Viltrox AF 40mm F2.5 Air
Viltrox · 40 mm · f/2.5 · Air
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
57
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Exceptionally lightweight at just 167g, perfect for travel and street photography
+Excellent sharpness between f/5.6 and f/8, with responsive STM autofocus
+Outstanding value at budget-friendly price ($158-168), significantly cheaper than competing options
+Versatile 40mm focal length bridges 35mm and 50mm perspectives, ideal for diverse shooting styles
+Metal mount with USB-C firmware updates and includes quality petal-shaped lens hood
+Good edge-to-edge performance when stopped down, minimal distortion and CA control
Worth Knowing
−Plastic barrel construction feels less premium compared to metal alternatives, though build quality is solid
−Limited to f/2.5 aperture—slower than competing 40mm options (Nikon Z 40mm f/2 is two-thirds stop faster)
−No weather sealing (except front coating), edge softness at maximum aperture f/2.5
−Lacks aperture control ring for manual override, and some firmware compatibility issues reported with newer camera bodies
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 "Air" series lens is a fantastic option for photographers looking for a compact, affordable prime lens with solid performance. Weighing in at just 167 g, the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 is very lightweight and compact, making it an excellent lens for travel and street photography. The Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Air is a very sharp lens, and overall very impressive for travel and everyday use. At under $170, it delivers remarkable image quality and versatility that punches well above its price point. | |
| Brand | Viltrox |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. | Air |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Sony E |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical64/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 167 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 65 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 59.5 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 52 mm |
Optics78/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 40 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 2.5 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 56.7° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 18 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 7020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 34 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.14x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Petal |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction54/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 10 |
| Groups | 6 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 1 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 1 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |