Viltrox AF 23mm F1.4 Z review

The Viltrox AF 23mm F1.4 Z is one of a trio of fast primes for mirrorless APS-C Canon, Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm cameras

Viltrox AF 23mm F1.4 Z
(Image: © Matthew Richards)

Digital Camera World Verdict

If you’re in the market for a DX (APS-C) format fast prime built exclusively for your Nikon Z 50 or Z fc, you won’t find any own-brand options. This is one of a trio of compact, affordable yet high-quality f/1.4 autofocus prime lenses from Viltrox, its companions having focal lengths of 33mm and 56mm. Already available in other mount options, they’re strong performers that are great value for money, and give you prime time that you simply can’t get from Nikon.

Pros

  • +

    Solid build and performance

  • +

    Fast f/1.4 aperture

  • +

    Aperture control ring

Cons

  • -

    No aperture ring locking switch

  • -

    Lacks any weather-seals

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Available in black or silver, the Viltrox AF 23mm F1.4 Z looks right at home on the Nikon Z fc, not least because it has an aperture ring that complements the camera’s hands-on approach to control dials and buttons. It’s one of a trio of f/1.4 lenses, the 23mm, 33mm and 56mm giving effective focal lengths of about 35mm, 50mm and 85mm respectively, in full-frame terms. These are classic focal lengths for street photography, landscape and architectural shooting, portraiture and more. We took the 23mm lens for a spin.

Specifications

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.