Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 Review: Is This the Best Budget Lens for Fuji X?

[@KevinDeal]

What are your thoughts on the Viltrox AF35mm f/1.7? Were the images impressive enough for a sub $200 lens?

[@nisarali4258]

Very suitable for the new compact camera like XM5

[@KevinDeal]

I completely agree.

[@iwnicholson]

While I recognize the older 35 f1.4 Fuji is more expensive, in 2024, if you can get one used where would you put it compared to these lenses as a used one will likely come in at a similar cost to this Sigma?

[@KevinDeal]

The Fuji (to me) is still my favorite looking 35mm lens for the X mount. It's not perfect and I don't think it's insanely sharp, but it has a lovely character to it. I bought the Sigma because it was good enough and I didn't want to spend more on a Fuji. But if given the opportunity between this new Viltrox and that Sigma, outside of a little studier build quality and the ability to get to f1.4, there's not really a lot pushing me toward the Sigma. If money is no object, get the Fuji. If it is, I'd do the Viltrox. At the end of the day, nobody is likely going to tell a difference between the two without zooming into 400% and doing all kinds of ridiculous tests.

[@austinjohnson3009]

This is one of the most thorough and entertaining product reviews of a lens that I have ever seen. Excellent work.

[@KevinDeal]

Thanks! Honestly, I have to give Viltrox credit for letting me spend a lot of time with the lens. Often times companies want me to turn a review around in a couple weeks. I got three months with it, which I think contributed to the quality of my review. I like it when vendors don't rush me.

[@SrCordeiro]

Wondering if I should sell my XF 35mm f/2 and Sigma 30mm f/1.4 to get this Viltrox. Seems like a nice in-between lens. Only thing I'm worried is the light transmission due to the vignetting. Would I get shutter speeds more approximate to the Fujicron at f/2 or the Sigma at f/14.? Would be nice if you could share the RAW files of the comparisons so we could check them in more detail. Please? :D

[@KevinDeal]

Honestly, if you already own the other two lenses, you're probably fine. I didn't compare the Viltrox to the Fuji 35 f2, so I can't give you my thoughts on that. As you saw in the video, it was a little sharper than the Sigma, but the Sigma has that extra stop of light.

[@anthonytang5198]

Might pick one of these up and dust off the X pro1.

[@KevinDeal]

I'll be that will be a fun pair to put together.

[@Jarg-d6l]

The XC 35mm F2 is still unbeaten for the money

[@KevinDeal]

XC35 is a good lens. I'd love to compare the two.