The Viltrox AF 35mm f1.8 On the Nikon Z6.3

The Viltrox AF 35mm f1.8 is a budget-friendly, full-frame prime lens designed for Nikon Z-mount cameras like your Nikon Z6III. It’s particularly well-suited for street photography and general-purpose use.

Pros:

• Affordable Price: Offers significant savings compared to Nikon’s native Z 35mm f1.8 S lens.

• Dedicated Aperture Ring: Provides tactile control over aperture settings.

• Minimal Focus Breathing: Beneficial for video work, maintaining consistent framing during focus pulls.

• Pleasant Bokeh: Produces soft background blur, especially on less contrasty backgrounds.

• Good Performance in Backlit Situations: Handles contra-light scenarios reasonably well.

Cons:

• Softness Wide Open: Images are relatively soft at f1.8, especially in the center and APS-C/DX corners. Sharpness improves when stopped down to f5.6 or f8.

• Lack of Weather Sealing: No protection against dust or moisture, which could be a concern in challenging environments.

• Strong Distortion at Close Focus: Not ideal for architecture or subjects requiring minimal distortion.

• Limited Close-Up Capability: Maximum magnification is modest, limiting its use for close-up photography.

Comparison with Nikon Z 35mm f1.8 S:

While the Nikon Z 35mm f1.8 S offers superior sharpness across the frame, better weather sealing, and higher build quality, the Viltrox provides a compelling alternative for those on a budget, accepting some compromises in optical performance and durability.

Conclusion:

If you’re seeking an affordable 35mm prime lens for your Nikon Z6III and are willing to accept some trade-offs in sharpness and build quality, the Viltrox AF 35mm f1.8 is a viable option. It’s particularly suitable for street photography and general use, provided you can work around its limitations by stopping down the aperture for critical sharpness.