Viltrox (唯卓仕) teases new LAB 35mm f/1.2 — now without a lens-mounted screen

Lead: a deliberate simplification

Viltrox (唯卓仕) has signalled a change of direction. The company posted a teaser saying it will unveil a new LAB-series lens on April 17, and it has been reported that the upcoming LAB 35mm f/1.2 will be a screenless revision of the current model. Why remove a feature that many makers add? Short answer: weight, reliability and price could be the drivers.

What’s changing

According to IT Home (IT之家) and PhotoRumors, Viltrox’s existing LAB 35mm f/1.2 — first launched in April 2025 with a Sony E mount and an official price of ¥5,499 — included a small OLED/info screen whose readout and boot animation could be customised via the Viltrox Lens App. It has been reported that the new version drops that display. Leaked photos and specs reportedly show the current model at 921.6 g versus the new version at 913.6 g — a modest but tangible reduction in mass that follows the removal of the screen.

Why this matters to Western buyers

Viltrox is a Chinese optics maker known for relatively affordable, high-speed primes that target mirrorless users who shoot Sony E and similar mounts. For buyers in the West, this matters because Chinese brands increasingly fill the mid-market niche left by legacy optics firms — offering competitive pricing and fast development cycles. Dropping the screen may signal a focus on robustness and lower cost rather than feature-led differentiation. Reportedly, some users prefer simpler, lighter lenses for street and fast-action work; others will miss the on-lens metadata and customisation.

What to expect next

Viltrox has scheduled a reveal for April 17; the company’s official channels will clarify pricing and mount options. Note that parts of the early report come from user-uploaded posts on Phoenix New Media’s platform (凤凰网), which carries a platform disclaimer about user-generated content. Will photographers embrace a leaner LAB lens, or will the screen’s convenience be sorely missed? We should know more after the formal launch.