When it comes to compact, travel-ready lenses, Viltrox has surprised everyone with its 28mm F4.5—one of the thinnest full-frame autofocus lenses on the market. With its tiny, pancake-like design, this lens pairs exceptionally well with compact full-frame cameras like the Sony A7C, making it a top choice for travel and street photographers who prioritize portability. Let’s dive into the details to see if this affordable $99 lens is the right fit for your kit.

Compact Design and Build Quality

The Viltrox 28mm F4.5 lens stands out due to its compact and lightweight construction. Weighing just 60 grams, this lens can easily be mistaken for a body cap. Measuring only 1.5 cm in depth, it’s among the thinnest autofocus lenses available, making it truly pocketable when attached to a small camera like the Sony A7C.

Built from a combination of aluminum and plastic, the Viltrox 28mm F4.5 offers a metal mount for durability. While it lacks a rubber gasket, the front element is splash-resistant, offering some protection against light moisture. The lens also includes a USB-C port for firmware updates—a useful addition for such a compact lens. One unique design feature is the absence of a lens cap; instead, a lever-operated protective shutter covers the lens element, eliminating the hassle of losing a lens cap.

Autofocus Performance

One of the impressive features of the Viltrox 28mm F4.5 is its autofocus capability. Despite its size, this lens incorporates an autofocus motor that performs well, even in low-light conditions. During testing, the autofocus was quick and accurate, without any missed shots. For video users, the autofocus is also smooth and responsive, although there is visible focus breathing. This might not be ideal for professional videography but should be more than sufficient for casual video work.

Image Quality and Sharpness

For a lens this compact and affordable, the image quality is pleasantly surprising. Here’s a breakdown of its performance:

  • Sharpness: The lens is very sharp in the center and mid-frame, which is impressive for its size and price. The corners, however, are softer and show slight purple fringing, which is common with compact lenses.
  • Vignetting: Expect some vignetting, especially in the corners. This is normal for lenses of this design and can easily be corrected in post-processing.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: With a minimum focus distance of 32cm, the lens provides decent close-up performance. While it doesn’t produce extreme background blur, it’s still capable of some soft bokeh for close-up shots.

Flare and Sunstar Effects

The Viltrox 28mm F4.5 handles flare reasonably well, depending on the light source. Like many small lenses, it can produce some flare and a slight contrast reduction when shooting directly into bright light. However, the lens also creates a pleasant five-point sunstar effect, a bonus for photographers who enjoy adding creative touches to their photos.

Who Is This Lens For?

The Viltrox 28mm F4.5 is a fantastic option for photographers who:

  • Need a compact travel lens: Its lightweight build and thin design make it perfect for travel and street photography.
  • Shoot on Sony A7C: This lens pairs exceptionally well with compact full-frame cameras, adding almost no bulk.
  • Want an affordable pancake lens: At just $99, it’s a budget-friendly option for those who want quality without the expense of premium lenses.

While this lens might not be ideal for professional video work due to focus breathing, its autofocus and build quality make it an excellent choice for casual shooters and travel photographers alike.

Final Verdict

The Viltrox 28mm F4.5 is a winning lens for anyone looking for a small, affordable lens with autofocus capabilities. Sharp in the center, compact enough to fit in a pocket, and designed with unique features like a protective shutter system, this lens is a no-brainer for those seeking an affordable travel or street photography lens. Viltrox has created something special here, and it’s likely to impress anyone needing a reliable, lightweight, and budget-friendly lens.

 

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