Field-Tested Review: Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB FE

By Lee Zavitz

Meet the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB FE

In the competitive landscape of Sony E-mount lenses, the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB FE stands out not just for its technical specs but for its ability to inject character into every frame. Canadian filmmaker and photographer Lee Zavitz recently took this lens to the streets, testing its capabilities in dynamic, real-world scenarios. Here’s a distilled look at his findings and why this lens might redefine expectations for fast prime lenses.

Optical Performance: A Balance of Sharpness and Soul

Zavitz’s first takeaway? The lens delivers "awesome 3D pop" with a rendering style that avoids clinical sterility. Shooting portraits in mixed light—harsh sunlight and deep shadows—he noted its ability to retain detail without sacrificing organic texture：
  • Contrast Handling: Even in high-contrast scenes, the lens maintained smooth tonal transitions, avoiding harsh clipping. 
  • Sharpness with Character: "Nice and sharp without being too sharp," Zavitz remarked, praising its balance between resolution and artistic rendering. 
  • UA Aspherical Lens Impact: The dual ultra-precision aspherical elements effectively suppressed onion-ring bokeh, contributing to creamy, distortion-free backgrounds.  

Imaging Character and Optical Quality

While Zavitz typically avoids diving into image quality early, this lens prompted an exception. “This lens has some awesome 3D pop and a unique look to it,” he remarks. “It’s nice and sharp without being too sharp, and it’s got some nice character.”

This distinction—between clinical sharpness and meaningful rendering—is where Zavitz identifies the strength of the lens. It’s less about technical perfection and more about producing images that feel alive. “There’s definitely something unique about this lens and the images we got today, and I’m really impressed with how they turned out,” he adds.

Autofocus in Challenging Scenarios

This lens uses Viltrox's self-developed quad super VCM motor, which Zavitz used to test the lens's autofocus at its widest aperture. “One of the challenges of shooting at f1.2 on a lens like this is autofocus tracking,” he explains, but he reports a strong performance on the Sony A1 II: “We maybe missed one out of 50 shots while she was walking toward the camera, and that’s a pretty good hit rate.”

Viltrox’s use of quad hyper VCM motors—though not explained in technical detail—seems to have provided reliable speed and silence during the shoot.

Build and Handling

In terms of physical design, the lens strikes Zavitz as premium from the start. “It’s full magnesium alloy. It’s got an 11-blade aperture, F1.2 to F16. It’s got two function buttons… a click/de-click aperture ring… and a digital display,” he lists, noting the uncommon level of hardware features.

He also acknowledges the inclusion of Bluetooth and the ability to customize settings through Viltrox’s mobile app. “You can set the boot screen… add your own logo… change the colors… and when you save it, it’ll actually write to the lens,” he explains while demonstrating how to set A/B focus points via the function buttons.

Real-World Observations and Nuanced Notes

Although largely positive, Zavitz doesn’t gloss over limitations. He mentions focus breathing as one minor drawback: “It does have some obvious focus breathing, especially if you're going to rack focus from minimum to infinity. I will say I’ve definitely seen worse, but I just wanted to point that out.”

Despite this, his overall sentiment remains measured yet impressed: “We’ve always kind of known Viltrox to be more of the budget lens, but I feel like this is hitting way above its price point.”

A Lens with Intentionality

Priced at $999, the Viltrox 35mm F1.2 LAB isn’t just a budget alternative—it’s a deliberate choice for creators seeking "unique imagery over clinical perfection". As Zavitz concluded: 

 

 "There’s something special here. It’s not just sharp; it has soul. For filmmakers and photographers who value storytelling over specs, this lens is a hidden gem."   

(The above opinions and content are quoted from Lee Zavitz’s channel, specifically from his review video of the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE)