VILTROX 28mm f/4.5 Pancake Lens for Sony E-Mount Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The VILTROX 28mm f/4.5 Pancake Lens is a compact, lightweight prime lens designed for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras with an E-mount. Its ultra-thin profile makes it an ideal choice for photographers seeking portability without compromising image quality. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your lens.

The VILTROX 28mm f/4.5 Pancake Lens attached to a Sony E-mount camera, showcasing its compact design.

2. Key Features

• Compact Prime Lens: Designed for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, measuring 60.3mm in diameter and 15.3mm thick, weighing approximately 60g.
• Wide-Angle Perspective: A 28mm focal length provides a versatile wide-angle view, suitable for landscapes, architecture, and environmental portraits.
• Precise Focusing: Features a multi-layer coating to minimize ghosting and flare, ensuring sharp and clear images.
• USB Upgrade Port: Equipped with a USB port for firmware updates, enhancing compatibility with evolving E-mount cameras.
• Durable Construction: Crafted with a metal lens barrel for resilience against daily use and travel.
• Inbuilt Lens Cap: Integrated sliding lens cap protects the front element.

3. What's in the Box

Upon opening the package, ensure all the following items are present:

• VILTROX 28mm f/4.5 Pancake Lens
• Front Lens Cap (inbuilt)
• Rear Lens Cap
• Lens Pouch

4. Setup

4.1 Attaching the Lens

1. Ensure your camera is turned off.
2. Remove the rear lens cap from the VILTROX 28mm f/4.5 lens and the body cap from your Sony E-mount camera.
3. Align the white index mark on the lens with the white index mark on your camera's lens mount.
4. Insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.

4.2 Operating the Inbuilt Lens Cap

The lens features an inbuilt sliding cap for convenient protection of the front element. To open the cap, slide the small lever located on the front of the lens from one side to the other. Slide it back to close the cap when not in use.

Demonstration of operating the inbuilt sliding lens cap.

4.3 Firmware Updates

The lens is equipped with a USB-C port on the rear mount for firmware updates. This ensures ongoing compatibility and performance improvements. Visit the official VILTROX website for the latest firmware and instructions.

The rear of the lens, highlighting the E-mount contacts and the USB-C port for firmware updates.

5. Operating

5.1 Autofocus Functionality

The VILTROX 28mm f/4.5 lens supports autofocus (AF) with Sony E-mount cameras. It is designed for quick and accurate focusing in various lighting conditions. For optimal performance, especially in challenging light, consider using your camera's AF-C (Continuous Autofocus) mode.

5.2 Fixed Aperture

This lens features a fixed aperture of f/4.5. While it does not offer variable aperture control, this design contributes to its compact size and consistent optical performance. The f/4.5 aperture provides sufficient depth of field for wide-angle photography, making it suitable for:

• Landscape Photography: Capturing expansive scenes with good detail from foreground to background.
• Street Photography: Discreetly capturing moments with a natural perspective.
Environmental Portraits: Including more of the subject's surroundings to tell a story.

5.3 Sun Star Effect

The lens's optical design can produce an attractive 8-point sun star effect when shooting directly into bright light sources or the sun. This can add a creative element to your images.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning the Lens

To maintain optimal image quality, keep the lens elements clean. Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth specifically designed for optics. For stubborn smudges, a small amount of lens cleaning solution can be applied to the cloth (never directly to the lens). Gently wipe in a circular motion from the center outwards.

6.2 Protecting the Lens Elements

When the lens is not attached to the camera, always use the provided rear lens cap. Be particularly careful when placing the detached lens on a surface, as the rear element may be slightly exposed and prone to scratches. Always ensure the inbuilt front lens cap is closed when the lens is not in active use to protect the front element from dust and damage.

The multi-layer coating on the lens elements helps protect against dust and smudges while enhancing optical performance.

7. Troubleshooting

7.1 Autofocus Performance Issues

If you experience autofocus hunting or slow performance, particularly in low-light conditions, ensure your camera's firmware is up to date. Switching to AF-C mode on your camera may also improve responsiveness. Verify that the lens contacts on both the lens and camera body are clean.

7.2 Inbuilt Lens Cap Malfunction

If the inbuilt sliding lens cap becomes stiff or fails to open/close smoothly, gently inspect the mechanism for any obstructions. Avoid forcing the slider. If the issue persists, contact VILTROX customer support for assistance.

7.3 Compatibility Issues

For any compatibility concerns with new camera models or specific camera functions, check the VILTROX official website for the latest firmware updates for your lens. The USB-C port allows for easy user-performed updates.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

9.1 Product Warranty

The VILTROX 28mm f/4.5 Pancake Lens typically comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

9.2 Customer Support

For technical assistance, warranty service, or any questions regarding your VILTROX lens, please contact the VILTROX Official Store or visit their official website for support resources and contact information.