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.
























