The release of the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air E lens marks an important development in the market for ultra-wide lenses designed for APS-C cameras. Priced at a competitive $199, this lens promises both affordability and performance, making it a noteworthy option for photographers who seek to capture expansive landscapes or architectural shots without significant financial investment.
This lens is particularly appealing due to its compact size and lightweight design, weighing only 175 g. Such attributes make it practical for photographers who need a portable option. The lens features a metal mount and a USB-C port for firmware updates, enhancing its durability and usability. In a recent video review, photographer Alex Cooke provided an in-depth analysis of the lens’s capabilities, highlighting its suitability for both APS-C and full-frame cameras in crop mode.
The Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 offers a field of view equivalent to a 13.5mm full-frame lens when used on APS-C cameras. This extreme width allows for dramatic compositions, although it requires some practice to master. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 provides versatility in low-light conditions, although noticeable background blur is only achievable when subjects are very close to the lens.
Design and Performance Insights
Cooke noted that the lens boasts a simple yet robust build quality that does not feel cheap. The focus ring operates smoothly, and the autofocus is fast and nearly silent. While the lens lacks weather-sealing and image stabilization, these omissions are expected given its price point. Some issues, such as focus breathing, are present, but they are generally not distracting for a lens of this type.
Image quality testing reveals that the center of the lens is sharp and exhibits strong contrast when wide open at f/2.8. Corners show some softness but improve significantly when the aperture is stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6, which is beneficial for capturing clean landscapes or detailed interior shots. The lens is designed with 13 elements in 11 groups, and it features seven aperture blades.
While distortion is present, it is manageable, particularly when in-camera corrections are disabled. Vignetting is noticeable at f/2.8 and may require correction in post-processing. Cooke also pointed out that the lens handles strong light sources reasonably well, producing flare that does not detract from the overall image quality. Additionally, coma is effectively controlled, making this lens suitable for astrophotography, with defined sun stars visible at f/8.
Conclusion
The Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air E lens stands out for its combination of affordability, lightweight design, and impressive performance, especially for photographers using APS-C systems. With a variety of features tailored to enhance the user experience, this lens is a solid choice for those looking to expand their photographic toolkit. For a detailed review, viewers can access Cooke’s full video analysis on the subject.
Alex Cooke, based in Cleveland, is not only a photographer but also a meteorologist. He brings a unique perspective to his work, reflecting his diverse interests, which include teaching music and spending time with his horses and rescue dogs.