• Viltrox’s second professional ‘LAB’ series lens lands for Nikon Z cameras
• The AF 35mm F1.2 LAB prime was already available for Sony E-mount
• It costs $999 / £959 (around AU$1,900)

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Viltrox lenses – the Chinese lens maker has in my mind established itself as a serious alternative to pricey proprietary lenses (and Sigma), following a string of sharp and affordable optics, spearheaded by its ‘LAB’ series of pro primes. And as a Nikon user, I’ve just seen the excellent news – Viltrox’s AF 35mm F1.2 LAB is, finally, available for Nikon Z mount.

We’ve already reviewed the Sony E-mount version of the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB and given it a maximum 5 out of 5 rating – it’s an exceptionally high-quality prime, available for 50% less than the superb Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art and Sony’s dated Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM.

The price difference is even greater compared to Nikon’s version, the Z 35mm f/1.2 S, which is out of my price range at almost three times the cost. However, now I can get a similar pro-quality wide aperture prime for a fraction of the cost.

No longer simply a dream, this is the affordable pro prime I’ve always wanted

A wide aperture 35mm prime is a lens that I’ve been wanting to get for my Nikon Z camera since switching from DSLR to mirrorless years ago. I have a history with this type of lens – I took most of my documentary photos over years living in East Africa with a trusty 35mm f/1.4 Sigma Art lens paired with my Nikon DSLR camera.

Mirrorless lenses such as Nikon Z lenses are generally much pricier than DSLR equivalents, and that’s why Viltrox is such a breath of fresh air. Now I can get an optically superior 35mm prime, with an even wider f/1.2 aperture than before, for a triple digit price – $999 / £959 (around AU$1,900). Meanwhile, Sigma runs Viltrox close for value, at around half the price of the Nikon lens.

As our review highlights, the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB boasts an excellent build quality with weather sealing, handy digital display, outstanding sharpness and low light capabilities with its maximum f/1.2 aperture.

I’ve personally reviewed Viltrox’s other LAB lens, the AF 135mm F1.8, and its only drawbacks are that it feels overly heavy and autofocus is slightly sluggish. I expect the same issues with the Viltrox’s pro wide-angle prime regarding weight again, but have less of a concern with autofocus performance which is seemingly snappier.

I can’t wait to put the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB on my Nikon camera and start shooting!

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.

Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.