At medium aperture settings, the vignetting decreases to ~0.6EV (auto-corrected), which isn't disturbing anymore. It's not quite as much at ~2 EV with activated auto-correction. In RAW images, the light falloff exceeds 3 EV (f-stops). Ultra-wide lenses produce quite a bit of vignetting at large aperture settings, and the Viltrox lens is no exception to the rule here. Auto-correction with its lossy side effects isn't needed. Namely, it's basically distortion-free - even in RAW images. One of the really surprising aspects of the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE, and there are a couple, is the distortion characteristic. LCD display, 2 custom buttons, clickless aperture mode, dust-sealing, aperture ring Focus breathing is all but absent, so that's good news for videos.ġ5 elements in 12 groups, incl. As usual, manual focusing works "by-wire," which is well implemented. The lens has a noiseless stepping motor (STM) which is reasonably fast. Some of the other Chinese players are still struggling to source autofocus motors for their lenses, but Viltrox solved this quite a while ago already. ![]() A depth-of-field indicator would have been nice - possibly something for a firmware update (possible via a USB-C port)? Unlike some of its distant cousins, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE doesn't have a bulb-like front element, and it accepts 77mm front filters. It's not a first - we have seen this on Zeiss Batis lenses before - but this one shows some more information, including distance, focus distance limiter settings and the current aperture. Another interesting feature is the LCD display. Moreover, there are 2 custom buttons (Fn1, Fn2) that can be configured on certain Sony cameras. They also implemented a dedicated aperture ring which can be set to click or clickless mode. On top of that, it also features dust-proof sealings - 6 of them, to be precise. The length remains constant throughout the focus range. Even the back part of the supplied petal-shaped lens hood has a metal ring instead of being all plastic. The lens barrel is made of metal, including the mount and the smoothly turning focus ring. Viltrox didn't cut corners regarding the build quality of the AF 16mm f/1.8 FE. This sounds too good to be true then? Let's find out. With a weight of 550g, it isn't a burden in your bag either. And it does so without breaking your bank account at just 549 USD - that's less than half (!) of what you have to pay for Sony's own FE 14mm f/1.8 GM. Yes, there are wider and faster lenses, but the Viltrox lens keeps a nice balance by offering a little extra without going downright bonkers. However, there might be a solution to these problems - meet the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE, available in Sony E-mount and, soon, in Nikon Z-mount. And then there's the other problem - the wider and faster you go, the more you are entering stratospheric price levels. Many of us know the problem - sometimes wide and fast just isn't wide and fast enough. ![]() The legendary ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating, combined with more than 125 years of experience in lens development and the latest technologies, ensure that every moment captured with a ZEISS Batis lens provides that exceptional ZEISS look.Review by Klaus Schroiff, published June 2023 The high-speed fixed focal lengths of the ZEISS Batis family offer flawless imaging thanks to their completely revamped optical design. For creative photography, the innovative OLED display shows the distance and depth of field to ensure the focusing range can always be perfectly set. The lenses are fully compatible with all E-mount cameras and offer not only fast, quiet autofocus, but also protection against dust and weather. They have been adapted to work with the camera to form a compact, lightweight system that doesn’t compromise on performance. The ZEISS Batis autofocus lenses were specially developed for mirrorless, full-frame sensor cameras from Sony. Consistently excellent image quality right into the corners makes the lens perfect for the challenges of, for example, landscape, astro and architectural photography. The very large field angle of this super wide-angle lens is perfect for creative shots with unusual perspectives. Very large field angle and fast autofocus – combined with protection against dust and spray water for reliable photography in all weathers: this is the ideal full-frame lens for landscape, astro and architectural photography.
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