NIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S Lens

Curated from 114 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 26, 2025

NIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S Lens

Brand: Nikon
Price: $2796
Snoop Score:
6.2
Sentiment
8.1
Popularity
8.8
Technical
4.9

Snoop's Take

The NIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S MIRRORLESS Lens is a high-performance lens designed for Nikon's Z series mirrorless cameras. This lens offers exquisite bokeh, precise focus accuracy, and enhanced environmental portrait capabilities, making it a favorite among both photographers and filmmakers. Consumer sentiment around this lens has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the optical perfection and quality associated with Nikon Z lenses. One user noted, "If you can afford new lenses, Nikon Z is at or near the front of the pack," highlighting the brand's reputation for excellence. Additionally, the lens's compatibility with the FTZ adapter has been commended, as users have found that it maintains autofocus speed and accuracy without compromising usability. Given the favorable feedback on the lens's performance and quality, it is highly recommended for those seeking a reliable and versatile lens for portraiture and cinematic work in the mirrorless category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Mirrorless Camera Lenses

If you can afford new lenses, Nikon Z is at or near the front of the pack.

Positive Feedback

if the OP is struggling with the weight of his D90 setup, the Z8 is not really the best option as it is in fact heavier.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.2
NIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S Lens
Low-Light Photography
5 / 10
Portrait Photography
10 / 10
Travel & Landscape
3 / 10
Video Recording
3 / 10
See how this compares to all Mirrorless Camera Lenses

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Nikon Z lenses are considered high-quality.
If you can afford new lenses, Nikon Z is at or near the front of the pack.
Nikon glass is perceived as optically perfect.
All the high end mirrorless glass is near optically perfect.
Nikon mirrorless systems are well-made.
And as you say, mirrorless systems from the big 3 are universally well-made.
FTZ adapter maintains autofocus speed and accuracy
The FTZ adaptor has no affect on AF speed or accuracy.
This. This is the answer you're looking for, OP!
there is zero loss of usability or quality.
The ftz is fine. No problems.
High quality video options available on Zfc
I like the high quality video options on my Zfc too.
Mirrorless live view is a gamechanger
The mirrorless live view is a major gamechanger for me to swap from dslr to mirrorless.
Z50 performs well for portraits and slower sports
I really enjoy shooting with my z50 it works very well for portraits and great for slower moving sports like baseball/softball.
24-70mm f/2.8 lens is highly recommended
Going to Nikon mirrorless, what lenses should I buy? Hey guys I need some advice, I’m currently prep
24-70/2.8 is an awesome lens.
I think the 24-70 2.8 would be the place to start. It's pretty much the back bone of a pro event/wedding photographer's kit.
The 24-70mm f/4 S 'kit' lens is impressive
that thing is such a beast.
The 24-120mm f/4 is a solid all-around lens
No complaints here! 👍

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Nikon Z lineup is perceived as heavy.
if the OP is struggling with the weight of his D90 setup, the Z8 is not really the best option as it is in fact heavier.
Nikon's APS-C lineup is considered underwhelming.
Nikon full frame mirrorless is now really good, their apsc lineup is meh at best however.
Zfc feels impractical despite cool design
Wished the Zfc felt the same in my hands because it looks so cool, but did not feel practical.
Adapters compromise handling and performance
They're always a compromise and they change the handling of the whole camera.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S LensNikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S Lens$2696
8.8
DetailsBuy
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM LensCanon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens$199
8.4
DetailsBuy
Tamron 28-200 F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens for SonyTamron 28-200 F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens for Sony$649
8.0
DetailsBuy
Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD LensTamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens$399
7.8
DetailsBuy
Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD LensTamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens$649
7.8
DetailsBuy
Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 is STM Telephoto Zoom LensCanon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 is STM Telephoto Zoom Lens$349
7.5
DetailsBuy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S LensNikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens$2396
7.5
DetailsBuy
Canon RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 STM Ultra-Wide-Angle LensCanon RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 STM Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens$299
7.4
DetailsBuy
Meike 25mm F1.8 Manual Focus Lens for Sony E Mount CamerasMeike 25mm F1.8 Manual Focus Lens for Sony E Mount Cameras$74
7.1
DetailsBuy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless LensNikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens$1296
7.1
DetailsBuy
Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm Telephoto LensPanasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm Telephoto Lens$147
6.5
DetailsBuy
NIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S LensNIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S Lens$2796
6.2
DetailsBuy
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro LensNikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens$1046
5.8
DetailsBuy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S LensNikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens$626
5.7
DetailsBuy
Generic 32mm F10 Free Focus Pancake Lens for RF MountGeneric 32mm F10 Free Focus Pancake Lens for RF Mount$25
5.3
DetailsBuy
Meike 55mm F1.4 Prime Lens for Sony E Mount CamerasMeike 55mm F1.4 Prime Lens for Sony E Mount Cameras$199
4.9
DetailsBuy
Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony ESigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E$299
4.8
DetailsBuy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Prime LensNikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Prime Lens$296
4.7
DetailsBuy
Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens 100-300MMPanasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens 100-300MM$447
4.3
DetailsBuy
Meike 35mm F1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Sony E-Mount CamerasMeike 35mm F1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Sony E-Mount Cameras$69
3.6
DetailsBuy
Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 LensTamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens$1099
3.4
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on autofocus performance of Nikon Z6II
Still learning the Autofocus system since I am new to Z system. It hunts a lot.
The Z6II is one of the best cameras for low light photography.
Z6II has been awesome so far as you say for low light photography.
If you choose a smaller box, the eye detect and eye tracking works pretty well.
Discussion on lens features and comparisons
I was stunned by how sharp the 60mm Micro can get.
The 28mm F2.8 AI-S is one of the sharpest wide lenses I’ve ever used.
Knowing it has a 'gimmick' feature but still works incredibly well without it makes it a real attractive thing to add to the arsenal eventually.
You will notice an improvement in almost every aspect of image quality.
Discussion on advantages of CFexpress card speeds
The faster transfer speeds save me *hours*, which more than justifies the extra cost for me.
I'd rather have a slightly wider body if it meant at least one slot was CFe.
SD cards, IMO, are a durable workhorse.
Comment on camera design choices
I think that's a great compromise.
Interchangeable lenses can work with adapters
That f1.2 will make for a great portrait lens on an aps-c camera.
The zFC would be a perfect match, its designed to look just like the Nikon FE and FM.
I think the old lenses can be fun.
the lenses will work on any camera with the right adapter.
Value of vintage Nikon lenses
Its still a very good lens, however manual focus only(which is no fun most the time, especially at f/1.2).
Discussion about lens combinations and preferences
I was thinking the same thing, thanks for the input!

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Excitement about new lens combinations
That should be good combo for a general zoom lens and a prime lens.
Amazing shots!
Life changer.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on alternatives to NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens
Any alternatives for the NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens? Currently, right now I lack any wide-angle l
It's absolutely worth it if you need what it provides.
14-30 is a magnificent lens.
It’s light, has excellent IQ and has a very useful range to work with.
Discussion on using old DX lenses with new mirrorless cameras
The whole kit is so light too. Way more fun than my Canon 6D to be honest.
The 50mm won't autofocus as mirrorless doesn't have the focus motor.
You will need a ftz adapter with which only the afs lenses will autofocus.
Personally if I was you with those lenses switching to mirrorless I would just start clean with new Z lenses.
Discussion on lens options for travel and wildlife photography.
I'm most tempted by this lens.
I would love to bump up to the Nikon 100-400, that would be my pick for a wildlife & landscape combo lens.
I'm currently very tempted by the 100-400.
Going to be so compromised compared to a dedicated wildlife lens like the 100-400.
Discussion on using older DX lenses with new mirrorless cameras
Are these lenses worth using on a mirrorless?
Those DX (aps-c/crop) lenses won’t really be any use on your full frame Z5.
you use what you have and upgrade as you go along even if it means it turns your FX camera into DX at times.
Experiences with various Nikon lenses and their compatibility
the Z series 24-200 is amazing however.
Works really well.
Highly recommend it especially for free.
if you have them, and they work, then yes they are worth using.
Comparison of SD card reliability and use
They are damn expensive - and to me that camera is not aimed at professionals.
Discussion on transitioning from DSLR to mirrorless
I'm looking for a more compact camera to take traveling and also for street photography.
Concerns about pricing differences between DSLR and mirrorless
You may also wish to consider the Z5 - it's not that much more expensive than the Z50 to make the jump to full frame and get IBIS.
Debate on whether to stick with DSLR or switch
Honestly, stay dslr in this case - you're not looking for a major upgrade in performance.
Discussion on choosing between DSLR and mirrorless cameras
I feel mirrorless needs a bit more time to mature before I jump in.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Compliments on photography skills with new equipment
Very good shots, especially considering that you just acquired this camera! 👍
Great shot.
Gorgeous colors, the gentle transitions in the sky are so nice.
Personal experiences with various Nikon lenses
A nikkor 50 1.4; a good one.
Doesn’t the 135 make the portraits already too flat? I was suggesting the 105 DC but as I don’t own
In my opinion 135 is a better focal length, especially for headshots.
Nostalgia for older Nikon models
My favorite camera of all time is my FM2, so I love this design.
Concerns over shutter performance for professional use
The shutter is the last thing I'm worried about when my client is expecting a thousand or more edited shots from a week of 10+ hour days.
Excitement about entering the Nikon camera community
very excited to be a part of the Nikon community in any capacity!
Great choice, it will treat you well!
Comments on the D500's performance for wildlife photography
Wild life will POP for you.

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