Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 Z-mount Review: Even Better on Nikon?

Photographer Dustin Abbott shares a deep dive review of the new Nikon Z-mount version of the Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 Z. Tested on a 45MP Nikon Z8 | This video is sponsored by Fantom Duffel. Visit store.fantomwallet.com and use code DUSTIN20 to get 20% off | Read the Text Review: tinyurl.com/Vil16Zreview | Visit the Image Gallery: tinyurl.com/Vil16Zpics | Purchase the Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 @ Viltrox tinyurl.com/BuyVil16Z (use code DUSTINABBOTT for 8% off) | B&H bhpho.to/3UyJHvs | Nuzira tinyurl.com/NUZ16Z | Adorama howl.me/cmduufDxvTr | Amazon amzn.to/3ycG7j7 | Amazon Canada amzn.to/44zQR7a | Amazon UK amzn.to/4bOld8D | Amazon Germany amzn.to/4b8rSKQ
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Table of Contents:
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0:00​ - Intro and Concept
1:08 - Fantom Duffel
1:59 - Build and Design
7:44 - New Feature
10:00 - Autofocus
13:06 - Video
14:47 - Image Quality Summary
18:24 - Conclusion and Pricing
19:45 - Optical Deep Dive
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Keywords: Viltrox, Viltrox AF, Viltrox 16mm, Wide Angle, Full Frame, F1.8, f/1.8, STM, Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8, Viltrox 16mm Review, Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 Review, LCD Screen, Nikon, Nikon Z8, Z, Z-mount, Z8, Review, mirrorless, Full Frame, Sports, Tracking, Dustin Abbott, Real World, Comparison, Handling, Focus, Portraits, Resolution, High ISO, Image Quality, Sample Images, Photography, 45MP, #letthelightin, #DA, #NIKON, #Z8, #NIKONZ8

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This video is sponsored by Fantom Duffel. Visit store.fantomwallet.com and use code DUSTIN20 to get 20% off

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

I can’t believe you came to Nikon. I’m a Nikon Z9 user so I’m extremely happy that you’ll be covering stuff for Nikon now. Been following you for years as I like the way you systematically review things. Chuffed!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Nikon as a closed platform wasn't very interesting to me. Nikon with third party lenses is much more interesting!

[@inspiredartphotos]

Z9 owner here! I have followed Dustin for years…

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

@@DustinAbbottTWI that’s great news for us Z users that 3rd party companies have started to show interest and also that Nikon are allowing them to compete with their own Nikkor lineup. Shows that they are assured of their own lenses being competitive enough in quality and performance.

[@lukaspictures]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Canon is closed as well.. Looking forward for more Nikon Z reviews.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

@@lukaspictures Absolutely is, and that isn't doing them any favors.

[@cy9nvs]

I always used to watch your videos when I still had my X-H2, before switching to the Z8. I'm stoked to see that you're now reviewing lenses for Z-Mount!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Welcome back!

[@technodronesogxl9783]

Same here same previous XH2 camera same switch to the Z8. I switched for video and higher megapixels and more current lens selection like the 70-200mm F2.8, and the 28-75mm G2 Z mount. If it's Dustin Abbott Certified it's good to go. I was looking at the Loawa 10mm f2.8 0 distortion lens, but this has caught my eye with an f1.8 aperture.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I personally prefer this one. 10mm is too wide for many applications.

[@technodronesogxl9783]

@DustinAbbottTWI I was planning on using it for certain landscape photos where I don't have to move back to get a wide enough picture. In NYC on the subway station platform, I could not fit everyone and the station name in the frame with the Viltrox 13mm 1.4 lens unless I stepped back onto the tracks.....picture that. That Viltrox 13mm 1.4 lens is also a very good lens, so I know this will be an excellent lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

@@technodronesogxl9783 10mm is really too wide for almost all landscape applications. Everything appears so far away that there isn't much for the viewer to attach to.

[@philcampbell5827]

As a Z-mount user, I'm glad to see Viltrox bring this lens to market. As you stated, Nikon doesn't have a comparable prime so this will help fill a gap in my kit. I previoulsy watched your review of this lens for E-mount, but appreciate you putting this review out highlighting the performance on the Z8 and the variances that Viltrox introduced with this version. Always appreciate your candor and insight Dustin!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome!

[@rayrayg9]

I frequently read/watch your reviews, even some from systems/brands I'll never own. Your way of reviewing is one of the best, imo. And so I'm stoked to learn you might be reviewing more Nikon!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you for the support!

[@williamedge9888]

Great review. Thank you

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@6gwilliams]

Thanks Dustin . As you know, I have this lens for E-mount, partly because of your review. Cheers and best to you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@lesladbrook4508]

A great review Dustin, if I needed a lens of that focal length for astro work I would buy it. Good summary at the end 🙂

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@glennn.3464]

Thank you for reviewing this, and other lenses hopefully, on a Nikon body. So, am I understanding correctly that Viltrox didn’t change any lens elements or the optical design in any way to optimize it for the wider Z mount? They only added the additional length to the back of the Sony E mount lens to accommodate the shallower flange distance of 16mm on Nikon? Thank you for your usual great lens review. All your reviews are excellent and I don’t believe anyone else does as good a job at subjective/objective lens reviews.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

A wider mount diameter doesn't really change anything optically. Sony's E-mount has proven that it doesn't take a large mount to enable excellent lenses. And yes, that's correct on the flange distance. It's got to have a little bit of additional spacing.

[@paulconnors2078]

Dustin, I'm considering this lens for my Nikon Z cameras (a Z9 and Zf). Thank you for such a comprehensive review of this lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@serdaracun7098]

First of all I would like to thank you to you as being one of contributors who made me selecting Canon system back (from Fujifilm X-T2 setup) to EOS R back in 2019 as I still remember that your review had been very much helped me taking that decision... After 5 good years with Canon system which actually I had been already using Canon even before Fujifilm for a long time, today I am again sitting on a decision maker's chair and this time on my radar and I am about to switch to Nikon Z8... Biggest reason behind this thought is mainly 2 lenses I have been still deeply investigating; 50mm f1.8 S & 400mm f4.5 S... For the wide angle side I am still not clear but this Viltrox will be definitely a strong candidate as a cost efficient alternative. It's been a long intro but what I request from you is first a detailed review, as you have always been doing, for Z8! That please do review 50mm f1.8 as well... I am living in Turkey where Nikon users are the minority :) (I guess it's the same in the World) so professional reviews from trustworthy sources like yourself would be much appreciated!

[@boblozano]

both of those are excellent lenses, and the 400/4.5 is special. the 135/1.8 is another standout. Also if you like manual focus, the voigtlander native z-mount ff lenses are a pleasure to use, with superior iq combined with modest sizes.

[@serdaracun7098]

@@boblozano Indeed 135mm focal length is my favorite as I have the sigma art for my Canon. I’ll definitely consider once have available budget in future but this time giving the priority to 400mm as there has been no equivalent at Canon side except the ancient ef 400… thx for your suggestions 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

So far I'm really enjoying the Z8, and the fact that there is now a lot of third party lenses coming to Nikon Z really helps sell the platform.

[@JasonLorette]

I’m very intrigued about this lens for Astro on my Z6III, as it’s half the price of the Z 20mm 1.8. 📸😎

[@markdecoveny1785]

Very nice to see you can now do Z mount reviews

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

For sure.

[@alexbenn2193]

Hi Dustin, many thanks for the review. This lens does look very interesting. I already have the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art (which I know you have reviewed in the past) and was wondering if the Viltrox offers a big advantage for astro (appreciating that it is 11/3 stops faster and a *lot* lighter…) - I guess primarily regarding coma and sharpness (and how comparable they would be @ 2.8)?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

As you noted, it clearly has a light gathering advantage. I would prefer it for that reason, and I've been perfectly happy with the astro images from the Viltrox.

[@matej.mlakar]

Fantastic lens, many have been waiting for it. And really happy to see you covered it for Nikon. How is the user experience so far (maybe even compared to Sony bodies)?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I own bodies from 4 different brands now, and they all have their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. The Z8 is a very chunky camera, but it has a lot of good physical controls. AF is better than expected. I prefer an articulating screen, but touch control and navigation is good. I'll have a full Z8 review when I feel like I know it better.

[@Jwitherow1964]

The colors look good on that Nikon love their color science

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

For sure.

[@Ben_Stewart]

Thanks for the review. Unless you want to adapt the old F-mount 14mm 2.8 this looks like the next best thing. After the Z 35 1.2? gets released I imagine wide angle primes will be back in their to do list as this benefits the cinema direction they are headed. Cheers.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely amazing bang for the buck.

[@BurneraccountXD69]

Hey Dustin, hope your enjoying your new Z8, I'm currently saving up for one myself actually. Anyway, I was wondering if you'd be willing to test one of the many versions of the Sony E - Nikon Z Autofocus Adapters that exist. I've heard from many people online they are pretty reliable overall, but there don't seem to be many good video reviews of them online. Would that be something you'd be able to look into?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would like to at some point, though at the moment I am swamped with reviews.

[@BurneraccountXD69]

@@DustinAbbottTWI totally understandable, I'll definitely be on the lookout for when your finally able to get it though. Keep up the great work man.

[@KPAki1Ler]

Nice to see Nikon Z8 on the channel. Their Z mount 'S' series lenses are stellar, reason enough to buy a Nikon! (As I i did, amongst other reasons, formerly on canon R5).

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@vsk0709]

I just got this lens, test shots look great. One issue I see is that the aperture cannot be adjusted using camera dials. Is there a way around it? Am i missing something? 🙏🏼

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, just slide the aperture ring into the "A" position and you can then control it via camera dials.

[@vsk0709]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@navpreetsingh8156]

Fantastic lens, I would say AF is a little slow in video and sometimes it takes an age to get to the face it should be on in low ish light on the dance floor, when I use it with the A7S3 I put the AF speed to fastest instead of half way like the Sony lenses

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting. Not an application I've tested, but neither am I surprised by your findings.

[@hhielscher]

Nikon? I really enjoyed your D850 review back in the day. Is a Z8 review or comparisson vs canon and sony planned?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely a Z8 review is planned.

[@photographerjonathan]

Nice to see you ad Nikon into the mix. I have been telling some people online recently that the 3rd party glass on Sony being restricted to 15fps isn't because these 3rd party companies can't reverse engineer the Sony System. but its because Sony won't allow these 3rd party companies to have the same ability as their own glass. its a contractual agreement. and this Viltrox lens proves the point. maybe now that Nikon is going to get allot of lenses from 3rd party companies without the restrictions. it might force Sony to rethink their limitations they are putting on 3rd party glass. including focus breathing compensation. people need to talk about it more to get Sonys attention.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm more irritated with some of Sony's restrictions now that Nikon is opening up without such restrictions.

[@vukhuat4251]

What a great lens. It's worth every penny for sure.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I agree.

[@USGrant21st]

It was $200 off at one point last year. I would wait for sale before buying one.

[@Mr09260]

Pity that is not Sharp at the Corners until F2.8 . My S 20mm f1.8 S is killer sharp corner to corner and brilliant for Astro /Milky Way so its a deal Breaker as I was looking for a good F1.8 Wider than 20mm .. Guess you get what you pay for

[@Jwitherow1964]

It’s about time you bought a z8 now you have my attention.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL -as if I didn't have your attention before ;)

[@Jwitherow1964]

@@DustinAbbottTWI that’s right, Gus what I just order the om1 mark 2 do you every shoot micro 4/3

[@rallysardegna]

I have now read several times from different users that the firmware update via USB does not work. Not an isolated case, unfortunately

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's just not true. I've done dozens of firmware updates on more than 10 different Viltrox lenses. It's actually a very simple process.

[@mattstehle]

Viltrox confirmed with me that the only current function of the USB port on this lens is to power the lens up for the bluetooth connection. Firmware updates on this lens are via the app only. This is different from previous lenses, and they haven't done a good job letting people know about it. Many have thought it was a defect, because it will not show up in your computer when plugging in via USB like other Viltrox lenses do.

[@ernstvandijk6342]

As a Sony shooter I feel duped by the release of this improved Nikon version. I just hope that the difference in image quality between both versions isn't too noticeable.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's the same optical formula.

[@ernstvandijk6342]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for reassuring me!

[@snoopywalker1881]

Viltrox has become my favorite lens as well. Shoots great pics on Sony . No longer use Nikon . Left when the screwed the pooch a few yrs ago. Too much invested in SONY platform to switch back to Nikon

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Viltrox is definitely a company on the rise!

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Gonna get one for canon R mount the minute it’s avail 😂

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Here's hoping that day comes sooner rather than later.