Viltrox EVO 26mm f/2.8 Review: A $299 Pancake Lens for Full-Frame Cameras
Viltrox has introduced the EVO 26mm f/2.8, a compact pancake lens for full-frame cameras, retailing at $299. This lens is compatible with Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount systems. Weighing in at 130 grams (4.5 ounces) and extending about an inch from the camera, it includes features such as an aperture ring, a bayonet-mounted lens hood with 43mm filter threads, a magnetic lens cap, and weather sealing. A review from PetaPixel, conducted on a Sony A7R V, highlighted its adaptability for landscape and street photography, praising sharpness at the center with f/2.8, though noting some corner softness. While it has issues with flare, slow autofocus, and a challenging manual focus ring, the reviewer favors the Viltrox for its affordability and compactness over similar offerings from Nikon and Sony.
Key facts
- Viltrox EVO 26mm f/2.8 is a full-frame pancake lens priced at $299.
- It is available for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount.
- The lens weighs 130 grams (4.5 ounces) and extends about one inch from the camera.
- It features an aperture ring, a bayonet-mounted hood with 43mm filter threads, a magnetic lens cap, and weather sealing at the mount.
- The reviewer tested it on a Sony A7R V in British Columbia and Calgary.
- Central sharpness is excellent even at f/2.8; corners soften slightly but improve when stopped down.
- Flare and poor sunstars are notable issues, and the manual focus ring is hard to grip.
- Autofocus is slow and can chirp audibly; close-up reproduction is about 1:5 at 0.2 meters.
- Alternatives include Nikon's 26mm f/2.8 (no aperture ring, more expensive) and Sony's 24mm f/2.8 G (more than double the price).
Entities
Institutions
- Viltrox
- PetaPixel
- Sony
- Nikon
- Panasonic
- Sigma
- KEH.com
- Moment
- FJ Westcott
- Blue Moon Camera and Machine
Locations
- British Columbia
- Canada
- Calgary