Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Chip L: Νέος pancake φακός για L-Mount

Summary

Viltrox announced the AF 28mm f/4.5 Chip L.
The lens is priced at $99.
It weighs only 60 grams.
It offers autofocus for full-frame L-Mount cameras.
It features a fixed f/4.5 aperture.
It is primarily aimed at Lumix S9 and Sigma BF users.

Viltrox has announced the L-Mount version of its ultra-compact AF 28mm f/4.5 Chip, a full-frame autofocus pancake lens that costs just $99.

The new lens is aimed at users of L-Mount cameras such as Panasonic Lumix and Sigma BF models, offering one of the most affordable and portable options on the market. The company has maintained the same price as the Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X versions.

The arrival of the lens is particularly interesting for the L-Mount ecosystem, as it combines extremely small dimensions, autofocus, and full-frame coverage at a price point usually associated with basic manual accessories. It also marks another step forward for Viltrox following its entry into the L-Mount Alliance.

Almost the Size of a Body Cap

The AF 28mm f/4.5 Chip L weighs only 60 grams and is just 13.2mm thick, making it one of the smallest autofocus full-frame lenses available.

For added convenience, it includes a built-in sliding lens cover, eliminating the need for a separate lens cap during transport.

Key Specifications

The lens features:

28mm focal length
Fixed f/4.5 aperture
VCM autofocus motor
0.32m minimum focusing distance
Optical design with 6 elements in 6 groups
Two aspherical and two ED elements
60g weight
13.2mm thickness

The Trade-Offs Behind the Tiny Design

To achieve its ultra-compact dimensions, Viltrox made several compromises.

The aperture is fixed at f/4.5 with no adjustment available, and the lens does not support manual focusing. In addition, there is no filter thread due to its extremely thin construction.

Despite these limitations, impressions from previous versions indicate very good center sharpness and fast autofocus performance, while the main drawbacks include vignetting, softer corners, and flare under challenging lighting conditions.

An Ideal Match for the Lumix S9 and Sigma BF

PetaPixel believes the new lens is particularly well suited to the Panasonic Lumix S9 and Sigma BF, two of the most compact full-frame cameras in the L-Mount system. With the AF 28mm f/4.5 attached, the overall setup remains exceptionally small and lightweight, making it attractive for street photography, travel, and everyday carry.

Comparisons with the Panasonic Lumix 26mm f/8 are inevitable. The Viltrox lens offers a wider aperture, autofocus, and a lower price while maintaining similarly compact dimensions.

What We Think

Viltrox continues to prove that innovative products do not need a premium price tag. The AF 28mm f/4.5 Chip L is not designed for photographers seeking maximum image quality or full creative control, but for those who want a lightweight, affordable lens that can stay on their camera every day. For Lumix S9 and Sigma BF owners, it could become one of the most appealing accessories of the year.