Viltrox 20mm F2.8 Z mount - Review

[Peter7100]

I purchased this lens brand new for only £125, so I wasn't expecting too much at such a low price point. Initially it was to complement my Z6ii until such time I had decided on what Nikon Z lenses to add. Although it's never going to match the quality of an equivalent Nikon lens, I am really pleasantly surprised on the results so far. Of course being mainly plastic (metal mount) and no weather sealing, it may not last that long.

Things I like about it:

1. So small and light
2. Lens hood included
3. The PRICE!!!
4. AF fast and so quiet
5. Very smooth focus ring

Dislikes:

1. No AF/Manual switch but can use manual focus ring via camera settings
2. No weather sealing

I will include a few examples of what I have achieved with it so far, but obviously if you pixel peep and compare it to the equivalent Nikon (about 6 times the price), you are going to notice it is not as sharp.

 

[BF Hammer]

Don't underestimate the Chinese lenses. Have you decided if the manual focus is mechanically linked to the focus ring or is it focus-by-wire? What nobody really discusses is that the Nikon Z S-series lenses are not focused by mechanical link, but instead by the autofocus motor from input by the focus ring. It would make sense if the focus ring is exceptionally smooth to the hand.

 

[Clovishound]

I particularly like the seascape. Since you stopped down to F9, I wouldn't be surprised if the sharpness is close to that of a Nikon lens.

I had a hard time finding a Viltrox 28mm F2.8 Z mount online to see the specs. I gave up and just looked at the 20mm instead.

 

[Woodyg3]

At first I thought, man, this isn't very sharp. Then I remembered that I didn't have my glasses on. LOL. It looks to be quite sharp. Also, these are very nice shots. I especially like the first two landscape shots. Seems you have made a very wise purchase.

 

[Peter7100]

I particularly like the seascape. Since you stopped down to F9, I wouldn't be surprised if the sharpness is close to that of a Nikon lens.

I had a hard time finding a Viltrox 28mm F2.8 Z mount online to see the specs. I gave up and just looked at the 20mm instead.

Thankfully you have spotted my error......it is the 20mm and I have updated

 

[Peter7100]

Have you decided if the manual focus is mechanically linked to the focus ring or is it focus-by-wire?

No idea, sorry.