Viltrox Introduces Compact 28mm f/4.5 Lens for Nikon Z
Viltrox has introduced the AF 28mm f/4.5 “Chip” lens for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, an ultra-compact, full-frame lens that stands out as the thinnest and lightest ever produced by the Chinese company. Measuring just 16.8 millimeters in thickness and weighing only 80 grams, it’s essentially a functional camera body cap, designed to be unobtrusive while still capable of capturing high-quality images. The lens features a fixed f/4.5 aperture, a 73.42-degree angle of view and a minimum focusing distance of 0.35 meters.
The AF 28mm f/4.5 “Chip” includes a total of six optical elements arranged in six groups. Among these are two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and two aspherical lenses, which help deliver sharpness and clarity across the frame. Viltrox has applied a special HD Nano-coating to the elements, along with a fluorine coating on the front element to repel dust and water.
One particularly unique aspect of the lens is its built-in sliding lens cap mechanism, which replaces the need for a traditional lens cap. This integrated shield can be activated via a small lever and helps protect the front element when the lens is not in use, making it especially convenient for on-the-go shooting. The lens body is constructed mostly from metal, including the mount, giving it a solid and durable feel despite its lightweight build.
The lens features autofocus but lacks a manual focus ring: while it does include a ribbed outer edge, this is intended only to assist with mounting the lens to the camera.
Here are some sample pictures, from Viltrox’s website:
Designed for the Nikon Z mount, the lens joins an existing version for the Sony E mount and is also compatible with Fujifilm X (APS-C) systems. Viltrox markets the 28mm focal length as a “sweet spot” for street photography, offering a wide but natural perspective with minimal distortion.
The AF 28mm f/4.5 “Chip” is available now for $99 in the US, €109 in Europe and £90 in the UK.
