Gist.product intelligenceBuying guides
Buying guide

The Best Camera Lenses

We compared three camera lenses for Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X-mount, based on expert reviews, owner ratings, and specific features. The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art for Fuji X is our top pick for its versatility and image quality.

Updated

The bottom line

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art for Fuji X is our top pick for its exceptional image quality, versatile focal range, and fast constant aperture. Priced at $919, it's the best choice for Fujifilm X-mount users who need a high-performance zoom lens. The Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 FE Lens for Sony E Mount and the Viltrox 85mm F1.4 are both excellent choices for Sony E-mount users, with the 16mm lens excelling in wide-angle photography and the 85mm lens in portrait photography. Both are priced around $580 and $598 respectively. The Sigma lens, while more expensive, has a zoom range that the Viltrox lenses do not, making it a better choice for those who need versatility.

Top pick
Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art for Fuji XSigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art for Fuji X $919.00

Best for versatility and image quality

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art for Fuji X has a fast constant aperture, exceptional clarity, and a versatile focal range. Priced at $919, it's the best choice for Fujifilm X-mount users who need a high-performance zoom lens. The tradeoff is its higher price and slightly heavier weight compared to the Viltrox lenses.

Check price on Amazon
Budget pick
VILTROX AF 16mm F1.8 FE Lens for Sony E MountVILTROX AF 16mm F1.8 FE Lens for Sony E Mount $580.00

Best budget wide-angle lens

The Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 FE Lens for Sony E Mount is a strong budget option at $580, offering a super large f/1.8 aperture and ultra-wide angle capabilities. It's excellent for landscape and astrophotography. Those needing a zoom lens should consider the Sigma instead.

Check price on Amazon
Also great
VILTROX 85mm F1.4VILTROX 85mm F1.4 $598.00

Best for portrait photography

The Viltrox 85mm F1.4 is a superb choice for portrait photography, with an 85mm focal length and f/1.4 large aperture. Priced at $598, it offers high-end performance at a lower cost. It's not as versatile as the Sigma, but it excels in its niche.

Check price on Amazon

The field, ranked

  1. Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art for Fuji X Best for versatility and image quality 9.0/10 $919.00 Amazon
  2. VILTROX AF 16mm F1.8 FE Lens for Sony E Mount Best budget wide-angle lens 8.0/10 $580.00 Amazon
  3. VILTROX 85mm F1.4 Best for portrait photography 8.0/10 $598.00 Amazon

Who should buy which

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art for Fuji X is best for Fujifilm X-mount users who need a versatile zoom lens with high image quality. The Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 FE Lens for Sony E Mount is best for Sony E-mount users who need a wide-angle lens for landscape and astrophotography. The Viltrox 85mm F1.4 is the go-to lens for portrait photography on Sony E-mount cameras.

What owners say

Owners of the Sigma lens praise its sharpness, color accuracy, and versatility. Some mention it being slightly heavy, but most find it lighter than comparable full-frame lenses. Viltrox lens owners highlight the excellent optical quality, low-light performance, and value for money. There are no significant complaints across the board, indicating high satisfaction with all three lenses.

How this was put together

This guide is based on expert reviews, owner ratings, and specific features of the lenses. We compared three products: the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art for Fuji X, the Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 FE Lens for Sony E Mount, and the Viltrox 85mm F1.4. The evidence includes one expert review per lens, owner ratings from 34 to 398 users, and owner quotes. No hands-on testing was conducted, and the evidence is thinnest for the Sigma lens due to fewer owner ratings.