"A great budget lens for astrophotography, the sharpness produced at f/1.8 and f/2.8 is exactly what you want." Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE lens review
Key specs Type: Full-frame prime lens Focal length: 16mm Maximum aperture: f/1.8 Lens mount: Sony FE, Nikon Z Weight: 19.4 oz (550 g) Dimensions: 3.35 x 4.06-in (85.2 x 103 mm) Filter thread: 77 mm Release date: May 2023 As you know, prime lenses come in a wide range of sizes and focal lengths, and every once in a while, one comes along and seems to grab you by the scruff of your neck.
One such lens is the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE, which is an impressive and useful lens for astrophotography thanks to its wide-angle field of view and fast maximum aperture.
This lens is one of the wider prime lenses that are available and could be one of the best third-party lenses for astrophotography .
With a price of just $464 (£533), this is one of the most cost-effective wide-angle primes, but rather than being a second-rate lens, its build quality and image quality are fantastic.
It’s not the best, but it’s undoubtedly a lens you would enjoy.
Image quality is excellent overall, with no need for lens corrections, except for vignette removal when shooting wide open.
With near-perfect sharpness and minimal distortion and aberrations straight out of the camera, perhaps the weight of the lens is a small price to pay.
The lens is made up of 15 elements in 12 groups and is built like a tank, with an all-metal body.
It is pretty heavy, though, weighing in at 19.4 oz (550 g) despite its relatively compact size.
Attach this lens to one of the best Sony cameras and you will have a formidable combination.
The 16mm f/1.8 is also available in the Nikon Z-mount.
Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE lens review Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE: Performance The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE has a 77 mm filter thread. (Image credit: James Abbott) Great image quality Impressively sharp at f/1.8 Excellent corner sharpness With a focal length of 16mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.8, this is clearly a great lens for astrophotography from a technical point of view.
The light-gathering capabilities are excellent, to say the least, and during testing it was possible to shoot at a range of ISO levels with a moonless sky.
Even ISO 800 was often high enough for a correct exposure.
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