The previously reported Viltrox 35mm f/1.4 PRO lens for Nikon Z-mount will be announced on October 29th. Check B&H Photo and the Viltrox store for pre-orders (Viltrox 10% off code: NIKONRUMORS).
Here is the classification of he different Viltrox product lines:
- Viltrox LAB: high-specification lens, small screen, control ring, VCM motor
- Viltrox PRO: high-specification lens with an aperture ring, VCM motor
- Viltrox EVO: stepless aperture ring and STM motor
- Viltrox AIR: lightweight, no additional controls, with STM motor
Additional information on the upcoming Viltrox 35mm f/1.4 PRO lens for Nikon Z-mount:
Specifications:
- Full-frame 35mm focal length for reportage, environmental portraits and film.
- Brightness f/1.4 for working with available light and depth of field control.
- 16 elements, including 3 ED, 4 HR and 2 precision aspherical elements.
- Multi-layer HD Nano coatings and a water and dirt-repellent coating.
- HyperVCM/VCM autofocus engine and internal focusing.
- 11-blade aperture.
- Metal construction with seals against dust and moisture.
- Aperture ring with CLICK switch, Fn button and AF/MF switch.
- Focusing from 0.3 m and magnification 0.18×.
- 77mm filter thread and USB port for firmware updates.
Technical data:
- Matrix format – Full frame
- Focal length – 35 mm
- Aperture range – f/1.4–f/16
- Optical design as per manual 16 elements in 12 groups
- Special lenses 3 ED, 4 HR, 2 aspherical
- Viewing angle 62.6°
- Aperture blades 11
- Minimum focusing distance 0.3 m
- Maximum magnification 0.18×
- AF/MF focus modes
- Filter diameter 77 mm
- Dimensions: diameter × length 84.5 × 111 mm
- Weight 760 g
- Firmware update USB port
The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.4 PRO is a full-frame prime lens for photographers and filmmakers who want to work close to the action, maintain the context of the scene, and consciously shape the image with light. It combines a versatile 35mm focal length with a brightness of f/1.4, advanced optics, and HyperVCM autofocus. It’s a tool for wedding reportage, street photography, portraits in environments, and filming with available light.
The wide, but not extreme, angle allows you to capture people together with their surroundings, emotions, and relationships. Whether photographing preparations, a gathering with loved ones, or an evening street scene, you can preserve the significance of the surroundings while using a shallow depth of field to highlight the main subject. The lens is available in two versions: Sony E and Nikon Z.
The f/1.4 aperture allows for greater flexibility in available light.
The maximum aperture of f/1.4 allows for greater freedom when shooting indoors, at dusk, and in atmospheric lighting. Compared to f/2.8, it offers approximately a two-stop exposure advantage: with similar light transmission, you can shorten the shutter speed or lower the ISO. In reportage, this means greater flexibility when capturing action, and in portraits, the ability to better separate a subject from the background.
An 11-blade aperture helps maintain the rounded shape of out-of-focus points of light when stopped down. This allows city lights, scenery, and distant light sources to become a significant element of the composition. The f/1.4–f/16 range lets you go from shots with a shallow depth of field to shots requiring a wider area of focus.
Advanced optics – 16 elements, ED glass, and precision aspherical elements.
The design incorporates 16 elements, including three ED low-dispersion elements, four high-refractive-index elements, and two precision aspherical elements. ED glass helps reduce chromatic aberrations, particularly visible at high-contrast edges. Aspherical elements support aberration correction, and high-refractive-index lenses give designers additional flexibility in shaping the optical system.
This advanced design is designed for image detail and image quality throughout the frame. This is important for both portraits and scenes with off-center elements—from reportage to architectural and environmental photography. Multi-layer HD Nano coatings help reduce reflections and unwanted glare when working against the light. A water- and dirt-repellent coating makes it easier to keep the optical surfaces clean.
HyperVCM—autofocus for stills and video
The focusing system utilizes a VCM motor, referred to in sales materials as HyperVCM. The manufacturer designed it for fast, precise, and quiet focusing. This allows for automatic focusing during both stills and video recording, where smooth operation and minimal mechanical noise are essential.
Internal focusing means the lens length doesn’t change during focusing. This facilitates working with a lens hood and filters and helps maintain a consistent focus position on the film mount. The AF/MF switch allows for a quick switch to manual focus control when the scene requires conscious selection of the focusing plane.
Metal Construction and Sealing
The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.4 PRO features a metal body and a precision metal bayonet. The construction is complemented by seals that increase resistance to dust and moisture, as well as a rubber seal at the mount. These features are essential for regular field work, when the lens is frequently changed and used in varying conditions. The robust construction supports everyday use, and the water- and dirt-resistant coating makes optics easy to care for.
Dust and moisture resistance does not guarantee complete waterproofness. The design is designed for use in variable conditions, but requires protection from heavy rain and splashes. The lens hood helps reduce stray light and the settling of drops, snow, and dust on the front of the lens.
Operation tailored to photography and videography
The aperture ring allows you to conveniently adjust the aperture without taking your hand off the lens. The CLICK switch allows you to choose between click-stop and click-stop operation: the former facilitates tactile aperture setting when shooting, while the latter allows for smoother adjustment during recording. The Fn button provides additional flexibility to tailor operation to the functions supported by the camera.
The USB port is used for lens firmware updates, allowing you to install updates released by the manufacturer. The 77mm thread allows you to use polarizing, ND, and effect filters—useful for outdoor photography, when working with a wide aperture during the day, and when filming.
Focusing from 30 cm – even for details.
A minimum focusing distance of 0.3 m allows for close-up photography of objects, food, decorations, and reportage details. A maximum magnification of 0.18x allows for the addition of wider frames to shots of small details, while maintaining the character of a 35mm focal length. While this isn’t a macro lens, the close-focusing capability broadens its applications in everyday work.
