Viltrox announced two new Air lenses alongside the announcement of the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro.
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Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro: B&H Photo / Amazon
Shenzhen, China – September 1st, 2025 – Viltrox is pleased to announce the release of the AF 56mm F1.2 Pro E and XF (APS-C) lenses. The AF 56mm F1.2 Pro lenses’ professional grade optical design delivers astonishingly high resolution from center to edge, taking full advantage of the capabilities of higher-megapixel cameras. Even after extensive post-cropping or enlargement, the lens faithfully preserves image detail, with incredible sharpness and clarity. Ideal for expressive portraits, the F1.2 aperture creates stunning depth and dimensional layering for a mesmerizing artistic impact.
F1.2 Large Aperture: Subject highlighting and mastery of light
The F1.2 ultra-large aperture delivers impeccable bokeh, facilitating more layered images through a shallow depth of field, rendering dreamy background blur, and highlighting subjects clearly. There is a smooth transition between in-focus and out-of-focus areas. The large aperture’s greater light intake allows faster shutter speeds and lower ISO, delivering refined, detail-rich images in both low-light and well-lit environments.
Precision optical design delivers stunning results
The precisely engineered optical design of 13 elements in 8 groups achieves peak aberration control and onion ring bokeh control even at 1.2 aperture, delivering consistent sharpness and clarity right across the frame – this is aided by Viltrox’s advanced HD nano coating. The ultra-large precision aspherical lens works together with an ED (extra-low dispersion) lens that effectively corrects axial chromatic aberration, delivering crisp, color-fringe-free images. The 3 HR (High-refractive) elements strike the perfect balance of portability and optical excellence, making this lens a natural fit for compact APS-C camera systems.
HyperVCM motor for quiet high-speed focusing
Viltrox’s patented HyperVCM motor provides faster and more precise focusing, while reducing vibration for smooth, silent performance – ideal for quickly capturing shots, and for fast-moving subjects. The silent operation and minimal focus breathing ensure a smooth and professional feel for video.
Tough and durable for all environmental conditions
The lens features high-grade weather-sealed construction with a high-strength forged aluminum alloy body. The matte black finish and protective coatings resist scratches, wear and lens contamination, while rubber seals keep out dust, splashes, and moisture – ensuring reliable performance, even in challenging outdoor environments.
About Viltrox
Viltrox, established in 2009, is a globally-recognized leader in camera lenses and adapters, specializing in high-performance equipment for photography and cine. The company’s portfolio includes cinema and autofocus lenses – such as the LAB, Pro, and Air series, launched since 2018 – along with monitors, adapters, and lighting solutions.
Driven by innovation, the company expanded further into cine in 2022 with the “EPIC” anamorphic and “LUNA” zoom lenses, offering cost-effective solutions for filmmakers worldwide. Renowned for their exceptional optical quality, reliability, and accessible pricing, Viltrox products reflect a commitment to engineering excellence and user-centered design, empowering content creators in both still and motion photography.
Matt Granger posted the first “review” of a preproduction Laowa 200mm f/2 Aura on Nikon Z mount that you can watch in full on YouTube since he age-restricted it so it can not be embedded, as you can see below. You can also find a summary of the video comparison below if you prefer to read about the new Laowa 200mm f/2.
This is the new kid on the block, and it’s got some intriguing features.
The “beast” of the group, a legendary lens with a long-standing reputation for a reason.
A strong contender offering a modern balance of performance and modern features.
| Feature/Lens | Laowa 200mm f/2 Aura | Nikon 200mm f/2 VR2 | Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.3 kg (5.07 lbs) | 2.93 kg (6.46 lbs) | 2.3 kg (5.07 lbs) |
| Build Quality | Good (Pre-production) | Super well-built (Tank-like) | Well-built (Modern) |
| Image Stabilization | No | Yes (VR2) | Yes (OS) |
| Custom Buttons | Multiple Cfn buttons | No | No |
| Drop-in Filter | Yes (with CPL) | No | No |
| Performance Aspect | Laowa 200mm f/2 Aura | Nikon 200mm f/2 VR2 | Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness | Brighter than Nikon | Darker than Laowa/Sigma | Brightest of the three |
| Sharpness (f/2) | Good, but not as sharp as Nikon/Sigma | Excellent | Excellent (Tack sharp when hit) |
| Continuous AF Tracking | Good, with slight lag and a few misses. | Perfect (91/91 hits), no lag. | Good, but “pulsed,” causing more misses than Laowa. |
| Value Proposition | Promising (Pre-production) | Expensive (at release) | Excellent (Half Nikon’s price) |
For Sony users: If you’re adapting a lens, the Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS appears to be the most balanced and modern option, offering a superb blend of performance, features, and portability. The Nikon is a specialized tool for when tracking is the absolute priority, and the Laowa is one to watch as it hits the market.
Laowa lenses can be found directly from Venus Optics and B&H Photo.
Sigma will announce a new 135mm f/1.4 full-frame lens on September 9th.
Rumored specs:
Sigma is also rumored to announce two additional lenses:
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via Photorumors
The Venus Optics Laowa 200mm f/2.0 is going to be a popular lens among photographers. Laowa is being pretty open about what is coming too, since the lens is expected to be announced on October 1st.
Laowa lenses can be found directly from Venus Optics and B&H Photo.
Sample Photos
via Photorumors, asobinet
AstrHori 6mm F2.8: B&H Photo / Amazon
AstrHori announced its new AstrHori 6mm F2.8 220° Ultra Wide circular fisheye lens for Sony E mount.
A manual focus, ultra-wide lens for photographers seeking a new perspective, the 6mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens from AstrHori creates a round image for full frame sensors and offers a staggering 220° circular viewing angle that transforms standard scenes into expansive, immersive images. The lens features ten optical elements in eight groups, and the fast f/2.8 maximum aperture ensures excellent low-light performance, making it a strong choice for night photography and astrophotography.
With a minimum focusing distance of 3.15″, the lens is capable of striking close-ups, dramatically magnifying objects close to the lens and creating a more pronounced fisheye effect. Its compact construction keeps the weight around 12 oz.
