Viltrox offers two versions of the AF 35mm F1.2 LAB, the AF 35mm F1.2 LAB FE and the newer AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE, with both retailing for £869. They share the same optical design, but the original model has a small OLED screen that displays the focus distance, aperture and an approximate depth-of-field scale. It also has an unmarked customisable control ring rather than a dedicated aperture ring.

　　The newer Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE that I tested drops the screen and replaces the customisable ring with a traditional aperture ring marked from f/1.2 to f/16. This makes the aperture setting easier to check and adjust directly on the lens.

　　Both versions are full-frame lenses available for Sony E and Nikon Z mount cameras.

　　Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE Features The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE is constructed from 15 elements arranged in 10 groups. These include three high refractive index elements, five extra low dispersion elements and two ultra precision aspherical elements. Such exotic optics are designed to maintain sharpness across the frame while controlling chromatic aberration and other optical defects.

　　Crucially, the f/1.2 maximum aperture allows plenty of light to reach the sensor, which is useful for low-light photography. It also enables very shallow depth-of-field, especially when the lens is focused close to its minimum distance of 34cm, where the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.17x.

　　An 11-blade diaphragm forms the aperture and is intended to produce rounded highlights and smooth out of focus areas. Theres also a dual floating internal focusing system, so the lens doesnt change length as the focus distance changes. Four HyperVCM (Voice Coil Motor) motors drive the focusing group and are designed to provide fast, quiet and precise focusing. The lens also supports the camera’s face and eye detection systems.

　　While the original version of the 35mm F1.2 LAB has an unmarked customisable control ring, the N has a dedicated aperture ring. The older lens’s ring can be assigned to adjust the aperture or another setting, depending upon the camera, but it doesn’t have a marked aperture scale. The N model’s ring is marked at f/1.2, f/1.4 and then in whole stops to f/16, with clicks at one-third stop intervals. There is also an A setting that hands aperture control to the camera. A switch allows the ring to be de-clicked for smooth exposure adjustments during video recording.

　　Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE Build and Handling With a diameter of 89.2mm, a length of 121.8mm and a weight of 910g, the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE is large and heavy for a 35mm prime lens. However, thats not surprising given its f/1.2 maximum aperture and complex optical construction.

　　The lens feels well-made and, as a flagship LAB series model, it has an aerospace grade metal barrel and a plated brass mount. There are seals to resist dust and moisture, while the front element has a coating that repels water, dirt and fingerprints.

　　The broad manual focus ring is ridged and easy to locate while looking through the viewfinder. Its movement is just on the right side of free-moving. It can be rotated with one finger, but it is not so loose that it is likely to shift accidentally.

　　Meanwhile, the aperture ring sits closer to the camera. There’s no lock, but the clicks give clear feedback as it moves through the settings. They also make it easy to tell when the ring has moved beyond the marked apertures to the A position. A switch on the side of the barrel allows the clicks to be disengaged for smooth and quiet adjustments while recording video.

　　Theres also an AF/MF switch and two customisable function buttons, positioned one above the other on the left side of the barrel. Unfortunately, the Sony A7R VI that I used for this review only recognises the first button, labelled Fn1. I set it to toggle subject recognition on and off, which is useful in a busy location when I dont want the focus to jump to a stranger’s eye. By default, the second button shifts the focus between the nearest and furthest distances when the lens is set to manual focus.

　　Some photographers may have preferred the two buttons to be positioned 90 degrees apart and to perform the same function. That would ensure that one is within easy reach when the camera is held in either landscape or portrait orientation.

　　Speaking of customisation, unlike Nikon cameras, Sony cameras don’t have an option to customise a lens ring. So the N model is probably the more logical choice for Sony shooters.

　　Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE Autofocus I used the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE on the Sony A7R VI and found the autofocusing fast, accurate and decisive. It also works well with Sony’s subject and eye-detection systems.

　　This was particularly useful at a local music gig where I photographed the band through members of the audience. Shooting from within the crowd helped capture the atmosphere while the eye detection kept the attention on the performers.

　　The f/1.2 aperture meant that I didnt have to push the sensitivity especially high in the gloomy conditions. With the camera taking care of the subject’s eye, I could concentrate on the composition and wait for the foreground elements to come together.

　　The Viltrox lens’s focusing system is also quiet and its transitions are smooth, which makes it suitable for video as well as stills. However, there is noticeable focus breathing, where the lens appears to zoom in as the focus point moves closer to the camera.

　　Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE Image quality The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE is capable of resolving plenty of detail and pairs well with a high-resolution camera like the Sony A7R VI. Its central sharpness is very good at f/1.2 and it remains at a high level through the rest of the aperture range.

　　Corner sharpness is also impressive. It doesnt quite match the centre at the widest settings, but the difference is very modest. Consequently, there is no need to avoid using f/1.2 when the subject extends beyond the centre of the frame.

　　There is some vignetting at f/1.2, however, the shading has a gradual transition, so it’s not usually objectionable. It’s also effectively gone by f/2.8.

　　Distortion is controlled very well, too. I detected a very slight hint of pincushion distortion, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use the lens for architecture or interior photography. Chromatic aberration and flare are also both kept nicely in check.

　　At f/1.2, the transition from sharp to blurred areas is rapid and the out of focus areas are rendered smoothly. This makes it easy to separate a subject from its surroundings while retaining some sense of the wider environment.

　　Out-of-focus highlights are also handled nicely, without any obvious internal aberrations or distracting outlines. Highlights towards the edges of the frame can become slightly cat’s eye shaped at the widest aperture, but this is quite common, and overall the bokeh is attractive.

　　Naturally, the depth-of-field becomes extremely shallow when the lens is focused close at f/1.2. Care is therefore required to place the focus exactly where it is needed, as otherwise images will appear soft. But a capable autofocus system makes that much easier.

　　Verdict The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE is large and heavy, but it provides the creative potential and light gathering ability that some photographers dream about. Its 35mm focal length is also versatile, making it suitable for environmental portraits, documentary photography, street scenes, events, landscapes and low light work.

　　Crucially, the optical performance is very impressive. The lens produces sharp results at all apertures, including towards the corners, while distortion, chromatic aberration and flare are controlled very well. There is some vignetting at the widest apertures, but it is gradual and disappears by f/2.8. Importantly for such a fast lens, the bokeh is also attractive.

　　Its metal construction, weather resistant design, de-clickable aperture ring and customisable buttons reinforce the LAB flagship status. However, Sony users may be disappointed that both function buttons cant be configured independently.

　　Both versions of the lens cost $999 / £869, which puts them close to the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art. If the f/1.2 aperture is the main attraction, Sony users also have the option of the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art for more, while Nikon users could consider the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.2 S for around $3,000 / £2,899. Incidentally, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM costs half-that. With those price comparisons, its hard to find fault with this superb Viltrox lens.

　　Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE Full Specifications Scroll to see more →

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