Viltrox’s AF 25mm f/1.7 Air lens was only just released on February 28, 2025, and after using a pre-release copy for my APS-C camera, I’ve come away impressed by how much performance it delivers at a $176 / €189 / £165 price point.
Rounding out what I call the “budget holy trinity” set—alongside the AF 35mm f/1.7 Air and AF 56mm f/1.7 Air—this 25mm model (about a 38mm full frame equivalent) delivers a versatile field of view and a reasonably fast aperture. For photographers like myself who do more than a fair bit of street/documentary photography, newsprint photojournalism, and professional event coverage, it checks off many boxes in terms of portability, focal length, and overall performance.
Design and Build Quality
The lens weighs about 170 grams for the Fuji X copy I have been using, so I barely notice it when carrying my camera around all day. The body is mostly plastic, which keeps it light and easy to handle. It’s not fully weather-sealed in the traditional sense, but the front element has a waterproof and anti-fouling coating that holds up in mild drizzle or a dusty environment.
For me, the lack of a dedicated aperture ring isn’t ideal, since I’ve gotten used to that feature on some Fuji lenses. Still, I adapted to controlling the aperture on the camera body pretty quickly. The built-in USB-C port for firmware updates is a highlight—firmware tweaks and autofocus improvements are a simple plug-and-play process, which means I don’t have to fuss with external docks.
Autofocus and Handling
Viltrox uses a stepper motor (STM + lead screw) in this lens, and in my experience, it focuses quickly and quietly. I’ve tested it in both daylight and moderately low-light indoor settings, and it’s held up well. Face- and eye-detection features work seamlessly, which is a big plus for nailing portraits or candid moments.
The minimal focus breathing is especially nice when I switch over to video, as it means you don’t see distracting changes in the frame when adjusting focus. The compact form also makes it inconspicuous—I can walk around without drawing attention, a perk for my street or documentary-style work. Also, the tiny and light lens means my gimbals will struggle less to balance the setup.
Optical Performance
Inside, the 25mm f/1.7 Air has 12 elements in 10 groups, including ED, high-refractive, and aspherical elements. From my tests, center sharpness at f/1.7 is very good; the corners are a bit soft wide open, but once I stop down to around f/2.8 or f/4, the overall image is crisp across the frame.
Viltrox’s HD nano multi-layer coating does a solid job of keeping flare and ghosting under control. I noticed some vignetting at the widest aperture, but it’s largely gone by f/4. Distortion is present but easy to fix with in-camera corrections or common editing software. The nine rounded aperture blades help produce pleasing bokeh, which is always a plus when I want to isolate a subject.
Comparison With Other Budget Primes
I’ve owned and tried other affordable APS-C primes, including the similarly diminutive TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8. While the TTArtisan lens is a solid performer, I’m personally seeing sharper details and a bit more contrast with the Viltrox 25mm, and dramatically less vignette than the 27mm. I also appreciate the Viltrox’s built-in USB-C port for firmware updates instead of the specialized lens-cap tool some competitors require.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent cost-to-performance value, staying under $200
- Incredibly light (~170 g) for easy all-day carrying
- Quick, accurate autofocus that pairs well with face/eye detect
- USB-C port for straightforward firmware updates
- Pleasing bokeh and good center sharpness
Cons
- No traditional aperture ring for Fuji cameras (I miss that tactile control)
- Plastic build may feel less robust, even though it helps reduce weight
- Corner softness at f/1.7, which improves by stopping down
- Lens hood can sometimes be a little tricky to attach securely
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a prime lens that’s fast, affordable, and offers a highly usable ~38mm equivalent focal length, the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air is a strong contender. Its compact form factor, reliable autofocus, and overall image quality make it well-suited for street, documentary, and event photography. I’ve enjoyed having it as a lightweight go-to lens, and the convenience of quick firmware updates—plus the under-$200 price—only adds to the appeal.
Despite a few minor nitpicks, I believe this lens hits a sweet spot for APS-C shooters who want solid performance in a portable package. I’ll be keeping it in my bag for everything from local photo walks to professional event coverage, confident that it’ll deliver the goods without weighing me down or stretching my budget.
