrox lens. And you have a look and be the judge!

So, what do you think of the result? According to Viltrox this lens has 10 group of 12 optical structures. Which includes 1 ED lens, 2 lenseswith high refractive index and 2 aspherical lens. 

Like its other siblings, optically this lens is very good in the budget lens category. It’s sharp for sure. Contrast is on the lower side. One needs to bum the contrast a bit in post and this should do the trick. Chromatic Abbreviation. I didn’t notice any during my time with this lens. So it’s pretty well control.  

MFD is at 30cm. Which is good enough for some close up, product and lifestyle shoot. Weighting at 170 grams, I would consider it as lightweight. Measuring at 5.7cm in length and with a filter tread of 52mm. This lens is a well balance. 

Auto focus is not lighting quick but fast enough. No one is expecting it to be, as it a budget category lens. We need tobe realistic. It nail the shot well in most situation. Bokeh. This is subjective. There is no right or wrong. Rather it’s a preference. 

Lastly; is 25mm focal length an interesting focal length? I am fan of 23mm all the years. As I used the 25mm;I do feel it’s a little tighter; for obvious reasons. I guess one could take a step back and it will feel like a 23mm. The 2mm extra do produce somewhat better shots. This is especially true from half body shot to close up vsa 23mm focal length. 

In conclusion, I still love the 23mm focal length. It’s a personal preference. If you don’t own a 23mm focal length,I would recommend this focal length. It’s just as versatile. Maybe this 25mm is the new 23mm.  

Here is the link to Viltrox for more lens details https://viltrox.com/?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fgeni.us%2FIV25AirXEZ