Rollei Launches 24mm and 35mm f/1.8 Primes for E and Z Mount Cameras

Rollei has expanded its VAF autofocus lens series with the introduction of two new full-frame prime lenses, the AF 24mm f/1.8 and the AF 35mm f/1.8. Designed for mirrorless cameras, both lenses are available in Sony FE and Nikon Z mounts and join the previously released VAF 85mm f/1.8, further broadening the lineup with wide-angle and standard focal length options aimed at photographers and hybrid creators.

With the VAF line, Rollei continues to position itself in the growing segment of performance-oriented but accessible autofocus lenses, targeting users who want modern features, solid build quality, and competitive pricing for full-frame mirrorless systems.

“The trio is complete. Precision at every focal length,” Rollei says.

Rollei as a Modern Brand and Product Positioning

Founded in the 1920s in Germany and historically known for its medium-format cameras and photographic heritage, the iconic Rollei brand splintered off into many divisions of varying success. As PetaPixel covered last year, today the latest iteration, Rollei GmbH & Co. KG, operates as a modern imaging brand focused on lenses, accessories, lighting, and tripods. While the brand no longer manufactures cameras itself, it has built a strong presence by collaborating with established optical manufacturers to deliver competitively priced products under the Rollei name.

Within the photography community, the VAF lenses are closely related to existing designs from 7Artisans, a manufacturer known for producing both manual-focus and autofocus lenses across multiple mounts. While Rollei has not officially detailed the extent of this relationship as it has for its collabs with Viltrox for example, the optical formulas, feature sets, and physical layouts suggest the VAF series is based on proven 7Artisans designs, adapted with Rollei branding, firmware integration, and quality control standards. This approach allows Rollei to offer modern autofocus lenses while leveraging established optical platforms.

Rollei VAF AF 24mm f/1.8: Wide-Angle Precision

The Rollei VAF AF 24mm f/1.8 is positioned as a fast wide-angle lens suited to landscape, architecture, reportage, and astrophotography. Its 24mm focal length offers a broad field of view while maintaining a natural rendering that avoids excessive distortion, making it suitable for both expansive scenes and environmental storytelling.

The lens features an optical construction of 14 elements in 11 groups, including extra-low dispersion, high-refractive-index, and aspherical elements. According to Rollei, this design delivers high resolution across the frame, including the corners, even when shooting wide open at f/1.8. An 11-blade aperture diaphragm delivers smooth background blur at close distances or in low light.

Rollei’s HFT-X multi-layer coating reduces reflections and ghosting while preserving contrast, particularly in backlit scenes and night photography. The minimum focusing distance of approximately 1.05 feet (0.32 meters) enables dynamic wide-angle compositions with pronounced foreground emphasis.

Autofocus is driven by a stepping motor system designed for fast, accurate, and quiet performance. Face and eye detection are supported on compatible Sony and Nikon bodies, making the lens suitable for both still photography and video production. The all-metal housing, customizable controls, and USB-C firmware port reflect its positioning as a durable, future-ready optic.

Rollei VAF AF 35mm f/1.8: A Natural All-Rounder

The Rollei VAF AF 35mm f/1.8 is built around one of photography’s most versatile focal lengths. Offering a natural field of view, it is well-suited for street photography, reportage, portraits, and everyday shooting where realism and storytelling are priorities.

Its optical design comprises 11 elements in 8 groups, including ED, HR, and aspherical lenses to control aberrations and maintain clarity across the frame. Rollei states that sharpness remains strong even at the maximum f/1.8 aperture, with pleasing background separation supported by the 11-blade aperture diaphragm.

HFT-X coating is again used to maintain contrast and color accuracy under challenging lighting conditions. A minimum focusing distance of approximately 1.31 feet (0.40 meters) allows for close, intimate compositions without exaggerating perspective. The STM autofocus system is optimized for quiet operation and reliable subject tracking, supporting eye and face detection for both photography and video workflows.

Physical controls include an AF/MF switch, a customizable function button, and a clickable aperture ring, depending on the mount, offering tactile control for creators who prefer direct interaction with camera settings.

Shared Design and System Integration

Both VAF lenses feature premium all-metal housings designed for durability and regular professional use. Each lens includes a USB-C port for firmware updates, allowing Rollei to provide ongoing improvements and compatibility with future camera bodies. A shared 62mm filter thread simplifies accessory use across the lineup.

Together, the 24mm and 35mm f/1.8 primes reinforce the VAF series as a practical option for photographers and videographers seeking modern autofocus performance, solid optical quality, and full-frame coverage without entering the highest-priced tier of native-brand lenses.

Pricing and Availability

The Rollei VAF AF 24mm f/1.8 and AF 35mm f/1.8 lenses are available now for Sony FE and Nikon Z mounts. Both lenses are currently offered at a discounted launch price of €299, 14% off the regular price of €349. Converted to USD, that is about $325, down from $380, although Rollei notes that final pricing may vary by region and retailer.

Image credits: Rollei