I tested the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB for two months – photo assignments will never be the same again

Here is the news article rewritten in a detailed, technical, and viral tone with at least 1200 words:

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB Lens for Nikon Z: The Affordable Dream Prime Finally Arrives

Calling all Nikon Z shooters! The lens you’ve been waiting for is finally here. Viltrox has unleashed its highly anticipated AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB lens for Nikon’s Z-mount, and it’s set to shake up the prime lens market. This ultra-fast, ultra-sharp optic promises to deliver professional-level image quality at a fraction of the cost of native options.

For years, Nikon Z users have been clamoring for a high-quality, affordable 35mm prime with a fast maximum aperture. Nikon’s own Z 35mm f/1.2 S lens is a stunning optic, but its $2,199 price tag puts it out of reach for many enthusiasts and even some pros. Enter Viltrox, the Chinese lens manufacturer that has been making waves with its high-value, high-performance lenses for mirrorless cameras.

The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB is the company’s flagship prime lens, and it’s already proven itself on Sony E-mount cameras. We awarded the Sony version a perfect 5-star rating, praising its “superlative optical quality” and “pro-grade build and handling.” Now, Nikon shooters can finally get in on the action.

At first glance, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB looks and feels like a lens that costs much more than its $999 price tag. It features a solid metal construction, weather sealing, and a large, smooth manual focus ring. The lens also sports a unique “LAB” designation, which stands for “Low Aberration Balance.” Viltrox claims this optical design minimizes chromatic aberration, coma, and other distortions for exceptional sharpness and clarity.

On the front of the lens, you’ll find a 77mm filter thread and a 13-blade aperture diaphragm for smooth, circular bokeh. The lens measures 3.5 inches long and weighs 1.6 pounds, making it a hefty optic. But that weight is a testament to its robust build quality and dense optical formula.

Optically, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB is a 14-element, 11-group design that includes three extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements and two high refractive index (HR) elements. This complex formula allows the lens to deliver outstanding resolution, contrast, and color rendition wide open at f/1.2. Viltrox claims the lens resolves up to 165 lines per millimeter at the center of the frame and 120 lines per millimeter in the corners.

In our testing, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB lived up to those lofty claims. Mounted on a Nikon Z6 II, the lens produced breathtakingly sharp images with beautiful, creamy bokeh. Even at f/1.2, subjects were rendered with exquisite detail and clarity. And as you stop down, the lens only gets sharper, with diffraction setting in around f/11.

The lens’s autofocus system is also a standout feature. Viltrox employs a stepping motor (STM) for fast, quiet, and precise autofocus performance. In our experience, the lens locked onto subjects quickly and accurately, even in low light. Manual focus is also a joy, thanks to the lens’s long focus throw and smooth, dampened focus ring.

One area where the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB truly shines is in low light. With a maximum aperture of f/1.2, the lens gathers over 2.5 times more light than a typical f/1.8 prime. This allows you to shoot at lower ISOs in dim conditions, resulting in cleaner, more detailed images with less noise. The lens’s fast aperture also enables you to create dramatic, shallow depth of field effects with creamy, blurred backgrounds.

In terms of handling, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB is a pleasure to use. The lens’s manual focus ring is perfectly damped and has just the right amount of resistance. The focus distance scale is also clearly marked and easy to read. On the side of the lens, there’s a customizable function button that can be set to control a variety of functions, such as autofocus mode, image stabilization, or aperture.

One potential downside of the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB is its size and weight. At 1.6 pounds, it’s significantly heavier than Nikon’s own Z 35mm f/1.8 S lens (8.9 ounces) or the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (1.3 pounds). This heft can make the lens feel front-heavy on smaller Nikon Z bodies like the Z5 or Z50. However, on larger, more professional bodies like the Z6 II or Z7 II, the lens balances well and feels like a natural fit.

Another consideration is the lens’s price. At $999, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB is certainly not cheap. However, it’s still significantly less expensive than comparable native options. Nikon’s Z 35mm f/1.2 S costs $2,199, while the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is $1,399. Even third-party options like the Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD are more expensive at $1,199.

Of course, the big question on everyone’s mind is how the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB compares to Nikon’s own Z 35mm f/1.2 S. In our experience, the two lenses are very close in terms of optical performance. The Nikon lens may have a slight edge in terms of corner sharpness and contrast, but the Viltrox is no slouch. And when you factor in the significant price difference, the Viltrox becomes an even more compelling option.

It’s also worth noting that Viltrox lenses are not officially supported by Nikon. This means that you may not get full compatibility with future Nikon camera bodies or firmware updates. However, in our testing, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB worked flawlessly with the latest Nikon Z6 II firmware.

So, is the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB the perfect lens for Nikon Z shooters? It certainly has a lot going for it. The lens delivers outstanding optical performance, solid build quality, and fast, accurate autofocus at a very competitive price point. It’s a lens that will appeal to enthusiasts, pros, and anyone who wants to elevate their photography without breaking the bank.

However, the lens is not without its drawbacks. Its size and weight may be a concern for some users, and its lack of official Nikon support could be a dealbreaker for others. But for those who are willing to take a chance on a third-party lens, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB is a fantastic option that delivers exceptional value.

In conclusion, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB is a game-changing lens for Nikon Z shooters. It offers professional-level image quality, build quality, and performance at a price that’s hard to beat. If you’re in the market for a high-quality, fast 35mm prime for your Nikon Z camera, this lens should be at the top of your list.

Tags and Viral Sentences:

• Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB lens for Nikon Z
• Affordable dream prime lens
• Ultra-fast 35mm prime
• Professional-level image quality
• Exceptional value
• Game-changing lens
• Nikon Z shooters rejoice
• Third-party lens showdown
• Low light photography
• Shallow depth of field
• Creamy bokeh
• Solid metal construction
• Weather sealing
• Customizable function button
• Fast, quiet autofocus
• Stepping motor (STM)
• Manual focus ring
• Focus distance scale
• 77mm filter thread
• 13-blade aperture diaphragm
• Extra-low dispersion (ED) glass
• High refractive index (HR) elements
• Outstanding resolution and contrast
• Beautiful color rendition
• Diffraction control
• Front-heavy on smaller bodies
• Lacks official Nikon support
• Third-party lens compatibility
• Nikon Z6 II firmware
• Enthusiast and pro appeal
• Elevate your photography
• Exceptional value proposition
• Top of the list

,