I saw this review and immediately bought the Nikon Z version from B&H, arrived just in time for an event that I cover and was impressed by the shots I made from it. It is light to use with the Nikon ZF. Thanks for the great review!
I preordered this for my new A7CII. This setup is wonderful for a full frame compact street shooting camera. I have the A7RV for my landscapes and outdoor work. As always, another great review Dustin…
I've been a long time blog follower. It's time to pay my tribute. Thank you for reviewing this lens. I've checked Tamron's 20mm lens but just can't stand for the distortion. After seeing your text and RUclips reviews, I ordered the lens (thanks for the 8% discount).
When this comes out for Nikon Z it's gonna be my perfect second lens on the Z7, the first being the Nikon 40mm f/2. Should make for an amazing cheapo but still high res EDC kit.
Hi Dustin I stumbled into this video review by accident. As an amateur on budget I decided to order this lens using your discount code which got me 10% off. It arrived within 6 days (not bad from China to UK) and I did not have to pay any Import tax because the lens being so cheap was below the tax threshold price. As it arrived today I haven't had time to try it out yet. Many thanks
It would be interesting to see this compared to the Tamron's. The Tamrons are almost always on sale at $199. It was my first prime on my first camera (A6000)
I have a Tamron 35mm F2.8 and it’s great - I bought it for just £179. The 1:2 macro focusing makes it even better. Was also looking at Tamron 20 but it doesn’t get great reviews due to distortion, as mentioned in this video
...the quality of the Tamron isn't good enough to cope with the 42mp Sony sensor on a A7R3/4/5 but it's a great little budget lens for 24mp devices. From what ive seen on a A7R3 Test Chart, this one is much better. Also as per Dustin's excellent review and advice 👍
This feels like a good street photography contender. Small, tack sharp ignoring the curvature (which won't be a problem at daylight street aperture values like f/8), amazing handling of CA and bright lights. It feels as if it would work amazing on APS-C too! Great review.
Thank you for your detailed review. I think there is a lot to like about that lens. That's why I'm considering buying the lens if it is released for Nikon Z. But I have a technical question: is field curvature only a short distance problem or is it also visible when focussing to infinity? You know what I'm getting at?
It seems to only be a short distance problem. I traveled with it recently, and when doing landscapes (even on a 61MP body), the corners look pretty good (at typical landscape apertures).
@@DustinAbbottTWI I mainly would use it for landscape and architecture. But I also want to use it for stars and milkyway (for better results on a tracker).
Excellent review as usual. At what distance do you shoot the test charts? I ask because the distance is relevant to the depth of field, which is important to compensate for the field curvature, as you mentioned.
With your discount code $ 145. Unbelievable price with an actually good lens! Really putting pressure on the manufacturers to compete with better prices.
Dustin, in the description it is written that is also made for Nikon Z. Is this info correct? I am asking because I am looking for a nice vlogging lens which has to be fast too for astro timelapses. Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 seems like something similar, but its only for Sony E, so I would have to buy and adapter, which makes the whole thing not so budget anymore.
The Samyang is good, but you need to get a good sample. I tried 4 different one's until I got one that was sharp. Quality control isn't that good with that lens.
I'm using this lens on my little Z50. Gives me an angle of view of a 30mm FF lens, which is what I want 😊. I have the Viltrox 13mm f1.4 lens so that's my (FF) 20mm lens
My favorite landscape and cityscape lens is the Zeiss 18mm Batis. While not the smallest lens, it is quite lightweight, which made me chose it over the 17-28 by Tamron. Ignoring the slight focal length difference, is this a worthy competitor/replacement for the Batis?
Hello, I just purchased this lens to replace my recently ruined Samyang 24mm. The Samyang required updating through their Lens Station for use with the new Sony Cameras, and that process ruined the lens. I am curious about any firmware updates you had with this lens? Also I would LOVE any ideas you might have for getting some help from Samyang with my other lens. I have not gotten any reply from customer service. Love these reviews. I did make the Samyang purchase partly based on your reviews, which is why i hope you might have some insight. Thank you.
If doing a firmware update bricked your lens, then Samyang should definitely deal with that. What country are you in, and where did you buy your lens from? It might be helpful to start the repair process through the retailer, as they would have more pull with Samyang.
Is it just me or this 20mm lens has a little feel of anamorphic? While 16mm of vitrox looks a bit more natural with almost unnoticeable distortion at the corner? 😅
@@DustinAbbottTWI That is way i mention most probably the feeling is just only me.. haha.. but i might get 16mm over the 20mm.. still debating & hving conflict within myself.. haha.. 🤣🤣🤣
The problem is that the lens is just f/2.8. If it were f/1.8 it would be interesting, I could have used it for night time shooting. Otherwise I already have Tamron 20-40/2.8. The prime is smaller but not significantly so. I buy primes to get more light than zooms. A slow prime can also be interesting if it's pancake, but this lens is not.
How do you think this will render on a 26mp APS-C sensor? Given the resolution full frame you used it seems like it should be decently sharp across the frame on the smaller sensor. I'm thinking if of using it with an X-S10 when it's released in X mount.
I would think that it would handle it well. That's basically the same pixel density as the a7RV that I tested it on. The corners would be cut off, too, which would eliminate the field curvature issue I talk about.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Though that may be true, I see no reason for a manufacturer to not add at least a rubber on the mount. The entire lens doesn't need to be weather sealed, but the mount... I feel like every company should just add that even if it does add 20 dollars to the price.
Hello again, I don't mean to drive you nuts with updates. I replied to your nice messagae but wasn't sure it went through. I boiught several Samyang lenses from Amazon a couple years ago when I bought a Sony A&Siii and A7C. I have loved the lenses. I never purchased the Lens Station but did so recently after geting the Sony A7Cii which required firmware updates on all the Samyang lenses. Most of them seem to be working better, but the 24mm (which I use iften) is no longer recognized by the camera, or the Lens Station. I downloaded the recovery software, and tried all listed methods to fix the issue. I have written Samyang customer service online, and on their Facebook page. No reply from several messages. I realize the lens warranty is most likely past, but I can't believe they can sell a product like the lens station that can cripple your lens and there's no recourse. Any leads you might suggest on where to go to resolve this would be wonderful. I did purchase this Viltrox lens to perhaps replace the Samyang 24mm seeing that I can no longer justify buying any Samyang lens. Thanks again. Really appreciate your reviews, and your taking the time to reply.
I would definitely try to work it from the Amazon angle. I see there is a place low down on the listing where you can access warranty information. amzn.to/49zvrZ5. Beyond that, I can only recommend to keep reaching out to them. I don't have reliable contact at Samyang right now, and I've actually not been able to get any new loaners from them for nearly a year. I think the person that I dealt with there has either retired or gone elsewhere, so I don't have any special "inside track" to offer you right now.
Thank you good fellow. I really appreciate your time. Sure I hoped you had some inside scoop but I realize that was a long shot. I’ll hope I can eventually get some help from Samyang. I won’t give up. Thanks again, and I’ll look forward to your next video.
that's interesting, but I having the 20mm focal length in the 20-70 it doesn't make sense for me, I would like to see a Sony 17mm or 18mm 2.8 well corrected for distortion for a change, compact and with sony quality....although I must say that I am already happy with the samyang....
I ordered the lens from Viltrox and used your code. Now here is the problem. Viltrox states the lens in in the United States and a third party company is delivering it to the USPS. Part of this is correct. The lens is in China and the company is a front carrier. It does not appear to be a scam, but it is very misleading. So, what happens is that the delivery does not start in Los Angeles, but in China. I regret going through your link and not wait for B&H to handle the order. Finally, so how, I am getting scam messages from someone telling me my address is wrong. What a mess. Maybe, before posting a review and providing a link, more research should be done.
Hi Rich, I've actually done a lot of research. I've reviewed several dozen Viltrox lenses, and they have all come to me through the same process that you describe. More than 160 orders have been placed through my link over the past few years, and you are the first to complain about the process. I'm sorry you are disappointed over the process, but there's nothing untoward about it.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I agree that there is nothing untoward, however, the process is rather deceptive. The impression is that the lens is readily available and it is not. Normally, I would not write about this, but I believe your followers need to understand process. Your reviews are straightforward, honest and extremely insightful. Based on your reviews, I order equipment.
Cant hold a candle to my Nikon Z 20mm f1.8 S Lens .. Corner to corner sharpness next level >> best choice for Milky Way Photography here in Dark Night Sky S Africa >> 10 x the price of this Viltrox but you get what you pay for
That bill has been on my chart for years and is not a political statement. That being said, I have visited Israel multiple times and have thoroughly enjoyed my visits there. War is always an ugly and terrible thing.
Anti-Semitism in 2023: people no longer say they hate Israel, they just love the Israel's enemies. Anyway, this is not a place for those discussions, take it elsewhere.
I saw this review and immediately bought the Nikon Z version from B&H, arrived just in time for an event that I cover and was impressed by the shots I made from it. It is light to use with the Nikon ZF. Thanks for the great review!
That's a great pairing.
I preordered this for my new A7CII. This setup is wonderful for a full frame compact street shooting camera. I have the A7RV for my landscapes and outdoor work. As always, another great review Dustin…
Exactly. It's a perfect pairing for a compact camera.
I've been a long time blog follower. It's time to pay my tribute. Thank you for reviewing this lens. I've checked Tamron's 20mm lens but just can't stand for the distortion. After seeing your text and RUclips reviews, I ordered the lens (thanks for the 8% discount).
I'm glad the review helped. Enjoy
Once again, thank you very much for the text review.
You're welcome.
When this comes out for Nikon Z it's gonna be my perfect second lens on the Z7, the first being the Nikon 40mm f/2. Should make for an amazing cheapo but still high res EDC kit.
Hi Dustin I stumbled into this video review by accident. As an amateur on budget I decided to order this lens using your discount code which got me 10% off. It arrived within 6 days (not bad from China to UK) and I did not have to pay any Import tax because the lens being so cheap was below the tax threshold price. As it arrived today I haven't had time to try it out yet.
Many thanks
Sounds like you got good value. Enjoy!
Thank you so much for this video, im buying!
It's pretty close to a no-brainer lens.
Already snowing in Canada! We're still wearing shorts here in Cyprus.
Rub it in... :)
@@DustinAbbottTWI 🤣😅
great price, sounds like a nice xmas gift
For once, a lens inexpensive enough that this is true!
It would be interesting to see this compared to the Tamron's. The Tamrons are almost always on sale at $199. It was my first prime on my first camera (A6000)
I have a Tamron 35mm F2.8 and it’s great - I bought it for just £179. The 1:2 macro focusing makes it even better.
Was also looking at Tamron 20 but it doesn’t get great reviews due to distortion, as mentioned in this video
...the quality of the Tamron isn't good enough to cope with the 42mp Sony sensor on a A7R3/4/5 but it's a great little budget lens for 24mp devices. From what ive seen on a A7R3 Test Chart, this one is much better. Also as per Dustin's excellent review and advice 👍
This feels like a good street photography contender. Small, tack sharp ignoring the curvature (which won't be a problem at daylight street aperture values like f/8), amazing handling of CA and bright lights. It feels as if it would work amazing on APS-C too! Great review.
Exactly.
Thank you for your detailed review. I think there is a lot to like about that lens. That's why I'm considering buying the lens if it is released for Nikon Z. But I have a technical question: is field curvature only a short distance problem or is it also visible when focussing to infinity? You know what I'm getting at?
It seems to only be a short distance problem. I traveled with it recently, and when doing landscapes (even on a 61MP body), the corners look pretty good (at typical landscape apertures).
@@DustinAbbottTWI I mainly would use it for landscape and architecture. But I also want to use it for stars and milkyway (for better results on a tracker).
Excellent review as usual. At what distance do you shoot the test charts? I ask because the distance is relevant to the depth of field, which is important to compensate for the field curvature, as you mentioned.
The distance for a 20mm lens would be about two feet. Things are better at infinity, though the lens is still weakest in the extreme corners.
With your discount code $ 145. Unbelievable price with an actually good lens! Really putting pressure on the manufacturers to compete with better prices.
It's pretty insane, isn't it. Such a great value.
Dustin, in the description it is written that is also made for Nikon Z. Is this info correct? I am asking because I am looking for a nice vlogging lens which has to be fast too for astro timelapses. Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 seems like something similar, but its only for Sony E, so I would have to buy and adapter, which makes the whole thing not so budget anymore.
Yes - for Nikon Z too!
They do have a Z-mount version planned, though I don't think it has arrived yet.
@@DustinAbbottTWI At least since 5 days available and there are a lot of RUclips videos on this lens on a Nikon Z.
Compared to Samyang 18mm would you choose this lens due to worst coma? I want to use either for some cheap night sky shooting.
I would choose the Viltrox lens, myself. I think it is sharper and higher performing.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you very much for the response. I will go for it then.
The Samyang is good, but you need to get a good sample. I tried 4 different one's until I got one that was sharp. Quality control isn't that good with that lens.
I'm using this lens on my little Z50. Gives me an angle of view of a 30mm FF lens, which is what I want 😊. I have the Viltrox 13mm f1.4 lens so that's my (FF) 20mm lens
Nice.
My favorite landscape and cityscape lens is the Zeiss 18mm Batis. While not the smallest lens, it is quite lightweight, which made me chose it over the 17-28 by Tamron.
Ignoring the slight focal length difference, is this a worthy competitor/replacement for the Batis?
The lens is unbeatable value for money, albeit I have the Sony 20mm F1.8, was it worth 4x the price? Not sure.
I do really like the Sony, but yes, this lens is pretty strong for the price.
Perfect lens for my ZV-E1
100%
Hello, I just purchased this lens to replace my recently ruined Samyang 24mm. The Samyang required updating through their Lens Station for use with the new Sony Cameras, and that process ruined the lens. I am curious about any firmware updates you had with this lens? Also I would LOVE any ideas you might have for getting some help from Samyang with my other lens. I have not gotten any reply from customer service. Love these reviews. I did make the Samyang purchase partly based on your reviews, which is why i hope you might have some insight. Thank you.
If doing a firmware update bricked your lens, then Samyang should definitely deal with that. What country are you in, and where did you buy your lens from? It might be helpful to start the repair process through the retailer, as they would have more pull with Samyang.
Coma would have been interesting (for astro)
Is it just me or this 20mm lens has a little feel of anamorphic? While 16mm of vitrox looks a bit more natural with almost unnoticeable distortion at the corner? 😅
That’s interesting. I don’t necessarily see it, but the 16mm is the more corrected lens for sure
@@DustinAbbottTWI That is way i mention most probably the feeling is just only me.. haha.. but i might get 16mm over the 20mm.. still debating & hving conflict within myself.. haha.. 🤣🤣🤣
The problem is that the lens is just f/2.8. If it were f/1.8 it would be interesting, I could have used it for night time shooting. Otherwise I already have Tamron 20-40/2.8. The prime is smaller but not significantly so. I buy primes to get more light than zooms. A slow prime can also be interesting if it's pancake, but this lens is not.
Sure, but presumably your budget extends beyond 149$ seeing as you are considering as an alternative to a 800$ zoom.
How do you think this will render on a 26mp APS-C sensor? Given the resolution full frame you used it seems like it should be decently sharp across the frame on the smaller sensor. I'm thinking if of using it with an X-S10 when it's released in X mount.
I would think that it would handle it well. That's basically the same pixel density as the a7RV that I tested it on. The corners would be cut off, too, which would eliminate the field curvature issue I talk about.
Why not increase the lens by 20 dollars and add weather sealing on the mount Viltrox.
That's a tough criticism when you consider that no lens in this class has weather sealing.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Though that may be true, I see no reason for a manufacturer to not add at least a rubber on the mount. The entire lens doesn't need to be weather sealed, but the mount... I feel like every company should just add that even if it does add 20 dollars to the price.
is it snowing outside?
Unfortunately yes.
Hey can you tell me which lens i should buy between Tamron 20 mm samyang 18 mm &vitrox 20 mm for photos video for Sony m3
I personally think the viltrox is the best bang for buck.
@@DustinAbbottTWI ❤️❤️❤️
Hello again, I don't mean to drive you nuts with updates. I replied to your nice messagae but wasn't sure it went through. I boiught several Samyang lenses from Amazon a couple years ago when I bought a Sony A&Siii and A7C. I have loved the lenses. I never purchased the Lens Station but did so recently after geting the Sony A7Cii which required firmware updates on all the Samyang lenses. Most of them seem to be working better, but the 24mm (which I use iften) is no longer recognized by the camera, or the Lens Station. I downloaded the recovery software, and tried all listed methods to fix the issue. I have written Samyang customer service online, and on their Facebook page. No reply from several messages. I realize the lens warranty is most likely past, but I can't believe they can sell a product like the lens station that can cripple your lens and there's no recourse. Any leads you might suggest on where to go to resolve this would be wonderful. I did purchase this Viltrox lens to perhaps replace the Samyang 24mm seeing that I can no longer justify buying any Samyang lens. Thanks again. Really appreciate your reviews, and your taking the time to reply.
I would definitely try to work it from the Amazon angle. I see there is a place low down on the listing where you can access warranty information. amzn.to/49zvrZ5. Beyond that, I can only recommend to keep reaching out to them. I don't have reliable contact at Samyang right now, and I've actually not been able to get any new loaners from them for nearly a year. I think the person that I dealt with there has either retired or gone elsewhere, so I don't have any special "inside track" to offer you right now.
Thank you good fellow. I really appreciate your time. Sure I hoped you had some inside scoop but I realize that was a long shot.
I’ll hope I can eventually get some help from Samyang.
I won’t give up.
Thanks again, and I’ll look forward to your next video.
I am surprised that it’s better than the samyang 18mm, I am getting so many good images with it and I find it sharp….
That's fair, but the Viltrox is surprisingly sharp and has more contrast bite to it than the Samyang.
that's interesting, but I having the 20mm focal length in the 20-70 it doesn't make sense for me, I would like to see a Sony 17mm or 18mm 2.8 well corrected for distortion for a change, compact and with sony quality....although I must say that I am already happy with the samyang....
🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸
ADFWEAGESTSDGGWESE
I ordered the lens from Viltrox and used your code. Now here is the problem. Viltrox states the lens in in the United States and a third party company is delivering it to the USPS. Part of this is correct. The lens is in China and the company is a front carrier. It does not appear to be a scam, but it is very misleading. So, what happens is that the delivery does not start in Los Angeles, but in China. I regret going through your link and not wait for B&H to handle the order. Finally, so how, I am getting scam messages from someone telling me my address is wrong. What a mess. Maybe, before posting a review and providing a link, more research should be done.
Hi Rich, I've actually done a lot of research. I've reviewed several dozen Viltrox lenses, and they have all come to me through the same process that you describe. More than 160 orders have been placed through my link over the past few years, and you are the first to complain about the process. I'm sorry you are disappointed over the process, but there's nothing untoward about it.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I agree that there is nothing untoward, however, the process is rather deceptive. The impression is that the lens is readily available and it is not. Normally, I would not write about this, but I believe your followers need to understand process. Your reviews are straightforward, honest and extremely insightful. Based on your reviews, I order equipment.
It’s no problem. It’s takes a longtime. I ordered on day it was announced (maybe 2-3 weeks before you). I just got it yesterday.
Cant hold a candle to my Nikon Z 20mm f1.8 S Lens .. Corner to corner sharpness next level >> best choice for Milky Way Photography here in Dark Night Sky S Africa >> 10 x the price of this Viltrox but you get what you pay for
Fair enough, though I don't suspect this is intended as a direct competitor to a $1000 lens!
What a strange comment…
This is like saying a Skoda can’t hold a candle to a Ferrari.
bank of Israel ha...I wonder if you condemn the genocide happening now over the Palestinians?
That bill has been on my chart for years and is not a political statement. That being said, I have visited Israel multiple times and have thoroughly enjoyed my visits there. War is always an ugly and terrible thing.
Anti-Semitism in 2023: people no longer say they hate Israel, they just love the Israel's enemies. Anyway, this is not a place for those discussions, take it elsewhere.
visit now I am sure you will love it even more now that it's growing over the dead bodies.@@DustinAbbottTWI
Thumbs up if you agree this is incredible!