CP+ 2025 is in full swing, and Viltrox is unveiling four prime lenses. Designed for full frame and APS-C mirrorless, the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.2 LAB, AF 25 mm f/1.7 Air, AF 50 mm f/2 Air and 85 mm f/1.4 Pro confirm the manufacturer’s great ambitions, and also announce the arrival of the Viltrox AF 135 mm f/1.8 LAB in Z-mount.
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Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.2 LAB: a heavyweight!
The Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.2 LAB is the latest addition to the new LAB range. Its development had been announced in April 2024 – alongside a 50 and an 85 mm f/1.2, to be launched at a later date.
For the time being, the characteristics of this lens are still rather vague; however, we’ll note its very bright f/1.2 aperture. Offered in E-mount, it will represent an alternative to the Sigma 35 mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (launched in 2019).
Here’s a list of features for the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.2 LAB FE (items marked with an asterisk have not been confirmed by the brand):
- focal length: 35 mm (52.5 mm equivalent in APS-C)
- full-frame sensor lens
- max. aperture: f/1.2
- minimum aperture: f/16
- angle of view: 63.4°
- optical construction: N.C.
- diaphragm: N.C.
- minimum focusing distance: N.C
- image stabilization: no
- tropicalization: gaskets
- max. magnification: N.C.
- focusing: HyperVCM* motorization
- filter diameter: N.C.
- dimensions: N.C.
- weight: N.C.
- accessories supplied: N.C.
- compatible mount: Sony E
- launch price: N.C.
In terms of ergonomics and size, the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.2 LAB FE looks quite similar to its big brother, the Viltrox AF 135 mm f/1.8 LAB. The small control screen is also present, displaying various shooting information. According to our information, the lens should measure around 15 cm in length, weighing in at around one kilogram. It should also feature HyperVCM autofocus, for fast, precise focusing.
The 2nd lens unveiled by Viltrox is none other than the 85 mm f/1.4 Pro FE – the development of which was announced by the brand in its April 2024 roadmap – alongside a 35 and a 50 mm f/1.4.
Available in E-mount (and potentially Z-mount), this fixed focal length lens enhances Viltrox’s “Pro” range (which embodies the brand’s premium mid-range, the top end being embodied by the LAB range).
The barrel is made of metal, and the lens features a detachable aperture ring. The lens appears to be approximately 10 cm long. Its filter diameter is 77 mm.
The manufacturer has indicated that it intends to offer a very high level of sharpness and smooth bokeh to meet the needs of portrait photographers. The optical formula is unknown; however, aspherical and ED lenses are expected to be present. The minimum focusing distance is 79 cm.
Here’s a list of features for the Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.4 Pro (items marked with an asterisk have not been confirmed by the brand):
- focal length: 85 mm (equivalent to 127.5 mm in APS-C)
- full-frame sensor lens
- max. aperture: f/1.4
- minimum aperture: f/16
- angle of view: 28.6
- optical construction: aspherical lens(es), ED lens(es)
- diaphragm: N.C.
- minimum focusing distance: 79 cm
- image stabilization: no
- tropicalization: seals
- max. magnification: N.C.
- focusing: VCM* motorization
- filter diameter: 77 mm
- dimensions: N.C.
- weight: N.C.
- accessories supplied: N.C.
- Compatible mount: Sony E, Nikon Z*.
- launch price: N.C.
Viltrox AF 50 mm f/2 Air: light as the air
At the same time, the Chinese manufacturer unveiled the Viltrox AF 50 mm f/2 Air. As its name suggests, this small full frame lens boasts a very small footprint.
Offered in E-mount, it should have no trouble winning over Sony A7 III, A7C or A7C II users. Within the “Air” range, it will sit alongside the Viltrox AF 40 mm f/2.5 and AF 20 mm f/2.8.
For the moment, little technical information has been released by the optician; however, we have learned that the Viltrox AF 50 mm f/2 Air uses aspherical and ED (low dispersion) lenses. Minimum focusing distance is 51 cm.
Here’s a list of features for the Viltrox AF 50 mm f/2 Air (items marked with an asterisk have not been confirmed by the brand):
- focal length: 50 mm (equivalent to 75 mm in APS-C)
- full-frame sensor lens
- max. aperture: f/2
- minimum aperture: f/16
- angle of view: 46.8
- optical construction: aspherical lens(es), ED lens(es)
- diaphragm: 7 lamellae
- minimum focusing distance: 51 cm
- image stabilization: no
- tropicalization: no
- max. magnification: N.C.
- focusing: STM motorization
- filter diameter: 58 mm
- dimensions: N.C.
- weight: approx. 160 g
- accessories supplied: N.C.
- Compatible mount: Sony E, Nikon Z*.
- launch price: N.C.
Viltrox AF 25 mm f/1.7 Air: mini prime lens for APS-C
Alongside CP+, Viltrox has also unveiled a new fixed focal length lens for APS-C bodies. Available in Fujifilm X, Sony E and Nikon Z mounts, the Viltrox AF 25 mm f/1.7 Air is designed to accompany photographers on their daily work or travels, thanks to its (very) reduced size, good image quality and efficient STM autofocus.
In detail, the Viltrox AF 25 mm f/1.7 Air uses 12 lenses in 10 groups. These include 1 aspherical, 2 HR (high refractive index) and 1 ED (low dispersion) aspherical lens. The optician claims top optical performance, from the center to the edge of the lens. The f/1.7 aperture is ensured by a 9-blade diaphragm. The minimum MaP distance is 30 cm. Autofocus is provided by STM motorization.
Extremely compact, the Viltrox AF 25 mm f/1.7 Air measures 5.64 cm in length with a maximum diameter of 6.4 cm and weighs just 170 g. It will make an excellent companion to a camera body like the Fujifilm X-M5, for example. The filter diameter is 52 mm. A USB-C port on the bayonet will enable the lens to be updated.
Here is a list of the features of the Viltrox AF 25 mm f/1.7 Air :
- focal length: 25 mm (equivalent to 37.5 mm in full format)
- lens for APS-C sensor
- max. aperture: f/1.7
- minimum aperture: f/16
- angle of view: 60
- optical construction: 12 elements in 10 groups, including 1 aspherical lens, 2 HR lenses and 1 aspherical ED lens
- diaphragm: 9 blades
- minimum focusing distance: 30 cm
- image stabilization: no
- tropicalization: no
- max. magnification: 0.11x
- focusing: STM motorization
- filter diameter: 52 mm
- dimensions: ø 64 x 56.4 mm (D x L)
- weight: 170 g
- accessories supplied: front and rear plugs, sun visor, soft case
- compatible mount: Fujifilm X, Sony E, Nikon Z
- launch price: €189
Prices and availability
The Viltrox AF 25 mm f/1.7 Air is now available for €189.
However, the price and availability date of the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.2 LAB, AF 50 mm f/2 Air and 85 mm f/1.4 have yet to be announced by the manufacturer.
Our first opinion
With these four new fixed focal lengths, Viltrox is particularly ambitious, aiming to conquer the hearts (and wallets) of all photographers, whatever their ambitions.
The Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.2 LAB is particularly promising – all the more so as Sony currently has no equivalent lens in the G or G Master ranges . Similarly, the 85 mm f/1.4 Pro should become a good ally for portrait enthusiasts. And let’s not forget the “small” AF 50 mm f/2 Air and AF 25 mm f/1.7 Air fixed focal lengths, which can accompany photographers who want to travel light.
This 2025 edition of CP+ confirms Viltrox’s objective (no pun intended): to attack the major – Japanese – manufacturers head-on on their own turf and establish itself as a major player in photography.
