Viltrox 35mm and 55mm f/1.8 EVO Bring APO Design to Affordable Primes

Viltrox has officially announced two new additions to its EVO lineup: the AF 35mm f/1.8 EVO APO and AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO APO.

Unveiled at NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas, the pair marks Viltrox’s first lenses in the series to feature apochromatic (APO) design, aimed at improving color accuracy and reducing chromatic aberrations. The lenses join the existing 85mm f/2 EVO, rounding out a three-lens set that covers core focal lengths for both photography and video work.

APO Design Comes to Budget-Friendly Primes

The main highlight here is the APO optical design, which aligns red, green, and blue wavelengths onto the same focal plane. In practical terms, that means less color fringing and more consistent image quality across the frame—something typically found in higher-end lenses.

Both lenses also incorporate extra-low dispersion and high-refractive index elements, helping maintain sharpness and tonal consistency while delivering smoother transitions between in-focus subjects and background blur.

With f/1.8 maximum apertures, both lenses are also well-suited for low-light shooting and shallow depth-of-field work.

35mm f/1.8: A Versatile Everyday Option

The 35mm f/1.8 offers a 63-degree field of view, making it a flexible choice for street, travel, and environmental portrait photography.

It uses a 13-element, 10-group optical design that includes ED, HR, and UA elements, which Viltrox says help deliver edge-to-edge sharpness while keeping chromatic aberrations under control.

Autofocus is powered by an STM motor, and the lens can focus as close as 0.3 meters. It remains relatively compact, weighing 330 grams and measuring 76mm in length, with an all-metal build and a weather-sealed mount.

55mm f/1.8: A Compact Portrait Prime

The 55mm f/1.8 leans more toward portrait and still life work, with a tighter 43-degree field of view.

It features a similar optical approach, with 13 elements in nine groups and the same mix of ED, HR, and UA elements. Autofocus is also handled by an STM motor, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.4 meters.

The lens is slightly heavier at 365 grams and measures 78mm in length, but retains the same compact feel and durable metal construction. A water- and dust-repellent coating on the front element adds a bit of extra protection in real-world shooting conditions.

 Pricing and Availability

The new EVO lenses are coming to Sony FE and Nikon Z mount systems, with the AF 35mm f/1.8 EVO priced at $395 and the AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO coming in at $370. Both lenses are now available for pre-order at B&H Photo

With these releases, Viltrox continues to push more advanced optical designs into the budget-friendly space—bringing APO-level correction to lenses that are still relatively accessible.