After joining the L mount alliance last year, Viltrox has officially released its first autofocus lens for the system, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8. This fast ultra wide full frame prime is designed for photographers and filmmakers looking for a bright aperture, modern features, and an affordable entry into L mount autofocus lenses.
The lens features a weather sealed and durable body, a 77mm front filter thread, a built in display, customizable function buttons, and a minimum focusing distance of 27cm from the sensor plane. The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 is now available for preorder at a retail price of $580, with a limited preorder discount available through the Viltrox store.
Viltrox officially joined the L mount alliance in September 2025, alongside manufacturers such as Panasonic, Leica, Sigma, DJI, and Blackmagic Design. The announcement was welcomed by many users invested in the L mount ecosystem, as Viltrox has built a reputation for offering fast autofocus lenses with strong optical performance at accessible prices.
Until now, most Viltrox autofocus lenses were limited to Sony E mount and Nikon Z mount. Popular lenses such as the 35mm f/1.2 LAB demonstrated that high image quality does not always require premium pricing. The release of the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 marks the company’s first step in bringing that approach to L mount users.
Viltrox previously confirmed that its L mount debut would include two lenses, the AF 16mm f/1.8 and the AF 28mm f/4.5 pancake lens. While the compact 28mm pancake has not yet been released, the 16mm f/1.8 is now officially available.
Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 for L Mount Overview
The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 is an ultra wide angle prime lens designed to fully cover full frame sensors. The optical design consists of 15 elements in 12 groups, including four ED elements and three aspherical elements. Autofocus is driven by an STM motor combined with a lead screw mechanism.
The lens features a physical aperture ring, a built in LED display that shows focus distance and aperture value, and two customizable function buttons on the lens barrel. An AF MF switch is also present for quick manual control.
Viltrox states that the lens is weather sealed and built for durability. There is no optical image stabilization, meaning stabilization relies on in body image stabilization where available. The minimum focusing distance is 0.27 meters, allowing for moderately close wide angle compositions.
A 77mm front filter thread makes the lens compatible with common filter systems used by landscape and video shooters.
Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 L Mount Key Specifications
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Lens mount | L mount |
Lens elements | 15 elements in 12 groups |
Focal length | 16mm |
Viewing angle | 105.6 degrees |
Aperture range | F1.8 to F22 |
Aperture blades | 9 |
Minimum focusing distance | 0.27m |
Focus mechanism | Internal focusing |
Focus motor | STM with lead screw |
Focus modes | Autofocus and manual focus |
Maximum magnification | 0.1x |
Lens size | 85.2 x 103mm |
Weight | Approximately 550g |
Filter size | 77mm |
Fast Ultra Wide L Mount Alternatives
There are currently only a few fast ultra wide autofocus prime lenses available for L mount cameras. Existing options include the Panasonic Lumix S 18mm f/1.8, which offers a closer minimum focusing distance, and the Sigma 20mm f/2 DG Contemporary, which is the most compact lens in this category.
Other alternatives include the Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, the Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, and the Leica Super APO Summicron SL 21mm f/2 ASPH. Compared to these lenses, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 stands out as the most affordable option.
Future Viltrox L Mount Lenses
At this stage, Viltrox has not released a detailed L mount roadmap. Based on earlier statements, the next likely release is the Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 pancake lens. Beyond that, future releases remain uncertain.
Many users would welcome the adaptation of the Viltrox Air full frame lineup, including the 20mm f/2.8, 40mm f/2.5, and 50mm f/2.0 lenses. Compact autofocus primes are still limited within the L mount ecosystem, making these lenses particularly appealing.
Higher end LAB lenses such as the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 and AF 135mm f/1.8 would also be strong additions if adapted to L mount. Consistent lens releases would position Viltrox as a serious alternative for L mount photographers and filmmakers.
Price and Availability
The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 is available for preorder now. The retail price is set at $580, or €599 in Europe, matching the pricing of the Sony E mount and Nikon Z mount versions. Customers who preorder directly from the Viltrox online store can currently receive a 5% discount for a limited time.
