§ 03 Head to head

Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE vs Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z

Samyang 24mm f/1.8 is 110 g lighter. Viltrox 24mm f/1.8 has a smaller filter thread.

Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE is a 24mm f/1.8 prime, and the Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z is a 24mm f/1.8 prime. On paper the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE better than the Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z?

  • 110 g lighter (230 g vs 340 g)
  • 14 mm shorter (71.5 mm vs 85 mm long)
  • Focuses 11 cm closer (0.19 m vs 0.3 m)
  • Newer design (2021 vs 2020)

Why is the Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z better than the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE?

  • Smaller filter thread (55 mm vs 58 mm)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • landscape For landscape photography, the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 110 g lighter to carry.
  • architecture For architecture, the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 110 g lighter to carry.
  • street For street photography, the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 110 g lighter to carry.
  • travel For travel, the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 110 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

17 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationSamyang AF 24mm F1.8 FEViltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z
Focal length24mm 24mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8 f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22 f/16
Lens typeWide-angle prime lens Prime lens
FormatFull Frame Full frame
Weight230 g (8.1 oz) ◆340 g
Dimensions65 mm (diameter) x 71.5 mm (length) 70 x 85 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.19 m (7.5 in) ◆0.3 m
Maximum magnification0.21x —
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingYes —
Aperture ringNo No
Aperture blades9 (rounded) 9
Optical construction11 elements in 8 groups 11 elements / 9 groups
Filter size58 mm 55 mm ◆
Lens mountSony E Sony E, Nikon Z
Released2021 2020
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Samyang
  • B · Viltrox
  • 71.5 × 65 mm
  • 85 × 70 mm

The Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z is 13 mm longer and 110 g heavier than the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE

pier to the clouds
pier to the clouds by strongestlight
cloudship
cloudship by strongestlight
narrow-gauge snowplow train
narrow-gauge snowplow train by strongestlight
Willie's Strandbar
Willie's Strandbar by strongestlight
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE review 1
Video thumbnail for Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE review 2
Video thumbnail for Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z review 1
Video thumbnail for Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE or the Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z?
The Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE weighs 230 g, 110 g less than the Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z (340 g).
Which focuses closer, the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE or the Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z?
The Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE focuses down to 0.19 m, against 0.3 m for the Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z.
Do the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE and the Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z have image stabilization?
No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE or the Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z better for landscape photography?
For landscape photography, the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 110 g lighter to carry.
Is the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE or the Viltrox AF 24 mm f/1.8 FE / Z better for architecture?
For architecture, the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 110 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons