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NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S Lens

NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S Lens

The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is one of Nikon’s flagship prime lenses, designed for ultimate sharpness, bokeh, and low-light performance. It offers awesome image quality in any situation. Let’s break it down thoroughly:



🏆 NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S — Overview

  • Mount: It's Nikon Z-mount lens

  • Focal Length: 35mm focal length is offered

  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.2

  • Minimum Aperture: f/16

  • Format: Full-frame (FX)

  • Filter Thread: 82mm

  • Weight: Approx. 995g

  • Length: Approx. 102.5mm

  • Weather Sealing: Yes

  • Type: S-Line (premium optical quality)

  • Launch: Announced in August 2023

✨ Key Features

🔭 1. Ultra-Wide Aperture – f/1.2

  • One of the fastest lenses Nikon has ever produced.

  • Perfect for low-light environments, dreamy shallow depth of field, and buttery bokeh.

💎 2. S-Line Premium Optical Construction

  • Includes aspherical and ED glass elements for edge-to-edge sharpness.

  • Virtually no chromatic aberration, even wide open.

  • Nikon's Nano Crystal and ARNEO Coatings for superior ghosting and flare control.

🤫 3. Dual STM Autofocus Motors

  • Fast, precise, and whisper-quiet AF.

  • Perfect for both stills and video, especially in quiet environments like weddings or film sets.

🌀 4. Beautiful Bokeh

  • 11-blade rounded aperture design for creamy, circular bokeh.

  • Great subject separation at f/1.2 without harsh edges.

🔧 5. High Customizability

  • Control ring can be assigned for ISO, aperture, exposure comp.

  • L-Fn button for custom functions — adds convenience on the go.

🌦️ 6. Professional-Grade Weather Sealing

  • Sealed against dust and moisture throughout the lens body.

  • Built for demanding outdoor use, from travel to weddings in unpredictable weather.

📸 Use Cases


Use Case
Why It’s a Great Fit

Portrait Photography		Wide aperture + stunning bokeh + excellent sharpness = dreamy portraits
Street Photography35mm perspective + f/1.2 = natural storytelling in any light
Wedding & EventLow-light indoor venues + background separation = standout shots
Video & FilmmakingSilent autofocus, minimal breathing, and cinematic look
DocumentaryStory-driven lens with strong focus falloff = emotional impact
Night PhotographyFast f/1.2 captures light beautifully in dark scenes

🧪 Optical Excellence

  • Sharp wide open (rare for f/1.2 lenses).

  • Edge-to-edge clarity with well-controlled vignetting.

  • Low focus breathing, making it solid for cinematic work.

🆚 Comparison with Similar Lenses

LensApertureWeightAutofocusWeather-SealedNotable Point

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.2 S		f/1.2995gYesYesPremium bokeh and sharpness combo
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 Sf/1.8370gYesYesLightweight, budget-friendly option
Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Artf/1.21090gYesYesExcellent but heavier (Sony/Leica)
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCMf/1.4555gYesYesVersatile, not as shallow as f/1.2
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GMf/1.4524gYesYesBalanced size and performance

✅ Pros

  • Phenomenal sharpness even at f/1.2

  • World-class bokeh rendering

  • Reliable, fast autofocus

  • Premium build with weather sealing

  • Versatile for both stills and video

❌ Cons

  • Large and heavy — not travel-friendly for everyone

  • Expensive (Pro-grade lens category)

  • Overkill if you don’t need f/1.2 specifically

🎯 Who Should Buy It?

  • Professional photographers (especially portrait, wedding, event, and fashion)

  • Filmmakers wanting cinematic depth with minimal breathing

  • Low-light shooters who prioritize maximum aperture

  • Fine art and editorial shooters needing top-tier optical rendering

💬 Final Thoughts

The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is a creative powerhouse. With its combination of depth, clarity, and elegance, it's not just a lens — it's a statement. If you need the best 35mm lens Nikon has ever made for their Z system, this is it.

Want to see how it pairs with the Z8 or Z9 for cinematic video or compare it with Sigma Art lenses or Sony GM series? I can do a focused matchup too!

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