Viltrox AF 20mm F2.8
Viltrox · 20 mm · f/2.8 · Air
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
60
SCORE /100
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 | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe 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. | |
| Brand | Viltrox |
| Release Year | 2023 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. | Air |
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. | Nikon Z |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Nikon Z |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical64/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 173 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 68 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 60.8 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 52 mm |
Optics77/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 20 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 2.8 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 91.6° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 16 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 7020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 19 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.17x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features19/100 | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. |  Yes |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Petal |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction54/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 10 |
| Groups | 8 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 2 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 2 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |