Last year Viltrox released a lens that surprised me – the AF 20mm F2.8. I didn’t expect much from it, as it was very inexpensive (just $150!), which is definitely not much for a full frame wide angle prime lens. I was very pleasantly surprised by the performance, however, and gave it a positive review. Viltrox followed that up with another very competent lens that was similar in size and design – the AF 56mm F1.7 for Fuji X-mount (APS-C). It is a very sharp little lens that manages to keep up with Fuji’s massive 40MP APS-C sensor. By this point I started to see the pattern: Viltrox recognizes that there are those interested in the larger, high performing lenses (like the AF 16mm F1.8 Z that I just reviewed), but there is also a sizable market who are very interested in compact, lightweight lenses for travel or keeping their gear light. It is in that vein that they released their most recent lens in this series – the Viltrox AF 40mm F2.5 Z. The 40mm F2.5Z offers a “normal” angle of view on full frame cameras and a slightly faster maximum aperture than equivalent zooms covering this focal length. But probably most attractive to potential buyers will be the budget price of just $158 USD. But does the performance of the lens make it a worthwhile alternative to a well regarded lens like the Nikkor Z 40mm F2? Find out my thoughts by watching the video review below, reading my text review here, or just by enjoying the photos below.

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Thanks to Viltrox for sending me a review copy of this lens.   As always, this is a completely independent review.  All opinions and conclusions are my own. *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with the 45MP Nikon Z8, which I reviewed here.

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As noted, this lens will have a direct competitor in the form of Nikon’s own 40mm F2. I haven’t yet tested that lens, though I do have one ordered and hope to receive it in time to reference somewhat in this review. The full retail price of the Nikkor lens is $299 USD (nearly double that of the Viltrox), though it currently is available at right under $230, which is close enough in price to make things interesting. The Nikkor lens obviously has the advantage of being a first party lens and having a wider maximum aperture (F2 is 2/3rds of a stop brighter than F2.5), but surprisingly it is the Viltrox that has the build advantage, as it has a metal lens mount (the Nikkor uses plastic) and includes a lens hood.

This particular Viltrox series is quite basic in design (no external switches or controls), but it actually performs quite well where it matters…particularly in image sharpness.

Build and Handling

Images Taken with the Viltrox AF 40mm F2.5 Z

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GEAR USED:

Purchase the Viltrox AF 40mm F2.5 Z @ Viltrox | B&H | Nuzira | Adorama | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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Purchase the Nikon Z8 @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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