The Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air is a compact, ultra‑wide APS‑C prime lens designed to deliver dramatic perspectives at an affordable price. Weighing just 175g and priced around $200 – B&HPhoto, it targets photographers and videographers who want portability without sacrificing creative options. Since its release, several respected outlets and reviewers have tested it in real‑world scenarios. Below is a curated roundup of their findings.
📷 Fstoppers Review
Fstoppers highlighted the lens’s strengths:
- Compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for travel and vlogging.
- Surprisingly sharp for its price, with good central resolution.
- Affordable entry point into ultra‑wide photography.
- Some plastic build feel and minor edge softness.
Verdict (Fstoppers): “The Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air is compact enough to carry anywhere, sharp enough to surprise you, and cheap enough to feel like a steal. Despite its budget build, it punches above its weight in real‑world use.”
Pros: Portability, sharpness, low cost Cons: Plastic construction, edge softness
📽 Christopher Frost (YouTube)
Christopher Frost’s detailed video review tested autofocus, sharpness, and distortion:
- Excellent value for APS‑C shooters.
- Fast, reliable autofocus with minimal hunting.
- Good sharpness across the frame at f/5.6, though corners lag slightly wide open.
- Some barrel distortion typical of ultra‑wides.
Verdict (Frost): “For under $200, this lens is a fantastic option for APS‑C shooters who want ultra‑wide coverage without breaking the bank. It’s not perfect, but it’s far better than expected at this price.”
Pros: Price, autofocus, sharpness stopped down Cons: Distortion, corner softness wide open
📽 Thomas Fransson (YouTube)
Fransson tested the lens on Fujifilm APS‑C bodies in landscapes and vlogging scenarios:
- Immersive perspective for landscapes and architecture.
- 13 cm minimum focus distance enables creative close‑up wide shots.
- Good AF performance, though occasional pulsing noted.
- Strong flare resistance in backlit scenes.
Verdict (Fransson): “The Viltrox 9mm f/2.8 Air is a joy to use outdoors. It delivers expansive frames without falling apart at the edges, and its close‑focus ability adds versatility. A budget gem for wide‑angle shooters.”
Pros: Wide immersive look, close‑focus creativity, flare control Cons: Occasional AF pulsing, plastic feel
📽 Andrei Dima (YouTube)
Andrei Dima provides an in-depth review of the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air lens, focusing on its performance for landscape and architectural photography:
- Excellent ultra-wide perspective with minimal distortion.
- Sharpness is good across the frame, especially when stopped down.
- Autofocus is quick and reliable for stills and video.
- Compact and lightweight design enhances portability.
Verdict (Andrei Dima): “The Viltrox 9mm f/2.8 Air is a fantastic budget ultra-wide lens that punches well above its price point. It’s a great choice for photographers who want quality and portability without spending a fortune.”
Pros: Sharpness, autofocus, portability Cons: Some minor distortion, plastic build feel
🔍 Rival Comparisons
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero‑D
- Strengths: Famous for “Zero‑Distortion” design, sharper corners and better correction than Viltrox.
- Weaknesses: Manual‑focus only, heavier and more expensive (~$500).
- Takeaway: Best for distortion control and architecture shooters who don’t mind manual focus.
Samyang 12mm f/2
- Strengths: Slightly narrower field of view but faster f/2 aperture, great for astrophotography.
- Weaknesses: Larger and pricier (~$300–400), less dramatic perspective.
- Takeaway: Ideal for low‑light and astro shooters who want autofocus and brighter aperture.
Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air
- Strengths: Lightest and cheapest, autofocus, decent sharpness.
- Weaknesses: More distortion and corner softness than Laowa, slower than Samyang.
- Takeaway: Best value for everyday ultra‑wide APS‑C shooters, especially vloggers and travelers.
Closing Summary
Across Fstoppers and multiple YouTube reviewers, the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air consistently earns praise for its portability, affordability, and surprisingly strong optical performance. While its plastic build and corner softness remind you of its budget status, reviewers agree it delivers excellent value and creative potential for APS‑C shooters. Against rivals, it’s the most accessible entry point for ultra‑wide photography with autofocus, making it a standout recommendation for travel, vlogging, and landscapes work.
