I’ve been testing the Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 on my Fujifilm X -T50 camera for a while now, and I have to say—it’s an interesting little lens.
Compact, lightweight, and surprisingly fun to shoot with, but not without its quirks.
Here’s my experience using it and what I think it’s best suited for.
Images are shot with my Fujifilm recipe – Cinematic Summer Vibes using Reala Ace as base film simulation.
Introduction
When Viltrox first introduced the 28mm f/4.5 pancake lens, it immediately caught the attention of photographers who appreciate compact, lightweight gear like Ricoh GR III or Ricoh GR IIIx.
Initially available as a 28mm lens for full-frame Sony E-mount, the lens is now adapted for Fujifilm X cameras, offering APS-C users a budget-friendly option with autofocus.
But does its tiny size come at the cost of image quality?
Let’s take a closer look at Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 Lens For Fujifilm X.
First Impressions: Tiny but Solid
The first thing that struck me about this lens is just how small it is. Mounted on my Fujifilm X camera, it almost disappears. If you’re into street photography or want a lens that won’t draw attention, this is a big plus.
The build quality feels solid, with a full-metal construction that gives it a premium feel despite its budget-friendly price.
Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 Lens For Fujifilm X Design and Build Quality
The Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 is impressively thin at just 15mm, making it one of the smallest autofocus lenses available for Fujifilm X cameras.
Weighing only 60g, it’s nearly indistinguishable from a body cap when mounted on a camera like the Fujifilm X-T5 or Fujifilm X-T50.
Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 for Fujifilm X is built with a mix of aluminum and plastic, and despite its minimalistic design, it feels solid in hand.
The metal mount provides durability, and a USB-C port allows for firmware updates.
However, it lacks weather sealing, so caution is advised in harsh conditions.
One of the most unique aspects of this lens is its built-in sliding cover, replacing the need for a traditional lens cap. This clever mechanism ensures easy one-handed operation and reduces the risk of misplacing a separate cap. However, there’s no front filter thread, which might be a drawback for photographers who frequently use filters.
Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 Lens For Fujifilm X Autofocus Performance
For such a slim lens, the inclusion of autofocus is impressive. On the Fujifilm X-T50, the autofocus works very well—fast, quite and accurate in most situations.
I had just two missed shots from 200-plus pictures.
Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 Lens For Fujifilm X Image Quality
On a 26MP X-PRO3 or a 40MP X-T5, the lens delivers decent sharpness. The center is reasonably crisp, though not razor-sharp, while the corners appear slightly softer.
Contrast remains good, and there is minimal chromatic aberration.
However, shooting in RAW reveals some pincushion distortion and noticeable vignetting. These issues are correctable in post-processing, but they are present.
The lens is not designed for macro photography but you can take some close-up photography because of the minimum focus distance of 32cm.
Still, images remain acceptably sharp at this distance, making it usable for environmental portraits or street photography.
Flare and Bokeh
Flaring is one of the lens’s weak points. Strong light sources can cause noticeable glare, reducing contrast significantly.
However, Viltrox has incorporated a built-in mask that produces eight-point sun stars, which can be a creative feature for photographers who enjoy that effect.
As for bokeh, achieving significant background blur is challenging due to the fixed f/4.5 aperture and the 28mm focal length (equivalent to 42mm on APS-C).
When bokeh does appear, it is soft and neutral, but this is not the lens’s strong suit.
Color
The Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 renders colors in a fairly neutral and natural way, without the overly saturated or contrast-heavy look that some other lenses tend to have.
The tones are well-balanced, leaning slightly toward a cooler profile compared to Fujifilm’s own XF lenses, which often have a bit more warmth and pop straight out of the camera.
In good lighting, the color accuracy is excellent, and images have a clean, crisp feel. However, in lower light or mixed lighting conditions, colors can sometimes appear a bit muted, requiring a bit of post-processing to bring them to life.
Skin tones remain relatively neutral, though they might lack the organic warmth that some photographers prefer for portraits.
If you’re shooting in JPEG with Fujifilm’s film simulations, the lens does a great job of letting those profiles shine through without excessive color shifts. However, for RAW shooters, a little color correction might be necessary depending on your preferences.
Who Is This Lens For?
The Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 is an excellent choice for travel and street photographers who prioritize portability over maximum image quality.
Its small size makes it ideal for those who want a discreet setup, and the autofocus performance is very good for casual use on X-T50, X-M5 and so on.
While professional users may prefer Fujifilm’s higher-end prime lenses or even Viltrox 27mm f1.2 (aff), this Viltrox option serves as a fun, inexpensive alternative.
It can also replace Ricoh GR IIIx if you shoot in general stopped down.
Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 Lens For Fujifilm X Final Verdict
At under under $100, the Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 is a compelling option for Fujifilm X shooters looking for an ultra-compact lens.
While it has some limitation but its size, weight, and affordability make it a worthwhile addition to any lightweight kit.
If you can accept it this lens is a joy to use.
Short Pros:
- Extremely compact and lightweight, great for portability
- Solid metal build, premium feel
- Decent autofocus in good light
- Good center sharpness
- Well-controlled distortion and minimal chromatic aberrations
- USB-C for firmware updates
Short Cons:
- Fixed f/4.5 aperture limits flexibility
- No manual focus option
- Autofocus not so good in low light (but the aperture it’s not for low light shooting)
- Edge sharpness could be better
- Vignetting (though fixable in post)
Where To buy Viltrox 28mm f4.5 for Fujifilm X
- Get it here using my Amazon affiliate link: click here
- Flash used in this article affiliate link: click here
- Camera used affiliate link: click here
Viltrox 28mm f4.5 for Fujifilm X Alternatives
- TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 or direct from the producer click here
- Fujifilm 27mm f2.8: Get it from Amazon / Blog review here
- Voigtländer Ultron 27mm f2: Amazon / Video Review / Blog Review
- Pergear 25mm f1.7: Amazon / Video Review / Blog Review
Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 Lens For Fujifilm X Street Photgraphy Gallery
