After spending some hands-on time with the Viltrox lens, it hasn’t disappointed.
The 135mm F1.8 LAB is virtually flawless optically, and offers incredible value.
That day has now come.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
For Nikon Z users like me, that’s clearly a huge difference.
So what do I think of the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB now that I’ve tested it?
It’s a truly stunning lens, although it does have one significant drawback that has me thinking twice.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
It’s also possible to apply firmware updates easily through the USB-C port built into the rear mount.
There’s also a AF / MF switch plus a focus-range limiter.
These exterior controls cover all the bases for the scenarios in which I see myself using the lens.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Autofocus is smooth and essentially silent.
I’ll touch on why I think so in a bit.
In the box is a decent-sized lens hood and a soft lens pouch for packing the lens away safely.
So, all in all, the Viltrox 135mm F1.8 sounds great, right?
And it is, but for one thing.
As I mentioned in my verdict at the start of this review, this lens is heavy very heavy.
It’s the first thing you notice as you take it out of the box.
43.6oz / 1,235g, without the lens hood.
I wish the Viltrox was lighter, at least for using it with my Z6 II.
Still, there’s also a very good reason why this lens is so heavy its supreme optical quality.
Detail is sharp from center to edges, even when using the maximum f/1.8 aperture.
Would I buy this lens?
Its weight and slightly sluggish autofocus are the only drawbacks to an otherwise flawless lens.
Should you buy the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB?
It’s already available for Sony E-mount.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
A portrait taken with the aperture set to f/1.8(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The same portrait, but at f/2.8(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
With aperture set to f/1.8, bokeh is smooth, big and round(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Even at f/2.8, bokeh quality is lovely.(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
I tried my hardest to induce lens flare, and even then the quality of shots is top drawer(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Another lens flare attempt(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
135mm is an excellent focal length for isolating subjects, and focus fall-off at f/1.8 is smooth.(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
f/1.8(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
f/2.8(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
