Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 Lab

The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 Lab is a full-frame autofocus prime for Sony E and Nikon Z. It combines a 35mm field of view with an F1.2 maximum aperture and sits at the top of Viltrox's Lab series. It targets photographers who want a very fast standard-wide lens for environmental portraits, street work, low light and video.

Optical design

According to Viltrox, the lens uses 15 elements in 10 groups, including 5 ED elements, 3 high-refractive-index elements and 2 UA (ultra-large, precision aspherical) elements. The UA elements are meant to reduce onion-ring bokeh, and Viltrox says they are made by nano-level ion sputtering. A dual floating internal focusing system is used, which Viltrox says keeps close-up performance consistent. The aperture has 11 blades and closes down to F16. The minimum focusing distance is 0.34 m with a maximum magnification of 0.17x.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is driven by Viltrox's Quad HyperVCM motors, which the company describes as quiet and fast, with eye and face detection support. A multi-function ring can be set to control aperture or focus, there are two customizable Fn buttons, an AF/MF switch and a click/declick aperture option. This version has a built-in color display that shows aperture and focus data and can be configured through the Viltrox Lens App. Viltrox also offers the optics without a display as the Lab N, see that page for the differences.

Build and size

The body is all metal and weather sealed against dust and splashes, and the front element carries a water and stain repellent coating. The Sony E version weighs about 920 g and measures 89.2 mm by 121.8 mm, the Nikon Z version about 970 g and 123.5 mm in length. Both take 77 mm filters.

Where it fits

Within the database, the closest alternatives at this focal length and speed are the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art for Sony E, which is considerably heavier at 1090 g, and the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA. On Nikon Z, the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.4 is smaller (415 g) and slower at F1.4. Inside the Viltrox range, the AF 35mm F1.8 is a lighter and slower choice, while the AF 135mm F1.8 Lab and AF 75mm F1.2 Pro share the Lab or Pro positioning.

Pros and cons

Pros

• F1.2 aperture with a 0.34 m close focus limit
• Weather-sealed all-metal construction
• Fast, quiet autofocus motors according to the manufacturer
• Display, multi-function ring and two Fn buttons
• Lighter than the Sigma 35mm F1.2 on Sony E

Cons

• Around 920 g to 970 g, large for a 35mm
• 77 mm filter size
• No optical stabilizer
• The display version is 10 g heavier than the N version

Verdict

The Lab 35mm F1.2 offers a very bright 35mm with a modern optical layout and a full control set. It is aimed at users who value speed and weather sealing over size.