Today, Nikon brings a widely anticipated lens to the market to complete their trifecta of f/1.2 prime lenses for mirrorless systems. Introducing the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S lens, the first 35mm f/1.2 lens in the Nikon mirrorless lineup. You can now look to this lens to fill the void when you need outstanding performance and beautiful cinematic-quality bokeh in a wide-angle focal length. This article will cover everything you need to know about the new NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S lens.
Key Features of the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 Lens
- F1.2 – F16 aperture
- 35mm focal length
- Excellent optical quality
- 1060g/37.4oz
- 82mm filter diameter
- 0.3m/11.8in minimum focusing distance
- Fast, precise autofocus at all distances
- Extra-wide manual focus ring
- Excellent dust and drip protection
What’s New About the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 Lens?
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 Lens is Nikon’s latest and greatest 35mm lens, marking the first time the classic 35mm focal length has been available with an unprecedented f/1.2 maximum aperture. The lens is optimized to pair perfectly with the incredible autofocus accuracy and speed of the Nikon Z mount mirrorless cameras, offering perfect focusing at all distances. Filmmakers and photographers will be impressed with features that cater to both groups. Such as highly suppressed focus breathing and other optical quality improvements to reduce fringing and keep colors true-to-life. Let’s look at some of the best new features of the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 lens.
Nikon’s First 35mm f/1.2 Lens
Nikon’s finest new lens is the first of its type. A 35mm prime with a maximum aperture of f/1.2 explicitly designed for Nikon Z mirrorless mount. The classic 35mm focal length that nearly every creator carries in their bag has been paired with an astounding f/1.2 that offers superb low-light performance and, most importantly, impeccable bokeh. At f/1.2, the lens produces luxurious cinema-quality depth seldom seen in wide-angle shots. This helps you tell a story and make your subject stand out from their surroundings. At the same time, the bokeh isn’t too big, and the audience can still sense the background when it matters most.
Top-Tier Autofocus
A multi-focus system helps the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 lens expand on the already impressive autofocus qualities of the Nikon mirrorless cameras. When paired together, you can expect price, accurate autofocus at all distances, and improved image quality close-ups. Regardless of who your subject is or where they are in the frame, this lens will aid the camera in lighting quick focusing that ensures you never miss a shot. Internal technology within the lens pairs with Nikon Z series cameras’ face and eye-detection capabilities to deliver outstanding autofocus performance at all apertures.
Outstanding Optical Quality
Nikon has prioritized optical quality in the design of their lenses. The use of extra-low dispersion (ED) and aspherical ED glass enables you to capture scenes with the high resolution that Nikon’s mirrorless cameras are known for. All while effectively minimizing common issues associated with high-resolution photography. The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 lens reduces fringing, distortion, and false color, and it also limits lens flare and ghosting. As a result, you can achieve images that are free from significant optical flaws, allowing your audience to focus on the scene itself.
Build Design
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 lens features a robust metal base, an L-Fn button, and both a control ring and a manual focus ring, along with an 82mm front element. For users who prefer manual focus, the lens is designed with an extra-wide manual focus ring that allows for precise adjustments. This provides ultimate control over your compositions. Even when you can’t take your eyes off the scene. Additionally, this new lens offers excellent dust and drip resistance, ensuring that you can shoot confidently in less-than-ideal conditions.
Who Should Buy the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 Lens?
As mentioned earlier, 35mm is a focal length that can fill a spot in nearly any creator’s bag, and this exceptional NIKKOR 35mm f/1.2 lens is no different. This lens is particularly ideal for creators who focus on lifestyle, environmental portraits, and documentary-style content. It produces a cinematic-quality bokeh that is rarely found in wide-angle lenses.
Moreover, this lens excels in low-light situations thanks to its wide f/1.2 aperture. Allowing you to capture ample light and detail while minimizing noise in your images. If you’re a Nikon Z mount mirrorless shooter looking for a unique lens with exceptional storytelling capabilities, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 is an excellent choice.
Comparable Nikon Lenses
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 completes the trifecta of outstanding f/1.2 prime lenses for Nikon Mirrorless. It joins the likes of the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 and the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2. This series of lenses is known for unmatched sharpness by zoom lenses, better low-light performance, and second-to-none autofocus performance. While the 50mm and 85mm lenses are well-suited for traditional portrait photography, they both excel in delivering beautiful bokeh in any scene. The build quality of the new 35mm lens is on par with that of the 50mm and 85mm, ensuring superb optical performance across all three lenses.
Final Thoughts
This announcement is exciting for Nikon creators worldwide, as it introduces the best wide-angle bokeh available today to help tell compelling stories. The new lens enhances the already impressive capabilities of Nikon’s mirrorless cameras, delivering imagery like never before. Whether you’re aiming for cinema-quality footage with beautiful background bokeh or seeking a wide-angle environmental portrait, the new NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 lens will be an essential addition to your kit.
