Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 FE Definitive Review | Viltrox Levels Up

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The official lens correction profile is available here: www.viltrox.com/newsinfo/5980859.html

[@lamvu3301]

Hey Dustin, I think Viltrox put the wrong profile on their website because it doesn't really work (very ugly correction for vignetting & distortion). Better use the profile provided by Adobe with their latest ACR/LR

[@paulhancock]

This is why I just can't look beyond the Sony E-Mount. The vast selection of native and third party lenses at excellent pricing (for those working to a budget i.e. 90% of people) is just awesome. I don't shoot wide angles very often, so to be able to get a pro-standard lens so cheaply for those occasions is a blessing. Kudos to Viltrox.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It’s true. No platform in the history of photography has had so many lens options.

[@parmanduke]

Amazing. Honestly wouldn’t be able to tell difference with Sony’s top of the line lenses. Viltrox has become a top tier player in the 3rd party lens market.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly. It is impressive how quickly they've progressed as a lensmaker.

[@Timoleon87]

Yes, just look at the 75 f/1.2 for Fuji X 🤯

[@stkuj]

TBH, IMO Sigma is the only top tier player...but it's nice to see these Chinese vendors upping their game

[@parmanduke]

@@stkuj Viltrox 75mm f1.2 walks into arena

[@boycefitzgerald]

Excited to see more examples in astrophotography. This could be a great budget option. Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely.

[@frankpaulschulte]

Nice vid, very helpful, as always. Thanks. What I find most impressive on this lense is the non-existing focus breathing - good job, viltrox. And on a finacial sidenote: Viltrox is one of the few companies who take a comparable amount of money from you in different countries: The lense price here in Germany seems to be 549 Euros which seems on par with the USD price. Nice!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've noticed that as well. Less variability in their pricing.

[@Bo_Hazem]

There is no ultra wide lens that beats this for video due to having that accessible front filter thread where you can use screw in filters or matte boxes. I hope more companies consider that, especially that video is a major selling point now. Not to mention the insane focus breathing that's cinema-level for an outrageously cheap price.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It really is an impressively good lens. I've just added a Sony a7RV, and it is shockingly sharp even on such a high resolution body.

[@SnIpErX07]

Thanks for the in-depth review. With your quick review, I actually pick one up myself. Really impressed with this lens. I am wishing future Viltrox future releases can be as fantastic as this. Always love to have more choices for lenses and having Viltrox showing their capabilities, the other brand will definitely need to up their game in terms of lens quality. Thanks again for your video and agree with what you mentioned.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I too really hope this shows what Viltrox's future will be like. Both the 75mm F1.2 and this new 16mm F1.8 have been exceptional lenses.

[@jasonswitzer1748]

This lens is honestly insane. Super affordable. Colors pretty much match up with native Sony lenses. Sharper than Sony’s UWA GM lens. The worst thing about this will likely be the resale value in case you don’t use the lens often and want to unload it. Otherwise, I’m struggling why this wouldn’t make it on to a landscape or architecture photographer’s consideration list. I’ll consider it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've recently acquired a Sony a7RV, and I'm shocked at how sharp the lens is on that 61MP body. It's very, very impressive.

[@SeaBroccoli]

11 months on, and I landed this lens for £335 on Wex, very excited to get in on my A7IV, teamed with my Tamron 35-150, I have everything I need to cover 16 to 150 and all I need is a 82-77 step down to use all my filters too...so good job Viltrox.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's an amazing price!

[@funnybeingme]

Sounds like a great lens. I recently sold my Sony 16-35 PZ because of it's f4. This is the perfect lens to replace it with. Also to note, the discount code on Viltrox Store does not work. Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

All of the discount codes have been frozen for the first two weeks following announcement because of the anticipated demand. They should work again after that.

[@lamvu3301]

Just got mine today and to no surprise it's slightly tilted, but nothing too serious so I think I won't even ask for a replacement. Btw I got it for $355 which is after a 10% off voucher from a full price of $395. It seems Viltrox has a different pricing strategy in Asia because you're all mentioning prices like 5xx which surprises me.

[@AndrewLXiong]

Great review as always...love the photos and video samples at f/1.8; Lens is beautiful and sharp--can't wait to see what Viltrox has in the pipeline for other focal lengths.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You and me both!

[@ksk40]

bought it already, astonishing on A7R5

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's pretty amazing, isn't it.

[@ksk40]

@@DustinAbbottTWI at this price point, more than amazing!

[@spdcrzy]

I know this is a full frame lens, but this would be a perfect "budget" pairing with the a6700 and a gimbal for a lightweight APS-C vlogging setup. The vignetting and distortion won't really show up at all, even wide open. And the 27cm MFD isn't really an issue since the minimum WORKING distance of the lens is just over 6 inches - way more than enough to do handheld work without tiring out your arms.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair

[@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.

[@6gwilliams]

I did finally order one today 9/2. I think Adobe has a profile for it now. Cheers and thanks for your test/review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think you'll really enjoy the lens. It is pretty brilliant!

[@6gwilliams]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks so much. I think you are right. Cheers and best to you.

[@bartjes2509]

Thanks for sharing, I've got the versatile Tamron 28-200 on my Sony A7R IV and was looking for a fast and sharp prime between 16 and 20mm to complement this. Why prime ? It's lightweight, good max. aperture (suitable for indoor, night & astro shooting) and with 61 megapixels I can still crop to APS-C having effectively 24mm with still 26 megapixels to work with so I don't need an expensive wide zoom that's bulky, heavy and only gives me f/2.8-ish. It's on its way to me and I hope import charges are not too bad as Viltrox doesn't arrange customs & VAT costs...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy it, Bart. It is a sweet lens.

[@Jwitherow1964]

Mr Abbott you have done it again, how can I not buy this lens. At a 3rd of the coast or the gm 14 and the Viltrox is out performing the Gm. And I can use 77 mm filters with ease, I need you to pray for me. I have lost count of the lens I own. My wife has been understanding until lately, as photography is my passion but with 0 income from it. I am grateful for you. Keep up the amazing work. Love you brother. Your friend for Georgia. Jr

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - I feel like a salesman with you!

[@Jwitherow1964]

@@DustinAbbottTWI indeed

[@AustinCobbMusic]

Curious about the comparison with the Sony 20mm 1.8? I love that lens but am intrigued with this new 16mm…

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I might do that comparison some day, but I've got months of work already in my office!

[@papaelf_]

You definitely should do this review, it would be a game changer for alot of people

[@mrbassett4388]

I would like to see this

[@doublebindphotography882]

Hi Dustin, wondering whether you can comment on how the Tamron 17-28 performs compared to this lens at 17mm, with particularly regard to landscape photography where shooting around f8-11? Thanks as always for your detailed reviews.

[@shamwow7996]

Me too...I want to sell my Tamron for this

[@johntriebe7441]

Great review on a really interesting lens. I hope that at some point Viltrox modifies the software driving the LCD screen to include a depth of field scale. That would be very useful.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, not a bad suggestion.

[@dmacrolens]

Thanks again for all you do!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@DrManarKawar]

What do you think about this lens and astrophotography? I couldn’t find any good review about that topic.. and your review is one of the best reviews..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do cover that in my text review. bit.ly/Viltrox16DA

[@cesarangeles1699]

This review neglected to test for AF performance for video in low light conditions. Bright aperture would be utilized under these circumstances and the performance relative to Sony’s GM lenses would be useful to many of us.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This is not a video centric review, but I can say that having a bright F1.8 aperture makes low light focus fine, in my experience.

[@Donbros]

Honestly i dont really like that lcd. Besides thst and that its not linear when using manual focus its quite nice and unique Would love sony to release 15mm f2 g lens with front filters. If third party did it with 16mm i am sure sony can do for 15mm with their technology

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, I like the LCD myself, but not everyone will love it.

[@wanderlust139]

Great review! I hope Viltrox does a 18 mm.. 16 is just a little too wide for me. Fingers crossed 🙂

[@obrys5494]

I hoped they’d make a pro 20mm f1.8 to rival the legendary Sony 20mm

[@kaadhome5821]

Would love to see head to head Astro, street, and landscape between this the Sony 20 1.8 and the sigma 20 1.4.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's not always possible to get everything together like that...particularly when I have a narrow window before release of a new lens.

[@dipakkothari8393]

As always your reviews are very informative and educational. I have to choose between this lens and Sigma Art 14mm f1.8 DG HSM Full frame, any definitive suggestion will help a lot. Thanx in advance.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Do you need to go as wide as 14mm? If not, this lens is smaller, lighter, more feature rich, and allows you to use traditional filters.

[@dipakkothari8393]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you! Looking forward to more wonderful reviews.

[@photographerjonathan]

I wasn't even thinking about a wide angle lens. but this lens has me thinking about buying it. quality lenses like this at affordable prices are why the Sony system is the only option for allot of people. because the name brand glass is so expensive nowadays. and some of the name brand glass doesn't even have an advantage over the third party glass image quality, also the Canon and Nikon fast glass is so huge and heavy. lenses like there 50 f1.2 is so much bigger and heavier than Sony's, but not better image quality. with all of the talk that came from Nikon and Canon about there bigger lens mount advantage. neither company has been able to prove that its an advantage. and I would argue that it's a disadvantage for them when designing lenses. because all of Nikon and Canon's lens designs have to be bigger at the mount then Sony's. there is no getting around it. so right from the beginning of the lens design it is bigger then Sony's. and its even worse for there apsc glass using those same big mounts. Personally I would love to go back to Nikon or Canon just because I started with Nikon and then went to Canon. but because of the size and weight of there new glass and no third party options I am sticking with Sony and my A7r lll which I bought when it first came out. with Sony having tons of there own lens options, plus ( Tamron / Sigma / Samyang / Viltrox ) how can Canon and Nikon compete with that ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I agree all around.

[@woodiemoore]

Excellent (as usual) review. I have the classic 16mm Sigma for my zv-e10. I've wanted a good, affordable 16mm for my a74. Could I purchase this for the a74 and use it to replace my Sigma on the zv-e10? I know it will work, but so it gives good results?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't see why not. An excellent lens is going to be an excellent lens...period. It will work fine on APS-C

[@robertogerber]

Thanks for all the info! 🙌🏻 Would you recommend this lense for indoor photography? (parties, reunions, congress, etc.)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely. I see no reason why not.

[@AR-vf7vg]

I wonder how it compares to my DG DN 14-24 f2.8 at f 2.8, 5.6 and 8.5 at equivalent FL for stills on a7r5 ..Any 'guess' anybody ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Sigma is good, for sure. I would say that this lens is going to a bit sharper and have slightly less distortion, but the Sigma is already sharp enough for just about anything.

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks. (And since I had the luck to have had the opportunity to thoroughly test 4 copies simultaneousally, I know mine happens to be at best. One sent Viltrox might not have the peeformance variation that is beneficial lol. I'm a fast lens primes hog, except with this zoom and in the ultrawide range where I don't need exceptional low-light assets nor subject isolation, here I'm rather scared of them. WITH its often ability (obviousally except at 14mm lol), to zoom somewhat larger (on 60 mio pix) I can frame for shift 'compensation' . But I do however understand well the 24. F1.4 - not an ultra-wide lens)

[@puppet_master]

While you say the apature value on the screen is redundant, if it was at night, it would be perfect.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's true.

[@holgerokorn3164]

Thanks for all your work. I also find 16 mm interesting for APS-C. Could you do a quick test on the Sony 6600? I think you own the Sony 6600. Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Holger, I do have that camera, but I'm not sure when/where I would have a slot to report that information. I have a really high demand for my review schedule these days.

[@bladerealm124]

how is the stabilization with cameras like the A7CII (active stabilization) and ZV-E1 (dynamic stabilization) vs. Sony lenses like the 16-35mm f2.8 GMII? And how does the autofocus compare for video in low light?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Neither of those are applications that I've been able to test yet.

[@IanHobday]

Any chance you'll be reviewing the Viltrox 28/1.8 for FF E mount? It looks so promising but would love to see an in-depth review before pulling the trigger.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've sent an email to Viltrox, and I'll see what they say.

[@IanHobday]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks Dustin! As one of the very few AF 28mm primes on E mount, I think there will be quite a bit of interest. Wish Sony made a 28/1.8G...

[@Jwitherow1964]

Dustin don’t get the the big head, But you are the best photographers reviewer I have ever seen. God bless, Ps only thing is when you fined a true little gem of a lens like this Viltrox it goes on my wish list. lol

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you for the kind words. I've definitely been tough on your wallet.

[@ttown1376]

Just bought the 20mm 1.8 sony… now im wondering if I should regret it!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think the 20G is an excellent lens, so just enjoy what you have!

[@fretless05]

This is a great video review- very comprehensive technically along with sharing your more subjective thoughts, which are appreciated as I'm a far less experienced photographer. I've recently obtained the Viltrox 20mm F1.8 (got a great deal on an open box) and have enjoyed it so far. I also have an Irix 15mm f2.4 which I've used for landscape for a long time. The Irix is a Canon mount and it's one of the lenses I've continued to use since switching to Sony. I'd like to know how they compare for landscape and astro to see if it's worth considering replacing the Irix lens with the Viltrox 16mm in Sony mount since it's made as a mirrorless lens and not adapted SLR design. Any advice you could give would be appreciated?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would definitely make that switch. This is a superior lens in basically every facet.

[@SanjayK-GoldenRatio]

Great review as always. As someone mentioned more astro oriented review of this would be appreciated.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I might cover that as a part of a comparison with another upcoming lens, though forest fires in our area have really killed sky visibility.

[@SanjayK-GoldenRatio]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Okay noted. Thank you for the update I hope new lense is Sigma haha. Hope everything okay ther, stay safe!

[@Jwitherow1964]

Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@tomas_horn]

Hello Dustin. Great review on this fantastic lens. I have one question regarding the wideness of this lens. In your written review on Sigma 14mm/1,4, there were side by side two photos taken with this lens at 16 mm and Sigma 14mm. In this comparison, Viltrox looked even wider to me. Is it true this lens is even wider than Sigma 14mm?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely not. The Sigma is noticeably wider - I think you may have seen those two images reversed.

[@bardofhighrenown]

Great review as always Dustin! Are the function buttons re-mappable either in body or via the USB port?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The first function button is just like a Sony focus hold button - you can assign whatever function you want to it via the camera. The second function button is directly connected to the focus pulls.

[@bardofhighrenown]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for the clarification. I appreciate it!

[@mralexlex]

Superb review, not one does it like DA.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much!

[@user-ev4qn8wu8d]

This lens can be suitable for photography of interiors how Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D ? Or is the Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D better suited to this?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say yes. The Laowa is better in terms of the geometry, but this lens is absolutely better at everything else.

[@thearabicdp]

I own the voigtlander 15 f4.5 and use it a lot for architecture. I'm thinking of swapping it for this one. Do you think that's a smart move?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Viltrox is pretty fantastic. The Voigtlander probably has more special color, but the Viltrox likely wins pretty much everywhere else.

[@AbhinavanandSingh]

Considering this as my lens for landscape and real estate (photography and videography) and some dance videos, what are your thoughts about this?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'd have a hard voting against this lens. It is such a strong lens for the money.

[@AbhinavanandSingh]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Considering that the competitors are Sigma 16-28 or Tamron 17-28, which one would you recommend out of the three?

[@Kayserjp]

there is a official lens profile file avaiable

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the heads up. Adding it to the description.

[@victorlolo2008]

Is there no Sony in-camera Lens Compensation for this lens ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not that I'm aware of.

[@Acura1NSX]

I was watching this video review and I noticed 480P is the best resolution I can get on youtube Why is this Dustin? I'm sure you shot at a higher resolution than 480p.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not sure what your local issue is, but this is here on KZbin in 4K.

[@Twobarpsi]

What a great lens!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed.

[@user-qe6uk9eq9y]

great video❤🎉

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!!

[@HappilySWRN]

Just got the Sony 20mm, still in return window, and wondering if I should exchange for V16? Is it sharper across the frame?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a tough call. The Sony is a great lens, but this Viltrox is probably a bit better still.

[@denissologubov6740]

Well, what did you decide?

[@jamesquinn8958]

I seen that the irix 15mm was coming to Sony e-mount and was thinking of getting it. But after seeing this I'm not sure. Which one would you recommend?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'd go with the Viltrox all day, myself.

[@jamesquinn8958]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you for the reply. I've been trying to find a wide angle lens that I can do both astrophotography and macro with, that can still use filters, but I haven't come across one that checks all those boxes yet. But this lens checks off 3 out of the 4 at least and seems like an absolute beast for the price. I appreciate your reviews too. You are very thorough and break down every little detail both good and bad. It is very informative and helpful.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad to help out.

[@lokingloking]

It works on a7rii?thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes it will

[@dirkdoetdingen263]

Hi Dustin, I just tried to order one trough your link and the discount code does not seem to work, any idea why not? Thanks in advance!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi there. Viltrox disabled all codes on this new lens for two weeks because of it being brand new and having high demand. By my calculations the code should be live again on the 15th of June.

[@dirkdoetdingen263]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Me and my impatience already ordered one ;)

[@shojunichi]

Very impressed with Chinese Techs these days. 😲

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely impressed with Viltrox. This is not a derivative lens at all; just a great design.

[@firpofutbol]

Dustin, do you know if there will be a 28-70 f2 on Sony similar to the RF lens for Canon?

[@Bayonet1809]

Do you mean 28-70? Because 20-70 at f/2 would be very difficult indeed.

[@firpofutbol]

@@Bayonet1809 My bad, it is indeed 28-70mm. Will be editing original post.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't know that, no.

[@meyerdigitalfilm]

Closest to that will be tamron or samyang 35-150

[@firpofutbol]

@meyerdigitalfilm Indeed, I ended up buying the Tamron 35-150mm.

[@MarkusGebhard]

Receive my copy today. It's decentered unfortunately. Top left corner being the worst. Bottom left is tack sharp. Lets hope I'll get a replacement or a refund from Viltrox. The corners of the frame of your copy look spectacular

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's too bad. I'd work at getting a replacement; this is a lens worth having!

[@MarkusGebhard]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Viltrox asked me to send them the lens, as they think there is something wrong with it too, after I showed them the images. A replacement for it is already on its way. Viltrox has handled it very well so far. Let's hope I'll have more luck with this copy 🤞

[@bingebinge3722]

Don't think Canon will allow it to be available for RF 😆

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Probably not...and this is better than any of the Canon wide angle options at the moment.

[@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455]

I bought a Viltrox 85 mm from B&H. After a month it froze and would not work. B&H would not honor the warranty on the Viltrox and no one from the company responded to my emails. They do not support their own product. And no one here in New York City can work on it. I would avoid this brand like the plague. JUNK

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm obviously sorry to hear that, but I also have to comment that yours is the first such complaint I have heard. I've been using several Viltrox lenses for years without issue.

[@NorCal-yeti]

Yeah I have had a good user experience with mine as well.

[@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I am at least a dozen lenses all purchased from BNH. But when it came to this lens, absolute shit service. Try sending an email to this company you will get no response.