[Expired]Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE Lens (Sony E)
For many years in the world of 35mm prime lenses, from F1.8 to F1.4, everyone has known that the 35GM F1.4 reigns supreme in its price range. But Viltrox has now boldly stepped up to F1.2.
📍 Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB FE, a full-frame autofocus lens, priced at 5499 yuan / $999.
At this price point for an F1.2 large aperture lens, it's not just "affordable" - it's completely shattered the entry barrier.
The main message is clear: "If you can't afford the GM, I'll give you another flagship experience."
(By the way, Sigma also launched the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art back in 2019, which was the first F1.2 autofocus lens for Sony E-mount, but weighing in at 1090g, it's more suited for studio photography.)
⚙️ Specifications Overview:
- 15 elements in 10 groups optical design: 5 ED elements, 3 high-refractive elements, 2 UA aspherical elements
- Aperture range F1.2 - F16, 11 aperture blades
- Minimum focusing distance: 0.34m (13.4 inches)
- VCM voice coil motor (Quad HyperVCM)
- Filter diameter: 77mm
- Lens dimensions: Φ89mm×122mm (3.5×4.8 inches), weighs approximately 920g (2.02 lbs)
- Type-C firmware upgrades + Bluetooth OTA, supports Viltrox App
- All-metal dust and splash-resistant design, built-in customizable color screen, dual Fn buttons, click/stepless aperture switching
🔍 Image Quality Performance:
This lens is designed with high-resolution camera bodies in mind.
- At F1.2 wide open, center sharpness is impressive, and edge control is far better than previous third-party standards
- Clean bokeh balls with no cat-eye distortion at the edges
- The bokeh has a soft yet transparent quality, with a rare texture that creates a "dreamy feel" without being blurry
- Rich, slightly warm color rendering with distinctive straight-out-of-camera results
- Honestly, to deliver this level of image quality at this price point and size—it's a bold challenge to the established players.
🤖 Autofocus Performance:
Uses four groups of HyperVCM voice coil motors, with improved focus speed and accuracy, compatible with eye/face tracking.
- Quick focus response for still photography, generally keeping up with high-resolution A7R series bodies
- Quiet and stable for video work, with excellent breathing control
- Suitable for portraits, street photography, and video creation
- Slightly behind the 35GM's "in the blink of an eye" linear motor performance, but the difference is no longer significant, especially for non-sports photography scenarios.
How does it compare to the 35GM?
- 35GM: Compact, extremely fast autofocus, exceptionally balanced overall performance
- Viltrox 35LAB: Larger aperture, more creative options, richer details
Your choice depends on how you prioritize "portability" versus "value for money."
🎬 Strong Video Performance Too:
This Viltrox lens also places strong emphasis on video-friendly features:
- Excellent breathing control
- Motor response is stable, accurate, and quiet
- Supports stepless aperture switching for natural scene transitions
- Multi-function ring + custom buttons improve operational efficiency
- Not just for vlogging—it's capable of serious video production.
🎯 Conclusion:
The Viltrox 35mm F1.2 LAB is the kind of lens that "maxes out specs + reasonably priced" all-rounder.
It's not simply a "GM alternative"—it directly jumps to F1.2 to create differentiation.
It's not perfect, but it understands what photographers want:
- Large aperture, fast focusing, impressive image quality
- High versatility, honestly priced
In an era where third-party lenses are increasingly resembling "true flagships," this LAB lens genuinely has the character to challenge the establishment.
It's not just competing on price—it's aiming at the benchmark.
Sample Images:
Official Product Information:
最新评论 1
: According to reviews, one drawback of the lab lens is green fringing at maximum aperture. The GM lens also exhibits purple fringing. When shooting directly into the sun, the lab lens produces noticeable flare, while the GM lens shows much milder flare. At this price point—if converted to RMB with a slight markup—$800 seems quite reasonable. Currently, based on my friend who works with Amazon, the tariffs haven't actually taken effect yet, but shipping costs have risen significantly. It's highly likely that people are stockpiling in anticipation of price hikes once the tariff policy is implemented, driving up both storage fees and ocean freight costs. Not sure if there will be any discounts during the 618 Shopping Festival here. 看测评，lab一个缺点是光圈全开焦外绿边。gm也会有紫边。lab怼着太阳拍逆光会有炫光，gm也有但是轻微的多。这个价格如果是人民币折合过来再加一点，800刀我觉得还是蛮好的。现在根据我朋友做亚马逊的讲说关税还没实际生效，但是运费涨了不少，很大概率是大家怕关税政策生效以后涨价大量囤货，仓储费和船的运费都涨了。不知道618这边降不降价。