Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
p.2 #1Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
Thanks for sharing this. Bastian's tests of flare resistance look good, relatively speaking. It's not until Pos 5 and Pos 6 that veiling flare can be seen.
Aug 10, 2026 at 07:07 AM
p.2 #2Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
kevphoto wrote:
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/
This is great, thanks for sharing the link! Bastian is one of my fave lens reviewers. I bought the old Sigma 35/1.4 DG HSM ART e-mount because of him. And I still have that lens.
From his examples I don't see any difference in bokeh amongst the three he tested. What I would have been curious is the difference between shooting full-body shots at f/1.2 vs. f/1.4. I could do this in an actual shoot but I don't use a tripod plus as I mentioned earlier I am almost always shooting wide open. Also I couldn't be bothered testing apertures.
Flare and CA controls for the Viltrox 35 IMHO are excellent.
SONY ILCE-7M5
1/2000s f/1.2 at 35.0mm iso100
SONY ILCE-7M5
1/6400s f/1.2 at 35.0mm iso100
SONY ILCE-7M5
1/1600s f/1.2 at 35.0mm iso100
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/
This is great, thanks for sharing the link! Bastian is one of my fave lens reviewers. I bought the old Sigma 35/1.4 DG HSM ART e-mount because of him. And I still have that lens.
From his examples I don't see any difference in bokeh amongst the three he tested. What I would have been curious is the difference between shooting full-body shots at f/1.2 vs. f/1.4. I could do this in an actual shoot but I don't use a tripod plus as I mentioned earlier I am almost always shooting wide open. Also I couldn't be bothered testing apertures.
Flare and CA controls for the Viltrox 35 IMHO are excellent.
SONY ILCE-7M5
1/2000s f/1.2 at 35.0mm iso100
SONY ILCE-7M5
1/6400s f/1.2 at 35.0mm iso100
SONY ILCE-7M5
1/1600s f/1.2 at 35.0mm iso100
Aug 10, 2026 at 10:06 AM
p.2 #3Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
kevphoto wrote:
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/
A great comparison. I'm now convinced to get the Sigma f/1.2 II instead of the Viltrox because for the size/weight.
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/
A great comparison. I'm now convinced to get the Sigma f/1.2 II instead of the Viltrox because for the size/weight.
Aug 10, 2026 at 04:24 PM
p.2 #4Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
Great comparison as always!
Now, I'm even more tempted to try out the new Sigma, as even in my flawed testing I could see some harshness in Viltrox bokeh...
I still have the old Sigma though, but it's kinda too big for me to use it often... but the bokeh is I think even a bit smother than the 2nd version
.
Now, I'm even more tempted to try out the new Sigma, as even in my flawed testing I could see some harshness in Viltrox bokeh...
I still have the old Sigma though, but it's kinda too big for me to use it often... but the bokeh is I think even a bit smother than the 2nd version
.Aug 10, 2026 at 04:30 PM
p.2 #5Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
kevphoto wrote:
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/
That's a great comparison! Not sure it makes the decision any easier, though they're all great lenses. Off the review alone, I would probably rank them Nikon > Sigma > Viltrox. But the Size and weight makes me wonder if I would end up using the Sigma more.
Lens Tip also has reviews of all 3 lenses:
https://www.lenstip.com/719.4-Lens_review-Nikon_Nikkor_Z_35_mm_f_1.2_S_Image_resolution.html
https://www.lenstip.com/718.4-Lens_review-Viltrox_AF_35_mm_f_1.2_LAB_Image_resolution.html
https://www.lenstip.com/722.4-Lens_review-Sigma_A_35_mm_f_1.2_DG_II_Image_resolution.html
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/
That's a great comparison! Not sure it makes the decision any easier, though they're all great lenses. Off the review alone, I would probably rank them Nikon > Sigma > Viltrox. But the Size and weight makes me wonder if I would end up using the Sigma more.
Lens Tip also has reviews of all 3 lenses:
https://www.lenstip.com/719.4-Lens_review-Nikon_Nikkor_Z_35_mm_f_1.2_S_Image_resolution.html
https://www.lenstip.com/718.4-Lens_review-Viltrox_AF_35_mm_f_1.2_LAB_Image_resolution.html
https://www.lenstip.com/722.4-Lens_review-Sigma_A_35_mm_f_1.2_DG_II_Image_resolution.html
Aug 10, 2026 at 05:58 PM
p.2 #6Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
kevphoto wrote:
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/
Honestly after looking at that review at all of the f1.2 parameters, I would 100% buy the Viltrox. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all pretty great. But I like the corner sharpness and bokeh slightly better in the Viltrox.
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/
Honestly after looking at that review at all of the f1.2 parameters, I would 100% buy the Viltrox. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all pretty great. But I like the corner sharpness and bokeh slightly better in the Viltrox.
Aug 10, 2026 at 06:03 PM
p.2 #7Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
Jack Flesher wrote:
Honestly after looking at that review at all of the f1.2 parameters, I would 100% buy the Viltrox. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all pretty great. But I like the corner sharpness and bokeh slightly better in the Viltrox.
I've seen a few reviews prior to Bastian's. The clincher for me (even though I already have two 35/1.4s) was when the Viltrox 35/1.2 LAB N went on sale!
kevphoto wrote
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/I've seen a few reviews prior to Bastian's. The clincher for me (even though I already have two 35/1.4s) was when the Viltrox 35/1.2 LAB N went on sale!
Aug 10, 2026 at 06:20 PM
p.2 #8Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
jojib wrote:
Honestly after looking at that review at all of the f1.2 parameters, I would 100% buy the Viltrox. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all pretty great. But I like the corner sharpness and bokeh slightly better in the Viltrox.I've seen a few reviews prior to Bastian's. The clincher for me (even though I already have two 35/1.4s) was when the Viltrox 35/1.2 LAB N went on sale!
Yes for sure, there is that too!
Jack Flesher wrote
kevphoto wrote
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/Yes for sure, there is that too!
Aug 10, 2026 at 06:39 PM
p.2 #9Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
BTW, since we are talking about f/1.2 lenses it comes hand in hand with ND filter. No problem using ES with the A7V as it can go up to 1/16000 sec. shutter speed. However, I had to use my ND filter when I used the mechanical shutter. It was pretty bright that morning.
Aug 10, 2026 at 07:23 PM
p.2 #10Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
jojib wrote:
BTW, since we are talking about f/1.2 lenses it comes hand in hand with ND filter. No problem using ES with the A7V as it can go up to 1/16000 sec. shutter speed. However, I had to use my ND filter when I used the mechanical shutter. It was pretty bright that morning.
Make sure to turn off EFCS when using mechanical shutter at speeds above 1/1000s. You get those truncated bokeh balls which become more obvious as shutter speed is higher (pretty obvious in the 1/6400s photo posted), and also the bokeh in general can become more busy. This is not a problem with ES, which is thankfully a lot more usable on the A7V compared to prior A7 models.
BTW, since we are talking about f/1.2 lenses it comes hand in hand with ND filter. No problem using ES with the A7V as it can go up to 1/16000 sec. shutter speed. However, I had to use my ND filter when I used the mechanical shutter. It was pretty bright that morning.
Make sure to turn off EFCS when using mechanical shutter at speeds above 1/1000s. You get those truncated bokeh balls which become more obvious as shutter speed is higher (pretty obvious in the 1/6400s photo posted), and also the bokeh in general can become more busy. This is not a problem with ES, which is thankfully a lot more usable on the A7V compared to prior A7 models.
Aug 11, 2026 at 12:47 PM
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p.2 #11Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
grahamgibson wrote:
Make sure to turn off EFCS when using mechanical shutter at speeds above 1/1000s. You get those truncated bokeh balls which become more obvious as shutter speed is higher (pretty obvious in the 1/6400s photo posted), and also the bokeh in general can become more busy. This is not a problem with ES, which is thankfully a lot more usable on the A7V compared to prior A7 models.
Those half-balls look pretty rad on that portrait shot though
...
jojib wrote
BTW, since we are talking about f/1.2 lenses it comes hand in hand with ND filter. No problem using ES with the A7V as it can go up to 1/16000 sec. shutter speed. However, I had to use my ND filter when I used the mechanical shutter. It was pretty bright that morning.Those half-balls look pretty rad on that portrait shot though
...Aug 11, 2026 at 01:27 PM
p.2 #12Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
'Bokeh is to the subject, the same as the pot is to a bonsai tree. It should be a nice addition, but not distract from the actual thing.'
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/
Portraitists understand the crucial role of bokeh - its synergistic and complementary role to the subject - and that it can easily make or break an image. It occupies around 75% of image real estate in the average portrait, so the potential to put off viewers is very high, even if they like the 'actual thing', what Zeiss calls 'the thing that matters'.
I advise you to test in your own shooting environment, and concentrate on your typical focus distances. Beware the 'should' when it is associated with the word 'bokeh'. And look at it 1/3, 2/3 and one full stop down. cheers.
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/
Portraitists understand the crucial role of bokeh - its synergistic and complementary role to the subject - and that it can easily make or break an image. It occupies around 75% of image real estate in the average portrait, so the potential to put off viewers is very high, even if they like the 'actual thing', what Zeiss calls 'the thing that matters'.
I advise you to test in your own shooting environment, and concentrate on your typical focus distances. Beware the 'should' when it is associated with the word 'bokeh'. And look at it 1/3, 2/3 and one full stop down. cheers.
Aug 11, 2026 at 05:15 PM
p.2 #13Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
j4nu wrote:
Make sure to turn off EFCS when using mechanical shutter at speeds above 1/1000s. You get those truncated bokeh balls which become more obvious as shutter speed is higher (pretty obvious in the 1/6400s photo posted), and also the bokeh in general can become more busy. This is not a problem with ES, which is thankfully a lot more usable on the A7V compared to prior A7 models.Those half-balls look pretty rad on that portrait shot though ...
For sure, it matches her polka dot nails!
grahamgibson wrote
jojib wrote
BTW, since we are talking about f/1.2 lenses it comes hand in hand with ND filter. No problem using ES with the A7V as it can go up to 1/16000 sec. shutter speed. However, I had to use my ND filter when I used the mechanical shutter. It was pretty bright that morning. ...For sure, it matches her polka dot nails!
Aug 11, 2026 at 05:39 PM
RoamingScott
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p.2 #14Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
Jack Flesher wrote:
Honestly after looking at that review at all of the f1.2 parameters, I would 100% buy the Viltrox. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all pretty great. But I like the corner sharpness and bokeh slightly better in the Viltrox.
I still have no idea why anyone would buy the Z 35/1.2 just to get a lens that has more CA than its Chinese competition.
kevphoto wrote
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/I still have no idea why anyone would buy the Z 35/1.2 just to get a lens that has more CA than its Chinese competition.
Aug 11, 2026 at 06:05 PM
p.2 #15Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
RoamingScott wrote:
Honestly after looking at that review at all of the f1.2 parameters, I would 100% buy the Viltrox. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all pretty great. But I like the corner sharpness and bokeh slightly better in the Viltrox.I still have no idea why anyone would buy the Z 35/1.2 just to get a lens that has more CA than its Chinese competition.
The Nikon does have the least vignetting, and in my opinion, the nicest bokeh, rendering, and flare resistance. Personally, my biggest hesitations about the Nikon are the size and weight. Am I really going to want to carry a 2.3lb lens around with me for when the light gets low?
It's definitely impressive, though, that the Viltrox is the sharpest, has the least CA, and is the cheapest. Doesn't help much on weight, though, coming in at 2.1lbs.
Currently, I am actually leaning towards the Sigma 35mm f1.4 II. It's small and lightweight for its specs(1.2lbs), looks great on a Nikon ZF, and is optically very strong:
https://nikonrumors.com/2026/07/28/sigma-35mm-f-1-4-dg-ii-art-lens-tested-on-the-nikon-zf-z9.aspx/
https://www.lenstip.com/727.4-Lens_review-Sigma_A_35_mm_f_1.4_DG_II_Image_resolution.html
Jack Flesher wrote
kevphoto wrote
Bastian just posted a comparison of 35/1.2 lenses here: https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-1-2-af-fullframe-lenses-in-2026/The Nikon does have the least vignetting, and in my opinion, the nicest bokeh, rendering, and flare resistance. Personally, my biggest hesitations about the Nikon are the size and weight. Am I really going to want to carry a 2.3lb lens around with me for when the light gets low?
It's definitely impressive, though, that the Viltrox is the sharpest, has the least CA, and is the cheapest. Doesn't help much on weight, though, coming in at 2.1lbs.
Currently, I am actually leaning towards the Sigma 35mm f1.4 II. It's small and lightweight for its specs(1.2lbs), looks great on a Nikon ZF, and is optically very strong:
https://nikonrumors.com/2026/07/28/sigma-35mm-f-1-4-dg-ii-art-lens-tested-on-the-nikon-zf-z9.aspx/
https://www.lenstip.com/727.4-Lens_review-Sigma_A_35_mm_f_1.4_DG_II_Image_resolution.html
Aug 12, 2026 at 01:27 PM
RoamingScott
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p.2 #16Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
I'm waiting for the 35/1.4 Pro Viltrox to see how it stacks up. I have a feeling it will be nearly devoid of CA judging by their latest few lenses. I personally really dislike Sigma styling, especially that glossy flange near the mount.
Aug 12, 2026 at 01:32 PM
p.2 #17Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
RoamingScott wrote:
I'm waiting for the 35/1.4 Pro Viltrox to see how it stacks up. I have a feeling it will be nearly devoid of CA judging by their latest few lenses. I personally really dislike Sigma styling, especially that glossy flange near the mount.
I suspect that will be the sweet-spot fast 35 for me. I definitely like what I see from the 1.2, but it’s just too big for me as a run and gun prime.
I'm waiting for the 35/1.4 Pro Viltrox to see how it stacks up. I have a feeling it will be nearly devoid of CA judging by their latest few lenses. I personally really dislike Sigma styling, especially that glossy flange near the mount.
I suspect that will be the sweet-spot fast 35 for me. I definitely like what I see from the 1.2, but it’s just too big for me as a run and gun prime.
Aug 12, 2026 at 01:40 PM
p.2 #18Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
RoamingScott wrote:
I'm waiting for the 35/1.4 Pro Viltrox to see how it stacks up. I have a feeling it will be nearly devoid of CA judging by their latest few lenses. I personally really dislike Sigma styling, especially that glossy flange near the mount.
I agree the glossy flange on some of Sigma's lenses looks and feels a bit cheap, but the rest of the lens has a very nice build quality. It really hit me when I picked up the Sigma 14mm f1.4. The end of the 14mm lens feels metal, and even though the rest of the lens materials are the same, it feels and looks much more premium to me. I have a hard time, though, saying Sigma should switch to metal on all their lenses because it's going to weigh more, which contradicts the weight savings that I find appealing about some of their lenses.
For pure build quality, my Zeiss ZF2 lenses are still my favorite. If you have never never tired the Zeiss 35mm f2 ZF2 I think you would enjoy it.
I'm waiting for the 35/1.4 Pro Viltrox to see how it stacks up. I have a feeling it will be nearly devoid of CA judging by their latest few lenses. I personally really dislike Sigma styling, especially that glossy flange near the mount.
I agree the glossy flange on some of Sigma's lenses looks and feels a bit cheap, but the rest of the lens has a very nice build quality. It really hit me when I picked up the Sigma 14mm f1.4. The end of the 14mm lens feels metal, and even though the rest of the lens materials are the same, it feels and looks much more premium to me. I have a hard time, though, saying Sigma should switch to metal on all their lenses because it's going to weigh more, which contradicts the weight savings that I find appealing about some of their lenses.
For pure build quality, my Zeiss ZF2 lenses are still my favorite. If you have never never tired the Zeiss 35mm f2 ZF2 I think you would enjoy it.
Aug 12, 2026 at 02:16 PM
p.2 #19Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
DWOfPaul wrote:
Honestly after looking at that review at all of the f1.2 parameters, I would 100% buy the Viltrox. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all pretty great. But I like the corner sharpness and bokeh slightly better in the Viltrox.
It's definitely impressive, though, that the Viltrox is the sharpest, has the least CA, and is the cheapest. Doesn't help much on weight, though, coming in at 2.1lbs.
The weight is quite hefty, but I'm so tempted by a local seller who has a very clean copy for a pretty good price even considering the recent sale price.
Honestly after looking at that review at all of the f1.2 parameters, I would 100% buy the Viltrox. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all pretty great. But I like the corner sharpness and bokeh slightly better in the Viltrox.
It's definitely impressive, though, that the Viltrox is the sharpest, has the least CA, and is the cheapest. Doesn't help much on weight, though, coming in at 2.1lbs.
The weight is quite hefty, but I'm so tempted by a local seller who has a very clean copy for a pretty good price even considering the recent sale price.
Aug 13, 2026 at 11:36 PM
p.2 #20Viltrox 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2ii revisited
Benzene wrote:
It's definitely impressive, though, that the Viltrox is the sharpest, has the least CA, and is the cheapest. Doesn't help much on weight, though, coming in at 2.1lbs.The weight is quite hefty, but I'm so tempted by a local seller who has a very clean copy for a pretty good price even considering the recent sale price.
It's hefty and heavy for sure but I got used to it. If I shoot with a Nikon I will be owning a Z9---love the integrated vertical grip! Thus it balances well with my Sony A7V + vertical grip. A lot of times I've got either an 85mm or 135mm in my camera bag as well. It's worth it for me as the Viltrox has the least CA, excellent flare control, beautiful rendering and smooth bokeh.
DWOfPaul wrote
Honestly after looking at that review at all of the f1.2 parameters, I would 100% buy the Viltrox. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all pretty great. But I like the corner sharpness and bokeh slightly better in the Viltrox.It's definitely impressive, though, that the Viltrox is the sharpest, has the least CA, and is the cheapest. Doesn't help much on weight, though, coming in at 2.1lbs.
It's hefty and heavy for sure but I got used to it. If I shoot with a Nikon I will be owning a Z9---love the integrated vertical grip! Thus it balances well with my Sony A7V + vertical grip. A lot of times I've got either an 85mm or 135mm in my camera bag as well. It's worth it for me as the Viltrox has the least CA, excellent flare control, beautiful rendering and smooth bokeh.
Aug 14, 2026 at 05:13 AM