Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE specifications and in-depth review

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE

Manufacturer: Viltrox

The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE is a wide-angle, prime lens designed for Sony E mount cameras. With its large f/1.2 aperture, it offers excellent light-gathering capabilities and shallow depth of field for creative shots. The lens also includes a reversible lens hood for added convenience.

In terms of technical specifications, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE features a 35 mm maximum focal length and a 0.17x magnification. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.34 m and includes an internal focus motor for quiet and precise focusing. The lens is constructed with a metal mount and weighs 910 g.

Pros
  • The lens has a large f/1.2 aperture, providing excellent low-light performance and a shallow depth of field for creative effects.
  • It includes a reversible lens hood, offering added protection and convenience during storage or transport.
  • The lens features full-time manual focus, allowing precise adjustments without needing to switch modes.
  • The metal mount ensures durability and a secure connection to Sony E mount cameras.
  • The silent focus motor in the lens makes it ideal for video work, ensuring quiet and smooth autofocus operation.
Cons
  • The lens is not weather-sealed, which may limit its usability in challenging weather conditions.
  • It does not have built-in optical image stabilization, which may make handheld shooting more challenging in low light or at slower shutter speeds.
  • At a weight of 910 g, the lens may feel heavy for extended handheld shooting sessions.
Who is this for?

The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE is ideal for photographers who prioritize low-light performance and creative control over depth of field, thanks to its large f/1.2 aperture. It is well-suited for portrait, event, and studio work, where the ability to achieve a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh is important. The full-time manual focus also makes it a good choice for videographers who need precise focus adjustments while maintaining smooth autofocus performance during shoots.

Who is this NOT for?

This lens may not be the best choice for users who require weather-sealing for shooting in harsh conditions, as it lacks this feature. Additionally, the absence of optical image stabilization could make handheld shooting more difficult in low-light scenarios or at slower shutter speeds. The lens’s relatively heavy 910 g weight may also be a drawback for users who prioritize portability or need a lightweight lens for extended handheld use or travel.

General info:

lens type Wide-angle, Prime
lens mount Sony E
release date April 2025
is weather-sealed (splashproof)
Has a metal mount
weight 910 g
Front element doesn't rotate
Includes lens hood
Lens hood is reversible
filter size 77 mm

The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE lens is designed for Sony E mount cameras and features a metal mount for added durability. Weighing 910 g, it is a solid and reliable option for photographers. The lens includes a reversible lens hood for protection and convenience, and the front element does not rotate, making it ideal for use with polarizing filters. However, it is not weather-sealed, so caution is advised when shooting in harsh conditions. The lens accepts 77 mm filters.

Optics:

maximum focal length 35 mm
minimum focal length 35 mm
has built-in optical image stabilization
maximum angle of view 64.2°
minimum angle of view 64.2°
magnification 0.17x

The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE lens features a 35 mm maximum and minimum focal length, making it a true prime lens with consistent optical performance. It offers a maximum angle of view of 64.2°, providing a wide perspective for various scenes. With a magnification of 0.17x, the lens can capture moderate details but does not include optical image stabilization, so stable shots may require additional support or careful handling.

Aperture:

wide aperture (main camera) 1.2f
widest aperture at maximum focal length 1.2f
aperture blades 11
smallest aperture at maximum focal length 1.2f
smallest aperture at minimum focal length 16f

The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE lens offers an impressive wide aperture of 1.2f, enabling excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for creative photography. At both the maximum and minimum focal lengths, the aperture remains at 1.2f, providing consistent performance. The lens is equipped with 11 aperture blades, which help produce smooth, attractive bokeh, and the smallest aperture setting is 16f at the minimum focal length for greater depth of field when needed.

Focus:

Can focus to infinity
Has focus motor
Has full-time manual focus
has a silent focus motor built into the lens
minimum focus distance 0.34 m

The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE lens offers infinity focus, allowing it to focus on distant subjects with ease. It is equipped with a focus motor, ensuring smooth and fast autofocus. Additionally, the lens features full-time manual focus, enabling precise adjustments while maintaining autofocus functionality. The silent focus motor built into the lens provides quiet operation, making it ideal for video work, and the lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.34 m for closer shots.

Benchmarks:

Final Verdict

The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE is a solid choice for photographers and videographers seeking a wide-aperture lens with precise focus control. Its f/1.2 aperture delivers excellent low-light performance and stunning depth of field effects, making it ideal for portrait and event work. While it may not be the best fit for harsh weather conditions due to the lack of weather-sealing, and its 910 g weight could be a consideration for some, it excels in environments where high-quality imaging and smooth, quiet autofocus are paramount. This lens is best suited for those who prioritize creative control and optical quality.

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