UPDATE: Viltrox has just announced an incredibly affordable ultra-wide lens, the AF 9mm f/2.8 Air FX, aimed at photographers and videographers seeking high-quality results without breaking the bank. This lens, designed for Fujifilm APS-C bodies, delivers impressive performance at a price point that makes it accessible for creators.
The lens features a 9mm focal length, equivalent to 13.5mm in full frame, offering an expansive field of view perfect for tight spaces and dynamic scenes. In a recent demonstration, photographer Fransson showcased the lens’s capabilities on an empty beach at sunset, capturing stunning wide-angle shots that maintain clarity all the way to the edges.
Fransson emphasized the lens’s practical advantages, noting its minimum focus distance of just 5.11 inches (approximately 12.98 cm), allowing for creative close-ups that still retain a wide-angle perspective. This feature is particularly beneficial for vlogging, where the subject can remain in focus while the background remains visually engaging.
The AF 9mm f/2.8 Air FX lens is also equipped with advanced autofocus technology, and as Fransson pointed out, newer Fujifilm cameras with updated autofocus systems should enhance its performance further. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a lightweight design of 175 grams (or 6.2 ounces), it offers a compact solution for those looking to explore extreme focal lengths without the bulk of traditional zoom lenses.
This lens is positioned as a game-changer in the market, providing high-quality optics at a budget-friendly price. The optical design consists of 13 elements in 11 groups, ensuring low distortion and excellent control over geometry, making it ideal for shooting interiors, architecture, and even landscapes.
Fransson’s video review also covered the lens’s performance against a standard zoom, revealing that it maintains straight lines and minimizes distortion—critical for professional-quality photography. He noted that the lens’s 58mm front filter thread allows for the use of affordable variable ND filters, further enhancing its versatility for video creators.
In terms of practical use, the absence of image stabilization is not a significant drawback at this focal length, especially if paired with a stabilized camera body or rig. The lens also features a simple barrel design, a focus ring, and a USB-C port for firmware updates, allowing for future enhancements.
As of now, the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air FX lens is set to hit the market at a price point of just $2.8, making it an enticing option for both amateur and professional photographers alike. The lens’s compact size and impressive capabilities underscore its potential impact on the photography and videography communities.
Check out the full video review from Fransson to see this lens in action and learn more about how it can elevate your creative projects. Don’t miss out on this exciting new release that promises to redefine budget-friendly ultra-wide photography.
