Sony's lens lineup has a notable gap when it comes to fast 35mm options, leaving many photographers searching for third-party alternatives. The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE lens aims to fill that void with professional-grade features at a fraction of the cost you'd expect.
Coming to you from Lee Zavitz, this comprehensive video puts the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE lens through its paces during a challenging street photography session. Zavitz tests the lens in demanding lighting conditions with harsh shadows and bright sun, exactly the scenarios where autofocus systems typically struggle. The results surprised him, particularly the lens' unique "3D pop" and character that sets it apart from the clinically sharp but sterile look of many modern lenses. What makes this especially noteworthy is that 35mm represents the widest focal length most photographers can use before distortion becomes problematic at frame edges.
The autofocus performance proved impressive during real-world testing, missing only about one shot out of 50 while the subject walked directly toward the camera at f/1.2. This hit rate becomes even more significant when you consider the razor-thin depth of field at maximum aperture and the challenging lighting conditions. Zavitz conducted these tests on the Sony a7R V, which provides one of the most demanding autofocus scenarios available. The lens uses what Viltrox calls "quad hyper VCM motors" in a floating focus system that delivered silent and snappy performance throughout the shoot.
Beyond basic functionality, this lens packs features typically found in much more expensive glass. The full magnesium alloy construction includes weather-sealing, an 11-blade aperture for smooth bokeh, and a unique digital display showing focus distance and aperture settings. Two programmable function buttons can be customized through Viltrox's smartphone app, including the ability to set A and B focus points for quick switching between preset distances. The lens even allows you to customize the boot screen with your own logo and colors.
Key Specs
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Lens Mount: Sony E (Full Frame)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 13.4" / 34 cm
- Optical Design: 15 Elements in 10 Groups
- Aperture Blades: 11
- Filter Size: 77mm
- Weight: 2 lb / 910 g
- Dimensions: 3.5" x 4.8" / 89.2 x 121.8 mm
At approximately $1,000, this lens punches well above its weight class in terms of build quality and performance. The only notable drawback Zavitz identified was focus breathing when racking focus from minimum distance to infinity, though he's seen worse examples in other lenses. For wedding and portrait photographers who typically carry a 35mm and 85mm combination, this represents a significant value proposition compared to Sony's limited fast 35mm options. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Zavitz.
5 Comments
I'll take the 35GM over this every day of the week
Have you actually tried this Viltrox?
Yes, I found it to have a clinical look, but it is an excellent value. I'm curious how the new sigma 35mm 1.2 ii will perform.
Once this becomes available for z mount i will compare it to the z 35mm 1.2 but would be very surprized if it tops the performance of that beast. Only thing i see upfront on the viltrox is its smaller so could be useful as a nikon zf lens and its price. I hope they sell a boat load of them to the nikon world so nikon can at last understand that they are gouging their users with the price of the z 35 1.2 (3249 euro!).
How is it a gap when it’s been one of the only two lens mounts to have a 35mm F1.2 for the past 6 years?