Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G § 03 Head to head
Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G vs Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8
Sony 16mm f/1.8 is 246 g lighter. Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 is $219 cheaper.
Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G is a 16mm f/1.8 prime, and the Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8 is a 16mm f/1.8 prime. On paper the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G comes out ahead, 6 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G 
Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8 01
Key differences
Why is the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G better than the Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8?
- 246 g lighter (304 g vs 550 g)
- 29 mm shorter (73.8 mm vs 103 mm long)
- Focuses 12 cm closer (0.15 m vs 0.27 m)
- More aperture blades (11 vs 9)
- Smaller filter thread (67 mm vs 77 mm)
- Newer design (2025 vs 2023)
Why is the Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8 better than the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G?
- $219 cheaper ($580 list price vs $799 launch price)
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G has the edge: it is 246 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G has the edge: it is 246 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G | Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16mm | 16mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 304 g ◆ | 550 g |
| Dimensions | 75 x 73.8 mm | 103 x 85.2 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.15 m ◆ | 0.27 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.25x | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 11 ◆ | 9 |
| Optical construction | 15 elements / 12 groups | 15 elements / 12 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm ◆ | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony E | Sony E, Nikon Z, L-Mount |
| Released | 2025 | 2023 |
| Price | $799 launch price | $580 list price ◆ |
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Size
- A · Sony
- B · Viltrox
- 73.8 × 75 mm
- 103 × 85.2 mm
The Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8 is 29 mm longer and 246 g heavier than the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G.
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Sample frames
Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G
Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G or the Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8?
- The Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G weighs 304 g, 246 g less than the Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8 (550 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G or the Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8?
- The Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G focuses down to 0.15 m, against 0.27 m for the Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8.
- Do the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G and the Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G or the Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8 better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G has the edge: it is 246 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G or the Viltrox AF 16 mm f/1.8 better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Sony FE 16 mm f/1.8 G has the edge: it is 246 g lighter to carry.
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