[ad_1]
If you need a 24mm prime lens for the Nikon Z system, two of your choices are the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 and the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S. There’s a serious worth distinction between them, however at the very least each lenses have autofocus capabilities and a Nikon Z mount! So, which one must you get?
Preliminary Concerns
Surely, the 2 lenses that I’m evaluating immediately might be described as “funds” and “high-end” respectively. There’s a cause why the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 prices $380 and the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 prices $1000, and it’s not simply in regards to the model identify.
I’ll get into the picture high quality facet of issues momentarily, nevertheless it’s most likely not a lot of a spoiler to say that the Nikon Z lens is clearly forward in that regard. For now, let me concentrate on a few of the different issues first.
The most important one which stands out to me is weatherproofing. The Viltrox 24mm f/1.8 doesn’t have climate sealing in any respect, whereas the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S is extensively sealed. This alone might make the distinction when you’re planning to make use of the lens in opposed circumstances. Personally, as a panorama photographer, I’m at all times standing by my tripod within the rain ready for the sunshine to interrupt – and I’d a lot slightly belief the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S in that state of affairs.
One other distinction is dealing with. The Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 is an all-metal lens, whereas the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 has a mixture of metallic and plastic building. Each really feel well-built, however the Viltrox is smaller and lighter than the Nikon. It weighs 370 grams in comparison with the Nikon’s 450 grams (AKA 0.82 kilos versus 0.99 kilos). That’s most likely not sufficient to matter, nevertheless it’s not invisible, both.
By way of autofocus, the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 undoubtedly stunned me with its good autofocus efficiency – quick, correct, and quiet. The Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S’s autofocus measures as barely extra constant underneath lab circumstances, however nothing that’s more likely to be apparent in real-world images.
Lastly, I ought to point out that there’s at all times some distinction between first-party and third-party lenses. Nikon might at all times come out with a firmware replace that harms the Viltrox’s autofocus efficiency. Props to Viltrox for constructing a USB-C port into the AF 24mm f/1.8, in an effort to mitigate this potential challenge. However I nonetheless belief a local lens greater than an off-brand lens, all else equal.
Picture High quality
1. Vignetting
The Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S has a lot better vignetting efficiency than the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8. Not solely is the Nikon lens a lot better wide-open, however upon stopping down, vignetting rapidly reaches negligible ranges on the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S. Considered one of my greatest complains with the Viltrox is that it has noticeable vignetting even at panorama apertures like f/8 by f/16.
2. Lateral Chromatic Aberration
Each lenses management lateral chromatic aberration to a really spectacular diploma. You’ll not often, if ever, see the sort of colour fringing with both lens in real-world photographs, even with chromatic aberration corrections turned off.
3. Distortion
The 2 lenses have very completely different distortion profiles, with the Viltrox measuring at 0.83% pincushion distortion and the Nikon measuring at -1.34% barrel distortion. This can be a slight win for the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8, though neither lens has excessive sufficient distortion to be a nuisance in apply. I must also point out that the Viltrox’s distortion profile isn’t simply easy pincushion distortion – it’s extra of a wavy, mustache-shaped distortion, which is usually a bit more durable to take away fully in post-processing.
4. Sharpness
Now for the second of fact! To this point, the Viltrox lens is trying fairly good for the worth, at the very least when you don’t want intensive climate sealing. However how do the 2 lenses carry out in sharpness? Right here’s what we measured within the lab.
It’s fairly clear that the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S is the sharper lens. Central sharpness is rarely notably shut – the Nikon is manner forward, even on the narrower apertures. Nook sharpness additionally favors the Nikon lens, nevertheless it doesn’t actually draw back till f/4. And it’s actually the midframes the place we see the most important disparity, as a result of the Viltrox has intensive area curvature that harms its sharpness on flat topics (corresponding to overlooks the place every part is close to infinity focus).
Nonetheless, the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 is just not a horrible performer and places up an affordable efficiency right here. The Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S is just one of many sharpest 24mm lenses we’ve ever examined, so it makes the Viltrox look worse by comparability.
Worth and Suggestions
I don’t suppose that any photographers would critically argue that the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 is a greater lens than the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S. However is it a greater worth? At $380 slightly than $1000, there’s undoubtedly a case to be made.
To me, the most important points with the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 are the shortage of weatherproofing and the excessive ranges of vignetting all through the aperture vary. Sharpness additionally clearly favors the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S, however the Viltrox isn’t fatally unhealthy in that division.
Personally, I’d at the very least think about in search of a used copy of the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S earlier than shopping for the Viltrox, because the Nikon might be discovered for some fairly good costs on eBay today. It’s undoubtedly the higher lens, and if you could find a very good worth on a used copy, I’d snap it up.
That stated, the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 is clearly nonetheless cheaper. If you happen to’re prepared to work round a few of its points, you will get some nice photographs with the Viltrox and preserve a whole bunch of {dollars} in your pocket alongside the best way.
You possibly can verify the present costs, and assist my testing efforts at Pictures Life, on the following B&H affiliate hyperlinks:
Let me know within the remark part in case you have any questions on these two lenses! I’ve used them each within the area extensively and can be glad to assist.
[ad_2]
Leave a Reply