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| Image: Viltrox |
Viltrox is expanding its Air series of compact and lightweight lenses with the newly released AF 15mm F1.7 Air APS-C lens. The latest Viltrox lens features a large F1.7 aperture and promises quiet autofocus and “rich bokeh” with a focal length ideal for street scenes, landscapes and architecture.
The lens, offering a 22.5 mm equivalent focal length, is available for Fujifilm X, Nikon Z and Sony E-mount APS-C cameras. It weighs just 180g (6.3oz) and is only 56.4mm (2.2″) long. The compact size makes it ideal for smaller APS-C cameras and travel.
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| Image: Viltrox |
The AF 15mm F1.7 Air is comprised of 12 elements in 10 groups, which includes 3 ED lenses, 3 HRI lenses and 2 aspherical lenses. Viltrox says that it will maintain clarity and contrast even in difficult lighting conditions. It features nine aperture blades that Viltrox says will produce smooth and “impressive” bokeh and a 58mm filter thread. The front lens is splash-resistant and has a coating to resist oils and liquids.
An STM motor powers autofocus, which will work with eye and face tracking. Viltrox says there is minimal focus breathing, making it ideal for video use as well. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 22.9cm (9″). It supports EXIF information and features a USB-C port for firmware updates.
As expected for a Viltrox lens, it is also affordable, with an MSRP of $239. It’s available for purchase now.
Buy now:
Specs
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Prime lens |
| Max Format size | APS-C / DX |
| Focal length | 15 mm |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Sony E |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F1.7 |
| Minimum aperture | F16 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 12 |
| Groups | 10 |
| Special elements / coatings | 3 ED, 3 HRI, and 2 ASPH |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.23 m (9.06″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.1× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Stepper motor |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 180 g (0.40 lb) |
| Diameter | 65 mm (2.56″) |
| Length | 56 mm (2.22″) |
| Materials | Metal |
| Colour | Black |
| Filter thread | 58 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | No |
Our DPREVIEW Tribute:
After nearly 25 years of operation, DPReview closed on 10 April 2023. This difficult decision was part of the annual operating plan review that parent company, Amazon, shared earlier this year.
Over the course of 25 years, DP Review built up a reputation as being one of the most informative places to go for information about that new camera or lens you’re after. DP Review began as an independent reviews site based in the UK in 1998, the brainchild of Philip and Joanna Askey, but it was eventually purchased by Amazon in 2007 and relocated over to Seattle in the USA in 2010.
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