Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S Review

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Summary

Nikon continues to impress us with phenomenal optics. Although the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S is one of the first lenses available for the Z mount, it clearly shows that Nikon engineers specifically designed the lens to perform the best on high-resolution sensors. Many took Nikon’s claim of the advantages of the Z mount with a pinch of salt (see this article and Nikon Z vs Nikon F), but after we started testing Z mount lenses and comparing them to their F mount counterparts, we can confirm that the new lenses are indeed of a whole new class of performance we have never seen before.

In addition, Nikon has done a remarkable job with sample variation. While F mount lenses can vary greatly from sample to sample, the Z mount lenses seem to have much tighter control, which shows even on zoom lenses. We tested a couple of copies of the Z 35mm f/1.8 S lenses for this review and found them to be equally sharp with no decentering issues.

Nikon Z 35mm f1.8 S Image Sample #25
NIKON Z 7 + NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S @ 35mm, ISO 64, 262/1, f/4.0

If you like shooting with a 35mm lens, the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S is worth every penny. It handles great in the field, has a lightweight and durable construction and its optical performance is the best our team has seen so far from a 35mm lens. Congratulations to Nikon for making another killer lens. We hope to see more lenses like this in the future.

The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S earns our Gold Award.

Where to Buy

If you would like to support our efforts, you can purchase the lens from our trusted partner B&H Photo Video.

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S
  • Optical Performance
  • Features
  • Bokeh Quality
  • Build Quality
  • Focus Speed and Accuracy
  • Handling
  • Size and Weight
  • Value

Photography Life Overall Rating

Photograhy Life Gold Award
4.8
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