Viltrox EVO
p.9 #1Viltrox EVO
RoamingScott wrote:
Reviewed on Z, but plenty of samples to show off rendering, and bokeh specifically.
https://youtu.be/nS9b8jUYWs4
https://www.scotttuckerphoto.com/blog/review-viltrox-af-35mm-f18-evo-for-nikon-zScott great job with the review! I really enjoyed the variety of high quality sample images. The only thing I think would be nice to add to future reviews is some commentary on vignetting.
At a high level, how did you feel it compares to the CV 35mm APO optically?Good point about vignette...this review was literally down to the wire because of weather, I'll make sure to throw some comparisons into the blog post.
At a VERY high level, there's still not a 35mm Z lens I like better optically than the CV APO. The hardest thing to come to grips with the EVO is the bokeh which can be varied shot to shot and not entirely predictable, compared to the subdued and muted bokeh of the CV.
I also like the overall colors that come out of CV lenses more than Viltrox, especially in this case. The EVO has a...Show more →
Curious if the yellow cast you see is unique to the Nikon version or the Nikon WB system. I just got my Sony version and admit I haven’t seen it but I’ve only had the lens for a day and I’m comparing it to only Sony mount lenses. I don’t have a CV manual lens for Sony.
DWOfPaul wrote
RoamingScott wrote
Technically I think mine were the first to get published, just forgot to link em hereReviewed on Z, but plenty of samples to show off rendering, and bokeh specifically.
https://youtu.be/nS9b8jUYWs4
https://www.scotttuckerphoto.com/blog/review-viltrox-af-35mm-f18-evo-for-nikon-z
At a high level, how did you feel it compares to the CV 35mm APO optically?
At a VERY high level, there's still not a 35mm Z lens I like better optically than the CV APO. The hardest thing to come to grips with the EVO is the bokeh which can be varied shot to shot and not entirely predictable, compared to the subdued and muted bokeh of the CV.
I also like the overall colors that come out of CV lenses more than Viltrox, especially in this case. The EVO has a...Show more →
Curious if the yellow cast you see is unique to the Nikon version or the Nikon WB system. I just got my Sony version and admit I haven’t seen it but I’ve only had the lens for a day and I’m comparing it to only Sony mount lenses. I don’t have a CV manual lens for Sony.
Apr 22, 2026 at 09:55 AM
p.9 #2Viltrox EVO
RoamingScott wrote:
[...]The CVs meter nice and warm and the Viltrox lenses meter quite cool, but also sometimes hotter than other lenses.
It's probably something interesting but what does it mean? If you can describe it making a non-Texas and old man understand?
[...]The CVs meter nice and warm and the Viltrox lenses meter quite cool, but also sometimes hotter than other lenses.
It's probably something interesting but what does it mean? If you can describe it making a non-Texas and old man understand?
Apr 22, 2026 at 10:25 AM
RoamingScott
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p.9 #3Viltrox EVO
I suspect that Viltrox uses the same front element coating across every mount type, so you would get some different color cast on each system if that’s the case.
I have many lenses from many manufacturers and none of them have the yellow tinge of the EVO line so I’m inclined to think it’s not a Nikon sensor thing. At least the color is consistent between the multiple EVO lenses!
It’s a pretty minor point, and it doesn’t put me off of using the lens in any way, I just do so much deep color work that it’s immediately noticeable… i’ve become very sensitive to color shifts.
I have also found that, outside of Hasselblad, Nikon has the most accurate auto white balance of the full frame companies, and is the perfect test bed on which to notice things like this.
swldstn wrote:
Reviewed on Z, but plenty of samples to show off rendering, and bokeh specifically.
https://youtu.be/nS9b8jUYWs4
https://www.scotttuckerphoto.com/blog/review-viltrox-af-35mm-f18-evo-for-nikon-zScott great job with the review! I really enjoyed the variety of high quality sample images. The only thing I think would be nice to add to future reviews is some commentary on vignetting.
At a high level, how did you feel it compares to the CV 35mm APO optically?Good point about vignette...this review was literally down to the wire because of weather, I'll make sure to throw some comparisons into the blog post.
At a VERY high level, there's still not a 35mm Z lens I like better optically than the CV APO. The hardest thing to come to grips with the EVO is the bokeh which can be varied shot to shot and not entirely predictable, compared to the subdued and muted bokeh of the CV.
I also like the overall colors that come out of CV lenses more than Viltrox, especially in this case. The EVO has a yellowish tint over every photo which you can edit around, it's just more work. The CVs meter nice and warm and the Viltrox lenses meter quite cool, but also sometimes hotter than other lenses.Curious if the yellow cast you see is unique to the Nikon version or the Nikon WB system. I just got my Sony version and admit I haven’t seen it but I’ve only had the lens for a day and I’m comparing it to only Sony mount lenses. I don’t have a CV manual lens for Sony.
I have many lenses from many manufacturers and none of them have the yellow tinge of the EVO line so I’m inclined to think it’s not a Nikon sensor thing. At least the color is consistent between the multiple EVO lenses!
It’s a pretty minor point, and it doesn’t put me off of using the lens in any way, I just do so much deep color work that it’s immediately noticeable… i’ve become very sensitive to color shifts.
I have also found that, outside of Hasselblad, Nikon has the most accurate auto white balance of the full frame companies, and is the perfect test bed on which to notice things like this.
swldstn wrote:
RoamingScott wrote
DWOfPaul wrote
RoamingScott wrote
Technically I think mine were the first to get published, just forgot to link em hereReviewed on Z, but plenty of samples to show off rendering, and bokeh specifically.
https://youtu.be/nS9b8jUYWs4
https://www.scotttuckerphoto.com/blog/review-viltrox-af-35mm-f18-evo-for-nikon-z
At a high level, how did you feel it compares to the CV 35mm APO optically?
At a VERY high level, there's still not a 35mm Z lens I like better optically than the CV APO. The hardest thing to come to grips with the EVO is the bokeh which can be varied shot to shot and not entirely predictable, compared to the subdued and muted bokeh of the CV.
I also like the overall colors that come out of CV lenses more than Viltrox, especially in this case. The EVO has a yellowish tint over every photo which you can edit around, it's just more work. The CVs meter nice and warm and the Viltrox lenses meter quite cool, but also sometimes hotter than other lenses.
Apr 22, 2026 at 10:43 AM
p.9 #4Viltrox EVO
My 35/1.8 EVO arrived today. Not much for me to photograph right now, but I did get some shots of my wife's garden that has been neglected for some time. I can confirm that the lens is very sharp wide open and so far I can't see any color fringing. Sharpness improves at f2 and then more at f2.8. Below are some of my first images, full image followed by a crop.
ILCE-7RM5 35mm f/1.8 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5 35mm f/1.8 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5 35mm f/1.8 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5 35mm f/1.8 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5 35mm f/1.8 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5 35mm f/1.8 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
Apr 22, 2026 at 04:13 PM
p.9 #5Viltrox EVO
mudlake wrote:
My 35/1.8 EVO arrived today. Not much for me to photograph right now, but I did get some shots of my wife's garden that has been neglected for some time. I can confirm that the lens is very sharp wide open and so far I can't see any color fringing. Sharpness improves at f2 and then more at f2.8. Below are some of my first images, full image followed by a crop.
How’s the autofocus in AFC + Eye-AF?
Apr 22, 2026 at 04:15 PM
p.9 #6Viltrox EVO
milend wrote:
How’s the autofocus in AFC + Eye-AF?
I haven't had a chance to test it with people yet. I'll do that as soon as my wife gets home from a vacation.
mudlake wrote
My 35/1.8 EVO arrived today. Not much for me to photograph right now, but I did get some shots of my wife's garden that has been neglected for some time. I can confirm that the lens is very sharp wide open and so far I can't see any color fringing. Sharpness improves at f2 and then more at f2.8. Below are some of my first images, full image followed by a crop.I haven't had a chance to test it with people yet. I'll do that as soon as my wife gets home from a vacation.
Apr 22, 2026 at 08:45 PM
p.9 #7Viltrox EVO
Here's a comparison with the Tamron 35-150, both at f2. First is the Viltrox.
ILCE-7RM5 35mm f/2.0 1/3200s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5 35mm f/2.0 1/2500s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
Apr 22, 2026 at 09:07 PM
p.9 #8Viltrox EVO
Received my copy today and can confirm the yellowish cast on A7CR tried some quick and dirty color adjustments and somewhat usable now, very dissapointed, I was hoping for better colors.
Ultrasharp and zero distortion at the far edges, impressive, feels rectilinear. Can see some 3D pop. Excellent flare resistance and good control of fringing (but still some under extreme conditions)
Will try this weekend on a real travel scenario shooting landscapes and people. Has potential.
Bringing the 35GM to compare
Ultrasharp and zero distortion at the far edges, impressive, feels rectilinear. Can see some 3D pop. Excellent flare resistance and good control of fringing (but still some under extreme conditions)
Will try this weekend on a real travel scenario shooting landscapes and people. Has potential.
Bringing the 35GM to compare
Apr 22, 2026 at 10:54 PM
RoamingScott
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p.9 #9Viltrox EVO
Tobylq007 wrote:
Received my copy today and can confirm the yellowish cast on A7CR tried some quick and dirty color adjustments and somewhat usable now, very dissapointed, I was hoping for better colors.
Ultrasharp and zero distortion at the far edges, impressive, feels rectilinear. Can see some 3D pop. Excellent flare resistance and good control of fringing (but still some under extreme conditions)
Will try this weekend on a real travel scenario shooting landscapes and people. Has potential.
Bringing the 35GM to compare
Good to know the yellow cast is, as expected, a multi-mount "issue" if you want to call it that. Thanks for the feedback.
Received my copy today and can confirm the yellowish cast on A7CR tried some quick and dirty color adjustments and somewhat usable now, very dissapointed, I was hoping for better colors.
Ultrasharp and zero distortion at the far edges, impressive, feels rectilinear. Can see some 3D pop. Excellent flare resistance and good control of fringing (but still some under extreme conditions)
Will try this weekend on a real travel scenario shooting landscapes and people. Has potential.
Bringing the 35GM to compare
Good to know the yellow cast is, as expected, a multi-mount "issue" if you want to call it that. Thanks for the feedback.
Apr 23, 2026 at 07:18 AM
p.9 #10Viltrox EVO
Viltrox have a firmware version 1.06 up for download. Is that the fw version you guys have (and the one you had @RoamingScott@ when reviewing the 35/1.8 EVO)?
Version 1.06 "fixed known issues"
https://viltrox.com/pages/af-35-1-8-evo-fe-apo
Are the focusing problems described by Roamingscott fixed with the new fw? I notice not all reviewers and influencers mention anything about the problem.
Version 1.06 "fixed known issues"
https://viltrox.com/pages/af-35-1-8-evo-fe-apo
Are the focusing problems described by Roamingscott fixed with the new fw? I notice not all reviewers and influencers mention anything about the problem.
Apr 23, 2026 at 01:28 PM
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RoamingScott
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p.9 #11Viltrox EVO
Looks like I had 1.00 on my lens, and it reports 1.02 is the latest for Z. The updating app is entirely in Chinese, so THAT'S fun...
A quick test shows it has introduced focus pulsing/racking that wasn't present in 1.00 in middling light.
A quick test shows it has introduced focus pulsing/racking that wasn't present in 1.00 in middling light.
Apr 23, 2026 at 01:51 PM
p.9 #12Viltrox EVO
Jonas B wrote:
Viltrox have a firmware version 1.06 up for download. Is that the fw version you guys have (and the one you had @RoamingScott@@ when reviewing the 35/1.8 EVO)?
Version 1.06 "fixed known issues"
https://viltrox.com/pages/af-35-1-8-evo-fe-apo
Are the focusing problems described by Roamingscott fixed with the new fw? I notice not all reviewers and influencers mention anything about the problem.
Mine has firmware .01. I’ll check out the new one.
Viltrox have a firmware version 1.06 up for download. Is that the fw version you guys have (and the one you had @RoamingScott@@ when reviewing the 35/1.8 EVO)?
Version 1.06 "fixed known issues"
https://viltrox.com/pages/af-35-1-8-evo-fe-apo
Are the focusing problems described by Roamingscott fixed with the new fw? I notice not all reviewers and influencers mention anything about the problem.
Mine has firmware .01. I’ll check out the new one.
Apr 23, 2026 at 01:57 PM
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p.9 #13Viltrox EVO
A quick step outside into better light and I couldn't get it to "pause" before confirmation, actually feels snappier in good light.
I suspect it's actually racking instead of pausing in those same scenarios indoors. I'll have to shoot it a while to confirm anything.
I suspect it's actually racking instead of pausing in those same scenarios indoors. I'll have to shoot it a while to confirm anything.
Apr 23, 2026 at 02:00 PM
p.9 #14Viltrox EVO
I’m on the fence between the new Viltrox 35mm EVO and the Sony 40mm G. Does anyone who owns both mind sharing their experience? I know the 40mm is lighter and smaller, but I prefer the 35mm focal length. I currently have the 40mm.
Apr 24, 2026 at 12:00 AM
p.9 #15Viltrox EVO
For now I will not change my Sony 40mm G for the Viltrox EVO 35mm.
Both new (35 and 55) Viltrox lenses have very good sharpness, but all the reviews mention slow AF.
Both new (35 and 55) Viltrox lenses have very good sharpness, but all the reviews mention slow AF.
Apr 24, 2026 at 02:12 AM
p.9 #16Viltrox EVO
Chaliel wrote:
For now I will not change my Sony 40mm G for the Viltrox EVO 35mm.
Both new (35 and 55) Viltrox lenses have very good sharpness, but all the reviews mention slow AF.
That’s one of the reasons why I love the 40G - so compact and so fast to focus.
Apr 24, 2026 at 02:15 AM
p.9 #17Viltrox EVO
Chaliel wrote:
For now I will not change my Sony 40mm G for the Viltrox EVO 35mm.
Both new (35 and 55) Viltrox lenses have very good sharpness, but all the reviews mention slow AF.
The next step for these guys is to include VCM/linear motor for AF and more advanced coatings. I do feel only us Sony users care about AF speed. Most of the other brands have mainly Stepper motors in this range, so the Viltrox’s AF speed wouldn’t feel too slow on those.
For now I will not change my Sony 40mm G for the Viltrox EVO 35mm.
Both new (35 and 55) Viltrox lenses have very good sharpness, but all the reviews mention slow AF.
The next step for these guys is to include VCM/linear motor for AF and more advanced coatings. I do feel only us Sony users care about AF speed. Most of the other brands have mainly Stepper motors in this range, so the Viltrox’s AF speed wouldn’t feel too slow on those.
Apr 24, 2026 at 03:43 AM
p.9 #18Viltrox EVO
Martin, from Phillipreeve made a review of the 55mm on a Nikon body, and also mentioned slow AF.
hiepphotog wrote:
Both new (35 and 55) Viltrox lenses have very good sharpness, but all the reviews mention slow AF.The next step for these guys is to include VCM/linear motor for AF and more advanced coatings. I do feel only us Sony users care about AF speed. Most of the other brands have mainly Stepper motors in this range, so the Viltrox’s AF speed wouldn’t feel too slow on those.
hiepphotog wrote:
Chaliel wrote
For now I will not change my Sony 40mm G for the Viltrox EVO 35mm.Both new (35 and 55) Viltrox lenses have very good sharpness, but all the reviews mention slow AF.
Apr 24, 2026 at 04:51 AM
RoamingScott
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p.9 #19Viltrox EVO
I've not yet used a Pro line Viltrox, but they put linear motors in those and charge for it. That's not the point of the EVO line.
Apr 24, 2026 at 06:44 AM
p.9 #20Viltrox EVO
Yes, but the pro lenses are big and havy, and I like the small, not so super fast lenses.
To give an exempt... I have the Sony 50mm f1.4 GMaster, and the Sony 50mm f2.5 G...
When I walk all day, I put on the small G lens
To give an exempt... I have the Sony 50mm f1.4 GMaster, and the Sony 50mm f2.5 G...
When I walk all day, I put on the small G lens
Apr 24, 2026 at 06:57 AM