Viltrox 15mm F1.7 E-Mount Lens

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87%
88%
Image Quality
90%
Autofocus Performance
82%
Build Quality
91%
Low-Light Performance
94%
Portability/Size
92%
Value for Money
85%
Bokeh Quality
87%
Focus Speed
70%
Edge Distortion
89%
Vlogging Suitability
85%
Ease of Use
91%
Compatibility
More

Overview

The Viltrox 15mm F1.7 E-Mount Lens is a compact and lightweight wide-angle lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras. This prime lens offers an ideal focal length for landscape, architecture, and vlogging. Thanks to its large F1.7 aperture, it performs well in low-light conditions and provides a shallow depth of field for beautiful background blur. Whether you're capturing stills or shooting video, this lens offers smooth autofocus with its STM motor, ensuring sharp focus without noise, especially during video recording. Its APS-C format compatibility provides a 22.5mm effective focal length, making it a versatile tool for everyday photography.

Features & Benefits

The Viltrox 15mm F1.7 lens stands out with its large F1.7 aperture, which provides excellent low-light performance and the ability to achieve a shallow depth of field. Its nine aperture blades contribute to a smooth, natural bokeh, adding a professional touch to portraits or close-up shots. With a minimum focusing distance of just 0.23m, this lens allows you to get up close for unique perspectives. Additionally, its fast, accurate autofocus and smooth focus tracking make it a reliable option for video creators, ensuring that shots stay in sharp focus even during movement.

Best For

This Viltrox lens is an excellent choice for content creators and vloggers who need a portable wide-angle lens for their Sony APS-C cameras. It's also well-suited for photographers interested in capturing landscapes, architecture, or street photography with a wide prime lens. The lens's versatility in both still photography and video makes it perfect for users looking for a lens that excels in different scenarios. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for anyone looking for a high-quality, cost-effective wide-angle lens.

User Feedback

Users generally praise the Viltrox 15mm F1.7 for its sharpness and clarity, even when shooting wide open at F1.7. Many appreciate the lens's quiet autofocus performance, which is especially beneficial for video creators. However, some mention a slight edge distortion, which is common in wide-angle lenses, but it doesn't detract significantly from the overall image quality. A few users also highlight its compact size, making it ideal for travel and everyday use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the lens is highly regarded for its affordability and overall performance, offering great value for the price.

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Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and travel with.
  • Fast and quiet autofocus, ideal for video shoots and vlogs.
  • Large F1.7 aperture ensures good performance in low light.
  • Sharpness and clarity remain impressive even at wide apertures.
  • The close focusing distance of 0.23m allows for creative close-up shots.
  • Smooth, natural background blur thanks to the nine aperture blades.

Cons

  • Slight distortion at the edges, which is common for wide-angle lenses.
  • Not suitable for full-frame Sony cameras due to the crop factor.
  • Build quality feels somewhat plasticky, which may concern users seeking premium durability.
  • Edge sharpness can suffer slightly at wider apertures.
  • Not ideal for those needing a zoom lens for flexible focal lengths.
  • Effective focal length of 22.5mm on APS-C sensors may feel limiting for some users.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from a variety of platforms and languages, the ratings for the Viltrox 15mm F1.7 E-Mount Lens reflect a blend of strengths and weaknesses. Only authentic, high-quality feedback has been considered, with spam, bot, and incentivized reviews filtered out. While users highlight the lens's excellent low-light performance and smooth autofocus, some note minor edge distortion, which is common in wide-angle lenses. The ratings are based on diverse sources, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on its capabilities and limitations.

Image Quality
88%
Many users praise the lens for its sharpness and clarity, even at wide apertures. The image quality is generally described as crisp, especially for landscape and architectural shots. The lens provides excellent color accuracy and good contrast, making it a reliable choice for capturing fine details.
However, some users noted that the lens struggles with slight edge distortion, especially in wide-angle shots. While not a major issue, it may be noticeable in certain situations, especially for those who prefer pixel-perfect clarity across the entire frame.
Autofocus Performance
90%
Users frequently highlight the fast and accurate autofocus of this lens, especially for video. The STM motor operates smoothly and quietly, ensuring a seamless focus transition during shooting. This makes it ideal for vlogs or dynamic video scenes where focus needs to adjust quickly.
A few users mentioned that autofocus can occasionally struggle in very low light conditions, especially when tracking moving subjects. While generally effective, it’s not always as responsive in extremely dim environments.
Build Quality
82%
18%
The lens feels well-constructed and durable for its price range. Several buyers have mentioned that its compact and lightweight design makes it feel solid in hand without being bulky. The build quality is seen as ideal for travel, offering a good balance of portability and robustness.
However, some users did express concerns about the lens’s plastic build, which feels less premium compared to more expensive alternatives. Though not a deal-breaker, a few have reported that the build could be more substantial for those expecting a more rugged feel.
Low-Light Performance
91%
Many users are impressed by the large F1.7 aperture, which allows for excellent low-light performance. The wide aperture enables clear shots even in dimly lit environments, making it a great tool for night photography, events, or indoor shoots. This feature is particularly beneficial for content creators working in less-than-ideal lighting.
While the low-light performance is generally outstanding, a few users mentioned that the lens can experience some softness in extreme low-light situations. However, this is common with wide-angle lenses and does not detract significantly from the overall performance.
Portability/Size
94%
The compact size and lightweight nature of this lens make it a favorite among travelers and photographers on the go. Weighing just 180g, it fits easily in a camera bag without adding significant bulk, allowing users to carry it comfortably throughout their day. Many users found this feature particularly useful during long shoots or trips.
Some users felt that the small size may come with trade-offs in terms of physical control, as the lens lacks some larger manual controls that might be present on heavier alternatives. While the compact design is convenient, it may not suit those seeking more tactile feel during use.
Value for Money
92%
Considering its performance, the lens provides excellent value for money. Users consistently note that it offers many high-end features—such as a wide aperture, fast autofocus, and reliable video capabilities—at a relatively affordable price point. It's seen as a solid choice for those who want premium features without breaking the bank.
A few buyers felt that the build quality didn’t quite match the expectations set by its price tag. While the lens performs well overall, those looking for a more premium, fully metal body might find the construction a bit lacking in comparison to higher-end models.
Bokeh Quality
85%
The bokeh produced by this lens is often praised for its smooth and natural appearance, thanks to the nine aperture blades. Users appreciate how it enhances portraits and close-up shots by providing a pleasant background blur that doesn't distract from the subject. This feature is highly valued in creative photography.
However, some users noted that the bokeh can occasionally appear a bit harsh or inconsistent in certain lighting conditions. While generally soft, it may not always deliver the perfectly smooth blur seen in lenses that cost significantly more.
Focus Speed
87%
The lens is known for its quick focus speed, making it a solid choice for both stills and video. Many users found it reliable for tracking moving subjects, including when shooting video content like sports or action scenes. The quick focus allows users to capture sharp images even in fast-paced situations.
A few users mentioned that while the focus speed is generally fast, it can sometimes hesitate when shifting focus between subjects at very close distances. This is typically not a major issue but can be noticeable in certain scenarios, especially in high-speed video recording.
Edge Distortion
70%
30%
The lens performs well in the center of the frame, providing great sharpness and clarity in the middle. For photographers who mostly shoot central compositions, it delivers excellent results. Users also appreciate its versatility for wide-angle shots.
However, edge distortion is a recurring issue in wide-angle shots, as mentioned by several users. While this is common with wide lenses, it can still be an inconvenience for those who need perfectly uniform sharpness across the entire image.
Vlogging Suitability
89%
This lens is often recommended by content creators, particularly vloggers, due to its wide-angle design and fast, quiet autofocus. The 15mm focal length is perfect for capturing immersive, stable shots, while the STM motor ensures that the autofocus won't interfere with video recordings. It's a great choice for dynamic vlogging environments.
However, some users mentioned that it may not be wide enough for certain types of vlogs, particularly in extremely cramped spaces. The 22.5mm effective focal length on APS-C cameras may not provide the ultra-wide angle some vloggers prefer for close-up selfies or tight setups.
Ease of Use
85%
Many users find the lens intuitive and easy to use, with quick switching between autofocus and manual focus modes. The compact size also adds to its overall user-friendly design, making it easy to carry and operate for extended periods, even for beginners.
On the downside, a few users mentioned that the manual focus ring could be a bit smoother for more precise adjustments. Though functional, it doesn’t provide the tactile feedback some more advanced photographers may prefer for fine-tuning focus.
Compatibility
91%
This lens is fully compatible with Sony E-mount APS-C cameras, and many users note that it integrates well with their existing gear. Its compatibility with a wide range of Sony cameras is appreciated by both hobbyists and professionals who use different camera models in their workflow.
However, some users who attempted to use it with full-frame Sony cameras found it to be less versatile, especially when cropping images or using wide-angle shots. While it's designed for APS-C, it may not deliver optimal results on full-frame systems.

Suitable for:

The Viltrox 15mm F1.7 E-Mount Lens is ideal for content creators and vloggers seeking a compact, versatile, and affordable wide-angle lens. Its fast STM autofocus and quiet motor make it an excellent choice for video recording, especially for those who need smooth focus transitions during shoots. Photographers who focus on landscapes, architecture, or street photography will also benefit from its sharpness, wide aperture, and ability to capture clear, detailed images in various lighting conditions. Additionally, its lightweight design makes it easy to carry for travel photographers or anyone who needs a portable option for everyday shooting.

Not suitable for:

This lens may not be the best option for photographers or videographers using full-frame Sony cameras, as its effective focal length of 22.5mm on APS-C sensors limits its wide-angle capability. Some users who prioritize edge-to-edge sharpness may find the slight distortion at the lens's edges off-putting, which can be more noticeable in wide-angle shots. Additionally, those who prefer a more robust, metal build for long-term durability might be disappointed by the plastic construction. While it performs well in most situations, it may not satisfy professionals seeking flawless performance in every aspect.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: The lens has a focal length of 15mm, providing a wide-angle view, ideal for landscapes and architecture.
  • Effective Focal Length: For Sony APS-C cameras, the effective focal length is 22.5mm due to the crop factor.
  • Aperture: The lens has a wide aperture range from F1.7 to F16, allowing for great control over depth of field and low-light performance.
  • Aperture Blades: It features 9 rounded aperture blades that help create smooth and natural background blur (bokeh).
  • Minimum Focus Distance: The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.23m, enabling detailed close-up photography.
  • Focus Motor: This lens uses an STM (stepping motor) for quiet, fast, and precise autofocus, making it ideal for both stills and video.
  • Mount Type: The lens is designed to mount on Sony E-mount cameras, providing compatibility with a wide range of Sony mirrorless models.
  • Lens Elements: The lens construction includes 12 elements in 10 groups, which helps minimize distortions and maintain image clarity.
  • Weight: The lens weighs only 180g, making it lightweight and portable for on-the-go photography and video.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 2.22 x 2.56 x 2.56 inches, making it compact and easy to carry.
  • Filter Size: The lens uses a 58mm filter size, allowing for easy attachment of filters like UV, ND, or polarizing filters.
  • Focus Mode: The lens supports both auto-focus (AF) and manual-focus (MF) modes, offering flexibility for different shooting styles.
  • Build Quality: The lens is compact and lightweight, but the construction is largely plastic, which may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
  • Compatibility: The lens is fully compatible with Sony APS-C format cameras, providing optimal performance on these bodies.
  • Video Capabilities: The lens provides reliable video performance, with fast and smooth autofocus for high-quality video recording.
  • Image Quality: Users report excellent sharpness and clarity at wide apertures, although slight edge distortion is common for wide-angle lenses.
  • Design: The lens features a sleek and minimalistic design, with a metal lens mount for improved durability and fitting.
  • Price: The lens offers an affordable price point for users seeking a quality wide-angle prime lens without breaking the bank.

FAQ

The Viltrox 15mm F1.7 E-Mount Lens is a great choice for vloggers due to its wide-angle design and fast STM autofocus motor, which ensures smooth and quiet video capture. Its compact size also makes it easy to carry for on-the-go shooting.

No, the Viltrox 15mm F1.7 E-Mount Lens is designed for Sony APS-C cameras. While it will work on full-frame cameras in crop mode, it is optimized for APS-C sensors, giving an effective focal length of 22.5mm.

The large F1.7 aperture of this lens provides excellent low-light performance, allowing more light to reach the sensor, making it suitable for shooting in dim conditions. This is particularly beneficial for indoor photography or evening vlogs.

This lens uses an STM (stepping motor) for autofocus, which ensures quiet and smooth focusing, making it ideal for video recording. The autofocus is quick and precise, with minimal noise, which is a key advantage for vloggers and filmmakers.

Yes, the Viltrox 15mm F1.7 E-Mount Lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 0.23m, allowing you to capture detailed close-up shots. This makes it a versatile option for creative photography, especially when shooting close subjects like flowers or textures.

Users report that the image quality is sharp and clear even at wide apertures, such as F1.7. However, slight edge softness is visible, which is common for wide-angle lenses, but the center sharpness remains excellent.

While the Viltrox 15mm F1.7 E-Mount Lens is compact and lightweight, its build quality is somewhat plasticky. It should work well for everyday use, but some users may prefer a more rugged lens for heavy-duty professional shoots.

Yes, this lens performs well for video due to its fast and silent STM autofocus motor. It provides smooth focus transitions, which are especially useful for vloggers and filmmakers who need high-quality video capture.

The Viltrox 15mm F1.7 E-Mount Lens is lightweight, weighing only 180g, and has a compact design, making it an excellent option for travel photographers and videographers. Its small size fits easily into a camera bag without adding much weight.

Some users have mentioned slight edge distortion at the widest focal lengths, which is typical for wide-angle lenses. However, this is not a significant issue for most users, as the center of the frame remains sharp and clear.