Viltrox AF 14mm F4

The Viltrox AF 14mm F4.0 Air is an ultra-wide autofocus prime for full-frame mirrorless cameras with Sony E, Nikon Z or Leica L mount. Viltrox calls it the widest lens in its compact Air series, with a field of view of 112.6 degrees. It targets landscapes, architecture, interiors and group shots.

Optical design

Viltrox specifies 12 elements in 9 groups, including 2 aspherical, 4 ED and 2 high refractive index elements, plus multi-layer coatings. The aperture runs from F4.0 to F16 with 7 blades. The minimum focus distance is only 0.13 m at a maximum magnification of 0.23x, which allows strong foreground perspectives. The lens covers the full-frame format.

Autofocus and handling

An STM stepping motor with a lead screw drives the internal focusing. Viltrox lists eye and face AF and minimal focus breathing, which it recommends for video and focus stacking. The lens has no stabilizer. A USB-C port is used for firmware updates. On L mount Viltrox lists native support for in-camera lens corrections.

Build and size

The weight is 170 g on Sony E, 185 g on Nikon Z and 172 g on Leica L. The diameter is 65 mm (68 mm on Z), the length 56.4 mm on E, 58.4 mm on Z and 54.4 mm on L. The filter thread is a standard 58 mm, so screw-in filters can be used. Viltrox describes a sealed body, a metal mount and a water- and dirt-resistant coating on the front element.

Where it fits

At F4.0 this is a slow ultra-wide, so its strength is size rather than light gathering. Faster options in the Sony E system are the Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM, the Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN and the Samyang AF 14mm F2.8 FE. The Sigma 14mm is also available for L mount. Nikon Z users can look at the Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm F1.8 S, which is narrower. On APS-C bodies the Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 Air gives a comparable view.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 112.6 degree field of view at 170 to 185 g
• Close focus at 0.13 m
• 58 mm filter thread
• Sealed body and coated front element according to Viltrox
• STM autofocus with eye and face detection

Cons

• Maximum aperture of F4.0, so less suited to astrophotography than F1.4 to F2.8 lenses
• No in-lens stabilization
• 7 aperture blades

Verdict

The AF 14mm F4.0 Air is a small ultra-wide prime for full-frame travel and architecture work. Those who need a bright aperture for low light should look at the faster but larger alternatives.