I noted in my recent review of the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S that Nikon’s marketing strategy at the typical prime focal lengths (35mm, 50mm, and 85mm) is a bit unconventional. In the past the usual strategy was entry level (F1.8), mid-tier (F1.4), and premium (F1.2) options. But Nikon actually released F1.8 lenses at these focal lengths first, but rather than the typical entry level “plastic fantastics” they actually created more premium mid-tier options included in their premium S-line lineup. They then followed those up with F1.2 options (large, expensive, and excellent), and only then have started to create F1.4 options. The F1.4 lenses are actually the least expensive options, and, ironically, tend to be about the same size as the F1.8 S lenses. But thanks to a newfound connection at Nikon Canada (thanks, Chris!), I’ve got an opportunity to work through some of the catalog lenses in Z mount. The most recent of those is the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S, which was originally released in late September 2018. Does it hold up as well as the 50mm F1.8 S? Find out my thoughts by watching the video review or by reading on in the text review.

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Thanks to Nikon Canada for sending me a review copy of this lens. As always, this is a completely independent review. All opinions and conclusions are my own. *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with the 45MP Nikon Z8, which I reviewed here. You can visit the product page for the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S here.

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Nikkor 35mm Comparisons

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AI SUMMARY: The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S lens is a durable, compact, and reliable option that offers strong optical performance, especially in sharpness and contrast. It features weather sealing and excellent close-focus capabilities, making it versatile for various shooting situations. However, its higher price point and limited feature set for a premium lens might pose drawbacks, particularly given the competition from newer or more affordable alternatives. Overall, it remains a very capable lens that suits many shooters, but it doesn’t fully stand out in its price range.

Strengths:

Robust, weather-sealed build
Reliable autofocus and close-focus distance
Excellent sharpness and contrast across the frame
Compact, lightweight, and versatile design

Weaknesses:

Higher price relative to performance
Limited features compared to other premium lenses
Noticeable vignetting and some chromatic aberration
Less exceptional rendering than the 50mm F1.8 S

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As with the 50mm focal lengths, the Nikkor 35mm options have a clear separation between the F1.8 S and thAs with the 50mm focal lengths, the Nikkor 35mm options have a clear separation between the F1.8 S and the F1.2 S…but then the waters get murkier between the F1.8 S and the newer F1.4 lens. The latter two lenses are within a few milimeters of each other in their dimensions, and the weight difference is only 45g (the F1.4 version is slightly heavier). The F1.2 S, on the other hand, is massively larger, some 64mm longer and weighing nearly 700g more! Camera Decision does a great job of presenting the difference in scale:

That’s a BIG difference!

The thought behind the F1.8 S-Line lenses was to produce high quality optics at an affordable price, and while that makes these lenses somewhat unconventional, they do make a lot of sense once you start to use them.

I always enjoy a 35mm lens. It’s a excellent general purpose focal length, and this lens provides a lot of solid attributes – reasonably compact, very good image quality, and consistently good autofocus.

Like the 50mm F1.8 S, the 35mm F1.8 S is not a new lens. It was one of the first released by Nikon when Z mount launched in late 2018, so is it sill holding up to scrutiny over six years later?

Images of the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S

Photos taken with the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S

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GEAR USED:

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