I am considering the Viltrox 16mm f1.8
It would be very handy for low light photography.
But, I’d also like to know what it’s like for architecture, compared to the Nikon 14-30mm, at f8, for example. Is it very similar, softer, sharper, across the frame? How does it compare for flare?
My copy of the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 is outstanding, sharp corner to corner even at f/1.8. It is cleaner to the edges/corners at all apertures compared to the 14-30mm I used to own. It’s well built too, and the price is a bargain for the quality delivered. I have shot directly into the sun and there can be some flare spots depending on the scene, probably average in this department but I’d need to do more specific testing on that.
ILCE-7RM5Viltrox 16mm F1.8 FE lens16mmf/14.01/40s100 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5Viltrox 16mm F1.8 FE lens16mmf/1.81/8s100 ISO0.0 EV
i would recommend it 100%. i'm using an E-mount one since I bought it before the Z-mount was available. Perfect corners at smaller apertures while still being usable (albeit with some vignetting) at F1.8. Not sure how the 14-30 could possibly be any better.
i will say that the hood casts a weird shadow in the frame when the sun is in just the right position.
pr4photos wrote:
Thanks for the all the info. All in all, it does sound like a worthy lens to get. I'm guessing no communication issues with the bodies?
Totally worth to buy,i never had any issues with mount if i got you right
pr4photos wrote:
Thanks for the all the info. All in all, it does sound like a worthy lens to get. I'm guessing no communication issues with the bodies?
I had the Viltrox AF 16mm f1.8 (FE version for my Sony A7c). It had communication issues with my A7c. It was a great lens for about 30 days. However, while on an overseas trip it caused my A7c to freeze. It wasn't a "dirty contacts" issue; I made sure the contacts on both the lens and the camera were clean. My Tamron lenses worked perfectly well at that time, but my Viltrox AF 16mm f1.8 kept freezing/locking up my camera. It was completely unusable. Luckily, I was able to return it to Viltrox for a partial refund.
Maybe Viltrox has improved their electronics on their 16mm. Maybe their Nikon version might be different. However, I lost faith with them and I won't depend on one of their lenses on any overseas trip as a primary lens again. I value reliability.
snegron7 wrote:
I had the Viltrox AF 16mm f1.8 (FE version for my Sony A7c). It had communication issues with my A7c. It was a great lens for about 30 days. However, while on an overseas trip it caused my A7c to freeze. It wasn't a "dirty contacts" issue; I made sure the contacts on both the lens and the camera were clean. My Tamron lenses worked perfectly well at that time, but my Viltrox AF 16mm f1.8 kept freezing/locking up my camera. It was completely unusable. Luckily, I was able to return it to Viltrox for a partial refund.
Maybe Viltrox has improved their electronics on their 16mm. Maybe their Nikon version might be different. However, I lost faith with them and I won't depend on one of their lenses on any overseas trip as a primary lens again. I value reliability. ...Show more →
Thanks for the info. Hopefully the Nikon versions are good
The Nikon version is good and communicates flawless with my Z7.
And man... the optical and mechanical quality is incredible, especially for the money (I got mine for 479 Euro).
Jockel wrote:
The Nikon version is good and communicates flawless with my Z7.
And man... the optical and mechanical quality is incredible, especially for the money (I got mine for 479 Euro).
I just sold my Laowa 15mm F2, so this Viltrox is on my radar to replace it.
The reviews seem to be very positive all over the net, regardless what mount it's for,
but, you can't be sure until you try it by yourself.
Update
I pulled the trigger and I ordered one from Viltrox web store. I took a chance of 15% Holiday sale.
It ships from China, I'll report back once I receive it.
And it's great.
It did need a firmware update, as the AF was poor at locking onto subjects. But after the update, it locks on just fine.
Very sharp across the frame.
It did have one hiccup, where it lost all aperture information. Had to switch off the camera, and switch back on, for it to work again. Hopefully that won't become a regular occurrence
Mine finally arrived, and I was lucky and surprised, no customs duty, or brokerage fees, whatsoever, which is hard to get around here in Canada.
No complaints, paid $620 during Christmas sale, but they list it now for $840, it looks like they raised the price a bit.
I needed to update FW, easy through their app, and I played little bit with it.
It seems to be very sharp wide open in the center, more to test, to see how corners look like.
I'm glad, I replaced Laowa 15mm F2 with this lens..
I just picked up a used copy in perfect condition today. Haven’t shot much with it, just test shots, but VERY impressed so far. Sharp at f/1.8, and a razor corner to corner stopped down a bit. Impressively low distortion too.
Ross Martin wrote:
My copy of the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 is outstanding, sharp corner to corner even at f/1.8. It is cleaner to the edges/corners at all apertures compared to the 14-30mm I used to own. It’s well built too, and the price is a bargain for the quality delivered. I have shot directly into the sun and there can be some flare spots depending on the scene, probably average in this department but I’d need to do more specific testing on that.
Looks like a winner to me
Still haven't gotten out to shoot proper, but further tests indeed show this lens to be pretty darn fantastic. Absolutely top notch optics at an incredibly good price.
Also, while I know it serves absolutely no purpose whatsoever, being able to do a little personalized splash screen when you turn the camera on is pretty cool.
Went out yesterday for just a very quick 15 minute walk to test out the lens....what a winner. Stopped down it's razor sharp corner to corner with lovely color and contrast. Wide open it's still sharp, but with even relatively pleasing bokeh. Honestly one of the finest wide-angle lenses I've ever used.
I'm really happy to see how good the lens is. I purchased it during Christmas discount, but unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to use it yet.
It should be some good opportunities in the summer months, I'm looking forward to give it try.
