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Viltrox expands Z-mount offerings with the impressive AF 135mm F1.8 Lab lens
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Photo: Viltrox Viltrox has announced that its highly regarded AF 135mm F1.8 Lab lens is now available for Nikon Z-mount. The lens was initially released last fall for E-mount, offering a much more affordable prime portrait lens alternative to Sony's FE 135mm F1.8 GM lens. Now, Nikon users will have a budget-friendly version of Nikon's 135mm F1.8 S Plena. The Viltrox Lab lineup is the third-party lens maker's high-end series, offering flagship quality and more premium features than its other series of lenses. As a result, Viltrox promises edge-to-edge sharpness in the 135mm F1.8 Lab. The E-mount version has received excellent reviews for the quality it provides, especially for the price, and the Z-mount model should be the same, given that the mount is the only difference between the two. The lens uses the Viltrox HyperVCM motor for autofocus, which Viltrox claims offers 150% faster autofocus than traditional STM motors. It says the lens will provide 100ms near to far focus point switching for fast yet smooth transitions. It also promises silent autofocus with minimal focus breathing, making it a worthy lens for video purposes. It offers a 0.72m (2.4') minimum focusing distance with 0.25x maximum magnification, roughly the same as Sony's 135mm and slightly closer than Nikon's Plena lens. Image: Viltrox The AF 135mm F1.8 Lab features an 11-blade aperture diaphragm for attractive bokeh. The optical design is comprised of 14 elements in 9 groups, which include four ED low-dispersion lenses and two high-refractive-index elements. It's made to be durable, with a dustproof and splash-resistant design and magnesium alloy barrel. Like the E-mount version, it features a small screen on the top of the lens that can be customized to show relevant information. The lens also offers an AF/MF switch and an aperture de-click switch. A multifunction ring enables adjustable function modes such as aperture adjustment, exposure compensation or ISO control on Nikon cameras. Finally, a USB-C port allows for firmware updates. One of the tradeoffs for the budget price is more weight. 135mm prime lenses aren't known for being very lightweight, but the Viltrox lens is an especially hefty offering. At 1265g (2.8lbs), it is a bit heavier than the Nikon 135mm F1.8 S Plena, which weighs 995g (2.2lbs). Saving money, in this case, means added weight. The Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 Lab lens for Nikon Z-mount is available now on the Viltrox website for $854, which is a temporary discount from its $899 price. Buy now: $854 at Viltrox
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| Photo: Viltrox |
Viltrox has announced that its highly regarded AF 135mm F1.8 Lab lens is now available for Nikon Z-mount. The lens was initially released last fall for E-mount, offering a much more affordable prime portrait lens alternative to Sony's FE 135mm F1.8 GM lens. Now, Nikon users will have a budget-friendly version of Nikon's 135mm F1.8 S Plena.
The Viltrox Lab lineup is the third-party lens maker's high-end series, offering flagship quality and more premium features than its other series of lenses. As a result, Viltrox promises edge-to-edge sharpness in the 135mm F1.8 Lab. The E-mount version has received excellent reviews for the quality it provides, especially for the price, and the Z-mount model should be the same, given that the mount is the only difference between the two.
The lens uses the Viltrox HyperVCM motor for autofocus, which Viltrox claims offers 150% faster autofocus than traditional STM motors. It says the lens will provide 100ms near to far focus point switching for fast yet smooth transitions. It also promises silent autofocus with minimal focus breathing, making it a worthy lens for video purposes. It offers a 0.72m (2.4') minimum focusing distance with 0.25x maximum magnification, roughly the same as Sony's 135mm and slightly closer than Nikon's Plena lens.
 |
| Image: Viltrox |
The AF 135mm F1.8 Lab features an 11-blade aperture diaphragm for attractive bokeh. The optical design is comprised of 14 elements in 9 groups, which include four ED low-dispersion lenses and two high-refractive-index elements. It's made to be durable, with a dustproof and splash-resistant design and magnesium alloy barrel.
Like the E-mount version, it features a small screen on the top of the lens that can be customized to show relevant information. The lens also offers an AF/MF switch and an aperture de-click switch. A multifunction ring enables adjustable function modes such as aperture adjustment, exposure compensation or ISO control on Nikon cameras. Finally, a USB-C port allows for firmware updates.
One of the tradeoffs for the budget price is more weight. 135mm prime lenses aren't known for being very lightweight, but the Viltrox lens is an especially hefty offering. At 1265g (2.8lbs), it is a bit heavier than the Nikon 135mm F1.8 S Plena, which weighs 995g (2.2lbs). Saving money, in this case, means added weight.
The Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 Lab lens for Nikon Z-mount is available now on the Viltrox website for $854, which is a temporary discount from its $899 price.
