Quite recently, Viltrox introduced the AF 40mm f/2.5 lens from the “Air” series at a very budget-friendly price, considering the quality of images the lens produces. Viltrox is known for their glass quality and as a budget-friendly third-party manufacturer, and again they haven’t disappointed with this lens for both.
Announced earlier this year along with a few other lenses in the lineup, this is a focal length I had personally been waiting for from them, as I wanted a sweet spot prime lens, with the 40mm sweet spot being the focal length I had been shooting at for some time after checking the metadata for images in my catalog. So does this very affordable prime lens turn my want into a happy experience or just a passing phase? We review it to find out.
Build Quality
Weighing in at just 167 g, the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 is very lightweight and compact, making it an excellent lens for travel and street photography. With a minimal and sleek design featuring no aperture ring, the lens is not eye-catching, but it delivers in image quality. Constructed with 6 groups and 10 elements, including 1 ED (Extra-low Dispersion), 3 HR (High Refractive), and 1 Aspherical element, this lens ensures sharp, clear images while maintaining a compact form factor.
The metal lens mount features a USB Type-C port for firmware updates. The body and lens hood, however, are plastic, yet don’t feel cheap, and the lens feels solid in construction. Additionally, the front element has a waterproof and anti-fouling coating, which helps protect it from the elements during outdoor shoots. I wouldn’t, however, photograph in a downpour, but a slight drizzle.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 delivers sharp images from edge to edge, especially between f/5.6 and f/8, where I found the overall sharpness to be at its best for the subjects I photographed. The optical construction, combined with lens coatings, ensures that chromatic aberration and distortion are kept to a minimum. I managed to capture sunstars at f/8 to f/16, and at around f/14, I found that diffraction was subtle but present.
The autofocus is fast and silent, and very rarely did it miss, thanks to the STM (stepping motor), making it ideal for street photography where discretion and quick reaction are key. Although it has a very budget-friendly price, the lens does not compromise on speed or precision in focusing.
The 40mm focal length is a versatile option, making it suitable for a variety of genres, from street to portraiture and even landscape photography. It is a lightweight and unobtrusive lens, meaning you can carry it around all day without feeling weighed down, which could also make it a perfect option for travel photographers.
A few of the images that were captured with the Viltrox 40mm f/2.5
Pros
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel and street photography.
- Affordable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of photographers.
- Excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, especially between f/5.6 and f/8.
- Fast and quiet autofocus.
- Metal mount with USB-C port for firmware updates.
Cons
- The lack of an aperture ring might be a drawback for some photographers.
- Limited weather sealing beyond the front element coating.
- The f/2.5 aperture may put some off.
Conclusion
The Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 “Air” series lens is a fantastic option for photographers looking for a compact, affordable prime lens with solid performance. Its lightweight design, sharp optics, and quiet autofocus make it perfect for street and travel photography. Its 40mm focal length could appeal to a broad range of photography genres.
The lack of an aperture ring and weather sealing may put some off. However, considering the price and quality of images it produces, I can forgo both of these—and I do like my aperture rings. The f/2.5 may also put others off, opting for the more expensive lenses with wider apertures; you purchase the kit you need for your photography.
I own a few Viltrox lenses for the Sony E-mount and have for other cameras I have owned, Fuji and Nikon, and one thing I can say for certain is that I have never been let down once by the quality of their glass. So if you are considering adding Viltrox to your kit, or indeed own them currently, you can be assured that this very affordable 40mm f/2.5 will live up to your expectations as this lens offers excellent value for the price.
You can check it out for yourself here.
