Viltrox has made its entry into the aerial imaging market with the announcement of the AF 90mm F3.5 DL, marking the company’s first lens designed specifically for drone cinematography. The lens features a native DL mount and is designed exclusively for the DJI Inspire 3 drone system.
The AF 90mm F3.5 represents what Viltrox claims is the first 90mm telephoto lens available for aerial cinematography applications. The lens aims to provide mid-telephoto perspectives with what the company describes as “strong spatial compression and smooth subject separation” – characteristics that could expand creative options for drone operators working in professional film and video production.
In case you are interested in our Inspire 3 Lab Test which took a close look at the rolling shutter, dynamic range and exposure latitude of the Zenmuse X9-8K camera, check it out here.
First 90mm telephoto for drones
Kahn Wang, Director of Marketing at Viltrox, positioned the product as a significant strategic move for the company: “We see this lens not just as a product, but as a declaration: Viltrox is now in the air. We’ve spent years empowering photographers on the ground – and now we’re excited to also support creators looking for altitude, reach, and new perspectives.”
Weight and build
The lens weighs 170 grams, which Viltrox states is optimized for gimbal balance and flight performance on the DJI Inspire 3 system. The company emphasizes that the lens has been engineered specifically to work with the drone’s gimbal stabilization system, though we have not yet had the opportunity to test these claims in practice.
Key design priorities mentioned by Viltrox include maintaining edge-to-edge sharpness, smooth focus control, and a robust construction designed to withstand the vibrations inherent in aerial filming environments. The native DL mount integration should provide seamless compatibility with DJI’s professional drone ecosystem.
Viltrox enters drone lens market
Viltrox indicates this product represents just the beginning of their aerial imaging initiatives, suggesting we will likely see additional drone-compatible lenses from the company in the future. For a company that has built its reputation primarily in ground-based photography and cinematography equipment, this expansion into aerial optics represents a notable strategic shift.
Pricing and release
The AF 90mm F3.5 DL is positioned as an expansion to the lens options available for the DJI Inspire 3, targeting aerial directors, directors of photography, and content creators working in drone cinematography.
The lens is priced at $499 USD, €527 in Europe, and £489 in the UK. It will be available through Viltrox’s official store and Amazon marketplaces in the US and EU.
The bottom line
For drone operators and aerial cinematographers, the availability of a dedicated 90mm option could provide new creative possibilities, particularly for applications requiring longer focal lengths with the compression characteristics typical of telephoto lenses. However, real-world performance, image quality, and integration with the DJI Inspire 3’s systems will need to be evaluated through hands-on testing. I think it’s a great move because there is definitely still a lack of choice when it comes to lenses for the Inspire 3.
What do you think, is this a lens you would add to your drone arsenal in case you are an Inspire 3 shooter? Let us know in the comments below.