Second time around for the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 Z

Back in 2024, I purchased a Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 Z. Wide angle lenses have always been a challenge for me, but I continue to give them a try. The Viltrox is a sharp lens, with a bit of vignetting and flare, but it is a wide angle. Build quality is pretty good, and it balances fine on the Z7. Autofocus speed is fast, but I noticed it hesitating at times, requiring a release and re-press of the shutter button. This lens is Viltrox's first one for the Z mount, so I returned it as I didn't want to be stuck with a dud.

A few months later, Viltrox released a firmware update that was supposed to fix the AF issue, but the lens had gone back up in price. I made a mental note to keep an eye out for a used one, and a year later I found one on FB Marketplace. One firmware update, and so far the AF has behaved. The street fairs and festivals are over though, so I'm unsure when I'll be able to give the new firmware and lens a good workout. 

In the meanwhile, here are some photos from last year's tests.

Third try with a fast lens: the Minolta MC-Rokkor 58mm f/1.2

 I really need to stop looking for old lenses. This time around, it's a Minolta 58mm f/1.2 in MC form. Another impressively solid fast normal lens designed in the 60's. 

I've only used it on two outings, and so far I haven't managed to connect with it. Veiling flare galore wide open, slightly more than the Nikon or Canon that I also own. It definitely doesn't like a strong light source outside of the frame though. My initial photos were sorely lacking in contrast, and even showed a slight rainbow flare in one image. I had a hood on it for the second outing, but that makes it a little more unwieldy with all the weight out front, and I think the hood is vignetting a bit.

I think it's time to throw in the towel, and get a modern f/1.2.

On a sitekeeping note, I've updated all the broken image links. I had to re-edit some of the photos, as the original posted ones are not on my hard drive.