In-depth Evaluation of the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE Lens
The Chinese company Viltrox, known for manufacturing affordable autofocus lenses for Sony FE and Nikon Z mounts, has recently released the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE. This compact and lightweight lens, measuring 3.35 x 4.06 in / 85.2 x 103 mm and weighing 19.4 oz / 550 g, is designed for both photo and video capture, making it a versatile tool for photographers and videographers alike.
The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE boasts an ultra wide-angle field of view and a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, making it ideal for astrophotography and landscape photography. The lens features a digital colour screen that shows focus distance, aperture setting, and active Fn control, as well as two customizable Fn buttons and a manual aperture ring with stepped or stepless operation.
The lens is constructed of 15 elements in 12 groups, including four ED glass and three aspherical lenses, ensuring excellent image quality with minimal distortion and barely any chromatic aberration. Vignetting is almost gone when stopping down to f/2.8 and completely gone at f/4. Sharpness levels across the frame increase as you stop down to the sweet spot of the lens at f/8, with f/11 still exhibiting high levels of sharpness.
However, it's worth noting that the minimum aperture of the lens is f/22, which unfortunately exhibits a loss of sharpness due to diffraction alongside f/16. Autofocus speeds are average, with faster speeds at wider apertures and slower speeds at smaller apertures.
The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE is available for both Sony FE and Nikon Z lens mounts, and it comes at a bargain price of just $464 / £533. For comparison, the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G costs $848 / £849, which is quite a lot more. An Adobe Lightroom Lens Profile is available for this lens, which removes the vignette and also the tiny, pretty much unnoticeable amount of barrel distortion that the lens produces.
In conclusion, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE is a professional-quality prime lens that offers excellent image quality, a fast maximum aperture, and a compact, lightweight design. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for photographers and videographers seeking a high-quality ultra wide-angle lens without breaking the bank.
Read also:
- Colon Cancer Genetic Testing: Insights into its Function, Application, and Additional Details
- RFK Jr. Takes Bold Step in Vaccine Research Development, Possibly Poseing a Threat to Public Safety
- Prostate enlargement symptoms, causes, remedies, and beyond: An overview
- Examining liver cancer linked to obesity: An exploratory analysis
