Nikon is rounding out the wide-angle end of its Z lens lineup with their second 35mm prime lens, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4. Balancing speed and size, the 35mm f/1.4 hits a sweet spot that makes it an ideal walkaround lens for everyday photography and video.
The 35mm focal length is a classic choice for a variety of subject types: everything from street scenes to landscapes to full-body portraits. Coupled with the bright f/1.4 design, it's a lens that can be used in low-light situations and also offers a good deal of control over depth of field. The lens is capable of focusing as close as 11"—with a 0.18x maximum magnification—which provides the opportunity to shoot up close while a nine-blade diaphragm renders smooth bokeh.
To focus, it uses a stepping motor to deliver quick and especially quiet AF performance and Nikon states the lens has suppressed focus breathing, making it suitable for focus pulls while recording video. Also, the control ring is clickless for smooth, silent iris pulls, and its knurled design makes it easy to distinguish on the lens body. The lens body is also dust and drip resistant to protect it from light rain and everyday elements.
Physically, the lens is nearly the same size as its f/1.8 sibling; it measures 3 x 3.5" and weighs 14.6 oz. (compared to the 35mm f/1.8, which measures 2.9 x 3.4" and weighs 13.1 oz). Deciding between the two lenses is going to boil down to their maximum apertures (f/1.4 versus f/1.8) and optics; the 35mm f/1.8 is part of their high-performance S-Line lenses, whereas this new lens is not. Additionally, the new 35mm f/1.4 does have a more updated physical design with a dedicated Control Ring in addition to the focusing ring. In other words, the decision comes down to which is more important to you: top-tier S-Line optics or a brighter f/1.4 maximum aperture.
For more information about the new wide-angle prime including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product page for the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 lens. Or drop us a line below, and we'll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
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