Sony E 20mm F2.8 § 03 Head to head
Sony E 20mm F2.8 vs Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air
Sony 20mm f/2.8 is 83 g lighter. Viltrox 20mm f/2.8 focuses 2 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Sony E 20mm F2.8 is a 20mm f/2.8 prime, and the Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air is a 20mm f/2.8 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 3 advantages each.
Sony E 20mm F2.8 
Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air 01
Key differences
Why is the Sony E 20mm F2.8 better than the Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air?
- 83 g lighter (69 g vs 152 g)
- 45 mm shorter (20.4 mm vs 65 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (49 mm vs 52 mm)
Why is the Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air better than the Sony E 20mm F2.8?
- Focuses 2 cm closer (0.18 m vs 0.2 m)
- Covers a larger sensor format (full-frame vs APS-C)
- Newer design (2023 vs 2013)
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 has the edge: it is 83 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 has the edge: it is 83 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Sony E 20mm F2.8 | Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 20mm | 20mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Wide-angle prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | Full frame |
| Weight | 69 g (0.15 lbs) ◆ | 152 g |
| Dimensions | 62.6 mm (diameter) x 20.4 mm (length) | 59.5 x 65 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.2 m (7.87 inches) | 0.18 m ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | 0.12x | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | — |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 7 (circular) | 7 |
| Optical construction | 6 elements in 6 groups, including 3 aspherical elements | 10 elements / 8 groups |
| Filter size | 49 mm ◆ | 52 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony E | Sony E, Nikon Z |
| Released | 2013 | 2023 |
| Price | — | $176 list price |
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Size
- A · Sony
- B · Viltrox
- 20.4 × 62.6 mm
- 65 × 59.5 mm
The Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air is 45 mm longer and 83 g heavier than the Sony E 20mm F2.8.
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Sample frames
Sony E 20mm F2.8
Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 or the Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air?
- The Sony E 20mm F2.8 weighs 69 g, 83 g less than the Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air (152 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 or the Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air?
- The Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air focuses down to 0.18 m, against 0.2 m for the Sony E 20mm F2.8.
- Do the Sony E 20mm F2.8 and the Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Sony E 20mm F2.8 or the Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 has the edge: it is 83 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Sony E 20mm F2.8 or the Viltrox AF 20 mm f/2.8 Air better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 has the edge: it is 83 g lighter to carry.
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