Viltrox 9mm 2.8 (Breath of fresh) air

I recently got hold of the Viltrox 9mm 2.8 air and I was pleasantly surprised at the results, let me tell you why.

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Ok so I was eyeing this lens up for a while as many photographers do when falling into the trap of more gear equals better shots especially when we are at that point of feeling our work is repetitive or uninspiring. Though even knowing that I had fallen for this (again), this time instead of looking to upgrade existing gear to something “better” I took a more radical choice. Enter the Viltrox 9mm 2.8 air.

Now what I was thinking at the time was that this lens would inject some vital inspiration that was needed in times when the head drops. Pushing to me think completely differently in the way I composed, what kind of subject I was looking to have etc. Couple this with my art background, I know that trying something different and seeing where it leads even if at first it doesn’t seem right is ok and quite often sprouts even more ideas. I think what I am trying to say is that trying new things and following that path is key to your own self development so you can try new things when times get a bit tougher.

Anyways back to the actual lens. Coming in at just under £200 was one of the main selling points but with this came a good bundle of apprehension as to whether things like picture quality for example would be compromised. Thankfully this is not the case, the remains perfectly sharp, at least to what I require , even to the edges even at 2.8. It is also extremely light and compact which is due the the hard plastic construction though it does have a metal base with usb-c connection. Other noticeable features include the lack of an aperture ring which is fine because all you need to do is program the front dial to switch between ISO and aperture. The other feature is no weather sealing though this is hardly surprising at this price point.

This lens is perfect for someone looking to keep things light and mobile for traveling or just out and about. Perfectly pocketable or just chuck it in a bag. This lens pushes you in new directions, promoting new ideas.

Hold up, just a minute. This kinda turned into a mini review which wasn’t what I had intended.

Let me try and get back to where I was. So this lens has a relatively wide focal range even for a full frame equivalent (13.5mm). Now this means that there is a huge amount that will appear in you frame when composing. This probably would scare off most but I see it as a challenge. It also makes you slow the whole process of capturing an image because you do have to think about things more. This in turn leads to noticing more in terms of “maybe I will try that after taking this shot” or “I don’t like how this or that appears in the frame so let me adjust” for example.

Ok so I think what I am trying to get across is that this lens can reinvigorate, breath new life, spark new ideas whatever you want to call it, at least it did for me. Now I am not saying that this lens will solve your “creative block” as this is just part of the process of being a creative person but if you are used to doing the same things, getting bored etc then try pivoting. Do something you haven’t tried before, buy a lens that is maybe opposite form what your used to, shoot Black and white if you only shoot colour and vice versa. Give it a go! You might be surprised.

If you are interested in watching a short POV where I got the above images you can see that here.