Viltrox Announces EVO APO 35mm F1.8 and 55mm F1.8 for Nikon Z and Sony E
Viltrox

Viltrox Announces EVO APO 35mm F1.8 and 55mm F1.8 for Nikon Z and Sony E

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Viltrox has officially introduced its new EVO APO series with two fast‑aperture full‑frame primes: the 35mm F1.8 EVO APO and 55mm F1.8 EVO APO, designed for Nikon Z and Sony E‑mount mirrorless systems. Announced on April 20, 2026, both lenses are now available for pre‑order through Viltrox’s official store.

Positioned above the brand’s existing “Pro” line, the EVO APO series debuts a refined Hyper APO optical formula aimed at delivering higher color accuracy, improved aberration control, and premium build quality-while maintaining competitive pricing at $395 USD and $370 USD per lens.

Optical Design

The defining feature of the EVO APO series is its Hyper APO (Apochromatic) correction, engineered to suppress both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration across the frame, even at F1.8. Each lens incorporates:

  • Two ED elements
  • One APD (anomalous partial dispersion) element
  • Nano multi‑layer coating for flare and ghosting resistance
  • Rounded 9‑blade diaphragm for smooth, neutral bokeh

The 35mm F1.8 uses an 11‑element, 9‑group design, while the 55mm F1.8 employs 12 elements in 10 groups. Both share a 62mm filter thread and nearly identical external dimensions, simplifying filter use for photographers who carry both focal lengths.

Autofocus and Build Quality

Both lenses feature a stepping motor (STM) for fast, quiet autofocus suitable for stills and video. Eye‑AF and subject‑tracking performance are reported to be highly reliable on recent Nikon Z and Sony E bodies.

Key handling and build features include:

  • Full‑time manual focus override
  • Dust‑ and moisture‑resistant construction
  • Metal bayonet mount with reinforced brass contacts
  • Linear, well‑damped focus ring
  • De‑clickable aperture ring (E‑mount only)

These characteristics position the EVO APO lenses as strong options for hybrid shooters who need consistent performance across photo and video workflows.

Image Quality

Early sample images indicate excellent center‑to‑corner sharpness at F1.8, minimal vignetting, and virtually no visible chromatic fringing-consistent with the APO design goals. The rendering is clean and neutral, with smooth bokeh that suits portraits, street photography, and low‑light shooting.

Minimum focusing distances are:

  • 35mm F1.8: 0.3m (11.8″)
  • 55mm F1.8: 0.45m (17.7″)

Both lenses offer practical close‑up capability without compromising optical performance.

Viltrox 35mm EVO APO MTF
Viltrox 35mm EVO APO MTF

Viltrox 55mm EVO APO MTF
Viltrox 55mm EVO APO MTF

Key Specifications

FeatureViltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO APOViltrox 55mm F1.8 EVO APO
MountNikon Z, Sony ENikon Z, Sony E
FormatFull‑frameFull‑frame
Focal Length35mm55mm
Maximum ApertureF1.8F1.8
Minimum ApertureF16F16
Optical Construction11 elements, 9 groups12 elements, 10 groups
Special Elements2 ED, 1 APD2 ED, 1 APD
CoatingsNano multi‑layerNano multi‑layer
AutofocusStepping motor (STM)Stepping motor (STM)
Manual Focus OverrideYesYes
Aperture Blades9 (rounded)9 (rounded)
Filter Thread62mm62mm
Minimum Focus Distance0.3m (11.8″)0.45m (17.7″)
Dimensionsφ67mm × 86mmφ67mm × 86mm
Weight420g (Z‑mount), 410g (E‑mount)430g (Z‑mount), 420g (E‑mount)
Weather SealingDust‑ and moisture‑resistantDust‑ and moisture‑resistant
Price$395$370

Market Position

The EVO APO lenses undercut first‑party alternatives such as the Nikon Z 35mm F1.8 S and Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, while offering competitive optical performance and a more robust feature set than many entry‑level third‑party primes.

Launching simultaneously for Nikon Z and Sony E reflects Viltrox’s growing ambition to serve mirrorless users seeking premium optics without premium pricing. The EVO APO lineup is expected to expand with additional focal lengths later in 2026.

The Viltrox 35mm F1.8 EVO APO and 55mm F1.8 EVO APO are available for pre‑order now, with shipping expected to begin in late April 2026.