My dream Nikon lens has finally landed – an affordable 35mm f/1.2 prime

• Viltrox's second professional 'LAB' series lens lands for Nikon Z cameras
• The AF 35mm F1.2 LAB prime was already available for Sony E-mount
• It costs $999 / £959 (around AU$1,900)

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Viltrox lenses – the Chinese lens maker has in my mind established itself as a serious alternative to pricey proprietary lenses (and Sigma), following a string of sharp and affordable optics, spearheaded by its 'LAB' series of pro primes. And as a Nikon user, I've just seen the excellent news – Viltrox's AF 35mm F1.2 LAB is, finally, available for Nikon Z mount.

We've already reviewed the Sony E-mount version of the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB and given it a maximum 5 out of 5 rating – it's an exceptionally high-quality prime, available for 50% less than the superb Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art and Sony's dated Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM.

The price difference is even greater compared to Nikon's version, the Z 35mm f/1.2 S, which is out of my price range at almost three times the cost. However, now I can get a similar pro-quality wide aperture prime for a fraction of the cost.

No longer simply a dream, this is the affordable pro prime I've always wanted

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A wide aperture 35mm prime is a lens that I've been wanting to get for my Nikon Z camera since switching from DSLR to mirrorless years ago. I have a history with this type of lens – I took most of my documentary photos over years living in East Africa with a trusty 35mm f/1.4 Sigma Art lens paired with my Nikon DSLR camera.

Mirrorless lenses such as Nikon Z lenses are generally much pricier than DSLR equivalents, and that's why Viltrox is such a breath of fresh air. Now I can get an optically superior 35mm prime, with an even wider f/1.2 aperture than before, for a triple digit price – $999 / £959 (around AU$1,900). Meanwhile, Sigma runs Viltrox close for value, at around half the price of the Nikon lens.

As our review highlights, the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB boasts an excellent build quality with weather sealing, handy digital display, outstanding sharpness and low light capabilities with its maximum f/1.2 aperture.

I've personally reviewed Viltrox's other LAB lens, the AF 135mm F1.8, and its only drawbacks are that it feels overly heavy and autofocus is slightly sluggish. I expect the same issues with the Viltrox's pro wide-angle prime regarding weight again, but have less of a concern with autofocus performance which is seemingly snappier.

I can't wait to put the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB on my Nikon camera and start shooting!

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