Viltrox AF 20mm F2.8

The Viltrox AF 20mm F2.8 is a compact wide-angle prime for full-frame cameras, introduced in 2023. It comes in Sony E and Nikon Z versions, so choose the version made for your camera.

At 20mm, it frames wide views: interiors, building exteriors, streetscapes and open landscapes. Those subjects suit travel and street photographers who want a light, unobtrusive lens for daily carry. The wide view also helps handheld video at arm's length.

The lens has no image stabilisation or weather sealing. A camera with body stabilisation can help with shake. Consider support for long exposures and cover in wet weather.

The Sony E version weighs 5.5 oz (157 g) and measures 2.56 in (65 mm) across and 2.34 in (59.5 mm) long. The Nikon Z version differs in size and weight. Allow room for an attached filter and keep both ends capped when placing the lens in your bag.

The front takes 52mm screw-in filters; any filter must match that thread.

This lens scores 77/100 for optics specifications. At 20mm on a full-frame body, the framing is wide but not extreme. You can take in a broad scene, or move closer to fill the frame with part of it.

Perspective follows viewpoint, not focal length. Moving close to a foreground object, such as a gate post, makes it stand large against the background. That size contrast adds depth to the scene.

The f/2.8 maximum aperture gathers more light than a smaller opening. That can help retain a faster shutter speed or lower ISO in dim rooms. Depth of field still depends on aperture and focus distance. A close subject can have a soft background, while stopping down helps include more depth.

Closest focus is 0.6 ft (19 cm), measured from the sensor. Maximum magnification is 0.17x. You can work near a foreground detail while including some surrounding scene. How much fits depends on its size and your distance. Leave room ahead of the lens so the camera does not block the light.

This lens scores 19/100 on features. There is no image stabilization, so the lens adds nothing to steady handheld shooting. If your camera body stabilises the sensor, that support helps; otherwise brace yourself or raise the ISO in dim light.

There is no weather sealing. Keep the lens sheltered from rain, sea spray and heavy dust. Avoid changing lenses in blowing sand, and check the mount is clean before fitting it to the camera.

The front coating helps repel water and oily marks for easier cleaning. Remove loose grit before wiping, as particles can scratch the surface. Put the front cap on before storing the lens or moving through dusty surroundings.

Two aspherical elements use shaped surfaces to help correct distortion and spherical aberration. That matters here, because interiors and architecture include straight walls and door frames.

Two low-dispersion elements help reduce chromatic aberration, the coloured fringing that can appear along high-contrast edges such as bright windows against dark interiors. Focusing also moves inside the barrel, so the lens keeps its length while it focuses.