Viltrox has quickly become a popular and affordable alternative to private label and Sigma lenses, and I should know this given that I now have six Viltrox prime lenses in my collection.
I currently shoot with a Nikon mirrorless camera and there's one Viltrox lens I've been patiently waiting for since I first saw it announced for Sony cameras last year: the flagship Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB.
We've already reviewed the Sony version of the fast-aperture, moderate-wide-angle autofocus lens, and gave it a maximum rating of five stars. We praise its superlative optical quality and conclude that you get the same professional quality as the proprietary versions, for a fraction of the cost, even if it is Viltrox's most expensive mirrorless lens to date.
Months later, as the curtain closed on 2025, the good news came: a Nikon version was released.
A 35mm large aperture prime lens like this is a lens I've wanted to buy for my Nikon Z camera since I switched from DSLR to mirrorless years ago.
You see, I have a history with this versatile type of prime lens, doing most of my documentary photography for years living in East Africa a decade ago with a trusty Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 lens, paired with my Nikon D800 DSLR camera.
However, Nikon Z lenses are generally much more expensive than DSLR equivalents and that's why this Viltrox optic is good news.
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I can get an optically superior 35mm prime lens to my old Sigma, with an even wider f/1.2 aperture, for a triple-digit price of $999 / £959. That's 30% cheaper than the recent superb Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art and only a third of the cost of Nikon's Z 35mm f/1.2 S, which is way out of my price range.
So now that I have my dream Z-mount lens in my hands, has it lived up to my expectations?
Notes on the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB for Nikon Z
I won't go into the details of the lens; We already did this in our in-depth review of the Sony version. But how has my experience been with my Nikon camera?
The first thing to note is that the build quality and handling are top-notch; It's weather sealed and has a handy digital display for accurate data like focusing distance.
However, the glossy exterior is prone to scratches and I haven't even pushed the lens in extreme conditions yet. If you're someone who likes to keep equipment shiny and new, you'll have your work cut out for you here. Me? I don't mind surface level scratches – I buy gear like this to use it, not admire it!
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The only downside to the Viltrox 35mm lens is that it is bulky and heavy, comparable to my Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens (which has been updated with a fabulous, lighter Mark II version).
It's much larger than my old Sigma 35mm f/1.4 for Nikon F lens, and I paired that lens with a much bulkier DSLR. I use a mid-range Nikon Z6 series camera and the balance between camera and lens feels a bit front heavy.
However, the autofocus is snappy, more so than the Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB, which is another prime lens I've used a lot.
And optically, the 35mm f/1.2 is exceptional and has everything I expected; Sharp details, smooth bokeh, and versatile low-light capabilities. It's the precise combination I want for documentary photography and environmental portraits.
Two months later, I'm very happy with the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB lens and can't wait to take it to extreme environments where it would really shine. Until then, I took a variety of shots, some of which are in the galleries below.
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A warning to Nikon photographers
It's easy to recommend the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB lens. However, it seems that all is not well between Nikon and Viltrox. There are reports that Nikon is suing the Chinese maker of cheap lenses for alleged Z-mount patent infringements, with a court date supposedly set for sometime in March.
If this goes ahead, the worst-case scenario for Viltrox (and potentially those using Viltrox lenses) could be a cease and desist, which is what happened between Canon and Viltrox in 2022 regarding the Canon RF mount.
A possible middle ground would be for Viltrox to become a licensee and pay royalties to Nikon. It would continue to release new Z-mount lenses, albeit with an inevitable price increase.
If the case moves forward, I doubt things will remain exactly as they are.
As a Nikon and Viltrox fan who regularly uses Nikon mirrorless cameras and Viltrox Z-mount lenses, I hope to continue to have the wide variety of lenses I currently own from both brands, and that there are more lenses in the pipeline.
For now, I can happily use this Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB lens with my Nikon camera, and believe me I am. And as things stand, other Nikon photographers can still use Viltrox lenses.
All I need now is a proper task to really push the lens. That, I can't wait for…
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