Introduction
This hands-on evaluation covers every little thing it is advisable know in regards to the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4, a price range prime lens for Nikon’s Z mirrorless system. It’s a mix of a well-loved focal size and a really vibrant most aperture, and I’m positive it’s caught the attention of journey, occasion, and documentary photographers already. However how does it carry out?
Earlier than I reply that query, let me provide just a little context. In spite of everything, this isn’t Nikon’s first 35mm f/1.4 lens; there’s additionally the Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G, an F-mount optic introduced in 2010. Nonetheless, that lens was by no means low-cost, promoting within the vary of $1550-1800 over time. By comparability, the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 launched in June of 2024 for simply $600 – a worth low sufficient to offer it extra of a broad enchantment.
Really, once I first noticed this worth, I puzzled if Nikon will need to have lower corners someplace. $600 for a first-party 35mm f/1.4 is unusually low-cost. On prime of that, Nikon already has a Z 35mm f/1.8 S which they promote for $850! I can’t recall the final time that Nikon bought a brighter lens for much less cash.
Is there a motive for the cheaper worth of the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 – and the dearth of Nikon’s high-end “S” designation? I’ll spare you the cliffhanger and allow you to know that there are some causes for the lower cost, however I’m nonetheless impressed by the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4. It is a actually good lens throughout, with none main drawbacks – you’ll be able to safely get it for those who want a quick 35mm on a price range.
However that’s simply my broad takeaway. The remainder of this evaluation dives into my full ideas from testing the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 extensively, each within the discipline and within the lab. Right here’s what it is advisable know for those who’re contemplating shopping for this lens.
Construct High quality
One in all my first impressions holding the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 is that it’s a surprisingly gentle lens. It isn’t completely featherweight, however in comparison with most 35mm f/1.4 primes in the marketplace, it’s clearly lighter. Nikon lists the load of the Z 35mm f/1.4 as 415 grams, or 0.91 kilos. That’s solely just a little heavier than the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S (370 grams / 0.82 kilos) regardless of capturing two-thirds of a cease extra gentle.
Somebody can right me within the feedback in the event that they know of an alternate, however I imagine that that is the lightest full-frame, autofocus-capable 35mm f/1.4 in the marketplace. By comparability, the F-mount Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G weighs 600 grams (1.32 kilos). Even Sony’s FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is 524 grams (1.16 kilos). Nicely completed on Nikon’s half to shave a lot weight off this lens!
Unsurprisingly, the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 has a plastic development slightly than metallic (other than the lens mount). Even so, like different Z lenses, it gives the look of high-quality plastic and feels sturdy to carry. I personally don’t thoughts a plastic development in right now’s lenses, however anybody who’s choosy about utilizing metallic must go along with one thing just like the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 as a substitute – in fact, it’s manual-focus solely.
As for the remainder of the construct high quality options, the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 is climate sealed and features a rubber gasket across the lens mount to protect in opposition to mud and moisture. It doesn’t have Nikon’s fluorine coating on the entrance ingredient, so it is going to be just a little more durable to scrub the entrance of the lens if it will get soiled otherwise you contact it accidentally. Nonetheless, there aren’t any exterior shifting elements to the lens, so I’d don’t have any concern utilizing it in harsh environments.
Dealing with
The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 doesn’t have a lot in the best way of dealing with options. There’s a spotlight ring and a customizable operate ring, however no different buttons, switches, or controls. It isn’t fairly Nikon’s most minimalist lens, however it’s shut. I’d have most well-liked at the least a manual-autofocus change, however I’m not stunned to see {that a} non-S lens is missing one.
All the pieces else about this lens is kind of regular within the dealing with division. The lens hood is on the massive measurement. The filter thread is good and small at 62mm. If something, my primary impression from dealing with this lens was, once more, the scale and weight – simply rather more transportable than I’m used to from 35mm f/1.4 lenses. It makes it an pleasant lens to hold round for the day.
Due to the intense most aperture, the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 is a good lens to make use of in low gentle. That is very true for those who pair it with considered one of Nikon’s cameras that options in-body picture stabilization (because the lens doesn’t have vibration discount of its personal). On the time of this evaluation’s publication, that features all of Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras and none of their DX mirrorless cameras.
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 Specs
- Full Identify: Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4
- Mount Sort: Nikon Z Mount
- Focal Size: 35mm prime
- Angle of View (Full Body): 63°
- Angle of View (APS-C): 44°
- Most Aperture: f/1.4
- Minimal Aperture: f/16
- Aperture Blades: 9
- Filter Dimension: 62mm
- Lens Parts: 11
- Lens Teams: 9
- Particular Parts: 2 aspherical
- Picture Stabilization: No
- Inner Focusing: Sure
- Management Rings: Focus, customized
- Perform Button: No
- Switches: None
- Focus Motor: STM
- Minimal Focus Distance: 27 cm (11 inches)
- Most Magnification: 0.18× (1:5.6)
- Mount Materials: Metallic
- Climate/Mud Sealing: Sure
- Dimensions (Size × Diameter): 87 x 75 mm (3.5 x 2.9 inches)
- Weight: 415 g (0.91 lbs)
- MSRP: $599 (See present worth and verify used costs)
Right here is the development of the lens, courtesy of Nikon:
The following web page of this evaluation covers the optical traits of the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4, together with focusing efficiency and sharpness exams within the lab. So, click on the menu beneath to go to “Optical Efficiency”: