Nikon Z 35mm F/1.8S Lens Review - Verdict

Value For Money

The Nikkor Z 35 f/1.8S lens is priced at £759.00

For the Nikon Z full-frame series, alternatives might be:

• Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95, £1009 (MF)
• Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2, £259
• Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton, £549 (MF)
• Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Macro Apo-Ultron, £649 (MF)
• Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Apo-Lanthar, £849 (MF)
• Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 Nokton, £729 (MF)

Most of these alternatives are manual focus only, so the comparison is not like for like. The conclusion is that the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8S lens is a little on the more expensive side compared to the 50mm, but the performance is equally stunning so there is some justification there.

For more options have a look at our lens top lists which feature optics we've reviewed and compiled into easy-to-read lists so you can make more informed decisions. 

Nikon Z 35mm F/1.8S Verdict

The key question is 35mm or 50mm? There is actually very little to separate the two as regards quality of results, and it would be unfair to say which one is the better lens. Both of them are, depending on how the photographer feels about using either a 35mm or a 50mm as their “standard” lens. It is possible to test this out for ourselves, using a zoom lens that covers both these focal lengths and then analysing how often our choice of focal length falls to either 35mm or 50mm or thereabouts. The two lenses were used at the same time for this review, and both did equally well at the Whitby Goth Weekend, although there may have been a slight change in the type of shot made with each option.

The conclusion seems to be that if the photographer is a 50mm photographer the answer is not this lens but the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8S will suit better, but if a 35mm photographer, then this Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8S lens is the 'Editor's Choice'.  

Editor's Choice – An outstanding 35mm lens for full-frame Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.

Own this lens? Let us know what you think of it in the EQDB.