Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N for Sony Cameras Loses the Display but Refines Control

Viltrox has been on a tear since NAB, this time they’re reintroducing the flagship lens for Sony cameras – the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N. While many things haven’t changed between the first-gen 35mm LAB lens and this N variant – namely a fast, ultra-large aperture autofocus prime lens – eagle-eyed observers will undoubtedly call out the lack of the LED display. Here’s why.

Refined Control for Professional Workflows

While the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N loses the tiny info display, this iteration of the lens adds a more streamlined appearance with a tactile aperture ring with marked stops. I totally understand the appeal of the info display – it adds a futuristic flair to the lens and visually gives the impression that this lens was a flagship device. A device that was intended to exude what the future could look like. But in practice, I’m much more interested in having precise control over my equipment, and the new AF35mm F1.2 LAB N absolutely delivers.

Viltrox hear from users of the original 35mm LAB, and they made the change. While eye-catching, ultimately the screenless version is better designed for intuitive controls. The Aperture supports click and de-click switching with is a boon for videographers and hybrid shooters.  Additionally, the AF/MF switch allows you to quickly toggle between the two without moving the camera from your eye. Lastly, with two customizable buttons can be programmed to give photographers direct access to their most frequently used functions to improve responsiveness while shooting. This N version of the lens is meant to improve efficiency in your workflow.

What Hasn’t Changed in the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N

Make no mistake, this is still ever bit of a flagship lens as its display carrying predecessor. With a 15-element design and ultra-large F1.2 maximum aperture, this is a lens designed to perform. Whether you need edge-to-edge sharpness that can handle heavily cropped in images without losing fine details, or shooting in low-light situations, or simply looking to take advantage of the smooth, natural looking bokeh that the F1.2 aperture can deliver, the AF35mm LAB N delivers.

A workhorse lens shouldn’t be babied or handled with kid gloves, and the 35mm F1.2 LAB N is no different. Built to handle even the toughest environments, the 35mm LAB uses an all-metal lens design, a brass mount, and weather sealed structured to resist dust and moisture to handle challenging outdoor environments.

Lastly, the AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE keeps Viltrox’s Quad HyperVCM motor system. Viltrox’s premium voice coil motor focusing system delivers significantly faster autofocus performance (which only gets better thanks to Sony’s already highly capable in-camera autofocusing) than traditional stepping motor systems. Viltrox is putting photographers on notice that this is a lens that’s ready to work.

Pricing and Availability

According to the company, the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N is not a replacement of the original 35mm LAB but to “coexist alongside” the original. So, whether you prefer your lens to display your settings on a LED screen or if you prefer a clicky aperture ring, the choice is still yours. The AF35mm F1.2 LAB N is available now for $999 USD and can be purchased on Amazon.

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