Lens ReviewMorten ByskovJanuary 05, 2025Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 review, Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 sample images, Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 image quality, Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 handling, Nikon 35mm f1.4 review, Nikon 35mm 1.4 review, Nikon Z 35mm 1.4 review, Nikon Z 35mm 1.4 sample imagesComment

Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 Review

The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 and Nikon Z6 III — The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 mounted on the Nikon Z6 III

Hands-On Review of the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 With Sample Images on the Nikon Z6 III

The Surprise Fast Wide-Angle Lens From Nikon

2024 ended on a fine note as the Purolator guy delivered the Nikon Z6 III and a Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 just before we sat down for dinner on Christmas Eve. The tradition in our family is to open presents on the 24th, and the timing couldn’t have been better.

I have often wished there was a camera under the tree, so this year, I took matters into my own hands. Joking aside, the Z6 III was added to my kit because I wanted a Nikon camera again, and I plan to review more Nikkor lenses in 2025.

One of these lenses, the first on my list, is the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4. Except for a short stint with a Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary lens, I have mainly been using a manual focus Voigtländer 28mm lens on my Leica SL2-S, and I was looking forward to having an autofocus lens in this focal length range again. Let’s see how it played out over the last couple of weeks.

The new Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 and Nikon Z6 III — The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 mounted on the Nikon Z6 III. Notice the lack of an M/AF switch.

Introduction

Nikon has had a Nikkor Z 35mm 1.2 S lens on the lens roadmap for some time now, and when the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 came out last summer, many, including me, were surprised.

Not only did the Z 35mm f/1.4 come out of left field, but it was also released at $596.95, significantly lower than the Z 35mm f/1.8 S, which costs $846.95. This is usually not the case for a faster lens, so what is going on, and which lens should you pick?

It appears that Nikon wanted to offer photographers an alternative to an optically more perfect Z 35mm f/1.8 S but with a faster f/stop and perhaps less concern for ultimate sharpness and control of chromatic aberration, which typically plague faster lenses.

A young woman in the snow — Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 @ f/1.4

Specs, Build Quality, and Handling

Weighing 14.6 oz or 415 g, the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 does not feel heavy on the Z6 III. The Z6 III has an excellent grip, and the balance and handling with the lens are excellent. If you place the camera on a table, it won’t lean forward.

However, the 2.9 x 3.5" or 74.5 x 88.5 mm dimension does not translate the combination of camera and lens into a super-compact category, especially when the lens hood is attached.

The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 has 11 elements in 8 groups, including two aspherical elements. It has 9 diaphragm blades and takes 62 filters, which is a bonus for me as I have a few filters I have used for my Fujifilm lenses.

The autofocus is driven by an STM autofocus stepping motor, and the minimal focusing distance is 10.6" or 27 cm.

The dust and drip-resistant Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 in the snow mounted on a Nikon Z6 III — The dust and drip-resistant Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 in the snow, mounted on a Nikon Z6 III

The rubber-coated focusing ring has just the right amount of “grip.” The 35mm f/1.8 S has a smooth metal-like surface. I prefer the rubberized version, as it gives you a better grip.

The Z 35mm f/1.4 also has a customizable control ring, which can be set for aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation. I have yet to test this thoroughly but have just set it to “aperture” and will give it a shot, as I am used to this from my other cameras.

One of my favorite features of an autofocus lens is internal focusing (IF). The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 has this feature, meaning the front of the lens will not protrude as you focus from near to far distances.

The lens has no AF/MF (autofocus / manual focus) switch on the barrel; some may miss this. I have set up a custom Fn button to deal with this, and once your muscle memory has adjusted, it will be a quick way to toggle between AF-S, AF-C, and MF.

Late December sunset at the Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 and Nikon Z6 III — Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 @ f/1.4

In Action

I would not call the STM autofocus stepping motor fast, but it is fast enough for my typical genres of photography: travel, street, landscape, and portrait. Autofocus locks on with confidence, and there is no hunting, but just be prepared that it isn’t lightning-quick to acquire focus.

Nikon states that the lens is dust and drip-resistant, and I have put this to the test several times over the past couple of weeks in the snow and with lots of rain here in Vancouver. So far, so good. I don’t think I have ever worried less about weather sealing. Yesterday, I was cycling in the pouring rain with it.

I have enjoyed the Z 35mm f/1.4's feel and functionality. Despite its apparent plastic construction, it feels like a solid piece of kit.

The control ring and rubber-coated focusing ring on the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4

Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 vs. Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S

Typically, you would ask yourself if you should upgrade from the f/1.8 version to the f/1.4 version. The scenario is slightly different with Nikon's 35mm options. The S-Line 35mm f/1.8 is the choice if you want the best possible image quality, corner to corner.

The f/1.4 comes into play if you need the extra 2/3 stops of light, are on a budget, or are looking for a lens with more character in its rendering. I am as guilty as any for using the word “character” to describe a lens, so please let me elaborate in the next paragraph.

Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 vs. Nikkor Z 40mm f/2

At roughly half the size, weight, and cost, another lens you may consider is the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 or SE edition. The SE edition is a formidable fit for the Nikon Zf and a decent performer optically.

I have enjoyed the images produced by the Z 35mm f/1.4 more, but as mentioned, it is considerably larger and more expensive. The size is not an issue on the Z6 III, and I am sure it would also be fine on the Zf, but bulk and weight may be important to you and sway you toward the Z 40mm f/2.

I have a full review of the 40mm f/2 here:

Nikon Nikkor 40mm f/2 SE - Review

Waiting for the bus on West 4th Ave in Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 and Nikon Z6 III — West 4th Ave., Vancouver, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 @ f/1.8

Image Quality

Perfect Imperfection?

Over the past few years, I have owned, tried, and reviewed several manual focus Voigtländer lenses. I have become a big fan of these lenses, which often offer the best of two worlds. When shot wide open or near wide open, these lenses have a vintage-style rendering, which is not always perfect but perfectly imperfect.

Modern lenses are so good and well-corrected that they render the world perfectly but don’t always produce pleasing images. Of course, this is highly subjective and depends on your taste and goals.

When it comes to the two Nikon lenses, there is no right or wrong. With that said, the Z 35mm f/1.4 is not the sharpest lens around, and yes, there is vignetting at the wider f-stops.

I would go so far as to say that it is a bit soft at f/1.4, but it sharpens up nicely as you stop it down. Watch your focus point at f/1.4. If you aren’t spot-on, your image will be out of focus.

However, the colors produced by the Z 35mm f/1.4 are wonderful and vibrant. I have also enjoyed the black-and-white images, where I often reduce contrast and sharpness.

I have been pleased with the overall bokeh.

Depending on your monitor size, the sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide. Please click to view larger images or pinch-zoom on your mobile phone.

Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 vignetting at f/1.4 — Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4, bokeh, and vignetting at f/1.4

Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 bokeh at f/3.2 — Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4, bokeh, and vignetting at f/3.2

Conclusion

The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 is not just a fluke or one-off. In September, Nikon followed up with a Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4, which looks identical to the 35mm lens with the same concept of affordability in an f/1.4 lens. Everyone speculates whether we will see more in this line of lenses.

I did not see this trend coming but commend it, and I think other photographers will welcome these lenses, perhaps as an addition to an S-Line zoom lens, for when you want to shoot with a narrow depth of field or in low light.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 aligns with my taste in photography, where things don’t always have to be perfect. However, if you pixel-peep, this lens may occasionally make you scratch your head, and you may be better off with the S-Line 35mm f/1.8.

Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 and lens hood on the Nikon Z6 III

As a value proposition, I think the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 hits the mark, and you could even argue there is excellent value to be had with this lens.

It is not perfect, but it has much to offer at this price point. Compared to my manual-focus lenses, which I also enjoy, I have noticed a pattern in how I use the Z 35mm f/1.4. It’s a more carefree option—call it a point-and-shoot, if you will. For family and fun and in the typical dreary weather we have had lately, it’s been a good addition to my kit.

Pros

Affordability
Fast f/1.4 f-stop
Good build quality
Nice color and bokeh

Cons

Soft at f/1.4

Please see more sample images below

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 - B&H Photo

Nikon Z6 III - B&H Photo

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