After its f/1.8 and f/1.4 versions, Nikon unveils a third variant of its versatile prime lens: the Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.2 S. This ultra-bright wide‐angle lens is designed to excel in the most demanding lighting conditions, whether in photography or video.
The brand even presents it as “the best 35 mm ever designed by Nikon”, relying on an exceptional optical construction and sophisticated glass treatments.
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Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1,2 S: the Third “Dragon”
The announcement of this f/1.2 S-Line 35 mm lens by Nikon is not a real surprise, as it already appeared in the optical roadmap revealed in 2022. In fact, it was the last lens mentioned on that roadmap, which was designed to give future Nikon Z camera buyers a preview of the lenses in development.
This lens completes two ranges: the 35 mm series (the Z 35 mm f/1,8 S and the Z 35 mm f/1,4) and the series of ultra-bright fixed lenses at f/1.2 (the Z 50 mm f/1,2 S and the Z 85 mm f/1,2 S).
This lens is aimed at photographers specializing in fashion, portraiture, reportage, and event photography who seek the combination of a 35 mm focal length, outstanding image quality, and a very wide aperture for pronounced bokeh.
Here are the complete specifications of the Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1,2 S:
- Focal length: 35 mm (52.5 mm on APS‑C)
- Designed for: full‑frame sensor
- Maximum aperture: f/1.2
- Minimum aperture: f/16
- Field of view: 63° (44° on APS‑C)
- Optical construction: 17 elements in 15 groups (including 3 ED elements, 1 aspherical ED lens, and 3 aspherical lenses), with meso‑amorphous, nanocrystal, and ARNEO coatings
- Aperture diaphragm: 11‑blade circular diaphragm
- Minimum focusing distance: 30 cm
- Image stabilization: No
- Weather sealing: Built to resist moisture and dust
- Maximum magnification: 0.2x
- Focusing: Autofocus with dual STM motors
- Filter diameter: 82 mm
- Dimensions: 90 mm x 150 mm (D x L)
- Weight: 1.06 kg
- Accessories included: lens hood, rear cap, case
- Compatible mount: Nikon Z
- Launch price (body only): €3249
Advanced Optical Construction and Multiple Anti‑Reflective Coatings
The lens features a complex optical design, with 17 elements in 15 groups, including 3 ED lenses, 1 aspherical ED lens, and 3 aspherical lenses. This combination is intended to deliver an image rich in detail while avoiding chromatic aberrations and color fringing.
Moreover, Nikon has equipped this lens with its most advanced anti‑reflective coatings, including the Nanocrystal treatment, the ARNEO treatment (introduced with the Z mount), and especially the Meso‑amorphous treatment inaugurated with the Nikkor Z 400 mm f/2.8 TC VR S in 2022. This treatment has since been adopted on the 600 mm and the 135 mm f/1,8 S Plena lenses.
These various treatments should limit ghosting and flare, regardless of the angle at which light hits the frame, a first for a Nikkor lens.
The extremely bright aperture at f/1.2 is ensured by an 11-blade circular diaphragm, promising “a soft and perfectly rounded bokeh” (according to Nikon). As with the 50 and 85 mm f/1,2 S lenses, this diaphragm is also designed to be free of any onion ring effect.
Finally, the minimum focusing distance is 30 cm, with a maximum magnification of 0.2x. This is 3 cm more than the Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1,4.
Multi‑Group Autofocus and a (Nearly) Mastered Build
For autofocus, this 35 mm lens incorporates a fast, precise, and silent step‑by‑step multi‑group AF system. It inherits the same system as Nikon’s other ultra‑bright prime lenses. Designed for hybrid use, the lens would also excel in video – its two motors ensure smooth focus adjustments while minimizing focus breathing.
The dimensions of this 35 mm f/1.2 are almost identical to those of the 50 mm f/1.2. It is a relatively bulky lens, measuring 15 cm in length (without the hood) and 9 cm in diameter. With a weight exceeding one kilogram (1.06 kg), this 35 mm f/1.2 is geared more toward planned photo projects than spontaneous street photography.
The ergonomics include a MAP switch near the barrel, two customizable L‑Fn buttons (one vertical and one horizontal), as well as a smoothly rotating customizable control ring.
Nikon has built this lens with a robust construction that is considered “superior” to that of the existing 50 and 85 mm f/1,2 S lenses. Its numerous sealing rings further protect it against dust, moisture, and splashes.
Below is a gallery of photos captured with the Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1,2 S (provided by the brand):
Price and Availability of the Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1,2 S
The Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1,2 S is available for pre‑order at a price of €3249. Deliveries are expected to begin from February 27, 2025.
Our First Impressions of the Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1,2 S
With this Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1,2 S, Nikon’s trio of high‑end f/1.2 prime lenses is now complete. Just as with the 50 and 85 mm f/1,2 lenses, Nikon wants to showcase its full optical expertise.
The Japanese firm demonstrates that it too is capable – thanks to the Z mount – of designing a 35 mm lens with a very wide aperture that should deliver superior image quality from the center to the edges. Prior to Nikon, only Sigma offered a 35 mm f/1,2 DG DN Art (for Sony E and Leica L), unveiled in 2019.
Nikon’s version is very well crafted, with a prime lens that should appeal to portrait, wedding, and reportage photographers. However, as with the 85 mm f/1,2 S, Nikon charges (very) high prices for its performance: this 35 mm becomes the most expensive on the market (aside from Leica).
One might wonder whether Nikon should have given this lens a distinctive name to better justify (psychologically) its stratospheric price and premium positioning.
Moreover, despite the announcement of this f/1,2 35 mm, it is likely that many Nikon users will initially opt for the f/1,4 model, which is offered at one‑fifth the price, at only €699.
