Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO Z

Testers call it one of the first full-frame pancakes without serious optical compromises. Contrast and resolution are high across most of the frame at f/2.8, only the extreme corners need stopping down, and peak results come at f/5.6–f/8. Close-range performance at 0.2m is very good. Lateral and longitudinal CA are low, bokeh is smooth for a slow wide, and flare is much better controlled than on Viltrox's earlier 28mm pancake.

The compromises are the ones a pancake usually makes. Vignetting is close to 3 EV wide open, and barrel distortion needs correction, which the lens profile handles in JPEGs on Z bodies. Veiling flare at f/2.8 remains the main optical weakness. The geared STM is adequate for AF-S but slow and grindy in AF-C, can land slightly off in low light, and the focus ring is small and stiff.

Owners like how small it is on bodies such as the Zf and Z6III, and many call it sharp for its size and well built for the price. The colour editions with the square hood are popular for their looks.

The quirks owners mention are mechanical. AF can feel slow and you can hear the gear motor. The aperture ring turns in the opposite direction from Nikon's own lenses and cannot be declicked, there is no AF/MF switch, and filters only fit on the round hood.