Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.2 LAB — the anticipated novelty of the year for Ukrainian photographers
June 3, 2026
In Brief: The Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.2 LAB is an upcoming premium portrait lens from the LAB series currently under development and scheduled for release in 2026 for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount cameras. The lens promises an ultra-fast f/1.2 aperture, an advanced optical design featuring ED, HR, and UA elements, a patented HyperVCM motor for precise autofocus, and a weather-sealed metal body at an expected price of around €999.
In January 2026, Viltrox officially confirmed the development of two new LAB-series lenses — the AF 50mm f/1.2 LAB and AF 85mm f/1.2 LAB. For portrait photographers, especially in Ukraine where affordable high-end lenses remain limited, the announcement quickly became major news.
But why is the 85mm f/1.2 generating so much excitement? Let's take a closer look.
Why 85mm f/1.2 Is a Special Focal Length
The 85mm focal length has long been considered the gold standard for portrait photography. It provides a natural facial perspective without distortion, pleasing background compression, and a comfortable working distance from the subject.
And f/1.2? That's a completely different level.
Compared to the more common f/1.4 or f/1.8 lenses, an f/1.2 aperture provides an extra stop of light—a critical advantage when shooting indoors using natural light. The bokeh becomes even smoother and creamier, while subject separation reaches a dramatically artistic level.
The Viltrox LAB Series: What It Means
Viltrox divides its lenses into several product lines. There is the budget-friendly Air series, the mid-range Pro series, and the flagship LAB series.
LAB stands for a laboratory-inspired approach to optical engineering. These lenses feature Viltrox's most advanced technologies, including the fastest apertures, the most sophisticated optical designs, and the company's latest autofocus systems.
Currently available LAB-series lenses include:
AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount) — €999
AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB (Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount) — €999
The upcoming 85mm f/1.2 LAB is expected to fill an important gap between the wide-angle 35mm and the telephoto 135mm models.
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Technical Specifications: What to Expect
Official specifications have not yet been released. However, based on information about the LAB series and the existing Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro, several key specifications can be reasonably predicted.
Optical Design
The Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro features a design consisting of 15 elements in 11 groups, including 3 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, 9 HR (High Refractive Index) elements, and 1 UA (Ultra-precision Aspherical) element.
For the f/1.2 LAB version, an even more complex design is expected. The element count could increase to 16–18 elements, with additional ED and HR glass to improve sharpness wide open and minimize chromatic aberrations.
The LAB series also features Viltrox's proprietary HD Nano Coating to reduce flare and increase contrast when shooting into bright light sources.
HyperVCM Autofocus
Viltrox has patented its HyperVCM technology—a dual Voice Coil Motor system. It provides fast, precise, and nearly silent autofocus performance, making it ideal for both video production and portrait photography.
While the AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro already uses a VCM motor, the LAB series traditionally receives the upgraded HyperVCM version with faster response times and improved subject tracking.
Construction and Weather Sealing
The LAB series is known for its fully metal construction and dust- and moisture-resistant design. Although the weight of the AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB is not officially specified, the upcoming 85mm f/1.2 LAB is expected to weigh approximately 850–900 grams thanks to an optimized design.
For comparison, the AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro weighs around 800g according to official specifications. The larger optics required for an f/1.2 aperture inevitably increase size and weight, though Viltrox has demonstrated strong expertise in compact lens design.
The filter thread size will likely be either 77mm or 82mm, both common standards among fast portrait lenses.
Controls and Display
The LAB series offers two versions: a standard model featuring an integrated LED display and an N (Non-Display) version that replaces the display with an additional aperture control ring.
The LED display can show aperture settings, focus distance, and depth-of-field information. While useful for some photographers, others may prefer the more traditional control layout of the N version.
Viltrox 85mm f/1.2 LAB vs the Competition
The 85mm f/1.2 market occupies the premium segment of photography gear. The competition is serious—and so are the prices.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM — Sony’s flagship portrait lens, known for its exceptional sharpness and beautiful bokeh. However, it typically costs between €1,600 and €1,800, roughly twice the expected price of the Viltrox LAB.
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — Outstanding optics priced around €1,100–1,200. It is the closest competitor, but it remains more expensive while offering an f/1.4 aperture rather than f/1.2.
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM — A legendary lens, but exclusive to Canon RF mount and priced above €2,500. Not an option for Sony or Nikon users.
Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S — One of Nikon’s flagship portrait lenses, introduced in 2025 and priced around €2,800–3,000. It delivers top-tier image quality, but its price places it firmly in the professional and enthusiast category.
Viltrox positions the 85mm f/1.2 LAB as “GM-quality for $600 less” — a strategy that already proved successful with the AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB. Reviewers praised the 35mm model for delivering Sony GM-level sharpness while costing €999 instead of €1,400+.
Why This Matters for Ukrainian Photographers
The Ukrainian photography market has its own unique challenges. Official Sony, Nikon, and Canon products often cost more than in Western Europe due to logistics, import duties, and lower sales volumes.
Viltrox sells directly through its official online store with shipping to Ukraine and also works with local distributors. Prices typically remain close to European levels and are sometimes even lower during promotional campaigns.
The Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro (Sony E-mount version) is currently available through the official Viltrox Store and local distributors for approximately €630–650, nearly half the price of Sony's GM alternative.
If the AF 85mm f/1.2 LAB launches at around €999, it could become the most affordable way for Ukrainian photographers to obtain a full-frame autofocus f/1.2 portrait lens.
For wedding photographers working in dimly lit venues, portrait photographers relying on natural light, and creatives seeking dramatic bokeh effects, this lens could significantly expand creative possibilities without requiring an enormous investment.
When to Expect the Release
In January 2026, Viltrox confirmed on Reddit that both the AF 50mm f/1.2 LAB and AF 85mm f/1.2 LAB are currently in development and scheduled for release during 2026.
No specific launch date has been announced.
Based on Viltrox's release history:
AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB was released in 2025
AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB became available in 2025
It is reasonable to expect the 85mm f/1.2 LAB to arrive during summer or autumn 2026, potentially with an announcement around CP+ (February) or Photokina (September).
Review samples typically appear one to two months before the official release date. Keep an eye on YouTube channels such as Dustin Abbott, Phillip Reeve, OpticalLimits, and the official Viltrox Store for early coverage.
Alternatives Available Today
If you need a portrait lens immediately, there are several strong alternatives available.
Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro FE — Officially priced at €669. It receives excellent reviews, offers GM-level sharpness, and while it sacrifices half a stop of light compared to f/1.2, f/1.4 remains more than sufficient for 95% of portrait photography scenarios.
Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE — An earlier-generation model featuring a 10-element, 7-group optical design.
Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO FE — A lightweight EVO-series lens weighing only 340g and priced at €315.
However, if you specifically want the unique look and light-gathering capability of f/1.2, you'll need to wait for the Viltrox LAB release or consider premium alternatives such as the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM or Sigma Art models.
Conclusion
The Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.2 LAB is one of the most anticipated portrait lenses in recent years. Combining the classic 85mm focal length, an ultra-fast f/1.2 aperture, modern high-speed autofocus, and a relatively accessible price point, it represents a unique offering in today's lens market.
For Ukrainian photographers, where the difference between spending €1,000 and €3,000 on a lens can significantly impact business decisions and creative development, this release could open up entirely new opportunities.
While the lens has not yet officially launched, now is a good time to follow Viltrox updates, monitor early reviews as they appear, and start planning your budget. If you need a portrait lens right away, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro remains an excellent option that many photographers will be happy with.
Follow Viltrox's official channels and join photography communities on Telegram and Facebook to stay informed about new product announcements, pricing, and availability. You won't want to miss the moment the AF 85mm f/1.2 LAB becomes available for pre-order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.2 LAB be released?
Viltrox confirmed development in January 2026 and plans to release the lens sometime during 2026. While no exact launch date has been announced, the second half of 2026 (summer to autumn) is considered the most likely timeframe.
How much will the lens cost?
No official pricing has been announced. Based on the positioning of the LAB series—where both the AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB and AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB retail for €999—the expected price is approximately €999.
Which mounts will the lens support?
The LAB series traditionally launches for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount. The AF 85mm f/1.2 LAB is expected to be available for both systems, either simultaneously or with a small delay between releases.
How will the 85mm f/1.2 LAB differ from the 85mm f/1.4 Pro?
Key differences are expected to include the faster f/1.2 aperture, an upgraded HyperVCM autofocus system instead of the standard VCM motor, a more advanced optical formula with additional ED, HR, and UA elements, a fully metal weather-sealed body, an optional LED display, and a higher price (€999 versus €669).
Should I wait for the 85mm f/1.2 LAB or buy the 85mm f/1.4 Pro now?
If you absolutely require the maximum light-gathering capability of f/1.2 for specialized creative work or extremely low-light conditions, waiting may be worthwhile. If you need a portrait lens today, the AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro already delivers excellent performance, costs €330 less, and offers approximately 95% of the practical benefits of an f/1.2 lens at a significantly lower price.
Is the lens compatible with APS-C cameras?
Yes. Although the lens is designed for full-frame cameras, it will work perfectly on APS-C models such as Sony's a6000 series and Nikon's Z50/Zfc. On APS-C cameras, the effective focal length becomes approximately 127mm (1.5× crop factor), turning it into a short telephoto lens ideal for tight portraits and detail shots.