Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) vs Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z)

The bottom line

There's a clear price gap: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) at $180 versus the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z) at $395. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.

Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) if…

  • You're on a budget — $180 vs $395 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 375g (13.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z) if…

  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.7 vs the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z)'s f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Price: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is $180, $215 under the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z).
  • Weight: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is 170g (6.0 oz) vs 375g (13.2 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) or the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z) better?

There's a clear price gap: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) at $180 versus the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z) at $395. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.

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're on a budget — $180 vs $395 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 375g (13.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z)?

Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z) if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

What is the main difference between the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) and the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z)?

Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.7 vs the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 II EVO (Nikon Z)'s f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length35mm35mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1113
Optical Groups910
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.7f/1.8
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CFull-Frame
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View44°63°
35mm Equivalent53-53mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSTMSTM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance33 cm34 cm
Max Magnification0.13x0.15x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$180$395
Filter Size52mm58mm
Diameter64mm
Length54.7mm76mm
Weight170g (6.0 oz)375g (13.2 oz)
Weather SealedNoYes
Tripod CollarNoNo