Lens ReviewMorten ByskovOctober 02, 2024Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z review, Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z sample images, Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z and Nikon ZfComment

Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z Review

Lens ReviewMorten ByskovOctober 02, 2024Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z review, Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z sample images, Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z and Nikon ZfComment

The Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z mounted on a Nikon Zf — Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z shown on the Nikon Zf

Super Light Autofocus Standard Lens for Nikon Z-Mount

I never anticipated getting into 40mm lenses but this focal length has grown on me over the last few years. I used a GF 50mm on a GFX 50R (40mm full-frame equivalent), and after trying out three different 40mm lenses on the Nikon Zf, I was enticed to see what the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z would bring to the table.

At $168.00, the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z is the most affordable 40mm that I have tried. The other three are a Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE ($306.95), Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z ($899.00), and Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 in F-Mount ($419.00).

Let’s see how the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z stacks up.

The Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z shown on the Nikon ZF — Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z shown on the Nikon Zf

Introduction

The Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z was released in the spring of 2024 and is available for Sony E-Mount and Nikon Z-Mount.

For full disclosure: Viltrox sent me the AF 40mm f/2.5 Z lens for my review and I get to keep it. Vitrox, however, has not dictated a narrative in any shape or form, and the opinions in this review are mine and mine only.

The CIBC Bank on Burrard Street, Vancouver. Sample image from a Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z on the Nikon Zf. — Burrard Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z @ f/6.3

Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z - Handling and Specs

With a plastic construction, the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z is very light at only 6.3 oz, 180 g. Dimensions are 2.7 x 2.2”, 68 x 55.9 mm and it takes 52mm filters. There is no AF/MF switch but the lens does come with an amply-sized lens hood.

The lightweight nature of the lens does not instill a lot of confidence. It sort of feels cheap to the touch, and yet it’s hard to point fingers at anything that could potentially break.

The lens has ten elements in six groups including one ED Element, three HR elements, an STM stepping AF motor, and a minimum focusing distance of 1.1', 34 cm. There is no mention of weather sealing.

I do not mind the design of the lens and it fits well on my Nikon Zf tester.

Top view of the Nikon Zf and Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z — Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z shown on the Nikon Zf

In Action

The headliner with the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z is about portability and its lightweight nature. It’s a breeze to carry this lens with a body such as the Nikon Zf. The 40mm focal length is extremely versatile and would make for an excellent all-rounder.

In DX mode you have a 60mm field of view as I inadvertently learned when I captured the first batch of images for this review.

As I put the finishing touches on this review in the days around the Leica Q3 43 release, it makes me wonder how much mileage you could get from a 40mm lens and a higher megapixel such as the Z8, Z9, or Z7II. Quite a bit I should think.

Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z shown on the Nikon Zf

Image Quality

I am not blown away by the image quality from the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5. The photos look okay but just that, and no more, and this is not the kind of lens I would be inspired to take out again and again. I realize that this is a bit harsh and would in the same breath perhaps have to admit that at the price point, this is what you should expect.

Please make sure to click on the sample images to view sizes up to 2500 pixels depending on your monitor size or pinch zoom if on your mobile phone.

Vancouver House in black and white. Sample image from a Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z on the Nikon Zf. — Vancouver House, Nikon Zf, Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z @ f/5.6, DX Mode

Conclusion

The Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z does not live up to other solid lenses from Viltrox that I have reviewed, such as the AF 13mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm X-Mount and AF 16mm f/1.8 Z but we have to remember that it costs significantly less.

As a value option or a first lens until you have the budget for an upgrade you can certainly get a decent start with the AF 40mm f/2.5 Z as long as you do not expect an optical wonder lens.

Of the four 40mm lenses I have tried on the Nikon Zf the Viltrox is my least favorite and the ranking of the lenses is completely in line with the cost of each lens with the Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z topping the list followed by the Ultron 40mm f/2, and then Nikkor 40mm f/2 SE.

The best alternative, if you need an autofocus lens would be Nikon’s own Nikkor 40mm f/2 SE. It is almost twice the cost but worth the extra money with a cool design matching the Zf, a faster f/stop, and optically better performance.

If budget is an issue, the Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 Z can get you going or if you have never tried a 40mm lens, this will give you an inexpensive option to try it out.

Thanks, Chris, for letting me use your Nikon Zf for this review. It is much appreciated.

Pros

Lightweight

Portability

Cons

Mediocre image quality

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z - B&H Photo

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