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Viltrox 35mm Z Vs Nikon: The Ultimate Comparison Guide

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • However, the Nikon lens has a slight advantage in terms of overall image quality, especially at the edges of the frame.
  • The Nikon lens has a slight advantage in terms of autofocus speed, but the Viltrox lens is still very capable in this regard.
  • The Viltrox lens is a more affordable option that still delivers excellent image quality, while the Nikon lens offers better overall performance and build quality.

The Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z and Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S are two popular prime lenses designed for Nikon Z-mount cameras. Both lenses offer a versatile focal length and a wide maximum aperture, making them ideal for various photography genres, including portraiture, street photography, and travel photography. In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore the key differences between these two lenses and help you decide which one is the best choice for your needs.

Build Quality and Design

The Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z is made of a combination of metal and plastic, while the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S features a more robust all-metal construction. Both lenses feel solid and well-built, but the Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of overall build quality. The Viltrox lens is slightly lighter and more compact than the Nikon lens, making it a more portable option for photographers who travel frequently.

Optical Performance

Both the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z and Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S lenses deliver excellent optical performance. They both produce sharp and detailed images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. However, the Nikon lens has a slight advantage in terms of overall image quality, especially at the edges of the frame. The Nikon lens also has a slightly better bokeh rendering, producing smoother and more pleasing out-of-focus areas.

Autofocus Performance

The Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z and Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S lenses both feature fast and accurate autofocus systems. The Nikon lens has a slight advantage in terms of autofocus speed, but the Viltrox lens is still very capable in this regard. Both lenses are silent in operation, making them ideal for video recording.

Aperture and Bokeh

Both the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z and Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S lenses have a wide maximum aperture of f/1.8, which allows for excellent control over depth of field. This makes them both great choices for creating images with a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. The Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of bokeh quality, producing smoother and more pleasing out-of-focus areas.

Price and Value

The Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z is significantly more affordable than the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S. This makes it a great value for photographers who are looking for a high-quality prime lens without breaking the bank. However, the Nikon lens offers better overall image quality, build quality, and autofocus performance, which may be worth the extra cost for some photographers.

Which Lens is Right for You?

The Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z and Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S lenses are both excellent choices for Nikon Z-mount cameras. The Viltrox lens is a more affordable option that still delivers excellent image quality, while the Nikon lens offers better overall performance and build quality. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget and your specific photography needs.

End Note: Making the Right Choice

Whether you choose the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z or the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S, you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality prime lens that will help you capture stunning images. Both lenses offer unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to carefully consider your needs before making a purchase.

What You Need to Learn

1. Which lens is sharper, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z or the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S?

Both lenses deliver excellent sharpness, but the Nikon lens has a slight edge, especially at the edges of the frame.

2. Which lens has better bokeh, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z or the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S?

The Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of bokeh quality, producing smoother and more pleasing out-of-focus areas.

3. Which lens is better for video recording, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z or the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S?

Both lenses are silent in operation, making them ideal for video recording. However, the Nikon lens has a slight advantage in terms of autofocus speed, which may be beneficial for some videographers.

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Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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