CameraReview
Viltrox AF 20mm F2.8
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Viltrox · 20 mm · f/2.8 · Sony E, Nikon Z mount

Viltrox AF 20mm F2.8

From $176 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandViltrox
Announcement dateDec 2023
Released2023
Production started2023
Production statusIn Production
What We Like
+Exceptional value at ~$158-175 USD; compact and lightweight at 157g (E-mount) or 173g (Z-mount)
+High-quality optics with ED glass and aspherical elements deliver sharp center-to-corner results when stopped down
+Silent STM autofocus with Eye AF support; firmware updates via USB-C for continued improvement
+Versatile 20mm focal length ideal for travel, landscape, vlogging, and architecture with 91.6° field of view
Worth Knowing
Strong field curvature at wide apertures limits sharpness edge-to-edge at F2.8; best results at F5.6+
No weather sealing; vulnerable to moisture and dust despite water-resistant front coating
Moderate flare and ghosting resistance; faint patterns visible at F2.8 becoming more defined when stopped down
Plastic construction feels inexpensive despite solid durability; less premium feel than competitors at higher price points

General

Brand
Viltrox
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Dec 2023
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2023
Production started
2023
Production status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
The Viltrox AF 20mm F2.8 FE is a super affordable ultra-wide lens that is capable of very good results, though strong field curvature is an issue at large apertures, so for best results you should stop down to f/5.6. With 10 elements in 8 groups it offers outstanding optical performance, achieves beautiful close-ups with a minimum focusing distance of about 0.19m, and the quiet STM focus motor provides accurate and smooth focusing. At merely $160 USD, this budget-friendly option delivers an exceptional value proposition for travel photographers and videographers seeking a compact, lightweight wide-angle prime.

Optics

Minimum Aperture
F16
Optical Formula
10 elements in 8 groups
Special Elements
2 ED lenses, 1 high refractive index lens, 2 aspherical lenses
Min focal length
20 mm
Max focal length
20 mm
Focal range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
20 mm
Zoom lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
No
Max aperture wide
2.8
Max aperture zoom
2.8
Autofocus mode
Yes
Closest focusing distance
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
19 cm01500
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
7020

Coatings protection

Front Lens Coating
HD Nano multilayer coating with water-resistant and antifouling coating

Autofocus

Focus Control
Internal focus, by-wire manual focus

Close focus magnification

Maximum Magnification
0.17x

Filters accessories

Lens Hood
Petal-shaped bayonet hood included

Build dimensions

Weight (E mount)
157g
Weight (Z mount)
173g
Length (E mount)
~59.5mm
Length (Z mount)
~60.8mm
Diameter (E mount)
~65mm
Diameter (Z mount)
~68mm
Material
Polycarbonate (engineered plastic) body with aluminum mounting plate

Firmware connectivity

USB Port
USB-C port on lens mount for firmware updates
EXIF Support
Yes

Optical performance

Field of View
91.6 degrees
Distortion
~1.85% barrel distortion
Key Characteristic
Strong field curvature at large apertures; sharp results when stopped down to F5.6

Physical

Front filter size
Diameter of attachable filters.
52 mm
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony E, Nikon Z