One of the few companies that makes third-party, autofocus lenses for Nikon Z (and for Sony E) is Viltrox, a Chinese company focused on prime lenses. The AF 24mm f/1.8 and AF 35mm f/1.8 caught my eye, and I tested them side-by-side in the field and in the lab. Here’s what I found.

I had the chance to test the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 and Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 extensively in the field – part of my quest to find the best wide-angle prime for the Nikon Z system! Both of these lenses aim for low prices rather than maximum performance, but which is actually better?

If you want a 24mm prime lens for the Nikon Z system, two of your options are the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 and the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S. There’s a major price difference between them, but at least both lenses have autofocus capabilities and a Nikon Z mount! So, which one should you get?

Viltrox is one of the few third-party companies that makes autofocus lenses for the Nikon Z system, and I’ve been eager to test their lenses for a while. The Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8, which I’m reviewing today, is a full-frame autofocus lens available both for the Nikon Z system and for Sony E mount. At just $380, it could be a compelling alternative to lenses like the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 ($1000)… assuming it performs well, that is.