Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 AF Lens Announced – Budget Alternative to the XF27mmF2.8 R WR?

Viltrox has officially announced the Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5, a compact and lightweight autofocus lens designed for mirrorless cameras. With its slim profile, high-quality optics, and affordability, this new lens is positioned as a potential alternative to the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR, which has been a favorite among Fujifilm users. The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 AF is available in black and white colorways for $99.

The Viltrox AF 28mm F4.5 is a unique lens because of its diminutive size. It weighs a measly 60g (2.1oz) and is only 15.3mm (0.6in) thick. To keep the size so minuscule, there are some compromises. Most notably, it uses a constant F4.5 aperture. That means no adjusting the aperture based on lighting conditions. Additionally, it lacks a manual focus ring, so you’ll be stuck entirely with autofocus. It also isn’t compatible with filters.

Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 AF – $99 at B&HPhoto / Amazon USAAmazon DE / Amazon UK /

Key Features of the Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 AF

  • Compact and Lightweight – Designed for portability, the lens is ultra-compact, making it ideal for travel and street photography.
  • Autofocus Performance – Equipped with a VCM, the AF system is designed to be fast and accurate.
  • High-Quality Optics – The optical design is made up of six elements in six groups, including two ED and two aspherical elements.
  • Affordable Pricing – Viltrox continues its trend of offering high-quality lenses at competitive prices.
  • Additional Features – Integrated lens cap with a slide for opening and closing the cover and a USB-C port for firmware updates.

This lens is ideal for:

Street Photographers – Its compact size makes it discreet and easy to carry.
Travel Photographers – Lightweight and weather-resistant for on-the-go shooting.
Beginner Photographers – A budget-friendly entry into prime lenses.

A Budget-Friendly Competitor to the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR?

The Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR has been a go-to choice for Fujifilm shooters seeking a compact prime lens with fast autofocus and weather resistance. The new Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 AF is slightly slower in terms of aperture (f/4.5 vs. f/2.8) but offers a wider field of view and could be a more budget-friendly alternative.

While Fujifilm users appreciate the XF27mm’s excellent image quality, compact form, and aperture ring, the Viltrox alternative aims to deliver similar features at a potentially lower price. The key differentiator will be the autofocus performance and optical quality.

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 AF is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the mirrorless market, especially for photographers looking for an affordable, compact, and sharp prime lens. While it may not fully replace the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR, it provides a compelling alternative for those prioritizing portability and affordability.

Would you consider adding this lens to your kit?

Check out other lenses from Viltrox!

VILTROX 85mm f/1.8 II: B&H Photo / Amazon
VILTROX 56mm f/1.4: B&H Photo / Amazon
VILTROX 33mm f/1.4: B&H Photo / Amazon
VILTROX 23mm f/1.4: B&H Photo / Amazon