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Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Z specifications and in-depth review

Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Z

Manufacturer: Viltrox

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Z is a compact, wide-angle prime lens designed for Nikon Z cameras. It features a sturdy metal mount and is weather-sealed, making it a reliable option for outdoor photography. With its lightweight design of just 80g, this lens is ideal for those who need a portable and durable solution for everyday shooting. Its non-rotating front element and reversible lens hood add to the convenience of use.

In terms of performance, the lens offers a maximum focal length of 28mm with a fixed aperture of f/4.5 throughout. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.35m and supports full-time manual focus. The lens also includes a silent focus motor, making it suitable for both stills and video work. However, it does not feature optical image stabilization, which is something to keep in mind when shooting handheld in low-light conditions.

Pros
  • Compact and lightweight, weighing only 80g, making it easy to carry for extended periods.
  • Weather-sealed construction provides protection against the elements, enhancing reliability for outdoor shooting.
  • Reversible lens hood adds convenience and protection while saving space when not in use.
  • Silent focus motor ensures smooth and quiet autofocus, making it suitable for video recording.
  • Full-time manual focus allows precise adjustments during autofocus for creative control.
Cons
  • Fixed focal length of 28mm may limit flexibility in certain shooting scenarios.
  • No optical image stabilization, relying on the camera body for stabilization in low-light or handheld situations.
Who is this for?

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Z is ideal for users who need a lightweight, compact lens for everyday photography. Its weather-sealed construction makes it a great choice for outdoor photographers who shoot in varied conditions. The silent focus motor and full-time manual focus are beneficial for videographers who require smooth and quiet autofocus for capturing video footage. With its fixed 28mm focal length and wide aperture, it is also a solid option for those interested in wide-angle photography or landscapes.

Who is this NOT for?

This lens may not be suitable for users who require more versatility in focal length, as it has a fixed 28mm focal length and no optical zoom. Additionally, the absence of optical image stabilization may pose challenges for handheld shooting in low-light environments or while capturing fast-moving subjects. Users who frequently need to shoot at varying focal lengths or in situations demanding stabilization may find this lens limiting.

General info:

lens type Prime, Wide-angle
lens mount Nikon Z
release date May 2025
is weather-sealed (splashproof) ✓
Has a metal mount ✓
weight 80 g
Front element doesn't rotate ✓
Includes lens hood ✓
Lens hood is reversible ✓
filter size 65.3 mm

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Z is a lightweight, weather-sealed wide-angle prime lens designed for Nikon Z cameras. It features a sturdy metal mount and includes a reversible lens hood for added convenience. Weighing only 80g, it is compact and easy to carry. The lens has a non-rotating front element, making it ideal for use with polarizing filters. Its filter size is 65.3mm, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of filters.

Optics:

maximum focal length 28 mm
minimum focal length 28 mm
has built-in optical image stabilization ✕
maximum angle of view 73.42°
minimum angle of view 73.42°
magnification 0.11x
optical zoom 1x

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Z offers a fixed focal length of 28mm, providing a wide-angle view with a maximum angle of view of 73.42°. It has a magnification of 0.11x, making it suitable for general photography. With no optical image stabilization built in, it relies on camera body stabilization when needed. The lens provides 1x optical zoom, meaning there is no zoom capability, and its fixed focal length ensures consistent image quality across its full range.

Aperture:

wide aperture (main camera) 4.5f
widest aperture at maximum focal length 4.5f
aperture blades 14
Has rounded aperture blades ✓
smallest aperture at maximum focal length 4.5f
smallest aperture at minimum focal length 4.5f

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Z features a wide aperture of f/4.5 across both its minimum and maximum focal lengths, ensuring consistent exposure throughout its range. It is equipped with 14 aperture blades, which help produce a smoother, more rounded bokeh in out-of-focus areas. The lens also benefits from rounded aperture blades, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing blur effect in images with shallow depth of field.

Focus:

Can focus to infinity ✓
Has focus motor ✓
Has full-time manual focus ✓
has a silent focus motor built into the lens ✓
minimum focus distance 0.35 m

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Z is equipped with a focus motor and supports full-time manual focus, allowing for precise control over focus in various shooting scenarios. It also offers the ability to focus to infinity, making it versatile for wide-angle landscape or architectural photography. The lens features a silent focus motor built into the lens, ensuring smooth and quiet autofocus, which is especially useful for video recording. Its minimum focus distance is 0.35m, enabling detailed close-up shots.

Benchmarks:

Final Verdict

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Z is a solid, lightweight prime lens designed for Nikon Z cameras, offering excellent durability with its weather-sealed construction and smooth autofocus performance thanks to its silent focus motor. While its fixed 28mm focal length and lack of optical image stabilization may limit flexibility in some situations, it remains an excellent choice for photographers and videographers seeking a reliable, portable lens for wide-angle shots and outdoor use. Overall, it excels in scenarios where compactness and weather resistance are key considerations.