Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 vs Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is 70-180mm, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 for telephoto, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 70-180mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.36x magnification vs 0.17x.
Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is 70-180mm, Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a zoom (flexible framing), the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is 795g (1.75 lb) vs 970g (2.14 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 or the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is 70-180mm, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 for telephoto, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 if you need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 70-180mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.36x magnification vs 0.17x.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 and the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 70-180mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 34° – 14° | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Quad HyperVCM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 27 cm | 34 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.36x | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,049 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 83mm | 89.2mm |
| Length | 155.5mm | 123.5mm |
| Weight | 795g (1.75 lb) | 970g (2.14 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
