Look how small the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 lens is! It’s a cap, it’s a lens—no, it’s a full-frame autofocus lens! It’s incredibly compact and surprisingly sharp.
After receiving the Viltrox 28mm f4.5, I shot a variety of street photography and documentary images.
In this review, I’ll share why the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 is a game changer.
Today, I’m diving into an ultra-small, ultra-thin lens: the Viltrox 28mm f4.5.
This full-frame AF lens with a 28mm field of view is perfect for documentary and everyday use.
Viltrox 28mm f4.5 It’s A Compact Companion for the Sony A7C
This lens is mind-blowing! I’ve paired the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 with my Sony A7C, and the results are fantastic.
Shooting with it felt like using a Ricoh GR III full-frame version with my Sony A7C.
While it’s not an f/2.8 lens, the f/4.5 aperture provides impressive subject-to-background separation.
Being a full-frame lens, it provides some subject-to-background separation:
For an everyday carry camera setup, the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 is a killer option.
Portability and Practicality: Full-Frame in Your Pocket
The Viltrox 28mm f4.5 lens has transformed my Sony A7C into a portable, easy-to-maneuver camera. It feels similar to handling a Ricoh GR III.
I was able to capture a wide variety of shots — lateral angles, down-angle perspectives — all with ease and speed, relying on its autofocus.
For daylight and even low-light photography, the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 performed exceptionally well.
Pocketable Full Frame Camera With Viltrox 28mm f4.5
This compact setup now fits comfortably in my jacket pocket, similar to other compact cameras like the Ricoh GR III, GR IIIx, or Fujifilm X100VI.
But this time, I’m carrying a full-frame camera!
Viltrox 28mm f4.5 Built-In Features and Limitations
Innovative Built-In Cap
One standout feature of the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 is its built-in lens cap. Simply push the lever to open or close it—no more worrying about losing caps for such a small lens.
Fixed Aperture: A Double-Edged Sword
The Viltrox 28mm f4.5 has a fixed f/4.5 aperture.
While this limits versatility, it helps achieve subject separation.
However, an f/11 option would have been ideal for daylight shooting, allowing everything to stay in focus with less effort.
To make the most of this lens, you must carefully set your focus point.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus (AF) on the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 is good but not exceptional.
- In AF-S (single) mode, the lens hunts slightly. For for macro or close-up shots the hunting is even more obvious (but it’s not a deal break)
- In AF-C (continuous) mode, it performs much better, faster than the Ricoh GR III and Fujifilm X100VI.
While not as fast as native Sony lenses, the AF of the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 gets the job done for most everyday scenarios.
Image Quality and Sharpness
For a lens of this type, the image quality of the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 is impressive.
- Sharpness: Good, but focus accuracy is crucial.
- Contrast: Decent, but flare can reduce it significantly.
- Vignetting: Strong but easily correctable in Lightroom.
Despite being a pancake lens, the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 delivers satisfactory image quality for everyday use.
Minimum Focus Distance: A Surprise Highlight
One of the standout features is its exceptional minimum focus distance of 32cm, which allows for close-up shots and even portraits.
This is rare for a pancake lens and adds to its versatility.
Who Is the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 For?
This lens is ideal for:
- Photographers using Sony full-frame bodies (like the Sony A7C) and APS-C (you’ll have a 40mm full frame equivalent field of view)
- Those looking for a compact everyday carry setup
- Anyone who wants a cost-effective alternative to Ricoh GR III, GR IIIx, or Fujifilm X100VI
By pairing the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 with your Sony camera, you can enjoy the benefits of a full-frame sensor in an ultra-portable package.
Comparison: Viltrox 28mm f4.5 vs. Ricoh GR III
After years of using the Ricoh GR III, I find the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 a better compromise:
- Autofocus: The Viltrox is superior.
- Dust Issues: Ricoh GR III is prone to dust-related problems, while a full frame camera can be cleaned easily
- Cost: The Viltrox 28mm f4.5 is more affordable if you already own a camera
While the Ricoh GR III has its strengths, the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 offers a more reliable and versatile option for everyday photography.
Conclusion: The Best Snap Lens for Full-Frame Cameras
The Viltrox 28mm f4.5 is a fantastic solution for photographers who want a lightweight, compact, and affordable lens for everyday use.
- It transforms the Sony A7C into a pocketable snap camera.
- It offers good image quality and versatile features, like a close minimum focus distance.
While the fixed f/4.5 aperture might limit some uses, the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 is a practical and reliable lens for documentary, street, and casual photography.
If you’re looking for a portable camera like the Ricoh GR III, Fujifilm X100VI, the Viltrox 28mm f4.5 is a stellar choice.
Short Pros of the Viltrox 28mm f4.5
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Built-in lens cap for convenience
- Affordable compared to competitors
- Good image quality for a pancake lens
- Close minimum focus distance (32cm)
- Ideal for street and documentary photography
- Compatible with full-frame and APS-C Sony cameras
Short Cons of the Viltrox 28mm f4.5
- Not as sharp as premium lenses
- Fixed f/4.5 aperture limits low-light versatility
- Autofocus can hunt, especially in single AF-S mode
- Vignetting, requiring post-processing correction
- Flare can reduce contrast in certain lighting conditions
- No manual aperture control
More Pictures With Viltrox 28mm f4.5
Before that, here is m video review.
Street photography with Viltrox 28mm f4.5 in Bucharest
Where To Get IT Viltrox 28mm f4.5
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