Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 vs Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air

Both are Nikon Z mount primes for street and everyday — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.

Last verified 2026-08-31 · Nikon Z mount · prices change — check the retailer

Spec	Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8	Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air
Focal length	28mm	25mm
Max aperture	f/2.8	f/1.7
Type	prime	prime
Coverage	full-frame	APS-C
Mount	Nikon Z	Nikon Z

Which should you buy?

the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air opens wider (f/1.7) — brighter in low light and more background blur
the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air (25mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (28mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor
the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is first-party (Nikon) for guaranteed full autofocus and in-camera corrections; the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air is third-party — usually the value pick

Where to buy

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 | Compact Standard Prime Lens for Z Series mirrorless Cameras | Nikon USA Model

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8See price on Amazon

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VILTROX 25mm f1.7 Z, AF 25mm F1.7 Z-Mount for Nikon Z Mount, Auto Focus APS-C Z Mount Lens for Nikon Z7 II Z fc Z6 II Z5

Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 AirSee price on Amazon

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FAQ

What's the difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 and the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm f/2.8 prime, full-frame; the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air is 25mm f/1.7 prime, APS-C. Both fit the Nikon Z mount.

Which is better in low light, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 or the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air?
The Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air — its f/1.7 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/2.8 of the other.

Do the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 and Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Nikon Z mount lenses, so they fit Nikon Z series (Z6/Z7/Z8/Z9 full-frame, Z50/Zfc APS-C). Note the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.

Citing these specs? Go ahead — manufacturer data, last verified 2026-08-31. Copy a ready-made reference:

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8Affiliate linkSee price on Amazon