Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 vs Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm, 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 Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 for standard, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 if…
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.13x.
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/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You're on a budget — $180 vs $249 leaves more for other gear.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.7 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm, Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is 35mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 or the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm, 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 Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 for standard, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 if you like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.13x.
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/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you're on a budget — $180 vs $249 leaves more for other gear.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 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 Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 28mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 75° | 44° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 53-53mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 33 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 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) | $249 | $180 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 70mm | 64mm |
| Length | 45.5mm | 54.7mm |
| Weight | 145g (5.1 oz) | 170g (6.0 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
