I’ve been heavily into Viltrox lenses for a few years now, originally investing in a trilogy of APS-C format Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4, Viltrox AF 33mm f/1.4 and Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 for my Nikon Z fc camera. They’re a perfect fit, being compact and lightweight yet featuring a sturdy metal build and an aperture control ring that fits well with the retro design and handling of the Z fc. These lenses are also available in Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X and Sony E mount options, but have largely given way to the more featherweight, plastic-bodied and ultra-affordable Viltrox ‘Air’ series of lenses for both full-frame and crop sensor cameras, whereas Viltrox ‘Pro’ and ‘Lab’ lenses are the most exotic, up-market lines from the Chinese manufacturer.
Taking the middle ground between Air and Pro / Lab line-ups, I’ve recently been very impressed with the full-frame compatible Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 Evo, which was launched in October 2025 and is available in Nikon Z and Sony E mount options. The first of a new series, it aims to combine a metal build and high-end handling with a compact, lightweight design at a bargain price – very much like my older APS-C format lenses. Two more Evo lenses are now available, comprising a 55mm f/1.8 prime, and the 35mm f/1.8 lens that I’m reviewing here. All of them are pretty much the same size and weight, as well as having identical handling characteristics, making it easy to chop and change between them without interrupting your creative flow.
