Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 Lens Review: Impressive Performance and Value

Introduction

The Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 lens was not the lens release we were expecting, but actually glad to have. This is especially so after the heavyweight Nikkor Z 85mm ƒ1.2 and Nikkor Z 135mm ƒ2 Plena releases in the prime lens category and rumour mills predicting an S-line 35mm ƒ1.2 instead.

Nikon says that the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 lens is Nikon’s answer to professional photographers and enthusiasts seeking quality performance in a classic focal length at a most wallet-friendly price. Let us take a deeper look.

*this is part 1 of a 2 parts review of the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4. Look forward to part 2!

A common question, I will also touch on the key differences between the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 and Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S.

tl:dr

While the USD599.95 price tag of the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 was a pleasant surprise to me given how inflation (and greed) has wreaked havoc on camera equipment prices, the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 lens with its versatile focal length and fast ƒ1.4 speed in a relatively compact size has quickly allowed it to become an essential part of my kit, proving its worth across various shooting scenarios. This lens has an extremely good price-performance ratio.

In addition to the focus ring, the multifunction ring also gives this lens a step up from the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S, providing easier access to different functions.

In fact, while the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 does not come with the ‘S’ designation, it stands as a very interesting and attractive alternative to the USD849.95 Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S.

The Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 and Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S have differences in their build and character of their image output, and the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 is my choice.

Kudos to Nikon, it has been a while since users read about the price of a new release and go “seriously, so affordable?”

Technicalities

• Full frame for Z-mount, autofocus.
• 11 elements in 9 groups with 2 aspherical elements optical design
• 9-bladed diaphragm design
• 0.27 meters minimum focusing distance
• 62mm filter size
• Maximum reproduction ratio: 0.18x
• Weather and dust-sealed
• 74.5 mm (3 in) x 88.5mm (3.5 in), at 415 grams (14.7 oz)

Build Quality and Handling

I don’t know if this matters to you, but I am a firm supporter of lenses that are internally focusing due to an illogical OCD that lenses with external focusing have a tendency to accumulate moisture and dirt with use. And, yes, the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 is internally focusing.

The Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 feels sturdy and minimalist in design on hand. In fact, there is not even an MF/AF switch on the lens except a comfortably sized focus ring offering just the right amount of resistance to allow precise manual focusing and a thinner control ring on the side nearer to the camera body.

As expected, the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 is weather and dust resistant and comes bundled with the HB-115 hood.

Ergonomically, I recommend using a grip for the Nikon Zf when using the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 while this lens will be very comfortable and balanced to work with on the Z6 Z7 Z8 Z9 variants due to their deeper grips.

Optical Performance

The optical design, featuring 11 elements in 9 groups including 2 aspherical elements, delivers outstanding image quality. Sharpness is impressive even at ƒ1.4, though I must say that the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S has a slight advantage here in contrast and sharpness. Stopping down to ƒ2.8 onwards gives one impressive sharpness across the frame.

Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, with only minor fringing in high-contrast scenes at ƒ1.4. Vignetting is present wide open but easily correctable in post-processing.

The 9-blade diaphragm produces beautifully round bokeh, especially noticeable in out-of-focus highlights. When shooting wide open, the lens creates a beautiful, soft bokeh that smoothly transitions from the in-focus to out-of-focus areas, ideal for environmental portraits.

For portraits, I prefer the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4’s output as compared to the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S’s (more on this later)

The colors rendered by this lens are vibrant and true to life, with a pleasing contrast that enhances the overall image.

Practical Use and auto-focus

A 35mm focal length goes together with the 50mm focal length for the most practical prime lens focal lengths. The Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 makes a very versatile lens for street photography, environmental portraits, and capturing everyday moments. An example of a more specialized lens I wouldn’t use daily would probably be the Nikkor Plena.

I tested the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 on the Zf, which only means autofocus performance should be even better on the Z6 III, Z8, and Z9 bodies. The autofocus is reliable, fast, and pretty much silent. It locks onto subjects quickly and accurately, even in low-light conditions, making it a good choice for stills and video work.

In fact, I realise I have cut down on the habit of taking multiple shots of the same scene due to this fear of an unreliable green autofocus box ever since I moved into the Nikon system.

A helpful tool is the manual focus override, which you activate by simply turning the dedicated focus ring. The focus ring allows for very precise manual focus when turned slowly, and this function is extremely useful for focusing near objects, as I have experienced with it.

The Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 has a slim multi-function control ring that can be assigned to operate the aperture (which is the default), exposure compensation, or ISO sensitivity. Whether one uses this, it is still good to have, as on the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S, one must sacrifice the focus ring to map the ring to any other functions.

As mentioned above, weather-resistant construction allows one to shoot in challenging environments with peace of mind.

Versus the Nikkor 35mm F1.8 S

A persistent question for some photographers will be, “With the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4, should I consider the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S, and why is the latter more costly when it is slower by a tad?”

There are differences due to the ‘S-lens’ designation that the ƒ1.8 has and the ƒ1.4 doesn’t, and that is probably primarily seen in how the lenses perform wide open and the build.

However the real question will be: “for us, does this matter or even, is one even able to discern the differences optically wise?”

These two lenses are in the category of high-performing lenses hence we are probably deciding between very good and excellent here but the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S does exhibit a higher level of sharpness and contrast out of the camera with a more ‘modern’ look while the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 is very slightly softer and gives a more ‘vintage’ drawing, with a slight glow wide open which I find it personally more suitable for portraits.

The Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4’s output reminds me of an excellent vintage lens with character while the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S is more for those who prefer a sharp, contrasty, clean modern look.

At maximum aperture, the charts say that the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 is definitively softer than the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S. It also seems more straightforward to produce flaring on the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 compared to the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S.

Build-wise, the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 body is entirely made of robust quality plastic, while the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S is constructed from a combination of metal and plastics. Another key difference I am not keen to test is that the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 is weather-resistant, while the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 S goes a notch higher, fully weather-sealed.

Conclusion

The Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 is a praiseworthy addition to Nikon’s Z-mount lineup. It combines robust build quality with excellent optical performance at an affordable price. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or street scenes, this lens delivers optically vibrant images with beautiful bokeh and minimal aberrations.

What is most lovely is there are real differences between the Z 35mm F1.4 and Z 35mm F1.8 S, allowing one to make the choice based on one’s shooting preferences.

The Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 is one release that embodies Nikon’s commitment to quality and innovation, offering a lens that not only meets but exceeds expectations and it is easy to recommend that everyone should try this lens.

Or are you waiting for the rumored Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.2 S?

Disclaimers:

1. I photographed all product photos and samples here. I believe any reviewer with pride should produce their own product photos. 

2. All images were shot with the Nikon Zf and Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4; the Zf is my personal set, and the lens, a loan from Nikon Singapore, was returned at the end of the review period.

3. This review is not sponsored; I write as a passion and hobby, and I appreciate that photography brands are kind enough to respect and work with me.

4. The best way to support me is to share the review, or you can always help support the site by contributing to my fees to WordPress using the PayPal button at the bottom of the page.