The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens is a budget-friendly telephoto prime that competes with much more expensive options from Sony, Canon, and Nikon. It’s part of Viltrox’s LAB series, which aims to push optical performance to new heights without costing a ton.
Coming to you from Bobby Tonelli, this thorough video takes a look at the Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens. It’s large and heavy, weighing 2.7 lbs, which makes it comparable in size to some zoom lenses. The optical quality, however, is where it stands out. Even at f/1.8, sharpness is excellent, and the rendering is reminiscent of Zeiss Otus lenses. Autofocus performance is solid but slightly behind native Sony lenses, making it less ideal for high-speed action. For portrait and street photography, it provides beautiful separation and smooth background blur.
Tonelli highlights some quirks that might be dealbreakers for certain users. The aperture ring lacks a locking mechanism, making it easy to knock out of place. The OLED display, while visually appealing, doesn’t add much practical value for most users. The lens hood is well-designed with a felt interior, but its size and shape may be uncomfortable for those with larger hands. Despite these drawbacks, the image quality and price-to-performance ratio make it an interesting option.
Key Specs:
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Focal Length: 135mm
Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
Lens Mount: Sony E
Format Coverage: Full frame
Autofocus: Yes
Image Stabilization: No
Filter Size: 82mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 2.36' / 0.72 m
Maximum Magnification: 0.25x
Optical Design: 9 elements in 14 groups
Diaphragm Blades: 11
Dimensions: 3.7 x 5.7" / 93 x 145.7 mm
Weight: 2.7 lb / 1235 g
One critical factor Tonelli brings up is the necessity of a firmware update. Out of the box, autofocus performance was sluggish, but after updating through the Viltrox app, it improved significantly. This is something users should be aware of, as Viltrox doesn’t widely advertise firmware updates. It’s worth checking their site regularly for new updates, as they can make a noticeable difference in performance.
The lens performs well in various shooting conditions. In low light, the f/1.8 aperture provides excellent subject isolation and smooth bokeh, though highlights in the corners may have a cat-eye shape. Autofocus is generally reliable, though it may not match Sony’s GM lenses in speed. The trade-off comes down to size, price, and performance, making it a strong option for those who can handle the weight. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Tonelli.
