Camera ReviewMorten ByskovAugust 29, 2021Nikon Z7 II sample images, Nikon Z7 II sample photos, Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S sample images, Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S sample images, Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S sample images, Nikon Z7 II - Image Quality, Nikon Z lenses, Nikkor Z lenses, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S - Image Quality, Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S - Image Quality1 Comment

Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S and Z 50mm f/1.8 S Review

Nikon Z7 II shown with the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S

Plus a Quick Look at the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S

As part of my full-frame camera spring and summer fling, I recently tested the Nikon Z7 II. I intended to see how it would compare to my Fujifilm X Series cameras and it would also give me a chance to put the cameras in context with the Fujifilm GFX Series reviews you will find on my site.

For the Nikon Z7 II review, I had chosen three lenses, the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S. The 50mm and 35mm lenses are moderately priced, affordable, options in the Nikkor Z lineup while the 14-30mm crosses the $1,000,00 barrier with a price tag of $1,296.95.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S shown on the Nikon Z7 II

I had the three lenses over a three-day holiday weekend in early August and was hopeful that they would perform well on the Nikon Z7 II despite a somewhat lower price tag than the lenses I had used in my Sony A7R IV and Canon EOS R5 reviews.

If you have read my Nikon Z7 II review already, you will know that my initial take on these Nikkor Z lenses was someone lukewarm. I am slightly worried that I have been a bit harsh but at the same time, I will try to put things into perspective in the following.

Davie Street, Vancouver, Nikon Z7 II, Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S @ f/2.8

Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S Review

I will mention the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S first, simply because it was my most used lens during the test and my favorite of the three despite the lowest price tag of $596.95.

At 14.64 oz, 415 g, it feels light for a full-frame 50mm lens but it is rather long with dimensions of 2.99 x 3.41", 76 x 86.5 mm. It takes 62mm filters which is the same as a range of Fujifilm lenses, ie. the new XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR, XF 23mm f/1.4 R, and XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR.

The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S is weather-sealed and has two ED elements, two aspherical elements, and 9 diaphragm blades.

The Z 50mm f/1.8 is well balanced on the Nikon Z7 II and the overall weight of the combo was not bothersome to me. The lens has an almost airy feel to it being light for its size.

All three Z lenses were a very snug fit on the Z7 II, meaning you had to put a bit of muscle into getting the lenses attached to the body. This could, of course, have been an issue with the mount on the Z7 II.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S mounted on the Nikon Z7 II

Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S - Image Quality

My expectations were probably a tad too high for the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S but when going through the sample images I would have to say it offers good value for the dollar spent.

The problem arises when you start comparing it to more expensive contenders such as the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L which I got to try briefly when I had a “First Look at the Canon EOS R6”. I was quite impressed with the RF 50mm f/1.2 but it is also in an entirely different price category at $2,299.00 so perhaps not a fair comparison.

The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S draws sharp images but in general, I felt it lacked a bit of character which I normally would achieve with my Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R. With that said I think it performed admirably in the scene below especially.

Waterfront, Vancouver, Nikon Z7 II, Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S @ f/1.8

Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S Review

Having reviewed the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM, $1,398.00, recently it was much easier to draw comparisons to the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S, $846.95. The price point of lenses can sometimes be an indicator of what you can expect. At approximately 60% of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM value, I would say that is what you get with the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S.

It gets tricky when cross-comparing systems like this as sensors and ergonomics also change. I much preferred the handling of the Sony lens with its designated aperture ring and superb finish despite it being a heavier and larger lens.

The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S is very light at 13.05 oz, 370 g, and with dimensions of 3 x 3.8", 76 x 96 mm, it looks and feels almost identical to the Z 50mm f/1.8 S. At a glance in your bag you could easily mistake one for the other.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S seen on the Nikon Z7 II

Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S - Image Quality

It was a very short test period but it was as if I could not bring images to life with the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S as easily as with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM or the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S for that matter. I was never really wowed by the performance.

The handling of the lens was almost identical to the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S and I took the two out for a street photography session as a pair and left the hoods at home. The lenses were small enough that they fit in a pocket and I could easily switch between the two.

As a lighter more compact alternative to larger f/1.2 or f/1.4 lenses, I understand the appeal of this more affordable option.

Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, Nikon Z7 II, Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S @ f/5.6

Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S - Quick Look

My take on the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S will be limited, the simple reason being, that I didn’t use it enough to pass definitive judgment. The other two lenses in my Z7 II test were in line with what I would usually have on my camera and hence I gravitated toward these lenses first and foremost.

The handling of the Nikkor Z 14-30 f/4 S was really good though and for an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, it didn’t feel obtrusively big. The build quality is up a notch from the 50mm and 35mm Z lenses, and as mentioned above, so is the pricing level with the Nikkor Z 14-30mm at $1,296.95.

Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S shown on the Nikon Z7 II

The weight of the Z 14-30mm is manageable at 1.07 lb, 485 g, with a fairly large filter size of 82mm. But at least you can use a regular filter which is not always the case with ultra-wide zoom lenses.

As I only took about a dozen shots with the Z 14-30mm I will not go in-depth about the image quality but at first glance, photos come out with good color and clarity. I will leave a few sample images below.

Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Nikon Z7 II, Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S @ f/5.6, 20.5 mm

Nikon Z Lenses Wrap-Up

I deliberately decided on Nikon’s more affordable lenses for my Z7 II test. I could have picked some of the more impressive glass such as the Nikor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 S, or Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S.

In the end, it was a good exercise, and the bottom line is that sometimes you get what you pay for. While none of my contenders here were dreadful lenses in any way, I was left wanting more from the Nikon Z7 II.

If you are throwing good money at a high-megapixel camera such as the Z7 II, you do perhaps owe it to yourself, and it would be wise to at least try the higher-end lenses before making a final commitment.

Perhaps except for the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, that is what I would do if I was about to dive into Nikon territory.

For more sample images from the three Z lenses, you can also check my Nikon Z7 II review here:

Nikon Z7 II - Review