Viltrox’s New AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB Lens

credits: Viltrox

Viltrox has released a new version of its AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB lens, this time without the built-in TFT/LCD screen. Aside from that change, the specs appear to be essentially identical to the original version. It is available for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts, and like before, it is positioned as a high-end, fast full-frame prime.

The lens uses a 15-element, 10-group optical design, including 5 ED elements, 3 high-refractive index elements, and 2 aspherical elements. That kind of setup is meant to control chromatic aberration and maintain sharpness across the frame, especially wide open at f/1.2. The aperture runs from f/1.2 to f/16 with an 11-blade diaphragm, which should help produce smoother out-of-focus areas. Minimum focusing distance is 0.34 meters, with a maximum magnification of 0.17x, and the lens takes 77mm filters. It is not a small lens either, measuring around 122mm in length and weighing roughly 920g to 970g, depending on the mount.

Autofocus is driven by Viltrox’s Hyper VCM (Voice Coil Motor) system, designed for fast and relatively quiet operation, with support for tracking and video use. The lens also features internal focusing with dual floating elements, which helps maintain performance at closer distances. Build-wise, it is an all-metal construction with weather sealing and multi-layer coatings to reduce flare and ghosting. Controls include a de-clickable aperture ring, an AF/MF switch, and two customisable function buttons.