Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 § 03 Head to head
Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 vs Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air
Nikon 35mm f/1.7 focuses 17 cm closer. Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is 50 g lighter.
The Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 is a 35mm f/1.7 prime, and the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air is a 35mm f/1.7 prime. On paper the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 
Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air 01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 better than the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air?
- Focuses 17 cm closer (0.16 m vs 0.33 m)
- Newer design (2025 vs 2024)
Why is the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air better than the Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7?
- 50 g lighter (170 g vs 220 g)
- 6 mm shorter (64 mm vs 70 mm long)
- $271 cheaper ($179 list price vs $449.95 launch price)
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Which should you buy?
- street For street photography, the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air has the edge: it is 50 g lighter to carry.
- travel For travel, the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air has the edge: it is 50 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 | Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 35mm | 35mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 220 g | 170 g ◆ |
| Dimensions | 72 x 70 mm | 54.7 x 64 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.16 m ◆ | 0.33 m |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 8 elements / 7 groups | 11 elements / 9 groups |
| Filter size | 52 mm | 52 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z | Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X |
| Released | 2025 | 2024 |
| Price | $449.95 launch price | $179 list price ◆ |
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Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Viltrox
- 70 × 72 mm
- 64 × 54.7 mm
The Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 is 6 mm longer and 50 g heavier than the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air.
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Sample frames
Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7
Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 or the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air?
- The Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air weighs 170 g, 50 g less than the Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 (220 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 or the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air?
- The Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 focuses down to 0.16 m, against 0.33 m for the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air.
- Do the Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 and the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 or the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air better for street photography?
- For street photography, the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air has the edge: it is 50 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Nikon Nikkor Z DX MC 35 mm f/1.7 or the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air better for travel?
- For travel, the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.7 Air has the edge: it is 50 g lighter to carry.
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