Viltrox's recent unveiling of the AF 35mm F1.8 EVO and AF 55mm F1.8 EVO lenses at NAB 2026 marks a significant step forward in the company's mission to support creators across the entire visual storytelling spectrum. These lenses, designed with versatility and storytelling in mind, showcase Viltrox's commitment to innovation and its expanding ecosystem of cinema tools and production accessories.
A Lens for Every Story
The 35mm focal length has long been a staple in street photography, travel, and environmental portraits, offering a versatile perspective that captures the essence of a scene. The AF 35mm F1.8 EVO builds on this tradition, delivering sharp, high-resolution imagery with a 63° field of view. Its all-metal body, compact design, and lightweight construction make it a portable and durable companion for everyday shooting. The lens's fast and precise autofocus, powered by an STM stepping motor, ensures seamless performance in both still and video applications.
One of the standout features of the 35mm F1.8 EVO is its 13-element optical construction, which ensures exceptional sharpness and high resolution from center to edge, even at its wide F1.8 aperture. The APO-grade design minimizes chromatic aberration, resulting in accurate colors and clean edges, even in challenging lighting conditions. This level of optical performance is a testament to Viltrox's commitment to delivering professional-grade lenses.
The lens is available for both Sony FE and Nikon Z mount systems, providing creators with the flexibility to work with their preferred camera setups. The suggested retail price of $395 USD / €459 EUR / £385 GBP positions it as an affordable yet high-quality option for photographers and filmmakers.
The AF 55mm F1.8 EVO takes a slightly different approach, offering a natural perspective that closely mimics the human eye. This makes it ideal for portraits, still life, and detail-focused imagery. The lens's fast F1.8 aperture enables smooth, cinematic bokeh, while its minimum object distance of 0.43m provides close-up versatility. The lightweight design and durable metal construction ensure portability and reliability in various shooting conditions.
Like its 35mm counterpart, the 55mm F1.8 EVO features a 13-element optical design, ensuring consistent sharpness across the frame. The APO configuration effectively suppresses color fringing, preserving image clarity and accuracy. The responsive STM-driven autofocus and intuitive physical controls make it a pleasure to operate, whether you're capturing still images or shooting video.
Again, Viltrox offers these lenses for both Sony FE and Nikon Z mount systems, catering to a wide range of camera users. The suggested retail price of $370 USD / €429 EUR / £359 GBP makes it an attractive option for those seeking high-quality lenses without breaking the bank.
Expanding the Viltrox Imaging System
Viltrox's presence at NAB 2026 goes beyond just these two lenses. The company showcases a broader range of products across its ecosystem, including L-mount lenses, LAB and Pro flagship optics, and cinema solutions such as the EPIC series, Raze lenses for the DJI Ronin 4D, and the NexusFocus adapter.
The theme of "Expanding the Viltrox Imaging System — From Photo to Cinema" highlights the company's unified vision: supporting creators at every stage of visual storytelling. Whether you're a photographer or a filmmaker, Viltrox aims to provide the tools and accessories you need to bring your creative vision to life.
Attendees at NAB 2026 are invited to experience the latest Viltrox innovations firsthand at Booth 5735. The booth features live shooting environments that demonstrate real-world creative applications, allowing visitors to see the lenses and other products in action.
Personal Thoughts
Viltrox's new lenses are a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and its understanding of the needs of creators. The combination of optical performance, portability, and affordability makes these lenses an attractive option for photographers and filmmakers alike. The expansion of the Viltrox Imaging System, from photo to cinema, further solidifies the company's position as a leading provider of high-quality lenses and production accessories.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the attention to detail in the lens designs, such as the APO-grade construction and the intuitive physical controls. These features not only enhance the optical performance but also make the lenses a joy to use, catering to both professional and amateur creators.
In my opinion, Viltrox is setting a new standard for affordable, high-quality lenses. The company's ability to deliver professional-grade performance at competitive prices is a game-changer for creators on a budget. As Viltrox continues to expand its ecosystem, it will be interesting to see how it further supports the visual storytelling community.
