Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8

Focal length: 9 mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Weight: 175 g
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Min. focus distance: 13 cm
Length: 56.7 mm

Overview

The Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 Air is an ultra-wide autofocus prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras with Sony E, Nikon Z or Fujifilm X mount. According to Viltrox it gives a 113.8 degree field of view, about 13.5mm on full frame. It is meant for landscapes, interiors, group selfies and vlogging.

Optical design

Viltrox specifies 13 elements in 11 groups with 2 aspherical, 3 ED and 3 high refractive index elements, plus coatings against glare and ghosting. The aperture runs from F2.8 to F16 with 7 blades. The minimum focus distance is 0.13 m at a maximum magnification of 0.15x. The lens is designed for APS-C sensors only.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing uses an STM stepping motor with a lead screw and internal focusing. Viltrox lists eye and face detection and minimal focus breathing, which it also recommends for focus stacking. There is no stabilizer in the lens. A USB-C port is used for firmware updates, and manual focus is available.

Build and size

The weight is 175 g on Sony E and Fujifilm X and 190 g on Nikon Z. The diameter is 65 mm, and the length is 56.4 mm on E, 56.7 mm on X and 58.4 mm on Z. The filter thread measures 58 mm, so standard screw-in filters can be used. Viltrox describes a sealed body, a metal mount and a front element with a water- and dirt-resistant coating.

Where it fits

The 9mm is the widest lens of Viltrox's APS-C Air series, which also includes the AF 15mm F1.7 and AF 25mm F1.7. Direct rivals in the same angle of view are the Venus Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D, which is manual focus, and, for Fujifilm X, the Fujifilm XF 8mm F3.5 R WR. Slightly less wide zoom and prime alternatives include the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN on Sony E and Fujifilm X, and the Sony E 11mm F1.8.

Pros and cons

Pros

113.8 degree field of view with an F2.8 aperture
Only 175 to 190 g
Close focus at 0.13 m
58 mm filter thread
Sealed body and coated front element according to Viltrox

Cons

No in-lens stabilization
Slower than the Sony E 11mm F1.8, which is somewhat less wide
7 aperture blades
Covers APS-C only

Verdict

The AF 9mm F2.8 Air is a pocketable ultra-wide for APS-C cameras with a bright aperture for its class. Photographers who need more flexibility in framing may prefer an ultra-wide zoom, while those who want a small prime will find this a convincing option.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 9 mm
max focal length: 9 mm
max f (min zoom): f/2.8
max f (max zoom): f/2.8
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 13
Groups: 11
Weight: 175 g (0.39 lb)
Filter diameter: 58 mm
min focus distance: 13 cm (5.12 in)
Length: 56.7 mm (2.23 in)
Diameter: 65 mm (2.56 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 fit?

The Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 fits all Fujifilm X-Mount cameras. There its field of view equals 14 mm in full-frame terms (crop factor 1.5).

Fujifilm X-Mount cameras

APS-C:: Fujifilm X-T30 III, Fujifilm X-E5, Fujifilm X-M5, Fujifilm X-T50, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm X-T5, Fujifilm X-H2, Fujifilm X-H2S, Fujifilm X-T30 II, Fujifilm X-E4, Fujifilm X-S10, Fujifilm X-T4, Fujifilm X-T200, Fujifilm X-Pro3, Fujifilm X-A7, Fujifilm X-T30, Fujifilm X-T3, Fujifilm X-T100, Fujifilm X-H1, Fujifilm X-A5, Fujifilm X-E3, Fujifilm X-T20, Fujifilm X-A10, Fujifilm X-A3, Fujifilm X-T2, Fujifilm X-E2S, Fujifilm X-Pro2, Fujifilm X-T10, Fujifilm X-A2, Fujifilm X-T1, Fujifilm X-E2, Fujifilm X-A1, Fujifilm X-M1, Fujifilm X-E1, Fujifilm X-Pro1