Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) vs Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z)

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is 35mm, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z) is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.

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

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You're on a budget — $180 vs $598 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 835g (1.84 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z) if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.7, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.4 vs the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)'s f/1.7 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is 35mm, Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z) is 85mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is $180, $418 under the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z).
  • Weight: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is 170g (6.0 oz) vs 835g (1.84 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (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 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is 35mm, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z) is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.

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 shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $180 vs $598 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 835g (1.84 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z)?

Choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.7, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it 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 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z)?

Aperture: the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.4 vs the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)'s f/1.7 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length35mm85mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1115
Optical Groups911
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.7f/1.4
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades911
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CFull-Frame
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View44°28°
35mm Equivalent53-53mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSTMDual HyperVCM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance33 cm79 cm
Max Magnification0.13x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoYes
Declickable ApertureNoYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$180$598
Filter Size52mm77mm
Diameter64mm
Length54.7mm
Weight170g (6.0 oz)835g (1.84 lb)
Weather SealedNoYes
Tripod CollarNoNo