Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8

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.