Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR vs Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR is 35mm, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE 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 for standard, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $180 vs $449 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 464g (1.02 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR opens to f/1.7 vs the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR is 35mm, Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE is 85mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR is $180, $269 under the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE.
- ›Weight: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR is 170g (6.0 oz) vs 464g (1.02 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR or the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR is 35mm, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE 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 for standard, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE for short-telephoto / portrait.
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 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $180 vs $449 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 464g (1.02 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE?
Choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR and the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR opens to f/1.7 vs the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 44° | 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 53-53mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 33 cm | 85 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.13x | 0.12x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $180 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 64mm | 72mm |
| Length | 54.7mm | 92mm |
| Weight | 170g (6.0 oz) | 464g (1.02 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
