This table presents a comparison of the basic specifications of pancake lenses with focal lengths in the 26–28 mm range, a maximum aperture of f/2.8, and designed for use with full-frame mirrorless cameras. The three lenses shown here form a very compact group, with similar dimensions and weights, as well as an identical number of elements and groups. Viltrox stands out primarily for having the smallest filter diameter, at just 43 mm.
In the photograph below, the Viltrox AF 26 mm f/2.8 EVO is positioned between the Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro for the Nikon Z mount and the Sony FE 50 mm f/1.4 GM.
The tested lens starts with a metal mount equipped with a USB-C port for quick firmware updates. The mount surrounds the electrical contacts and the rear lens element. The latter is stationary and has a diameter of 24 mm. Everything looks very good from this side.
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The first component of the main barrel of the Viltrox 26 mm f/2.8 EVO is a narrow, fixed, black metal ring. It features a red dot to help align the lens when mounting it on a camera, the serial number, information about the country of manufacture, which in this case is China, a red symbol bearing the EVO designation, the AF 26/2.8 FE inscription, and the manufacturer's logo.
Next, we find a grooved metal aperture ring, which is just 7 mm wide. It operates exclusively in clicks, with 1/3 EV increments. Its operation is satisfactory, and we have no complaints in this regard. Further along is another narrow, fixed ring marked with aperture values ranging from f/2.8 to f/16, as well as the automatic A setting.
The next component is the manual focusing ring. It is just 5 mm wide and features fine grooves. It turns smoothly with appropriate resistance, and covering the entire focusing range requires a rotation of 250 degrees. This provides adequate precision when focusing manually.
The next component is a mount for a rather unusual lens hood, which also serves as an adapter for attaching filters with a 43 mm thread. In addition to being secured to the mount, the hood is held in place by a magnet. The front lens cap attaches in a similar way. It can be fitted directly onto the lens or onto the lens with the hood attached. This is an interesting and versatile design that gives users several options.
The front lens element is stationary, slightly concave, and has a diameter of just 16 mm. It is surrounded by a section of the barrel featuring grooves and a series of inscriptions. These include the previously mentioned filter diameter, the minimum focusing distance (0.2m/0.66ft), the lens's basic specifications, and the "Full Frame" designation, which indicates that the lens was designed for use with full-frame cameras.
The optical construction consists of 8 elements arranged in 6 groups. These include two aspherical elements and one lens made from high-refractive-index (HR) glass. Inside, there is also a circular aperture diaphragm with seven blades, which can be stopped down to f/16.
The lens comes with a rear cap, a magnetic lens hood, a magnetic front cap, and a soft carrying pouch.
