Viltrox VILTROX 23mm f/1.4 F1.4 Auto Focus Large Aperture Review

The Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 is a fast, compact prime lens for Nikon Z cameras. It's built for low light and video, packing an f/1.4 aperture, optical stabilization, and quiet STM autofocus into a 349g package.

You get a manual aperture ring for that tactile feel, plus a USB port for firmware updates. It's not weather-sealed, but for the price, it's a feature-packed option if you're looking for a wide-angle prime.

This lens performs where it counts. Autofocus is in the 95th percentile, so it's quick and quiet for both photos and video. The stabilization is solid too, landing in the 86th percentile. The f/1.4 aperture is great for low light and soft backgrounds, though its optical score is a bit more average at the 74th percentile. Just don't try to shoot macro with it—that score is brutally low at the 17th percentile.

At around $239, this lens is a steal. You're getting f/1.4, stabilization, and great autofocus for less than half the price of most first-party lenses. The build feels good for the money, even without weather sealing. If you need a fast wide-angle for video or low-light stills, the value here is hard to beat.

Compared to the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S, you're giving up some optical quality and weather sealing, but you gain a full stop of light and stabilization for much less cash. Against the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, this 23mm is wider and has stabilization, but the 35mm might be a more versatile focal length for some. If you need a zoom, something like the Panasonic 14-140mm offers way more range but is much slower.

Buy this if you're a Nikon Z shooter who needs a fast, stabilized wide-angle for video or low-light photography on a budget. It's perfect for vloggers, indie filmmakers, or anyone who wants that f/1.4 look without breaking the bank. Just look elsewhere if you need macro or weather sealing.