Viltrox is bringing four of its sub-$200 Air series primes to L-mount

The selection of affordable compact autofocus primes for L-Mount has been rather thin. Viltrox is targeting that gap with four of its lightweight Air series lenses.

Black Lumix S5 II camera with visible branding mounted securely on a tripod, positioned outdoors against a clear blue sky.

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Despite joining the L-mount Alliance just over a year ago, the brand’s releases for the system have been few and far between, leaving some to wonder if it was all that dedicated to it. Until now, it’s only released two of its autofocus lenses in L-mount, despite having launched several lenses in the past year for Z and E. Today, though, the company is greatly expanding its offerings, bringing four of its “Air” series of autofocus primes to L-mount.

The new L-mount options include Viltrox’s 14mm F4.0, 20mm F2.8, 40mm F2.5 and 50mm F2.0. As part of the Air lineup, all of the lenses are very compact and lightweight (as the name hints). The 50mm F2.0 is the heaviest of the bunch, weighing 205g (7.2 oz), while the 20mm F2.8 is the lightest at 159g (5.6 oz).

All four of the lenses are also light on controls. In fact, beyond a manual focus ring, there aren’t any to speak of. They are simplistic, focusing instead on lightweight design and budget-friendly price points. The lenses do offer autofocus, though, which is powered by a stepper motor in each, and they feature a USB-C port for firmware updates.

A gray-capped individual in a white shirt holds a camera up to take a photo outdoors near water, with a bridge and mountains visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

The 14mm F4.0 lens offers a 112.6° field of view. The optical design comprises 12 elements in 9 groups with 4 ED, 2 HR and 2 aspherical elements. It can focus as close as 0.13m (5.1?) and offers a maximum magnification of 0.23x. The lens is compatible with 58mm filters.

The 20mm F2.8 can focus as close as 0.19m (7.5?) with a maximum magnification of 0.17x. Its optical design features 10 elements in 8 groups, with 2 ED, 1 HR and 2 aspherical elements. It accepts 52mm filters.

Black camera lens labeled AF 40/2.5 L standing upright on a white concrete surface, with a blurred blue background.

The 40mm F2.5 offers a minimum focusing distance of 0.34m (13.4?) and a 0.14x magnification ratio. It has 10 elements in 6 groups with 1 ED, 3 HR and 1 aspherical element. The filter thread accepts 52mm filters.

Lastly, the 50mm F2.0 features 13 elements in 9 groups with 3 ED, 4 HR and 1 aspherical element. It has the largest minimum focusing distance, coming in at 0.51m (20.1?). The maximum magnification is 0.11x and it accepts 58mm filters.

The Viltrox AF 14mm F4.0, 20mm F2.8, 40mm F2.5 and 50mm F2.0 Air lenses are available for purchase now for $199, $168, $176 and $199, respectively.

Black wide-angle camera lens marked 14mm f/4.0, with ridged grip, labeled for full-frame cameras; features autofocus and aspherical elements.

Viltrox AF 14mm F4.0 Air

Close-up of a black camera lens labeled “AF 20/2.8 FE” with a textured focus ring and visible glass front element on a transparent background.

Viltrox AF 20mm F2.8

Close-up of a black camera lens labeled AF 40/2.5 Z, featuring a ribbed focus ring and exposed front glass elements.

VILTROX 40mm F2.5 Z for Nionk Z Mount, 40mm f/2.5 Z-Mount Full Frame AF Prime Lens Wide Angle Lens for Nikon Z Mount Z8 Z9 Z6 Z7 Z6

Black autofocus camera lens, close-up view highlighting the focus ring, glass elements, and white text labeled AF 50/2.0 FE and Full Frame along the rim.

Viltrox AF 50mm F2.0 Air

About the Author: Abby Ferguson holds an MFA in photography and blends a fine-art background with extensive editorial and commercial experience. She built and led an in-house imaging program for a large vacation rental company and has served as an associate editor at Popular Photography. She also teaches at a local community college and serves on its Photographic Technology Program Advisory Board, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the medium.

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