Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 vs Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm, the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z) is 9mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 for standard, the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z) for wide-angle.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 9mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You value portability — at 145g (5.1 oz) it's lighter than the 190g (6.7 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 9mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm, Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z) is 9mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Durability: the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 or the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm, the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z) is 9mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 for standard, the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z) for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 if you need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 9mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you value portability — at 145g (5.1 oz) it's lighter than the 190g (6.7 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 9mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. 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 Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 and the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z)?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm, Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 AIR (Nikon Z) is 9mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 28mm | 9mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 75° | 113.8° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 14-14mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 13 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $249 | $199 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 70mm | − |
| Length | 45.5mm | − |
| Weight | 145g (5.1 oz) | 190g (6.7 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
