The Viltrox 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE Might One of the Best 35mm Primes for Sony FE-Mount Cameras

A fast aperture 35mm is a must-have lens for anyone who’s serious about documenting events or makes environmental portraits. The 35mm focal length provides a solid compromise between wide angle and standard focal lengths allowing you to capture more of a scene without getting into world-distorting territory. The downside to these lenses is that some of the best ones, like the Sony 35mm F1.4 GM, will set you back around $1600 or more. So, does payless for the Viltrox 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE mean you’re sacrificing more?

Viltrox 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE Tech Specs

The following list of features were taken from the Viltrox Store’s AF35mm F1.2 LAB product page:

• Full-Frame 35mm Prime Engineered for Ultimate Image Quality.
• Large F1.2 Aperture for Dreamy Bokeh and Low-Light Clarity.
• Precision Optics: 15/10 Elements (5 ED, 3 HR & 2 UA).
• Fast, Accurate HyperVCM Autofocus for Photo and Video.
• 0.34m Minimum Focusing Distance for Close-Up Detail.
• All-Metal Weather-Sealed Durable Build.

The AF35mm F1.2 LAB N that I’m testing is the version without the integrated LED Lens Display, beyond that caveat, the lenses are identical. For anyone familiar with the first-generation Nikon Z 24-70mm S, you’ll know that this LED is intended to provide the same lens information that you’d find via your camera’s rear monitor or EVF.

The Viltrox 35mm F1.2 LAB N in the Real World

When we typically talk about F1.4, and especially F1.2 lenses, we’re usually using words like “heavy,” “large,” “bulky” when talking about their physical dimensions. While the AF35mm LAB isn’t the smallest lens out there, it’s incredibly lightweight when talking about similar aperture lenses on the market. In that respect, Viltrox has created something that is incredibly unique – a lightweight F1.2 lens with a weather-sealed construction, fast voice-coil motors for focusing, and a minimum focusing distance of around six inches. These are features that no current OEM manufacturer offers and the quality in engineering in the Viltrox 35mm LAB is easily recognizable.

When you’re shooting with this lens, you’ll immediately recognize how well built it is. From its all-metal construction to well placed, tactile controls, namely the aperture ring and multi-function button, the lens feels like a tool you can depend on. Unlike more plasticky feeling lenses, the all-metal construction combined with the full weather-sealing makes this a no-brainer for taking onsite or just out in the streets. This past summer has been a stormy one here in New York City, and I have to say that I’ve been able to take this lens out without fear of damage from the elements – I’m currently looking forward to using it when the snow arrives this winter. Ultimately, that’s the kind of confidence you should have when taking your gear outdoors – after all if you’re not able to use it, it’s of no use to you.

Let’s Discuss a Potential Problem

Last year when Sony released the Sony a7V, there were multiple reviewers who encountered autofocusing issues with Viltrox lenses on Sony’s new camera. I also encountered these issues with other Viltrox lenses – specifically the 135mm LAB, and 14mm Air – but found out that both Sony and Viltrox made respective firmware updates that fixed the issues. In a nutshell, this is a result of Viltrox not paying Sony for a license to develop lenses for its mount, a recent escalation of camera manufacturers gatekeeping their technology from what I can only assume to be profit. This very specific issue really isn’t about the lens itself but instead about the current state of Photography as camera manufacturers and third-party vendors play a legal cat and mouse game where photographers are the ones caught in the middle. To be fair, I do believe OEM’s have a right to protect their IP and I also believe that more AF-enabled lens options are good for photographers as a whole – no matter the system.

What About the Pictures?

Regardless of where you stand on the legal issue behind authorized and unauthorized lens manufacturers, you’re still probably interested in what the images this lens produces look like. Thankfully, I’ve used this lens for a variety of use cases, though mostly street and product photography. Because this lens sports a 77mm filter thread, I’ve been able to use this lens extensively with the Polar Pro x Shortstache Diopter lens filters I own. These allow me to take macro-esque images on this lens, further expanding its flexibility.

As a street photography lens, I’m very pleased with the resulting images as well as just how light it is to carry around. Unlike other F1.4 or F1.2 lenses that can weigh you down, this lens is as close to “featherweight” as can be without being made of cheap plastic (like my Canon 45mm F1.2). The resulting images are solid and truly get me excited about my next walk about the neighborhood.

Additional Sample Images Taken with the Viltrox 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE

Conclusion: Is the Viltrox AF35mm F1.2 LAB N Right for You

During my testing period, I only used this lens with my Sony a7III – there were no issues with the autofocusing or any other feature of this lens with that camera. If you have an older/no longer supported Sony camera, you can expect that things will work without issue. But if you plan on regularly updating your modern (i.e., anything after the Sony a7V) camera or upgrading in the near future be aware that this lens’s compatibility will ultimately rely on both how often Sony keeps its AF tech away from “unauthorized” manufacturers and how consistently Viltrox offers firmware support for this and other lenses. Keep this in mind before you make a purchasing decision.

That said, there is little doubt that the Viltrox 35mm F1.2 LAB N is one of the most versatile and budget-friendly 35mm prime lenses you can buy on any system. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working with this lens and has made me consider including it on my next paid gig. If you want to give one a try for yourself, you can purchase the Viltrox AF35mm F1.2 LAB N for $999 at B&H Photo-Video.

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