Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S
Announced August 23, 2018
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/1.8 S is a sharp, weather-sealed prime lens that delivers excellent image quality and reliable autofocus performance for full-frame mirrorless users. Although it is widely considered an outstanding performer, some photographers find its retail price high and its manual control ring overly sensitive.
Weighted from 27 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent sharpness and high contrast across the frame
- Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus
- Sturdy, weather-sealed build quality
- Compact and lightweight design balanced for Z-series cameras
- Low distortion and minimal flare
Cons
- High retail price point
- Sensitive or overly loose manual focus ring
- Presence of chromatic aberration and coma in high-contrast or extreme corner scenarios
- Bokeh can appear busy or distracting with highlight outlining
- Noticeable vignetting when used wide open
- Launch price $849.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 35mm f/1.8
- Mount & coverage Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 25 cm (0.19x)
- Filter thread 62mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 370g (13.1 oz) · 73 x 86 mm (2.87 x 3.39 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 27 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 85/100
The Nikon Z 35mm F1.8 S is a solid medium-wideangle lens for the Z series, which offers excellent sharpness and pleasant handling characteristics on the Z6 and Z7.
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The Nikon Z 35mm f1.8S is the first available prime lens specifically designed for Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless Z bodies.
- OpticalLimits 7/10
The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a very good lens, although it stays a little short of the high expectations that we had from our previous reviews of Z-mount prime lenses.
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[T]his review, here’s a complete summary of the pros and cons of the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S.
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As I said in the Canon EOS R review... in the Nikon Z series, we are looking at the future and I again like what I see.
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As you’ve probably picked up, I’m a little less wowed by the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S-Line than I was with the 50mm F1.8 S.
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On whatever question marks there might be over its value for money, its quality is still good enough to make it recommended.
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New f/1.8 models aren't among the cheapest anyway but still they are offered with far lower price tags that their faster equivalents.
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The engineers outdid themselves on this one. It’s not perfect, but it’s still perfect for most photographers from serious hobbyists to working professionals.
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The Nikkor Z 35/1.8 S has a lot of good qualities, qualifying its “S” designation with excellent sharpness, contrast (even with back lighted scenes), flare resistance, and nice sunstars.
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In particular, I tend to use it during events, as it's wide enough to stay closer to subjects but it doesn't have the ugly distortion of people on edges that a 24mm or wider lens does.
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An outstanding 35mm lens for full-frame Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
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Using the Nikon Z 7 with the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S lens is a great experience. It’s well balanced in its body design, and it’s good to see that it shares the same level of weatherproofing as the Z 7 body.
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It’s quite a lot to pay for a humble 35mm f/1.8, but the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S’s optical performance immediately shows where the money’s been spent.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a sharp, light prime lens for Nikon Z cameras that's built well and delivers excellent images, but is on the pricey side.
- Digital Trends 8/10
The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S gives the new Z-Mount a promising future. The lens captures sharp images with minimal distortion, thanks in part to advances in the mount.
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Nikon has placed a lot of emphasis on the superior optical quality of its new generation of lenses and the new Z mount, and as far as sharpness is concerned, I feel it lives up to the hype.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
Fitted to the Z7 camera body, this lens is great for street photography, being fast, weather-resistant and providing wide enough coverage to encompass some of the subjects’ environment while enabling the photographer to get reasonably close to subjects.
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If you’re a fan of this classic focal length, appreciate good weather sealing, need smaller apertures for low light, and want cream bokeh, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 S Lens will hit the sweet spot for you.
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In terms of image quality, this lens is up there with some of the best, and it is also very light and very fun to use.
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I like this lens a lot, and I’ve found myself leaving it on my Z8 often as an everyday-use lens.
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This Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a superb general-purpose semi-wide lens for Nikon's full-frame mirrorless cameras.
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I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S lens.
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I deliberately decided on Nikon’s more affordable lenses for my Z7 II test.
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When it's time to get a little more creative, take that extra second to compose a shot or achieve a really shallow depth of field at f/1.8, this Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S brings it.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S is about as good as 35 millimeter primes get. Some may argue it's expensive, but I'd say you get what you pay for and you get optical brilliance which really makes itself known in its astro imagery.
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I definitely recommend this lens.
