Summary
The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE is positioned as the brand's new flagship, inaugurating its LAB series with an optical proposal designed to compete directly with the industry's major benchmarks. Its 14-element 9-group scheme integrates four ultra-low dispersion (ED) and two high refractive index (HR) lenses, ensuring critical corner-to-corner resolution even on high pixel density sensors at their maximum aperture. Not only does the 11-blade circular diaphragm deliver creamy bokeh and organic blur transitions, but axial chromatic aberration control is surprisingly tight, minimizing fringing in high-contrast situations.
In terms of operational performance, the lens implements the HyperVCM linear motor system, which provides extremely fast and quiet autofocus, optimized for tracking moving subjects and mitigating focus breathing in professional video environments. The construction is robust, made of magnesium and aluminum alloy with a complete climate seal, and includes an integrated LCD screen for parameter monitoring. In addition, it offers advanced ergonomics with customizable Fn buttons, a focus range limiter and a switchable aperture ring (with or without clicks), establishing itself as a precision tool for portraitists and event photographers who demand technical reliability without the extra cost of top-of-the-line native optics.
