Lenses sure can be expensive for mirrorless cameras. When I first bought a Nikon Z camera, I picked up the versatile 24-70mm F2.8 S to go with it, and that fabulous lens tied me over for a few years until I could afford a second one.
Recently, I have been able to pick up a few more optics because I have found an affordable alternative that doesn't compromise on quality, and that's Viltrox.
I have a few Viltrox prime lenses now, and couldn't be more impressed. Take the new 35mm F1.2 Lab – it's a pro-quality prime ideal for reportage photography and, despite being Viltrox's priciest lens for mirrorless cameras, it costs just one-third the price of Nikon's. It's the same story across the range.
Viltrox makes autofocus lenses for full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras, focusing on Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X, and recently released its first L-mount lens, the AF 16mm F1.8.
All Viltrox lenses are well-made, shoot sharp shots, and cost so much less. The only real compromise versus pricier proprietary alternatives is that Viltrox lenses can be a little heavier, and autofocus speed in older models can be a fractionally slower. Otherwise, you're getting the same performance and quality at a significantly lower price.
Viltrox currently only makes prime lenses, ranging between 14mm and 135mm focal lengths for full-frame, or between 9mm to 75mm for APS-C. I've included some of my top picks below, and for the full range, check out viltrox.com.
9 of my favorite Viltrox lenses
