Viltrox AIR 35mm f1.7 For Fujifilm Review
Viltrox AIR 35mm f/1.7
Viltrox AIR 35mm f/1.7 – Video Review
In the video below, I discuss the new Viltrox AIR 35mm F1.7 Lens and whether its a good fit for Fujifilm enthusiasts and professional photographers.
Viltrox AIR 35mm f1.7: Excellent Results During Fast Moving Events
Viltrox AIR 35mm f/1.7 – What I Think
I’ve been using Viltrox lenses for a while now, and they’ve always managed to impress me, especially for the price.
The new AIR 35mm f/1.7 is no different. It’s part of their lightweight range and costs just $179, which is about £199 here in the UK.
For some perspective, Fujifilm’s XF 35mm f/1.4 costs around £499, and their XF 33mm f/1.4 is even more—about £699. Even their budget XF 35mm f/2 is £349, so the Viltrox AIR comes in at a fraction of the price.
I’ve used the 75mm F1.2, the 27mm F1.2 and the 85mm F1.8. In fact, the 27mm F1.2 lens made it into my Top Lenses Of 2023 list.
No Aperture Ring
The main thing to note about this lens is the lack of an aperture ring. For Fujifilm shooters, that’s a bit unusual. The aperture ring is such a big part of what makes Fuji cameras fun to use, so not having it does feel strange at first.
That said, I understand why Viltrox left it out. This lens is all about being lightweight and affordable. If you’re used to adjusting aperture with the command dial or you’re coming from another system, it probably won’t bother you. For me, I did miss it, but it’s not a dealbreaker at all and I soon got used to shooting without the ring.
Viltrox AIR 35mm f/1.7 - A Great All-Round Lens
How It Performs
I tested this lens on my Fujifilm X-T5, and the autofocus was excellent. It handled both general shooting and fast action really well. I even took it to a boxing match and used it in continuous autofocus mode. It kept up with moving subjects perfectly, which was a nice surprise for a lens at this price.
Image quality is great too. It’s sharp, and the colours look brilliant—especially when paired with Fujifilm’s film simulations.
While it might not have the same character as Fuji’s premium lenses, it still delivers excellent results.
Who’s It For?
This lens is perfect if you’re new to Fujifilm or want a budget-friendly option. It’s small, light, and ideal for street photography, travel, or as an everyday lens.
For more experienced photographers, it’s a great backup or a lightweight option for those days when you don’t want to carry too much gear.
My Final Thoughts
The Viltrox AIR 35mm f/1.7 is a fantastic lens for the price. It’s not pretending to compete with Fujifilm’s premium lenses, but it doesn’t have to.
It’s lightweight, affordable, and delivers great performance.
Right now, there’s a 15% discount available from the 18th to the 30th of December if you use this link.
If you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time to grab one.
What do you think? Does the lack of an aperture ring bother you, or does the price make it worth considering? Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear them!
15% Discount from on the Viltrox Air 35mm F1.7 Using This Link
A Note on the Editing of these GFX100 II Images
All images were edited with Film Edition 3 of my advanced Lightroom Presets and Profiles. For a short time, buy two packs and a get a third completely FREE.
