Nikon’s new 35mm f/1.4 for Z mount isn’t the f/1.2 you wanted
Jun 26, 2024
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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While many Nikon shooters have been screaming out for faster glass, it appears Nikon’s putting them on hold. The company’s 35mm f/1.8 S line lens for Z mount ($696.95) has always been a tad on the expensive side. Pro shooters wanted faster, and hobbyists & enthusiasts wanted cheaper.
There could be only one winner, and right now, it seems to be the hobbyists and enthusiasts. They’ve got cheaper and faster. Nikon has today announced the new Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 (buy here). And it’s actually cheaper than the 35mm f/1.8.
Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 – A good balance
The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 doesn’t fully satisfy either of the two camps mentioned above. Some wanted it faster, while others wanted it cheaper. And this is a compromise that definitely won’t satisfy some but will fit the needs of quite a few.
It’s not one of Nikon’s S line lenses. So, the optics won’t be quite as good as you might have come to expect. This alone will rule it out for some professionals, but not all of them. It’s not quite as inexpensive as many hobbyists might have been hoping for, either.
But, it is still much less expensive than the $850 launch price of the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S lens. And it opens up the aperture 2/3rds of a stop past f/1.8. So, it’ll be a win-win for a lot of people. It will be interesting to see how many people once the sales figures start to come out.
It should work quite well as a walkabout and street photography lens on the newly announced Nikon Z6 III ($1,596.95).
Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 Specs
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format Compatibility | Full-Frame (FX) |
| Angle of View | 63° (44° on DX) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 27cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.18x |
| Optical Design | 11 Elements in 9 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 62 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 75 x 87mm |
| Weight | 415g |
Price and Availability
The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 lens is available to pre-order now for $599.95. Shipping begins mid-July.
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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