VILTROX 20mm f/2.8 FE Lens for Sony E-mount

VILTROX 20mm f/2.8 FE Lens for Sony E-mount — image 1
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88%
88%
Image Quality
92%
Portability
85%
Autofocus Speed
72%
Low Light Performance
90%
Build Quality
89%
Ease of Use
94%
Travel Suitability
86%
Compatibility with APS-C Sensors
93%
Lens Size and Weight
91%
Value for Money
87%
Vlogging Performance
90%
Sharpness across the Frame
More

Overview

The VILTROX 20mm f/2.8 FE Lens for Sony E-mount is a versatile wide-angle lens designed for Sony's E-mount cameras. It delivers a sharp and clear image with a 20mm focal length, making it a great option for both landscape and street photography. Weighing just 157g, this lens is incredibly lightweight and portable, ideal for photographers on the move. Additionally, it offers a smooth and near-silent autofocus system, ensuring that it works well for video recording or vlogging without distractions. Whether you’re using a full-frame or APS-C sensor, this lens provides reliable performance across a range of shooting scenarios.

Features & Benefits

This VILTROX lens features a wide 20mm focal length that provides excellent landscape and architectural shots, capturing expansive views with ease. The f/2.8 aperture allows for decent low-light performance, while the shallow depth of field helps isolate subjects effectively. With 10 optical elements in 8 groups, the lens produces sharp, clear images with minimal distortion. Its durable construction includes two ED lenses and two aspherical elements, enhancing both image quality and light transmission. Weighing only 157g, it’s a compact choice for travel photographers seeking to keep their gear light.

Best For

This wide-angle lens is best suited for photographers looking for an affordable and compact option to pair with Sony E-mount cameras. It’s particularly appealing to those who enjoy landscape, street, or architectural photography, where a lightweight design and sharp image quality are crucial. Vloggers and content creators will also find it a useful tool due to its fast autofocus and near-silent operation. The lens’s portability and ease of use make it a solid choice for travel photographers who need a versatile, everyday lens without sacrificing performance.

User Feedback

User reviews highlight the sharpness and clarity that this VILTROX lens provides, especially when shooting landscapes and cityscapes. Many appreciate its compact size, which makes it an excellent option for photographers on the go. However, some users have noted that while the autofocus is generally fast, it can struggle in very low-light situations. Overall, the lens is praised for its excellent value, offering solid performance at a more affordable price point compared to some other Sony-compatible lenses.

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Pros

  • This lens is incredibly lightweight, making it perfect for travel and street photography.
  • The 20mm focal length is ideal for capturing wide landscapes and urban scenes.
  • Fast autofocus and near-silent operation make it a great option for vloggers and content creators.
  • Users appreciate the sharpness and clarity of the lens, even at the edges of the frame.
  • The lens works well on both full-frame and APS-C sensor Sony cameras, offering versatility.
  • With a compact design and a weight of just 157g, it's highly portable for on-the-go shooting.

Cons

  • Autofocus can struggle in very low light conditions, affecting its performance in dark environments.
  • Some users find the lens's maximum aperture of f/2.8 limiting for very low-light photography.
  • Lack of built-in image stabilization makes it less suitable for handheld shooting in challenging conditions.
  • The build quality is durable but not as rugged as some higher-end lenses, limiting its use in extreme weather.
  • Some professional photographers may find the image quality lacking compared to more expensive wide-angle lenses.
  • The 20mm focal length may feel too wide for those who prefer tighter compositions for portraits.

Ratings

The VILTROX 20mm f/2.8 FE Lens for Sony E-mount has garnered a wide range of feedback from verified users across various platforms and languages. After filtering out spam, bot, and low-quality reviews, the aggregated insights reflect both the product's strengths and areas for improvement. While the lens excels in portability, image sharpness, and autofocus, some users have expressed concerns over its performance in low-light conditions. Overall, users appreciate its value for money and suitability for travel and content creation.

Image Quality
88%
Users consistently praise the sharpness of this lens, particularly its ability to capture fine details across the entire frame. Many photographers find the clarity impressive, even in complex lighting conditions. The 10-element construction helps produce vibrant, accurate colors, making it ideal for landscape and street photography.
However, some reviewers mention that while the lens delivers sharp images in general, there is noticeable softening towards the edges at wide apertures. A few also note that it doesn't match the clarity of higher-end, more expensive lenses in certain situations, especially in low-light environments.
Portability
92%
One of the standout features of this lens is its lightweight design, weighing just 157g. Many users appreciate how easily it fits into their travel bags, making it an excellent choice for photographers on the go. Its compact size allows for extended shooting without causing fatigue, making it perfect for casual street photography and day trips.
While the small size is beneficial for travel, a few users felt that it could benefit from a more robust build. Some mention that the lightweight construction feels a bit plasticky, which may raise concerns about long-term durability in demanding conditions.
Autofocus Speed
85%
The autofocus of this lens is generally fast and smooth, providing quick, responsive performance for both photos and videos. Several vloggers and content creators find it ideal for recording moving subjects, appreciating its ability to maintain focus even with rapid motion. Its near-silent operation also ensures minimal disruption during video recording.
Despite the generally quick autofocus, some users report that it can struggle in very low-light conditions, occasionally hunting for focus or becoming slow to respond. This can be frustrating for users who frequently shoot in dimly lit environments or during night-time activities.
Low Light Performance
72%
28%
The f/2.8 aperture allows for decent low-light performance, providing adequate exposure in most indoor settings or cloudy days. Users who primarily shoot in daylight or moderate lighting conditions generally find it sufficient for their needs.
However, in very low light, this lens falls short compared to other options with wider apertures. Several users point out that it struggles to gather enough light, resulting in slower shutter speeds or more noticeable noise in the final images. This limits its versatility in darker environments like concerts or night photography.
Build Quality
90%
The lens is praised for its solid construction, with users appreciating its durability despite its lightweight nature. The design feels sturdy enough for everyday use, and the materials used seem to hold up well during regular handling and travel.
A few users mentioned that, while the build quality is good for the price, it lacks the premium feel of more expensive lenses. Some also note that the absence of weather-sealing means it’s not the best choice for harsh conditions or extreme outdoor use.
Ease of Use
89%
Many users find this lens intuitive and easy to handle. Its compact size, combined with a simple design, makes it a breeze to operate, even for beginners. Photographers appreciate the straightforward focus ring and smooth zoom mechanism for precise control during adjustments.
On the downside, a few users feel the lack of image stabilization is a drawback, particularly for handheld shots in low light. This can make shooting without a tripod slightly more challenging for those accustomed to stabilized lenses.
Travel Suitability
94%
This lens is frequently highlighted as an excellent option for travel photographers. Its small form factor and lightweight design make it easy to carry for extended periods without causing discomfort. Users love that it doesn't take up much space in their bags, making it ideal for capturing landscapes, architecture, and street scenes during their travels.
However, a few travelers have mentioned that the lack of a wider aperture limits its use in low-light conditions during nighttime cityscapes or indoor shots. Some also wish for a bit more versatility in focal length for various shooting scenarios.
Compatibility with APS-C Sensors
86%
Users with APS-C sensor Sony cameras appreciate that this lens works well with their cameras, offering an effective focal length of 30mm. The lens provides a great balance between portability and performance, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a compact lens with a wide-angle perspective on their crop-sensor cameras.
However, some APS-C users note that while it performs decently, it doesn't quite deliver the same wide-field advantage as a dedicated full-frame wide-angle lens. A few users wish for a bit more versatility for framing in certain situations.
Lens Size and Weight
93%
The compact size and light weight are often praised, as they make it easy to carry on long shooting sessions. Its portability is especially appealing to those traveling light, ensuring that photographers can carry it all day without feeling burdened. Its small size also makes it a good choice for street photography where discretion is needed.
While many appreciate the small size, some find it a bit too small for more professional needs. The lighter weight can lead to a less stable hold, particularly when using a larger camera body, which may affect balance when shooting with longer lenses.
Value for Money
91%
For its price, this lens delivers excellent image quality and performance, making it a great value for money. Users consistently mention that it offers much of the performance of higher-end lenses but at a more affordable price point. This makes it an attractive option for those who need a reliable, compact wide-angle lens without breaking the bank.
However, some buyers feel that while it offers solid performance, it doesn't match the absolute sharpness or low-light capabilities of more premium lenses. For users expecting the highest level of performance, the lens may feel like it falls short in certain professional settings.
Vlogging Performance
87%
Vloggers appreciate the fast and quiet autofocus, which ensures that videos remain in focus without distracting noise. The wide 20mm field of view is perfect for capturing a dynamic, immersive environment in video content. Its lightweight design also makes it easy to mount on a gimbal or handheld stabilizer, offering smooth footage.
On the downside, some vloggers mention that while the autofocus is good in most conditions, it can struggle in low-light or high-contrast environments. Additionally, the lack of built-in stabilization may require external support for ultra-smooth footage in shaky situations.
Sharpness across the Frame
90%
Users report that this lens provides sharpness across most of the frame, even at wide apertures. The lens holds its own in landscape and architectural photography, where clarity and detail are essential. The optical elements effectively reduce distortion and ensure that the entire image retains sharpness from center to edge.
However, some users point out that the lens isn't as sharp in the extreme corners, particularly at its widest aperture. This slight falloff in sharpness can be noticeable, especially when photographing detailed subjects at wide-open f/2.8.

Suitable for:

The VILTROX 20mm f/2.8 FE Lens for Sony E-mount is well-suited for photographers who prioritize portability and sharp image quality at an affordable price. Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for travel and street photographers who need a reliable lens without adding bulk to their gear. Vloggers and content creators will also find this lens appealing, as its fast autofocus and near-silent operation make it great for capturing smooth video. Additionally, this lens works well for both full-frame and APS-C sensor Sony cameras, making it versatile for users across different systems. Its wide 20mm focal length is perfect for landscape photography, offering expansive views with good low-light performance at f/2.8.

Not suitable for:

While the VILTROX 20mm f/2.8 FE Lens offers great value, it may not be the best choice for users who require peak performance in very low-light environments. Some reviewers noted that its autofocus can struggle in dimly lit conditions, making it less reliable for night photography or indoor shoots without a tripod. Additionally, professional photographers looking for ultra-high resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness may find this lens lacking compared to more expensive options. Those who need built-in image stabilization for handheld shooting or extreme weather resistance may also be disappointed by the lens's limitations in these areas.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: The lens has a fixed focal length of 20mm, providing a wide-angle view ideal for landscapes and street photography.
  • Aperture: The lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, offering decent low-light performance and a shallow depth of field.
  • Autofocus: The lens features fast and reliable autofocus, ensuring smooth focusing for both photos and videos.
  • Lens Mount: This lens is designed for Sony E-mount cameras, compatible with both full-frame and APS-C sensor models.
  • Lens Elements: The lens consists of 10 optical elements arranged in 8 groups, ensuring sharp and clear images.
  • ED Lenses: It includes 2 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, which help reduce chromatic aberration and enhance image quality.
  • Aspherical Lenses: Two aspherical lenses are incorporated into the design to minimize distortion and maintain image sharpness.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: The lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.19m, allowing for close-up photography with fine detail.
  • Maximum Magnification: The maximum magnification is 0.17x, suitable for capturing moderately close subjects.
  • Weight: The lens weighs only 157g, making it lightweight and portable for travel and everyday use.
  • Dimensions: It measures 65x59.5mm, compact enough to fit into most camera bags without adding much bulk.
  • Filter Size: The lens has a 52mm filter thread, allowing you to use various filters for enhanced image effects.
  • Compatibility: This lens is fully compatible with all Sony E-mount cameras, both full-frame and APS-C sensor models.
  • Construction: The lens features durable construction with ultra-light internal focusing for smooth and reliable operation.
  • Image Stabilization: The lens does not include built-in image stabilization, which may require additional stabilization techniques in low-light conditions.
  • Optical Construction: The lens features an optical construction with 10 elements, including specialized ED and aspherical lenses for improved image quality.
  • Maximum Aperture Range: The aperture range spans from f/2.8 to f/16, giving flexibility for different shooting conditions.
  • Focus Type: The lens employs internal focusing, allowing for fast and silent autofocus adjustments without changing the lens length.
  • Use Case: Ideal for landscape, street photography, and vlogging, offering a wide field of view with reliable autofocus and compact design.

FAQ

This lens is compact and lightweight, weighing only 157g, making it highly portable for travel. Its wide 20mm focal length allows you to capture expansive landscapes and street scenes, while the f/2.8 aperture offers decent low-light performance, essential for spontaneous shots during travel.

Yes, the VILTROX 20mm f/2.8 FE Lens is designed to be compatible with both full-frame and APS-C sensor Sony E-mount cameras, offering versatility across various Sony models.

While the autofocus is generally fast and reliable, some users have noted that it can struggle in very low light conditions. In normal lighting, it performs well, but in darker environments, focusing may be slower.

The VILTROX 20mm f/2.8 lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.19 meters, allowing you to capture close-up shots with fine detail.

Yes, this lens has a filter size of 52mm, so you can use filters like UV, ND, or polarizers to enhance your photography, depending on your needs.

While the lens has a solid construction, it may not be as rugged as higher-end models. It can handle regular outdoor use, but for extreme weather or harsh environments, you might want to consider a more weather-sealed option.

Users report sharpness and clarity across the frame, especially for the price. However, some professionals feel that the image quality may not match more expensive lenses, particularly in terms of edge sharpness and distortion at the widest settings.

This lens is an excellent choice for vlogging due to its fast autofocus, near-silent operation, and wide focal length that provides great depth in shots. Its lightweight design also makes it easy to handle during recording.

The 20mm f/2.8 lens is ideal for landscape, street, and travel photography. Its wide-angle field of view is great for capturing expansive scenes, while the f/2.8 aperture is sufficient for moderate low-light situations.

The autofocus may struggle in very low-light environments, and the lack of image stabilization means it can be harder to shoot handheld in challenging conditions. Additionally, some users feel that the lens could benefit from a larger maximum aperture for better low-light performance.