It’s been a while since I reviewed the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 Air, an ultra-compact and super-lightweight APS-C format lens with a price tag to delight the most ardent bargain-hunter. The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 Lab that I’m reviewing here is nothing like that. It has an uncompromising design that puts image quality, top-notch construction, pro-grade performance and exotic handling center-stage, with relatively little concern about size and weight. I’m reminded of Sigma’s design ethos for its ‘Art’ line-up of lenses – more on that later when we get to ‘price and availability’. For now, I’ll just say that the 35mm is the second in Viltrox’s growing range of top-grade full-frame compatible ‘Lab’ lenses, following on from the Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 Lab that I’ve previously reviewed.
The 135mm focal length is ideal for tight head-and-shoulder portraiture whereas the new 35mm goes for a moderately wide viewing perspective, while still being capable of delivering a tight depth of field and fast low-light shutter speeds. It sets out to be one of the best lenses for Sony mirrorless cameras, so Viltrox is aiming high with this one. A few months down the line, the company also launched the lens in a Z-mount option, vying to be one of the best lenses for Nikon Z cameras.
