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Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 E Lens (Sony E, Black)

BH #VIAF2314FEEM • MFR #AF 23/1.4 FE (E-MOUNT)
 20 reviews
Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 E Lens (Sony E, Black)
Key Features
  • APS-C | f/1.4 to f/16
  • 35mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
  • Two ED Elements, Two HR Elements
  • HD Nano Multi-Layer Coating
Characterized by its sleek and versatile design, the Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 E is a wide-angle prime lens designed for APS-C format Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. The flexible wide-angle focal length pairs with the bright f/1.4 maximum aperture to suit working in a variety of lighting conditions and also enables enhanced control over depth of field for isolating subject matter using selective focus techniques. The optical design incorporates a pair of extra-low dispersion elements and a pair of high refractive index elements, which combine to suppress a variety of aberrations and produce high sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy. An HD Nano multi-layer coating has also been applied to reduce flare and ghosting for greater contrast in bright and backlit conditions.
In Stock
$328.70
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Color
Black
Silver
White Limited Edition
Lens Mount
Canon EF-M
FUJIFILM X
Nikon Z
Sony E
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Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 Overview

By B&H Photo's

Characterized by its sleek and versatile design, the Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 E is a wide-angle prime lens designed for APS-C format Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. The flexible wide-angle focal length pairs with the bright f/1.4 maximum aperture to suit working in a variety of lighting conditions and also enables enhanced control over depth of field for isolating subject matter using selective focus techniques. The optical design incorporates a pair of extra-low dispersion elements and a pair of high refractive index elements, which combine to suppress a variety of aberrations and produce high sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy. An HD Nano multi-layer coating has also been applied to reduce flare and ghosting for greater contrast in bright and backlit conditions.

This compact lens incorporates an STM stepping motor, which produces fast, near-silent, and accurate autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. An internal focusing design also contributes to quick performance. Additionally, the lens features an integrated micro-USB port for making future firmware updates. The lens's black finish matches similarly styled cameras.

Prime wide-angle lens is designed for APS-C-format Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras and provides a 35mm equivalent focal length.
Bright f/1.4 maximum aperture suits working in low-light conditions and also affords greater control over depth of field.
Two extra-low dispersion elements reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to achieve a high degree of clarity and color accuracy.
Two high refractive index elements help to control spherical aberrations and reduce distortion in order to realize high sharpness and accurate rendering.
HD Nano multi-layer coating has been applied to individual elements to suppress flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions.
STM stepping motor enables quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. Additionally, an internal focusing design maintains the overall lens length during use for improved handling and quicker response.
Integrated manual aperture ring for tactile exposure control; this ring also features an 'A' position for automated, camera-based aperture selection.
Nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
Integrated micro-USB port for firmware updates.
UPC: 778469114933

Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 Specs

Key Specs
Focal Length
23mm (35mm Equivalent: 35mm)
Maximum Aperture
f/1.4
Lens Mount
Sony E
Lens Format Coverage
APS-C
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
52 mm (Front)
Maximum Aperture
f/1.4
Minimum Aperture
f/16
Lens Mount
Sony E
Lens Format Coverage
APS-C
Angle of View
63.4°
Minimum Focus Distance
11.81" / 30 cm
Maximum Magnification
0.1x
Optical Design
11 Elements in 10 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
9
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
52 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
2.56 x 2.83" / 65 x 72 mm
Weight
9.17 oz / 260 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.095 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
4.7 x 3.8 x 3.7"

Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 Reviews

Didn't work right out of box..disappointed.

By Supriyo
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2023-08-15

The lens just didn't work right out of the box on my firmware updated nikon zfc (firmware v 1.41). Was really hoping to use this 35mm equivalent glass on my zfc, but the chances of it stopping again when nikon updates their firmware made me return it . The focus speed on the lens is also pretty slow too. Yes its a 3rd party lens, but with these new technology you would expect a little faster focusing on these mirrorless cameras. Not sure if it was my copy which had issues with focusing. There is a aperture control ring on the lens, which can't be locked or disabled , which I found very strange, as I had already accidentally changed the aperture a few times within the couple of hours I had the lens with me. A few sample shots that I took with this lens, looked OK on the back of the camera. but I didn't check any further to compare it with any other glass. But overall, was disappointed, as I ordered this and not the Nikon 24 1.7, for the fast 1.4 aperture and hoping to use it with my ZFC all the time. But not working right out the box with a camera is a big red flag for any lens. Firmware updates are there to make an equipment work better and not make it work in the first place :-). Hope Viltrox can fix this for their upcoming glass to make it a smooth experience for customers.

It's good, engaging lens with 2 personalities

By Paul
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-28

I bought this lens because of it's size, speed, focal length and having an aperture ring. For perspective, I own and am comfortable with Sigma trio and have the Sony 16-55 amongst other lesser lenses. These are great lenses and are my references. And I shoot JPEG exclusively. To my knowledge this is one of the first AF APSC lenses for Sony to include an aperture ring. Fuji users have had this for a long time and we have them to thank for raising the bar in the Sony world. The lens is well built but in my opinion, despite having more metal than the Sigmas and Sony 16-55, it seems to be a notch below the references. It is small and comfortable. The focus ring has good resistance, the aperture ring is clickless with little detent near it's slip from the aperture range to A. Some have complained about accidentally slipping from the useful aperture range to the A setting. It's not a problem for the way I use this lens. I always use the camera in A priority. I start from 1.4 and dial down to what I want. This lens has so much diffraction at f16 and probably at f11 that I stay at f9 and below anyway. I'll return to this in the conclusion. I like this focal length. For me 35mm (in FF speak) is the new normal and 50mm seems to frame too tightly. With a f1.4 lens, even on APSC, you can get some good subject isolation. See the samples. A word about autofocus. I had to upgrade my firmware from 1.06 to 1.08 before using it (easy-peasy). It was confused before the upgrades but it's good after. It's AF is not perfect but it's good on a Sony a6000. It's a notch below the Sigmas and any Sony but Viltrox should be proud of their performance for such a newcomer. Recall that Sigma wallowed in obscurity for over a decade before they raised their game. Note that there are no in-camera corrections for this lens. The Sigma's and Sony's do. Maybe Viltrox will provide something as a firmware upgrade later. That would raise the value of this lens a bunch to close to the Sigmas in my opinion. The image quality is good across the frame from f2.8 - f8.0. All APSC lenses suffer with smaller aperatures. But you buy a lens like this for using it's speed at least sometimes. From f1.4 - f2.5 there are some issues to be aware of - a.k.a its character. The lens has tons of vignetting - most lenses, especially fast lenses, do. It's softer outside the center too - all but most exotic lenses suffer this too. The former is normally corrected or reduced in-camera, but this one isn't. Next the colours are warmer and more saturated than neutral - if you like that, I prefer neutral. Finally there seems to be some micro contrast reduction across the frame at all f-stops and focus ranges. The Sigma trio and Sony 16-55 don't have these issues. Finally it doesn't focus as close as I'd wish. With that fast aperture and focal lens, focusing close is the only way you the ability to get that subject separation. It can do it, but closer focus would be appreciated. Sigma seems to know this and the 16 and 30 do a good job there. I've given this lens 4 stars and it earned it. Viltrox has a good combination of price, speed, size, functionality and performance. I find this lens engaging in the photographic process - I didn't realize how much I missed dialing in the aperture directly. I did. The optical performance of this lens is good and has character (in its rendering of detail, colour and vignetting). Some of that character is subdued in the landscape apertures but it's still there. Technically the Viltrox doesn't challenge the Sigma trio - it's not as consistent or refined in autofocus. But it's fun and engaging to use. It's capable of good images and characterful images. I'd recommend it, especially for those of you who want to dial in the aperture on the ring. If you're not doing that, it's a hard case to make over the Sigmas or even complementing them. I've attached a bunch of images to show you the character of this lens. Sometimes that character is really nice. I show you how damaging it can be in a worst-case scenario and more normal scenarios. I recall lenses from the 1980's having a look like this (at a much higher cost). Hope you enjoy this review,

Finally, a solid prime just for Nikon Z DX bodies!

By Karl
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-01

Just purchased the 23mm for my Nikon Z50 last week, and am very pleased with it so far. All-metal construction and its size is a good match to the camera's proportion. Turns the Z50 into an even better street camera since 23mm is wide, but not to wide for walking about. Nikon is really dropping the ball with DX lenses, so this Viltrox lens really helps fill in the gaps, and is very affordable.

I just bought this lens ...

By Chris
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-20

... used it last night to shoot downtown. Really like this lens. However, like one review I read, I found a lot of CA at wide open around street lamp halos, but CA is to be expected I believe under those circumstances. Knocked down to 1.8 and CA issues all but disappeared. Looking fwd to buying the viltrox 85mm next.

Good for streaming live video

By Richard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-11

This was purchased to replace the kit lens for a Sony a6400 used in a videoconference/Zoom application. It is noticeably sharper than the kit lens and provides good bokeh to reduce distracting background. The focal length is ideal for use with a table-mounted tripod located at the typical distance of a computer monitor from the seated user.

Great Lens

By Stanley
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-11-01

Best 23mm going

Phenomenal lens!

By Roy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-05

This is a great lens! Great build quality makes it a pleasure to use. The balance on my Z50 is superb. The 1.4 aperture combined with the reliable and quick autofocus opens a lot of creative windows. On my first outing with it, I shot into the sun and was shocked by how little flare there was. I was also taken aback by the lack of any obvious distortion and the crisp contrast. I felt right at home with this lens right away. At a price of $300, this lens is a no-brainer.

WOW! Great Value

By William
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-30

This is a quality lens; well-made and for the price a steal. I use it as my everyday lens on my Nikon Z fc.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

It is the second version?

It is the second version?
Asked by: Edgar
The Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 E Lens for Sony E (Black) on our website is the newest version of this lens.
Answered by: Lawrence
Date published: 2023-01-03

Is this lens good for indoor video applications ...

Is this lens good for indoor video applications with a Sony A6400?
Asked by: Alan
Great lens for low light shooting. The Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 is fast low light lens.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2023-08-06

The autofocus ar silent ?

The autofocus ar silent ?
Asked by: Anonymous
The Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 Z Lens for Nikon Z has a STM stepping motor that enables quiet autofocus performance.
Answered by: Lawrence
Date published: 2022-05-25

Has anyone tried this lens for infrared (IR) ...

Has anyone tried this lens for infrared (IR) photography?
Asked by: Pablo
There have been no tests performed to our knowledge with this Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 Z Lens for infrared photography.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2022-08-29

Specs say it is not compatible with X Pro 3 ...

Specs say it is not compatible with X Pro 3 because it may scratch body. Is this also true for X Pro 1?
Asked by: alan
It works perfectly with my Pro2.
Answered by: Phu
Date published: 2020-10-21

Is this comparable with xt-200?

Is this comparable with xt-200?
Asked by: Heeya
Yes, this lens is compatible with the XT200.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-03-19

Does the aperture ring have detents?

Does the aperture ring have detents?
Asked by: Kenneth
There is a detent at f16. But the other markings do not have detents or clicks. There's a hard stop at f1.4, and another at the "A" position.
Answered by: Theodore
Date published: 2021-08-29
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