The story of this purchase actually begins years ago when I was still shooting with Canon. Back then, my 40mm pancake was the secret star in my camera bag. While other lenses hung like dumbbells on the camera and the total weight easily exceeded the kilogram mark, this little marvel was a welcome change. I had long wished for this lightness for my Sony full-frame cameras.
When Viltrox introduced their 28mm pancake, I was both skeptical and curious. An autofocus pancake? Impossible, said the experts. Not enough space for the mechanics. But Viltrox had a trick up their sleeve: a fixed aperture at f/4.5. Admittedly, this initially sounds like a compromise. It is. But it's one I can surprisingly live with. When shooting outdoors, I usually work in this aperture range anyway.
However, my actual plan for this lens is somewhat more specific: it's the constant companion of my backup camera, which rests safely in the hotel safe during travels. Camera insurance is all well and good, but when I'm in the middle of a production and something happens, it can't magically conjure up a new camera right away. With my small pancake setup, I'm prepared for such cases. Even though I hope I'll never need it.
The affordable price was the cherry on top that finally convinced me. And who knows? Maybe one day I'll discover the special appeal of this minimal configuration and use it even without an emergency. Until then, my little pancake rests peacefully in the safe. Like insurance you're happy to pay for but hope never to use.
Technically speaking, the Viltrox 28mm is exactly what you'd expect from a pancake: it's tiny at around 1.5cm and feather-light at 60g. Those looking for technical perfection will logically be disappointed. But that's exactly what appeals to me. Usually, I screw a mist filter onto my lenses anyway to remove the sterile look from digital photography.
The Viltrox brings its own character: it produces interesting light reflections in backlight, and towards the edges, it becomes beautifully soft with a subtle vignetting. For my style of photography, this isn't a flaw but a bonus. Meanwhile, the center of the image is razor-sharp and colors are rendered beautifully. No trace of mushy image quality.
The built-in lens cap is also cleverly designed. For 79 euros, which I paid at Saturn, the purchase was an absolute no-brainer. I definitely recommend it — especially for those who, like me, are looking for an ultra-compact backup system or simply enjoy lenses with character.