Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S
Announced February 5, 2025
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S delivers exceptional sharpness, high contrast, and smooth bokeh for photographers prioritizing top-tier optical performance. That said, the lens is notably large, heavy, and expensive, making it a specialized tool rather than a discreet walk-around option.
Weighted from 17 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and contrast across the frame
- Minimal focus breathing and optical aberrations
- Beautifully soft, high-quality bokeh
- Fast and responsive autofocus performance
- Robust build quality with weather sealing and functional controls
Cons
- Excessive size and weight
- High financial cost
- Inconsistent autofocus and control ring usability
- Noticeable light fall-off and vignetting at wider apertures
- Presence of chromatic aberration and fringing in specific conditions
- Launch price $2,799.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 35mm f/1.2
- Mount & coverage Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 30 cm (0.2x)
- Filter thread 82mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 1060g (2 lb 5.4 oz) · 90 x 150 mm (3.54 x 5.91 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 17 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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Nikon’s third prime lens for their Z system with a bright f1.2 focal ratio has a lot going for it: It collects over one stop more light than their Z 35mm f1.8 S and is still half a stop faster than the Z 35mm f1.4.
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The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.2 S is, simply put, flawless. It delivers exceptional sharpness and contrast wide open, renders beautifully soft bokeh, and handles direct sunlight with confidence.
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The last lens in Nikon’s f/1.2 trinity is ideal for street, documentary and events.
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The idea of a 35mm lens that is this big, this heavy, and this expensive is going to seem absurd to the average photographer.
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[I]t's a glowing report for this expensive 35 lens. Its price may be slightly crazy, but if you need the absolute best, then there's always a premium to be paid.
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The first impression is that the lens is enormous and over heavy for any 35mm optic, but in use it soon becomes apparent that there are good reasons for the design choices made.
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For most people who crave the 35mm focal length, the f/1.8 or f/1.4 version will likely suffice for most scenarios. However, if you want the best of the best, the sharpest results and the best bokeh - then the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.2 S lens is simply superb.
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[T]his is an absolute gorgeous lens for photojournalists, for wedding photographers, for people that want to show the environment, and want the best of the best.
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While I'm not excited about the size, I think you're getting a lot of bang for your buck for something that is really specialized, and the image quality is outstanding on here.
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I was a little cynical of this lens when it first arrived for testing, but having spent time with it and enjoyed the results, I do love it.
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So is this the best 35 on the market right now? I think it is incredibly close and this is indeed one of the best 35 lenses out there to consider.
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This is a magnificent lens, but it's also huge, heavy and expensive, and doesn't do anything special unless you're a night hawk shooting at f/1.2 much of the time as I did in the Sample Images.
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[Y]ou get what you pay for in this case, but it is a lot of money for a lot of people.
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Optically, it is absolutely stunning. You are getting some beautiful image quality with this.
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[...] I am in love with this lens.
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[I]f you love a contextual portrait, a slightly wider feeling feel, and you want more low light performance or that really good background blur, even for photo or for video, this is the lens for you, from whatever brand you use, to be honest.
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The 35mm focal length turned out to be incredibly versatile for almost everything I wanted to shoot. However, where it really shined was when I wanted to use that shallow depth of field to isolate a person or an object.
