p.1 #1 · Viltrox 14mm f/4 exposes 2/3rds darker than other lenses at the same settings?
Does everyone else's copy seem to need an extra 2/3rds of a stop to match the exposure of their other lenses at the same manual settings? I have the Viltrox 20mm 2.8, and at the same manual settings (@ f/4), the 14mm is about 2/3rds of a stop darker. Using multiple other Nikon Z lenses, the 14mm is again 2/3rds darker.
I've had two copies of this lens so far, and both expose the same. I haven't seen it mentioned in any reviews or comparisons, so I figured I would ask here.
p.1 #2 · Viltrox 14mm f/4 exposes 2/3rds darker than other lenses at the same settings?
You cannot compare the exposure from different focal lengths especially if you are using Matrix metering.
Matrix/Evaluative metering makes comparisons between focal lengths messy. Different focal lengths = different framing = different proportions of highlights/shadows/tones. Play with a zoom lens to see it.
Spot Metering and filling the frame with the same subject might make it somewhat a fair comparison.
Wider the lens is more it sends the light at steeper angles, 20 and 14 are world's apart.
Only true accurate way to find out is to pitch it against other 14mm lenses.
p.1 #4 · Viltrox 14mm f/4 exposes 2/3rds darker than other lenses at the same settings?
Vignetting was what I suspected as well, but it was just odd that no one really mentioned it, even when comparing it to the Nikon 14-30 f/4 or similar lenses. I've been using it over the winter sports season for huddle shots, overalls, b roll stock, etc., so it stays at f/4 just to keep the shutter speeds barely fast enough, especially with the extra 2/3rds needed.
p.1 #5 · Viltrox 14mm f/4 exposes 2/3rds darker than other lenses at the same settings?
Bdigital2 wrote:
Does everyone else's copy seem to need an extra 2/3rds of a stop to match the exposure of their other lenses at the same manual settings?
Before I sold my Z 14-30mm in favor of the Viltrox 14mm, I did a few test shots at 14mm to see how they compared. Looking at them now, I'd have to agree that the Viltrox has maybe 1/2 stop less light transmission. It doesn't bother me, but it's interesting.
p.1 #6 · Viltrox 14mm f/4 exposes 2/3rds darker than other lenses at the same settings?
Outstanding wrote:
You cannot compare the exposure from different focal lengths especially if you are using Matrix metering.
Matrix/Evaluative metering makes comparisons between focal lengths messy. Different focal lengths = different framing = different proportions of highlights/shadows/tones. Play with a zoom lens to see it.
Spot Metering and filling the frame with the same subject might make it somewhat a fair comparison.
Wider the lens is more it sends the light at steeper angles, 20 and 14 are world's apart.
Only true accurate way to find out is to pitch it against other 14mm lenses.
The correct way is to determine the T-stop of each lens using calibrated equipment. There are some homegrown ways to compare one sample (lens model) against another sample, but it's not as good.
You can also obtain the light falloff curve per aperture to decide how important that is to your application.
