Viltrox MF 20mm F1.8 Nikon Z (DX/FX)
Review
Viltrox has made notable strides in the lens market, particularly with its new offering for the Nikon Z mount. The Viltrox MF 20mm F1.8 is a manual focus wide-angle lens that's designed to cater to both landscape and astrophotography enthusiasts, as well as anyone who desires a fast aperture in a compact form. Let's dive deeper into its features, performance, and what it means for photographers.
Build Quality and Design
Straight out of the box, the Viltrox MF 20mm F1.8 impresses with its solid build quality. Constructed primarily from a durable metal alloy, the lens feels robust and premium in hand. The textured focus ring offers a satisfying tactile feedback, making manual focusing precise and enjoyable. At 300 grams, it is relatively lightweight for a fast-aperture lens, making it suitable for long shooting sessions without adding too much weight to your camera rig.
Optical Performance
The optical performance of the Viltrox MF 20mm F1.8 is one of its standout features. With a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, the lens allows for excellent low-light performance while producing a beautiful bokeh. Sharpness is impressive across the frame, even when shooting wide open, though it does exhibit some softening at the extreme corners, a common trait in wide-angle lenses. Distortion is minimal, and chromatic aberration is well-controlled, making it a reliable choice for diverse photography styles.
Usability
Since this is a manual focus lens, it's essential to consider how the lens handles. Photographers accustomed to autofocus may take some time to adjust, but the focus ring's smooth operation makes it easy to find the sweet spot. However, the lack of autofocus may be a drawback for some, especially for those who often shoot moving subjects. The lens does not have built-in image stabilization, which can be an issue in low-light situations or when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds.
Compatibility with Nikon Z Cameras
Designed specifically for the Nikon Z mount, this lens integrates seamlessly with various Z series cameras. The manual focus experience paired with the focus peaking feature found in Z cameras can greatly enhance precision and control. However, users should also expect some limitations in terms of electronic communication, as certain lens corrections available with native Nikon lenses might not be supported.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent build quality and design
- Fast f/1.8 aperture for great low-light performance
- Good sharpness throughout the frame
- Minimal distortion and well-controlled chromatic aberration
Cons
- Manual focus may not be suitable for all photographers
- No image stabilization
- Limited electronic communication with Nikon Z cameras
Verdict
The Viltrox MF 20mm F1.8 is a commendable addition to the Nikon Z lens lineup, particularly for photographers who value a lightweight and compact design while requiring a fast aperture. It excels in optical performance and build quality, making it a solid choice for landscape and astrophotography. However, those reliant on autofocus or requiring image stabilization might want to consider other options. For manual focal enthusiasts, this lens proves to be a worthy companion in their photographic journey.