Lenses too expensive? This lesser-known brand makes awesome, cheap Sony, Nikon, and Fujifilm-fit primes, and these are my favorites

Lenses sure can be expensive for mirrorless cameras. When I first bought a Nikon Z camera, I picked up the versatile 24-70mm F2.8 S to go with it, and that fabulous lens tied me over for a few years until I could afford a second one.

Recently, I have been able to pick up a few more optics because I have found an affordable alternative that doesn't compromise on quality, and that's Viltrox.

I have a few Viltrox prime lenses now, and couldn't be more impressed. Take the new 35mm F1.2 Lab – it's a pro-quality prime ideal for reportage photography and, despite being Viltrox's priciest lens for mirrorless cameras, it costs just one-third the price of Nikon's. It's the same story across the range.

Viltrox makes autofocus lenses for full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras, focusing on Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X, and recently released its first L-mount lens, the AF 16mm F1.8.

All Viltrox lenses are well-made, shoot sharp shots, and cost so much less. The only real compromise versus pricier proprietary alternatives is that Viltrox lenses can be a little heavier, and autofocus speed in older models can be a fractionally slower. Otherwise, you're getting the same performance and quality at a significantly lower price.

Viltrox currently only makes prime lenses, ranging between 14mm and 135mm focal lengths for full-frame, or between 9mm to 75mm for APS-C. I've included some of my top picks below, and for the full range, check out viltrox.com.

Written by

I have worked as a tech journalist, photographer and videographer for over 15 years, and three years ago I took the reins as TechRadar's Cameras Editor. I've reviewed all the major camera gear during this time, and personally have six Viltrox lenses in my collection (and have used many more), in addition to proprietary glass. My workhorse camera is a Nikon Z8.

9 of my favorite Viltrox lenses