Viltrox MF 20mm F1.8

Sony E

Review

The Viltrox MF 20mm F1.8 lens for Sony E mount is an interesting addition to the growing category of fast wide-angle primes. It caters to photographers and videographers who demand brightness and sharpness, especially in low-light environments. With its wide aperture and compact design, this lens offers versatility for various shooting styles, from landscapes to astrophotography.

Design and Build Quality

The Viltrox MF 20mm F1.8 comes with an all-metal construction, giving it a robust feel that belies its affordable price tag. The lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for long hours of shooting. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, which is crucial for manual focus, though it could benefit from a bit more resistance to avoid accidental adjustments.

Optical Performance

Optically, this lens delivers impressive performance for its price. It offers excellent sharpness across the frame, particularly when stopped down a bit from its maximum aperture. The F1.8 aperture allows for delightful background blur, and while the bokeh is generally pleasing, it can get a bit busy in certain scenarios. Distortion is minimal, which is a significant advantage for architectural photography, and vignette is controlled nicely, although slight darkening at the corners can be observed at wider apertures.

Manual Focus Experience

One key feature is its fully manual focus mechanism. This can be both a boon and a bane. For those who enjoy the tactile feedback and control that manual focus provides, it will be a highly rewarding experience. However, for users accustomed to automatic focus systems, this may require a learning curve, especially in critical focus situations.

Compatibility and Use Cases

The lens is well-suited for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras, but it can also be used on crop-sensor machines, offering an equivalent focal length of approximately 30mm. This makes it versatile enough for street photography, environmental portraits, and even video work, especially for wide shots in tight spaces.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable pricing for a fast prime lens
• Excellent build quality with a sturdy metal construction
• Impressive optical performance with sharp images across the frame
• Great for low-light conditions thanks to the F1.8 aperture
• Very compact and lightweight design

Cons

• Fully manual focus may limit usability for those used to autofocus systems
• Bokeh can be busy in some situations
• Slight corner vignette at wide apertures

Verdict

The Viltrox MF 20mm F1.8 lens for Sony E mount is a solid choice for those looking to explore wide-angle photography without breaking the bank. Its combination of sharpness, build quality, and low-light capability makes it an attractive option for both photographers and videographers alike. While the manual focus can be challenging for some, the lens is still highly recommended for anyone willing to embrace its unique characteristics. Whether you are shooting landscapes, architecture, or capturing the night sky, this lens is sure to deliver pleasing results.