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Viltrox is trying out a new kind of optical design


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Image: Viltrox

Viltrox has announced two new full-frame lenses, a 35mm F1.8 and a 55mm F1.8. The lenses are part of its Evo lineup, which it pitches as providing essential focal lengths that are sharp edge-to-edge.

The company says the lenses have apochromatic optical designs to control the color fringing that comes from chromatic aberration. The 35mm has 13 elements in 10 groups with 2 ED elements, 3 HR lenses and 1 UA element and can focus as close as 0.34m (13.4″). The 55mm, meanwhile, is made up of 13 elements in 9 groups with a similar mix of special glass as the 35mm, minus one HR lens. It can focus as close as 0.43m (16.9″). The company says the UA element used in the lenses is the same one that’s found in its flagship Lab series of lenses. Both lenses have 9-bladed apertures.

viltrox 55mm f1p8 evo on nikon z8
The lenses have all the controls we expect from mid-range primes. We plan to produce a sample gallery with the 55mm F1.8 soon.
Photo: Mitchell Clark

Both lenses use an STM motor for autofocus. They also share a similar list of physical features: a customizable FN button, a switch to change the aperture ring from clicked to declicked, and an AF/MF switch. They also have a rubber seal on the lens mount for weather resistance, and a coating on the front lens to repel water and smudges.

The 35mm lens weighs 355g (12.5oz) for E-mount – around 20g more for Z mount – and the Sony version of the 55mm lens weighs 370g (13oz), with the same delta for Nikon. Both are relatively compact at around 76mm long and have 58mm filters.

While Viltrox has long offered both F1.8 35mm and 50mm options that were similarly lightweight and compact, it’s nice to see the company build out its Evo line, especially given that it’s aiming to offer quite impressive optical designs. The one somewhat disappointing aspect of the launch is mount availability: both modes will be available for Sony E and, somewhat surprisingly, given recent patent litigation, Nikon Z. It would’ve been nice to see it also launch for L-mount, or to at least get some hint on whether it’ll be available on it in the future.

The AF 35mm F1.8 Evo (also known as the AF 35mm F1.8 II) retails for $395, and the AF 55m F1.8 Evo costs $370.

Press release:

Viltrox Unveils New 35mm and 55mm F1.8 EVO Lenses for Sony FE and Nikon Z Mounts

Las Vegas, NV — April 20, 2026 — Viltrox today announced two new additions to its EVO lens lineup: the AF 35mm F1.8 EVO and AF 55mm F1.8 EVO, available in both Sony FE and Nikon Z mount systems.

The new lenses will be showcased at NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas, where Viltrox will present its theme, “Expanding the Viltrox Imaging System — From Photo to Cinema,” highlighting its growing portfolio of lenses, cinema tools, and production accessories that support creators from photography through to filmmaking.

AF 35mm F1.8 EVO Lens

The AF 35mm F1.8 EVO is designed for creators seeking a versatile, storytelling perspective. With a 63° field of view, the 35mm focal length excels in street photography, travel, and environmental portraits. A minimum object distance of 0.34m allows for detailed close-up shots, while its compact and light weight all-metal body ensures portability and longevity for everyday shooting. Fast and precise autofocus, powered by an STM stepping motor, supports both still and video applications.

Featuring a 13-element optical construction, the lens delivers sharp, high-resolution imagery from center to edge, even at its wide F1.8 aperture. Its APO-grade design minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring accurate color and clean edges in challenging lighting conditions.

AF 55mm F1.8 EVO Lens

The AF 55mm F1.8 EVO offers a natural perspective close to the human eye, making it ideal for portraits, still life, and detail-focused imagery. A fast F1.8 aperture enables smooth, cinematic bokeh, complemented by a minimum object distance of 0.43m for close-up versatility. Its light weight balances performance with portability, and its durable metal construction is designed for reliable use and longevity in a variety of shooting conditions.

Its 13-element optical design ensures consistent sharpness across the frame, while the APO configuration effectively suppresses color fringing and preserves image clarity. Like the 35mm, it features responsive STM-driven autofocus and intuitive physical controls for seamless operation.

Brand Vision

“NAB Show 2026 marks an important step forward for Viltrox as we continue expanding our imaging system across both photography and cinema,” said Frank Fang. “With the introduction of new EVO lenses and continued development across our ecosystem, we’re excited to share a broader vision for supporting today’s image makers.”

Guided by its philosophy, “Vision to Explore,” Viltrox continues to develop tools that empower creators to push their visual ideas further, bridging the gap between photography and cinema through a connected and evolving imaging system.

Expanding the Viltrox Imaging System

At NAB 2026 Viltrox will also present a broader range of products across its ecosystem, including an expanding EVO lineup, L-mount lenses, LAB and Pro flagship optics, and cinema solutions such as the EPIC series, Raze lenses for the DJI Ronin 4D, and the NexusFocus adapter.

Attendees are invited to experience the latest Viltrox innovations at Booth 5735, which will feature live shooting environments demonstrating real-world creative applications.

Where to buy

For more information, please visit:

55mm F1.8 EVO Z

Viltrox AF 55mm F1.8 EVO Full- Frame Lens for Nikon Z-Mount

35mm F1.8 EVO Z

Viltrox AF 35mm F1.8 EVO Full- Frame Lens for Nikon Z-Mount

55mm F1.8 EVO FE

Viltrox AF 55mm F1.8 EVO Full- Frame Lens for Sony E-Mount

35mm F1.8 EVO FE

Viltrox AF 35mm F1.8 EVO Full- Frame Lens for Sony E-Mount

MSRP:

AF 35mm F1.8 EVO: 395 USD / 459 EUR / 385 GBP

AF 55mm F1.8 EVO: 370 USD / 429 EUR / 359 GBP

Viltrox 35mm F1.8 Evo specifications:

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 35 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Nikon Z, Sony E, Sony FE
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1.8
Minimum aperture F16
Aperture ring Yes
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 13
Groups 10
Special elements / coatings 3 HR, 2 ED, 1 asph.
Focus
Minimum focus 0.34 m (13.39)
Maximum magnification 0.15×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 355 g (0.78 lb)
Diameter 69 mm (2.72)
Length 76 mm (2.99)
Filter thread 58 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar No

Viltrox 55mm F1.8 Evo specifications:

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 55 mm
Lens mount Nikon Z, Sony E, Sony FE
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1.8
Minimum aperture F16
Aperture ring Yes
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 13
Groups 9
Special elements / coatings 2 HR, 2 ED, 1 asph.
Focus
Minimum focus 0.43 m (16.93)
Maximum magnification 0.16×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Full time manual Unknown
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 370 g (0.82 lb)
Diameter 69 mm (2.72)
Length 76 mm (2.99)
Colour Black
Filter thread 58 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar No



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