Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 vs Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D
Both are Sony E mount primes for wide-angle and astrophotography — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 | Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16mm | 9mm |
| Max aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Type | prime | prime |
| Coverage | full-frame | APS-C |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
Which should you buy?
- the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 opens wider (f/1.8) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D (9mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (16mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
- the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor
Where to buy
Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8See price on Amazon
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-DSee price on Amazon
FAQ
What's the difference between the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 and the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D?
The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 is 16mm f/1.8 prime, full-frame; the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D is 9mm f/2.8 prime, APS-C. Both fit the Sony E mount.
Which is better in low light, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 or the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D?
The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 — its f/1.8 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/2.8 of the other.
Do the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 and Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Sony E mount lenses, so they fit Sony a7/a9/a1 (full-frame) and a6000-series (APS-C). Note the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.
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