Quick answer
The Vivitar 20mm f/3.8 Wide Angle is a ultra-wide prime lens covering 20mm at f/3.8 for the M42 mount. Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
About this lens
Vivitar 20mm f/3.8 Wide Angle: a manual-focus wide-angle prime lens with a 20mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/3.8, made for M42 mount cameras. The wide view suits landscapes, architecture and environmental shots.
Vivitar 20mm f/3.8 Wide Angle specifications
What can you shoot with the Vivitar 20mm f/3.8 Wide Angle?
At 20mm this is a ultra-wide prime, which typically suits:
- Landscapes and big skies
- Architecture and interiors
- Astrophotography and night skies
Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor (adapted mount, so sensor size depends on your camera). Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 20mm | 84° | 94.5° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 30mm | 61.9° | 71.6° |
| Micro Four Thirds | 2.0x | 40mm | 48.5° | 56.8° |
Frequently asked questions
What mount does the Vivitar 20mm f/3.8 Wide Angle use?
It uses the M42 mount, so it fits M42 cameras directly and can be used on other systems through a mount adapter.
What is the focal length of the Vivitar 20mm f/3.8 Wide Angle?
It is a fixed 20mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/3.8. That makes it a ultra-wide lens.
Is the Vivitar 20mm f/3.8 Wide Angle a prime or a zoom lens?
It is a prime lens with a fixed 20mm focal length. Primes usually open wider than zooms; this one opens to f/3.8.
What is the Vivitar 20mm f/3.8 Wide Angle equivalent on a crop sensor?
On APS-C (1.5x crop) it frames like 30mm on full frame, with a 61.9° horizontal and 71.6° diagonal field of view. On Micro Four Thirds (2x crop) it frames like 40mm on full frame, with a 48.5° horizontal and 56.8° diagonal field of view. These figures are calculated from the focal length and crop factor.
Alternatives for M42 from other brands
All M42 lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
