7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) vs Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z)

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 18mm, the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z) is 14mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z) for wide-angle.

Choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) if…

  • You're on a budget — $79 vs $199 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 170g (6.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z) if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/4 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.1x.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z) opens to f/4 vs the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z)'s f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 18mm, Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z) is 14mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is $79, $120 under the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z).
  • Weight: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 55g (1.9 oz) vs 170g (6.0 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) or the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 18mm, the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z) is 14mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z) for wide-angle.

Who should choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z)?

Choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) if you're on a budget — $79 vs $199 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 170g (6.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z)?

Choose the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/4 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.1x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

What is the main difference between the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) and the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z)?

Aperture: the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR (Nikon Z) opens to f/4 vs the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z)'s f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length18mm14mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements412
Optical Groups39
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/6.3f/4
Minimum Aperturef/6.3f/16
Aperture Blades09
Rounded ApertureNoYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CFull-Frame
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View76°112.6°
35mm Equivalent27-27mm
Focus
AutofocusNoYes
Focus MotorSTM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoYes
Min Focus Distance20 cm13 cm
Max Magnification0.1x0.23x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$79$199
Filter Size46mm58mm
Diameter56mm65mm
Length6.6mm56.4mm
Weight55g (1.9 oz)170g (6.0 oz)
Weather SealedNoYes
Tripod CollarNoNo