Viltrox AF 24mm F1.8

Sony E

Review

The Viltrox AF 24mm F1.8 lens for Sony E-mount is an intriguing addition to the lineup of fast prime lenses available for Sony users. With a contemporary design and practical focal length, this lens appeals to a variety of photography styles, ranging from street and landscape to portrait work.

Build Quality and Design

Right out of the box, the Viltrox AF 24mm F1.8 showcases a solid build quality that feels robust in hand. The lens has a lightweight construction, making it an excellent companion for long shooting sessions without fatigue. The matte finish provides a chic aesthetic but also helps to reduce reflections, a thoughtful touch for photographers who often shoot in varying light conditions.

The barrel features a well-placed focus ring that offers a smooth manual focus adjustment, although most photographers will likely rely on the autofocus capabilities. The autofocus is remarkably fast and accurate, making it suitable for dynamic subjects, particularly in street photography settings. Additionally, the lens comes with weather sealing, which is a major plus for those shooting in inclement conditions.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Viltrox AF 24mm F1.8 is commendable. With a fast aperture of F1.8, this lens offers excellent light-gathering capabilities, allowing for beautifully blurred backgrounds and impressive subject isolation. The sharpness is consistently high, even at its maximum aperture, which is a trait not all lenses can boast. When stopped down, the image quality improves slightly, showing minimal distortion and excellent contrast.

However, while chromatic aberration is well controlled, users may notice some vignetting at wider apertures. This effect can be reduced in post-processing or by stopping down to around F2.8. The lens also produces pleasing bokeh, characterized by smooth and creamy out-of-focus areas, which is essential for portrait photographers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight, easy to carry around.
• Fast F1.8 aperture for low-light performance and depth of field control.
• Excellent sharpness, even at wider apertures.
• Quick and accurate autofocus.
• Weather-sealed construction for better durability.
• Good bokeh quality for portraits.

Cons

• Some noticeable vignetting at F1.8.
• Slightly higher price point compared to similar options.
• Limited to a 24mm focal length, which may not suit all shooting styles.

Verdict

The Viltrox AF 24mm F1.8 for Sony E mount is an impressive lens that balances portability, build quality, and optical performance. It's particularly well-suited for photographers looking for versatility in their prime lenses while maintaining a compact form factor. While it may not be flawless, its strengths outweigh its minor drawbacks, making it a great choice for anyone eager to expand their lens collection with a reliable and high-performing 24mm option.