The LAB series is to be Viltrox’s “Otus” series; an optically superlative lineup of lenses that will eventually include 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm F1.2 lenses in addition to the 135mm F1.8 LAB lens that I’m reviewing here. Viltrox is unique in my experience in that they tend to announce their development cycle well ahead of releases rather than hide them until they are ready for release. We’ve had more than a year to get excited about the LAB series, and I’m delighted to finally get my hands on one of them. So is the LAB 135mm worth getting excited about? That may depend on your tolerance of large, heavy lenses, but if that doesn’t turn you off, then the LAB 135mm is about as close to optical perfection as you’ll find. It is Viltrox’s most expensive lens, yes, but at a price tag of $899 USD it still is a pretty huge value (and if you use code DUSTINABBOTT at checkout at Viltrox, you can get an additional 8% off!). But, of course, you can also get the excellent Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 for even cheaper, and it is smaller and lighter as well. So which is the 135mm to get on Sony E-mount? Find out in my head to head comparison video here!

Follow Me @ YouTube | Patreon |  Instagram | Facebook | DA Merchandise | Flickr | 500px | X

Thanks to Viltrox for sending me a review copy of this lens. As always, this is a completely independent review. *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with the Sony a7RV and the Sony Alpha 1.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have an interesting relationship with 135mm lenses. I fell in love with the Canon EF 135mm F2L a decade ago, and held onto it for years. I replaced it with the amazing Zeiss Milvus 135mm F2, a lens that I called worthy of being labelled an Otus. As I began to shoot Sony more and more, I eventually replaced the Milvus with the outstanding Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM lens. I finally parted with the GM lens in order to purchase the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM instead, but only because I found the Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 good enough that I felt I could sell the 135GM and get both the Samyang and the 50mm GM lens for roughly the same money. In short, I have owned a premium quality 135mm for just about as long as I have been a professional photographer. I value the focal length above all for the utterly unique portrait shots you can get; shots the feature extreme isolation and wonderfully creamy bokeh.

But the biggest downside of a 135mm lens for many of us is the simple fact that it isn’t the most versatile of focal lengths. You often need a fairly large amount of working room to do portrait work, so many people prefer an 85mm lens even though the 135mm images are bit more special. I loved the 135mm GM lens but was willing to part with it because I had a lot of money invested in it but didn’t reach for it as often as what I would like.

But now Sony shooters have two awesome options available at very reasonable price points in the Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 (my review here) and the Viltrox LAB 135mm F1.8 (my review here). In my head to head video I break down the relative strengths and weaknesses of both lenses. Here’s a summary of the points I found:

Reasons to Choose the Samyang:

1. Price:  $799 vs ($899)
2. Weight:  772g (27 oz) vs 1300g (45.85oz)
3. Size (130mm [5.1”] vs 145.7mm [5.73”])
4. Better edge sharpness at F1.8

Reasons to Choose the Viltrox LAB

1. Autofocus speed (dual VCM motors)
2. More reliable autofocus
3. Higher grade build (more weather sealing, magnesium alloy)
4. Dedicated aperture ring (declicked)
5. More features
6. Slightly higher magnification and better up close performance
7. Better center and midframe sharpness
8. Better flare resistance
9. Softer bokeh
10.  Lower distortion and vignette
11. Better light transmission

Conclusion

The only real advantages for the Samyang lie in being much lighter and slightly cheaper.  The Viltrox has a superlative build, features, autofocus, and overall image quality performance, and is my personal clear choice. At the same time, the difference in weight is significant enough that those who don’t need as fast of autofocus might considering going with the Samyang instead. It remains an excellent choice.

_________________________________________________________________________

GEAR USED:

Purchase the Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 LAB @ Viltrox (use code DUSTINABBOTT for 8% off) | B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Pergear

Purchase the Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK 

_________________________________________________________________________

Purchase the Sony a7RV @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Sony Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany 

__________________________________________________________________

Purchase the Sony a7IV @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Sony Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany 

_________________________________________________________________

Purchase the Sony Alpha 1 @ Camera Canada | B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Sony Canada | Amazon Canada |  Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

_________________________________________________________________

Want to support this channel? Use these affiliate links to shop at: B&H Photo | Amazon | Adorama | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Ebay | Make a donation via Paypal

Buy DA Merchandise https://bit.ly/TWIMerch

Keywords: Viltrox, Viltrox AF, LAB, Viltrox LAB, #LAB, #LAB135, Viltrox 135mm, Normal, Full Frame, F1.8, f/1.8, VCM, Viltrox LAB 135mm F1.8 FE, Viltrox 135mm Review, Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 FE Review, VCM, Samyang, Rokinon, Samyang AF 135mm, Sony a7IV, Sony Alpha 1, Sony a7RV, Review, Hands On, Dustin Abbott, Real World, Comparison, Sharpness, Bokeh, Flare Resistance, Autofocus, Image Quality, Sample Images, Video, Photography, let the light in, weathersealing, #letthelightin, DA