Viltrox Refines Its 35mm F1.2 LAB Lens with a Cleaner Non-Display Version
Viltrox has announced the AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N FE, a refined version of its flagship ultra-large-aperture prime lens. The “N” stands for “Non-Display Version,” reflecting the most notable change: Viltrox has removed the information display screen that was a signature of the original LAB design.
The decision addresses a common criticism from reviewers and users. When PetaPixel reviewed the original AF 35mm F1.2 LAB last year, they praised the optical performance but called out the LCD display as hard to read in practice. Engraved aperture values on the lens barrel, they argued, would have been more practical.
What’s changed
The removal of the display is accompanied by a swap from the multi-function control ring to a stepped aperture control ring. On the original lens, users could customize the ring for different functions. The new design dedicates it exclusively to aperture adjustments, which Viltrox says came from direct user feedback calling for more precise control.
Everything else carries over unchanged. The optical design remains the same 15 elements in 10 groups, featuring Viltrox’s Quad Hyper Voice Coil Motor (VCM) autofocus system for fast, quiet, and precise focusing. The lens weighs 910g in E-mount, identical to the display version despite removing the screen.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | E‑mount |
| Lens Elements | 15 elements in 10 groups |
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Viewing Angle | 64.2° |
| Aperture | F1.2 – F16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 |
| Minimum Focus | 0.34m – ∞ |
| Focus Mechanism | Dual floating internal focusing system |
| Focus Motor | Viltrox VCM |
| Focus Mode | AF / MF |
| Max Magnification | 0.17× |
| Lens Size | Φ89.2 × 121.8mm |
| Filter Size | Φ77mm |
| Weight | ≈910g (bare lens) |
Pricing and availability
The AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N is priced at $999, the same as the display-equipped version. For now, Viltrox has only announced the “N” variant for Sony E-mount. Nikon Z-mount shooters still have only the display version available, though a non-display Z variant is expected depending on the ongoing licensing situation in China.
Interestingly, the original display version is currently 15% off (Amazon US Viltrox Official Store) until April 26, bringing it down to $849.15, making it the more affordable option for those who don’t mind the LCD.
The AF 35mm F1.2 LAB N continues Viltrox’s push into the premium lens market, offering an F1.2 autofocus prime at roughly half the price of Sony and Nikon equivalents. Whether the 135mm F1.8 LAB and upcoming 50mm F1.2 and 85mm F1.2 LAB lenses will also receive “N” variants remains to be seen.
