7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) vs Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 18mm, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $79 vs $180 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 170g (6.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.7 vs the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z)'s f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 18mm, Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is $79, $101 under the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z).
- ›Weight: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 55g (1.9 oz) vs 170g (6.0 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) or the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 18mm, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z)?
Choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $79 vs $180 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 170g (6.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) and the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.7 vs the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z)'s f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 18mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 4 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 3 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/6.3 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/6.3 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 0 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 76° | 44° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 27-27mm | 53-53mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 33 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.13x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $79 | $180 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 56mm | 64mm |
| Length | 6.6mm | 54.7mm |
| Weight | 55g (1.9 oz) | 170g (6.0 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
