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| Image: Viltrox |
Viltrox has announced that its AF 35mm F1.2 Lab lens, previously released for E-mount, is available for Z-mount cameras. As a result, Nikon users now have access to both of the Lab series primes (35mm and 135mm) currently offered by Viltrox.
The Lab series sits at the top of Viltrox’s lens lineup, offering fast apertures and representing what Viltrox describes as the pinnacle of its optical innovation. The Nikon version of the AF 35mm F1.2 Lab lens is identical to the E-mount model in most ways, including optical design. It is made up of 15 elements in 10 groups, with 5 ED elements, 3 high-refractive-index elements and 2 aspherical lenses.
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| Image: Viltrox |
The lens features nano multi-layer coatings to minimize flare and ghosting, and a moisture-resistant coating on the front element as well. Viltrox says that the optical design provides reduced vignetting even at its maximum aperture. It also promises minimal edge distortion.
Four Viltrox HyperVCM motors power the autofocus, which Viltrox promises to be fast, quiet and accurate. It supports face and eye recognition autofocus, and the company says it can adjust from the closest to the farthest focus points in 100ms. It also promises goodc focus breathing control for video use.
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The AF 35mm F1.2 Lab offers useful on-lens controls, including a multi-function ring, two customizable Fn buttons, an AF/MF switch and a click/de-click switch for aperture adjustment. There’s an LCD that can be customized to display desired information as well. It also features a dust and moisture-resistant design.
Not surprisingly, the difference between the Sony and Nikon versions comes down to size and weight. It’s still a hefty lens, but at 335 g (1.8 lbs), the Z-mount model weighs slightly less than the E-mount model’s 920 g (2 lbs). It’s also a hair longer, measuring 123.5mm (4.9″).
The Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 Lab for Z-mount is available today for $999.
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After nearly 25 years of operation, DPReview closed on 10 April 2023. This difficult decision was part of the annual operating plan review that parent company, Amazon, shared earlier this year.
Over the course of 25 years, DP Review built up a reputation as being one of the most informative places to go for information about that new camera or lens you’re after. DP Review began as an independent reviews site based in the UK in 1998, the brainchild of Philip and Joanna Askey, but it was eventually purchased by Amazon in 2007 and relocated over to Seattle in the USA in 2010.
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