The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE lens is attracting attention for its unique specs and a price that challenges traditional expectations. With few direct rivals, this lens might reshape how you think about premium lenses for Sony full frame cameras.
Coming to you from Curtis Padley, this insightful video gets hands-on with the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2, a rare beast in the world of Sony E mount lenses. Padley highlights the lens' standout features, including its robust build quality and impressive autofocus performance, even wide open at f/1.2. He acknowledges the lens’ substantial size, yet makes it clear that its weight is manageable and actually lighter than competing lenses like the discontinued Sigma variant. Padley points out practical design choices, such as weather-sealing and customizable buttons, though he finds the aperture ring somewhat cumbersome in real-world usage. Still, these are minor gripes compared to the lens’s overall premium feel and unique capabilities.
Where this lens truly shines, according to Padley, is its optical performance. The sharpness, he reports, is surprisingly exceptional even at the maximum aperture, matching or surpassing lenses priced significantly higher. He goes as far as testing the lens rigorously, confirming minimal chromatic aberration, controlled flare, and pleasing bokeh that should attract portrait and wedding shooters in particular. This high-quality image output combined with its ultra-wide aperture makes it attractive for those seeking striking separation between subjects and backgrounds, though he does note the lens’ moderate focus breathing might be an issue for video shooters. Padley suggests considering carefully if an f/1.2 aperture is truly necessary for your photography style, or if a smaller, lighter lens with an f/1.4 aperture might serve your practical needs better.
Key Specs
-
Focal Length: 35mm
-
Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
-
Lens Mount: Sony E
-
Coverage: Full-Frame
-
Angle of View: 64.2°
-
Minimum Focus Distance: 13.4" (34 cm)
-
Magnification: 0.17x (1:5.88 macro reproduction)
-
Optical Design: 15 elements in 10 groups
-
Aperture Blades: 11
-
Autofocus: Yes
-
Image Stabilization: No
-
Filter Size: 77 mm
-
Dimensions: ø 3.5 x L 4.8" (ø 89.2 x L 121.8 mm)
-
Weight: 2 lb (910 g)
Interestingly, despite its notable specs, Padley admits this lens might not be his daily carry due to its size and because he rarely needs the full f/1.2 aperture. He emphasizes the value of practicality, encouraging viewers to weigh personal needs against the temptation of impressive specs. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Padley.
