INTRODUCTION
The Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 lens emerges as a standout option in the realm of affordable, high-quality optics for full frame mirrorless bodies. Priced remarkably at $550 USD, it exemplifies the strides made by Chinese manufacturers in delivering premium products. Today, dismissing Chinese brands due to outdated stereotypes would be a mistake, as evidenced by this lens. Currently, there's no direct competitor in its category, making it a uniquely attractive choice for photographers seeking excellent performance without breaking the bank.
Build Quality and Handling
Made with a robust metal construction, the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 surprises with its tactile quality and durability. Mounted on my Nikon Z8, its 550-gram weight strikes a balance between substantial feel and portability, a rare feature for an ultra-wide f/1.8 lens. This combination makes it a versatile addition to any photographer's kit, ensuring it's comfortable for extended shooting sessions without being cumbersome. Its build quality reassures that it can withstand the rigors of regular use, making it an appealing choice for both enthusiasts and professionals alike. It also has a weather sealing ring on its metal mount.
Features
The Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 lens boasts an impressive array of premium features that elevate its usability and appeal to photographers of various disciplines. Firstly, its integrated color display provides essential shooting information such as aperture and focusing distance, which proves invaluable for night photography sessions, especially when capturing stars. While the display cannot be deactivated, a simple solution like applying Gaffer's tape resolves any distraction during use once you're fully focused. Another standout feature is the manual aperture control ring, offering tactile feedback with the option to switch between clicked and smooth transitions—a feature typically reserved for higher-end lenses. This enhances precision and control over depth of field adjustments, catering to both technical and creative shooting needs. Moreover, customizable function buttons add versatility by allowing users to assign specific functions like the "Starlight View mode," enhancing compatibility with advanced camera features such as the Nikon Z8's low-light composition aids. Together, these features underscore the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 as a well-rounded tool that doesn't compromise on functionality or innovation, making it not just capable but enjoyable to use in a variety of challenging shooting conditions. It even features a USB port for firmware updates!
Image Quality
So what's the catch? You must be thinking at this point that this lens cannot seriously compete with high end lenses at this price right? Wrong! With 15 elements of glass in 12 groups including extra-low dispersion and aspherical elements, the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 lens delivers where it matters most, and this is likely the section readers have eagerly awaited. At a price point of $550 USD, skepticism about its capabilities is natural—yet, I'm pleased to report that this lens exceeds expectations. As someone who values both performance and affordability, finding lenses of this caliber is a rarity. Wide open at f/1.8, vignetting is noticeable but easily correctable in post-processing, while center sharpness remains impressively tack sharp. Although corner sharpness improves notably at f/2.8, it's commendable even wide open. Personally, I prefer shooting at f/2.2 to minimize coma in the corners, though the lens handles coma well even at f/1.8. Comparing it to my legendary Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 G F lens, the Viltrox emerges as the clear winner, speaking volumes about its optical quality. Chromatic aberration is minimal and easily remedied in software like Lightroom, while focus breathing is almost negligible, surpassing even the capabilities of higher-end lenses like the Nikon 14-24mm F. Distortion, typical in ultra-wide lenses, is effectively controlled with minimal perceptible distortion at 16mm. Autofocus operates swiftly and silently, further enhancing its usability across different shooting scenarios. In summary, the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 lens not only meets but surpasses expectations in terms of image quality, making it a standout choice for photographers seeking exceptional performance without the premium price tag. Is it the same as a $3000 lens? Maybe not, but I can comfortably tell you that it is nearly there, like 95% there! You simply cannot complain for the price. It really has no business being this cheap.
Who Should Buy This Lens?
This lens is tailored for landscape photographers who also focus on widefield astrophotography. It is also a great landscape and architectural option. Its wide maximum aperture makes it exceptionally well-suited for low-light conditions, ensuring crisp, sharp images across the frame—ideal for capturing the vastness of the night sky or expansive landscapes. Personally, I use this lens primarily as my Astrophotography lens, relying on its great performance in challenging lighting scenarios. Moreover, its affordability and lightweight design have made it a staple in my backpack, proving versatile for a range of ultra-wide-angle shooting needs.
If you're working within a budget and already own a standard ultra-wide zoom like the 14-30mm but desire enhanced low-light capabilities for Astro, adding the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 to your arsenal presents a cost-effective solution. It provides comparable—if not superior—performance to some of the high-end ultra-wide zoom lenses at a fraction of the cost.
In conclusion, as an unbiased reviewer who values practicality and quality, I confidently recommend the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 lens. It stands out for its exceptional image quality, versatile performance, and affordability, making it a compelling choice for photographers looking to expand their creative horizons without compromising on results. At the time of writing, this lens is available in both Sony E mount and Nikon Z mount options.
This photograph is a 2-shot pano and it is only my first test with the lens. More photos to come soon, stay tuned!
