Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO FE

Testers call it the first E-mount pancake without serious compromises. Contrast and resolution are high across most of the frame at f/2.8, only the extreme corners need stopping down, and peak results come at f/5.6–f/8. Close-range performance at 0.2m is very good. Lateral and longitudinal CA are low, bokeh is smooth for a slow wide, and sunstars are well defined at f/4–f/5.6.

The compromises are the ones a pancake usually makes. Vignetting is close to 3 EV wide open and stays above 2 EV stopped down. Barrel distortion needs a profile or manual correction. Veiling flare at f/2.8 is the main optical weakness, and the hood does little against it. Bright points in the extreme corners streak until about f/5.6. The geared STM is adequate for everyday shooting but not fast, and the focus ring has a long, stiff throw.

Owners like how small it is on compact bodies such as the A7C R. Several call it the sharpest lens they own, or say it gives up nothing for its size, and many praise the build and the price. The colour editions with the square hood are popular for their looks.

The quirks owners mention are mechanical. AF can feel slower and you can hear and feel the gear motor. The aperture ring cannot be declicked, there is no AF/MF switch, and filters only fit on the round hood. Some early buyers were also unhappy with shipping delays at launch.