Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z Mount: What IS That Thing Growing in the Rear View Mirror?

[@blueridge8992]

I have the Viltrox 13, 27, 75, and 85mm lenses for X-mount. I really love the non-Pro 13 and 85mm because they give results like Fuji’s first gen “character” lenses, especially on my older X-T2 and X-E3. They’re not clinically sharp and perfect corner-to-corner like every recent lens release seems to be, and they give beautiful imperfections in the bokeh and lens flare. Of course, I get work done with the 27 and 75mm Pro lenses on my X-H2S and X-T4, and they paid for themselves with one job! But I find myself reaching for the 13 and 85 pretty much every time I shoot for my hobbies these days. (And I own 15 Fujinon lenses, I’m just bored with them). Looking forward to some Viltrox WR and zoom lenses in the future.

[@Landon-vp7un]

I am just getting started in photography I love your videos they are a big help to me .

[@3BMEP]

I’m so glad! Enjoy your journey!

[@dimitris470]

16mm (or 24mm FF) is my favorite focal length as well. I wish I had discovered the Viltrox before my last trip. On the other hand, as you said, the sigma 17mm f4 is also a very attractive option. Especially for places where you don' t want to scare the people you are trying to take photos of. Do you really think the Sigma is better if you don't need the extra light?

[@campbell510]

Thanks for the video. I received this lens this week for my Zf and while I haven’t had much of a chance to use it, it looks and feels good so far and seems pretty sharp. The clickable aperture ring is a nice thing on the Zf too, something else Nikon doesn’t do. I believe it will be plenty good enough for my wide angle needs.

[@3BMEP]

Enjoy! It can certainly do the business!

[@6gwilliams]

Thanks Huge, wonderful shots and your usual thought-provoking content. I have this Viltrox 16mm f1.8 in E-mount for my A1, A9III, A7RV. With superb image quality and build quality, I agree it is a price/performance bargain. Cheers and best to you, always.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for weighing in, Gerald! 😊🖖🏻

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Great video Hugh! Agree the viltrox 16mm. is really good. Great seeing you again in Japan, too bad didn't have chance to have a good chat with you

[@3BMEP]

Next time!, Richard - I know we would enjoy it! 😊🖖🏻

[@parmanduke]

I've had some Viltrox lenses. The 27mm f1.2 and 75mm f1.2 for Fujifilm are every bit as good if not better than anything offered from Fujifilm at more than double the price. Viltrox has gone to the next level and their newer lenses feel premium.

[@nealeblackburn6019]

Have a Viltrox 85mm F1.8 that I love but was surprised that when I chopped in my Sony kit none of the dealer,resellers I normally trade with would even quote on the Viltrox? I was already investing in a Megadap to fit my G-Master 135 f1.8 SO kept and use the Viltrox regularly for candid and face in the crowd work , lovely results and more than comparable with OEM *5's Ive had in the past at half the price.

[@MysticApertureStudios]

A week ago i bought this lens for my z cameras. This lens is sharp. I need a bit more time with it to test it out fully. I most shoot people and my next engagement shoot is next month. Guess i will have to wait till next month for its field testing. The colours i see on my camera lcd are quite good.

[@davidroberts6766]

Enjoyed the video, and I agree Viltrox is rising. That said. I already own the excellent 14-30f4S and 20mm f1.8 S, so its not in my wheelhouse….the 75mm f1.2Pro for Nikon Z, paired with my Zfc is strongly being considered

[@iaincphotography6051]

Hearing great things about Viltrox. Tests for various Viltrox lenses for Fuji are showing great reviews and at the prices they are selling at offer a great deal. Thank you for your trusted review Hugh.

[@3BMEP]

My pleasure and privilege! 🙏🏻😊🖖🏻

[@danev1969]

Received mine two days ago (for Sony), and it is an awesome lens. But the lens connection to a MAC and PC does not work at all and I needed to return it for an exchange. Per Viltrox, there is something wrong with an internal circuit. This may be rare, since I could not find anyone else having the same issue. The lens-to-computer function is only important if upgrading firmware is important to you.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for the info!ℹ️

[@stoufenatz3728]

Yess ! Thanks a lot ! Great review :)

[@FrankVillafane]

Hey Hugh, Always enjoy your reviews and this one is no exception. I miss the days of the 16-35mm on my DSLR and have been on the lookout for a 16mm, even if a prime (and 1.8). The fact that it is sub 1k is even better. I do have the Tamron 17-28 and use it fairly often, but I still long for that 16mm sweet spot of yore. Thanks for the review and as always, great pics! Frank Villafane

[@3BMEP]

Happy to be of service, Frank! 😊🖖🏻

[@audionotemusic3960]

Deeply informative and fun, as always, but I especially loved the parallel of the established lens mfgr’s hubris and that of a smugly confident young driver. ( Tell me you’re a Lee Morgan fan without saying so, ‘Sidewinder.’) 😎

[@3BMEP]

I am now! :)

[@EddieInzauto]

The Zf is the only FF Nikon you have? What happened to your Z7II? Did you move away from Nikon for your high-res mirrorless? Are you shooting a Leica or Panasonic as a main camera now?

[@3BMEP]

The Zf was a long term loaner. Claudia switched out of her Z7 II for the smaller, lighter, higher resolution, better autofocusing Sony a7C R, a complement to the A7R V I occasionally use and for which we already owned glass. My daily driver from 2019 through early 2024 was my Leica SL2, but the Q3 changed my view and both of us now shoot with Leica SL3s as our base system, with Claudia returning to her a7C R when she wants to travel light, me to the Q3 (which we bought in ‘23). This was HER camera until I wanted one; she decided it made better financial sense to get the a7C R rather than a second (and more limited non -interchangeable lens Q3. For video, we rely upon a trio of LUMIX S5 II’s because they are bullet-proof reliable.

[@bensilverman3837]

Hello Hugh: what size print and what viewing distance do you have in mind in this review?

[@3BMEP]

For what we do, five feet on the long side, arm’s length viewing distance. For most people, 17x22 prints would not be large enough to discern a meaningful difference.

[@elnitram4313]

I would have been more interested in the E mount version as it's bit more competitive. But even there isn't only the 14mm primes from Sony and Sigma that are better but much more expensive. But anyway, great review. It's probably the next lens I'll get.

[@JimHester]

The E-mount version of the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 is also pretty killer, especially paired with the A7CR/A7RV 61MP sensor.

[@3BMEP]

I wonder how different my reaction would have been to the lens if we’d had the e-mount version and mounted it on Claudia’s a7C R or my a7R V…

[@stevenj2380]

If only I could take same pics as you on my NYC walk arounds. Almost doesn't count. At least I have the "Streets Of New York" book. I'm inhibited somewhat from getting close, maybe interacting, and taking my time. I'd stretch $ to pay for your workshop but could not keep up with the schedule. Anyway, here's to a potential higher spec Z DX. I would trade in 2 DX bodies and adapt the 3 good DX lenses I have, and get some Z DX Viltrox or Sigma. Have Zf and D810 also. I like changing off bodies and lenses; picking one and walking around for a few hours. No bag.

[@3BMEP]

I like no bag! You are making your own path - enjoy it! 😊🖖🏻

[@donaldbate3017]

An interesting comparison would be the phenomenal Sigma DG DN 14-24mm!

[@3BMEP]

So many options these days!

[@csc-photo]

Wait, "Sidewinder"was my dad's CB radio handle back in the day 😂👏🏻

[@3BMEP]

👊🏻💯😊

[@almartin4]

@@3BMEP Mine was Mad Hobbit! Regards

[@desbarry8414]

I have their 85mm 1.8 Z fantastic value, Id say maybe 75% as good as the Nikon 85 but half the price.

[@peterfritzphoto]

A masterclass in how to do a sponsored product review video. Great storytelling, Hugh! (As always.)

[@3BMEP]

Thanks, Peter! Having fun with your X2D? 😊

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@3BMEP LOVING it. I just did my first review on the camera, and received a few comments from, of all people, the drummer of rock bank, Poison - Rikki Rocket. It's so cool how photography can bring such otherwise different people together in service of a common passion. The Chinese TTArtisan 90mm 1.25 lens was a standout on the X2D (now replaced by the 80mm 1.9). Some of my best shots so far (many featured in the video) were with that 90.

[@3BMEP]

Right? 👊🏻

[@chris.fitzgerald]

This lens is on my list to get next to use for Milky Way shots. Yes the 20mm S from Nikon is better, but at half price for this non-paid enthusiast, it is worth the trade offs. Viltrox is where Sigma was years ago, and will be included in the conversation with Tamron and Sigma very soon.

[@eldengard23]

never shoot the ZF at 500 or 640 iso. 2nd base is 800 and its much worse performing than at 800. I'd even avoid 320 but that's just me (chroma noise starts there)

[@williamedge9888]

Great video! Thanks

[@3BMEP]

Thank YOU, William! 😊🖖🏻

[@eoinphotography]

Say it with me now "Normal sizes and viewing distances!"

[@3BMEP]

😊👊🏻

[@pixelkay2004]

thanks!!

[@macmac6479]

Yes, but can it compete with the 20mm Nikon 1.8 S? It is probably the best 1.8 S lens with the 50mm. It is coming down in price as well. The 14-24mm 2.8 S Zoom is peerless as well. Personally not interested.

[@macmac6479]

(The Plena is certainly the best 1.8 lens, then 20mm would be Nr.2)

[@krishisel5316]

I think this will be my next lens. This or the 45mm tilt shift to pair with my 24mm(adapted canon lens but manual focus so who gives a rip,) and 85mm tilt shift lenses. BTW If i had your voice I'd make a mint reading scripts that other people wrote but alas, i was born with a voice for silent film and a face for radio. 😂😂😂

[@MysticApertureStudios]

105 f1.4 or 135 f1.8 or may be a 200mm f2!

[@jamesjackson4264]

All three depending on what you are doing.

[@3BMEP]

I’d take a dedicated 200/2.8 or even f/4 if the IQ were high enough and the size and weight small and light enough!

[@MysticApertureStudios]

@@3BMEP200 f2 will definitely be a heavy lens. 200 f4 sounds more practical and affordable!

[@harryberry474]

Hey! Is that Jon Stewart?

[@3BMEP]

😉

[@video-carl]

Enjoyed the story-based approach you took in this video. Do you see any small dot of a Chinese camera with its own lens mount in that rear view mirror? The Japanese should be worried about that because the Chinese do software as we've seen in the ev market

[@3BMEP]

Just because I can’t see it yet doesn’t mean it’s not there. 🤔

[@kaneclements7761]

Greetings Hugh. With recent inflation a factor I have to say that the lenses from Sigma, Tamron and Viltrox are increasingly attractive (I'm on Fuji now for reasons of decrepitude and therefore weight) and the results are more limited by my skill than the glass. To pick up on your metaphor of driving and cars, the real difference between models that are closely matched is the driver. Go well.

[@3BMEP]

Yes!

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

You’re either having way too much fun playing with camera kit, or just enough.

[@MaximoJoshua]

I’m a new viewer of your channel, I want to do a deep dive on your cadence in speaking. It’s just fascinating. How do you do it? I have so many questions ….

[@3BMEP]

It’s just the way I am. 😊🖖🏻

[@jaymc5011]

@@3BMEP Almost like a SNL characture of William Shatner, almost. :)

[@3BMEP]

@@jaymc5011he’s a global treasure! 👊🏻😊

[@rocketmanab]

Great review, and looking forward to getting my hands on this lens! How do you think it will hold up under the 45 megapixel resolution of the Z7ii ?

[@3BMEP]

Great question! It may look even better. Keep me posted!

[@rocketmanab]

@@3BMEP Will do!

[@paulhancock]

Just to back up Hugh's opinions here (in case anyone is sceptical of 'sponsored reviews') ; I've had this lens for the E-Mount for a couple of months and it's sensational, especially for the price. I rarely shoot wide, and so spending a ton of money seemed silly... And now I've used this lens it's not only silly, but unnecessary. I'm not a pixel peeper and so I just can't do the mental gymnastics to justify spending 3x the price. I'm thrilled with it and I can't wait to see where Viltrox go next. Hopefully some full frame 'Pro' line lenses, because the 75mm on X-Mount is superb too. My only negative - Not a huge fan of the awkward looking little screen which could have been integrated better, but it's a minor aesthetic detail. Just buy one (unless brand snobbery won't allow it). I don't see how anyone could regret the purchase at that price.

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@GoatBarn]

Should have used the lens for making this video...=.=

[@3BMEP]

Not my aesthetic. 😊🖖🏻