Compact, affordable, and surprisingly capable—pancake lenses are a popular choice for their lightweight design and versatility. The new Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 pancake lens is no exception. With its ultra-slim build, this lens is ideal for travel, street photography, and situations where you need to keep a low profile without sacrificing image quality.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this comprehensive video review covers everything you need to know about the Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 lens. Designed for Sony E mount full frame cameras, this lens is one of the thinnest on the market. Despite its compact size, it features a built-in autofocus motor—something that’s not common for lenses this small. The fixed f/4.5 aperture may seem limiting, but for a lens this portable, it’s a fair trade-off, especially considering its price of just $99.
Frost discusses the strengths of this lens, starting with its sharpness. On a high-resolution camera like the Sony a7R III, the Viltrox performs well in the center, producing sharp images with good contrast. There’s some noticeable softness and vignetting at the edges, but it’s manageable for most everyday scenarios. When paired with an APS-C sensor, the lens delivers even sharper results across the frame, making it a solid choice for those using crop-sensor bodies.
The build quality is another highlight. It’s made of a combination of plastic and metal, giving it a sturdy feel despite its small size. However, there are a few design quirks. One issue Frost mentions is that the rear glass element can collapse slightly under its own weight when the lens is pointed down, which could lead to accidental damage if placed directly on a hard surface without its rear cap. Additionally, the lens lacks weather-sealing and doesn’t have a filter thread, which limits its adaptability in challenging conditions.
One of the standout features of the 28mm f/4.5 is its retractable lens cover. Instead of a traditional lens cap, the front element is protected by a built-in cover that slides closed when not in use. This feature, combined with the lens’s tiny profile, makes it almost like having a body cap with the added benefit of being a fully functional lens.
Autofocus performance is decent, particularly in good lighting conditions. It’s quiet and accurate, although a bit slower in single-shot mode. In darker environments, it tends to hunt and struggle at close focusing distances. Frost notes that the lens doesn’t support manual focus, which may be a downside for some users. But considering the lens’ purpose and price point, it’s a trade-off that might not be a dealbreaker for most.
The 28mm f/4.5 produces decent image quality and is perfect for casual shooting. The flaring and glare can be an issue when shooting into direct light, but the unique eight-point sunstars it creates are a nice touch if you position the lens correctly. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
