Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) vs Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)

The bottom line

Similar coverage, different speed: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 versus the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)'s f/1.7 — more light and shallower background blur. The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) gives that up to stay lighter (170g (6.0 oz)) and cheaper ($180). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

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/1.7, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) if…

  • You're on a budget — $180 vs $999 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 970g (2.14 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 vs the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)'s f/1.7 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Price: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is $180, $819 under the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z).
  • Weight: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) is 170g (6.0 oz) vs 970g (2.14 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) or the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) better?

Similar coverage, different speed: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 versus the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)'s f/1.7 — more light and shallower background blur. The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) gives that up to stay lighter (170g (6.0 oz)) and cheaper ($180). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

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/1.7, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Who should choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)?

Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z) if you're on a budget — $180 vs $999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 970g (2.14 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) and the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)?

Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 vs the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 AIR (Nikon Z)'s f/1.7 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length35mm35mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1511
Optical Groups109
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.2f/1.7
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades119
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameAPS-C
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View63°44°
35mm Equivalent53-53mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorQuad HyperVCMSTM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance34 cm33 cm
Max Magnification0.17x0.13x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureYesNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$999$180
Filter Size77mm52mm
Diameter89.2mm64mm
Length123.5mm54.7mm
Weight970g (2.14 lb)170g (6.0 oz)
Weather SealedYesNo
Tripod CollarNoNo