Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.2 S

Focal length: 35 mm
Aperture: f/1.2
Weight: 1060 g
Filter diameter: 82 mm
Min. focus distance: 30 cm
Length: 150 mm

Overview

The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.2 S is a fast wide-angle prime for Nikon Z mount cameras with a full frame sensor. Nikon announced it in February 2025. It belongs to the S-Line, the grade Nikon uses for Z lenses built to its highest optical standards. It is aimed at portrait, wedding, street and video work where a 35 mm angle of view and very shallow depth of field are wanted together.

Optical design

The lens has 17 elements in 15 groups, including three ED elements, one aspherical ED element and three further aspherical elements. According to Nikon, the layout is symmetrical in front of and behind the aperture, which the company credits for its optical performance. Meso Amorphous Coat, Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat are meant to keep ghosting and flare down. An 11-blade rounded diaphragm closes down to f/16. Nikon quotes an angle of view of 63 degrees on full frame and 44 degrees in DX crop mode.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing uses a multi-focusing system with stepping motors (STM), in which several focus groups are driven together. Nikon says this is designed for fast and accurate AF in both stills and video, and that the design suppresses focus breathing. Two lens Fn buttons can be assigned functions and are placed so that they remain usable when shooting vertically. The minimum focus distance is 0.3 m from the focal plane, with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.2x.

Build and size

The lens weighs about 1,060 g, measures about 90 mm in diameter and 150 mm in length from the mount flange, and takes 82 mm filters. Nikon says various parts of the barrel, including movable parts, are sealed against dust and drips, while noting that this is not guaranteed in every situation. A hood (HB-110), both caps and a case are supplied.

Where it fits

Nikon describes the lens as sharing its design concept with the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S and the Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S, both also in our database. For a lighter 35 mm on the same mount there is the Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.4. Among third-party options for Z mount, the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 Lab is listed as well.

Pros and cons

Pros

Maximum aperture of f/1.2 at 35 mm
17-element design with ED and aspherical elements
Two assignable lens Fn buttons
Sealed barrel for dust and drip resistance, according to Nikon
Focus breathing suppression for video

Cons

Heavy at about 1,060 g and long at 150 mm
82 mm filter thread makes filters costly
No lens stabilizer, so stabilization depends on the camera body
Maximum reproduction ratio of only 0.2x

Verdict

A big, fast 35 mm for photographers and video shooters who want f/1.2 on the Z system and accept the weight. If size matters more than the last stop of light, the f/1.4 version is the lighter route.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 35 mm
max focal length: 35 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.2
max f (max zoom): f/1.2
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 17
Groups: 15
Weight: 1,060 g (2.34 lb)
Filter diameter: 82 mm
min focus distance: 30 cm (11.81 in)
Length: 150 mm (5.91 in)
Diameter: 90 mm (3.54 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.2 S fit?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.2 S is a full-frame lens for Nikon Z cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Nikon Z cameras its field of view equals 53 mm in full-frame terms.

Nikon Z cameras

Full frame:: Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5II, Nikon Z6III, Nikon Z8, Nikon Zf, Nikon Z9, Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6II, Nikon Z7II, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z7
APS-C:: Nikon Z50II, Nikon Z30, Nikon Z fc, Nikon Z50