Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 vs Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓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 opens to f/1.7 vs the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm, Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR is 35mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 or the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR?
Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $180 vs $249 leaves more for other gear.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 and the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR opens to f/1.7 vs the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 6 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 5 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 47° – 47° | 44° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 53-53mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 45 cm | 33 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.14x | 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 | 49mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 68.6mm | 64mm |
| Length | 59.5mm | 54.7mm |
| Weight | 186g (6.6 oz) | 170g (6.0 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
