Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air E specifications and in-depth review

Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air E

Manufacturer: Viltrox

The Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air is a lightweight and compact prime lens designed for Sony E mount cameras. With its 1.7f wide aperture, it delivers sharp imagery and is well-suited for both photography and video applications. Weighing just 170g, it offers excellent portability for users on the go.

Technically, the lens has a fixed 25mm focal length and a 60° maximum angle of view. It offers a minimum focus distance of 0.3m and supports full-time manual focus for precise adjustments. Additionally, it features 9 rounded aperture blades for smoother bokeh, though it lacks built-in optical image stabilization.

Pros
  • Lightweight at 170g, making it easy to carry and handle for extended periods.
  • Wide aperture of 1.7f, allowing for better low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
  • Full-time manual focus capability provides more precise control over focus adjustments.
Cons
  • Lacks built-in optical image stabilization, which could be a limitation for handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.
  • Not weather-sealed, which may limit its usability in challenging environmental conditions.
  • Fixed focal length of 25mm may not be versatile enough for all types of photography.
Who is this for?

The Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air is ideal for photographers or videographers who prioritize portability and a lightweight design, as it weighs only 170g. Its wide aperture of 1.7f also makes it well-suited for low-light environments and users looking for a shallow depth of field for creative bokeh effects. Additionally, the full-time manual focus feature offers precise control, making it a good fit for those who enjoy fine-tuning focus for specific shots.

Who is this NOT for?

This lens is not suitable for users who require optical image stabilization for handheld shooting, especially in low-light situations or when using slower shutter speeds. Additionally, its lack of weather-sealing makes it less ideal for shooting in harsh or unpredictable environmental conditions. The fixed 25mm focal length may also be limiting for photographers who need versatility in framing and zooming.

General info:

lens type Prime
lens mount Sony E
release date February 2025
is weather-sealed (splashproof)
weight 170 g
filter size 52 mm

The Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air is a prime lens designed for Sony E mount cameras, weighing just 170g for easy handling. It has a 52mm filter size and is not weather-sealed, so it may not be ideal for harsh conditions. The lens offers solid portability and performance for general photography needs, but lacks splashproof protection.

Optics:

maximum focal length 25 mm
minimum focal length 25 mm
has built-in optical image stabilization
maximum angle of view 60°
minimum angle of view 60°
magnification 0.11x
optical zoom 1x

The Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air lens offers a fixed focal length of 25mm, providing a consistent field of view with a maximum angle of 60°. It does not feature optical image stabilization, and with a magnification of 0.11x, it is suitable for general photography but not close-up work. This lens provides a 1x optical zoom, which is typical for prime lenses.

Aperture:

wide aperture (main camera) 1.7f
widest aperture at maximum focal length 1.7f
aperture blades 9
Has rounded aperture blades
smallest aperture at maximum focal length 1.7f
smallest aperture at minimum focal length 16f

The Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air features a wide aperture of 1.7f at both the minimum and maximum focal lengths, providing excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field. It uses 9 rounded aperture blades for smoother bokeh. At smaller apertures, the minimum value reaches f/16 at the shortest focal length.

Focus:

Can focus to infinity
Has focus motor
Has full-time manual focus
minimum focus distance 0.3 m

The Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air offers full-time manual focus for precise control over focus adjustments, though it does not feature a focus motor. It can focus to infinity and has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 meters, making it suitable for a range of shooting situations.

Benchmarks:

Final Verdict

The Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air is a lightweight and versatile prime lens designed for Sony E mount cameras, offering a wide 1.7f aperture that enhances low-light performance and shallow depth of field. Its full-time manual focus feature and compact build make it well-suited for photographers seeking precise control and portability. While it lacks optical image stabilization and weather-sealing, it is a solid choice for users prioritizing a lightweight design and high-quality imaging in controlled environments. This lens is a good option for those looking for a reliable, portable solution for everyday photography.

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