Viltrox AF 14mm F4.0 Air FE

Reviewers found it surprisingly sharp for $199, with an excellent centre and very good outer field already at f/4, and low field curvature. Lateral CA is low, raw distortion is mild, and sunstars become well defined from f/8 onwards.

The compromises are vignetting of about 3 EV at f/4 that barely improves on stopping down, a correction profile that doesn't fully clean up distortion, and an aperture too slow for serious astrophotography. Build is consumer-grade plastic without sealing, but testers considered it a value pick for anyone who doesn't need speed.

Owners use it as a travel, interior and vlogging lens that disappears in a bag. The filter thread, light weight and close focus come up most often, along with how well it balances on gimbals.

The common complaints are strong corner darkening, the slow f/4 aperture for night skies, and the plastic feel.