Immediately, I’ll share a number of ideas on the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.2 S lens after getting an opportunity to apply it to a real-world check.
First, a few caveats. One, this lens has been out a few months already, so this isn’t a sizzling take. Somewhat, I needed an opportunity to make use of this lens in the true world in an actual situation relatively than simply dashing to provide my ideas on the specs. Second caveat: this lens poses a little bit of a quandary to evaluate for somebody like me. For one, it is a prime lens, and I’m virtually solely a zoom shooter. The explanation I’m primarily a zoom shooter is solely sensible. Once I’m working at velocity, I would like to have the ability to alter as shortly as potential. And whereas zooming with my ft continues to be an choice, few issues are as fast because the flick of a zoom barrel in or out. The second cause this lens poses an fascinating quandary for me personally is that, quiet because it’s stored, I’ve by no means been an enormous fan of the 35mm focal size. I perceive its utility on a sensible degree: extensive sufficient to seize a scene, not so extensive as to trigger vital distortion—a strong all-around focal size. It’s simply that I’m a kind of individuals who tends to shoot my 24-70mm at both 24 or 70 and infrequently cease in between. I truly like somewhat extensive angle distortion. That’s not an goal assertion—merely an acknowledgment of a subjective proven fact that I introduced with me into my analysis. So, the Z 35mm f/1.2 S had an additional burden in attempting to win me over.
The opposite query one should ask when choosing this lens could be whether or not the lens high quality justifies the fee. In spite of everything, at $2796.95, it’s virtually thrice as costly because the f/1.8 model ($846.95) and virtually $800 greater than my trusty Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S ($1996.95). Now, in fact, there are some very apparent variations. The Z 35mm f/1.2 S permits extra gentle than the f/1.8 S and much more gentle than the 24-70mm f/2.8 S. So if you’ll have to shoot pure gentle in low-light eventualities, that distinction alone might simply be definitely worth the added prices.
By way of sharpness, I don’t have the f/1.8 to immediately evaluate it to, however I undoubtedly observed a sharpness in regards to the f/1.2 S. I’m not a lab check man, however I did do the usual brick wall check, and all outcomes had been sharp and effectively resolved. However even with out that check, I can say from a strictly really feel standpoint that the pictures rolling off did have a sure elevated high quality to them. Once more, not one thing I can show in a mathematical sense—simply one thing that, coming from taking pictures with my 24-70mm more often than not and evaluating my very own expertise facet by facet, the 35mm f/1.2 S’s high quality was tangible.
The third factor about this lens that one should take into accounts is the scale. Often, if I do go for a first-rate lens, it’s much less prone to be due to sharpness and extra prone to be as a result of I don’t really feel like lugging round a zoom. However the Z 35mm f/1.2 S is definitely bigger than my zoom. So I’d be selecting it over my zooms on a foundation aside from weight. Nikon does have various light-weight primes to select from. The 35mm f/1.8, for example, solely is available in at 370 grams. The 35mm Z f/1.2 S is available in at 1,060 grams. My Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is available in at 805 grams. So clearly, Nikon has prioritized high quality over portability. However as my previous professor used to say, there’s a cause why high-quality lenses are inclined to weigh extra. The 17 parts in 15 teams that kind the optical design of the Z 35mm f/1.2 S versus the 11 parts in 9 teams that make up the Z 35mm f/1.8 S additionally account for the variation in heft.
I might, in fact, quote you specs all day, however the true query is whether or not or not the lens is value the additional weight (and prices). Merely put, the Z 35mm f/1.2 S (and its fellow grasp primes just like the equally girthy Z 50mm f/1.2 S and Z 85mm f/1.2 S) are the kind of lenses you utilize since you undoubtedly need to use these particular lenses over different decisions. I do know that sounds easy, however let me elaborate. There are particular lenses that reside rent-free in my picture equipment even though they haven’t truly been mounted to my digicam since they arrived within the field. They had been low-cost sufficient, gentle sufficient, and helpful sufficient to take a threat on an impulse purchase and didn’t require rather more thought than that. They is probably not the winners within the lab lens checks, however they don’t must be. They’re simply there as a result of they’re handy.
Conversely, a lens just like the Z 35mm f/1.2 S is one thing that you simply decide up as a result of it will be your workhorse. You’re a prime shooter who loves the 35mm focal size (or no less than finds it most sensible), and you’re prepared to spend money on the most effective piece of glass you’ll be able to to realize optimum outcomes as a result of the pictures taken with it are going to account for a good portion of your output. And if it’s optimum outcomes you’re after, this lens does an excellent job of delivering the products.
Taking it into the sector to do a current shoot with an actor pal of mine, I set myself a aim. Regardless of my tendencies to achieve for my zoom at each second, I might as an alternative confine myself to utilizing solely the Z 35mm f/1.2 S. This proved a problem, as I discovered myself in each state of affairs from being crammed at the back of a automobile to attempting to seize a big swimming pool surrounded by excessive partitions with a hard and fast restrict to how far I might again up. However other than one shot the place I actually wished I had an extended focal size to select from, the lens delivered in each situation.
By way of ergonomics, I undoubtedly did discover the added weight. My wrists aren’t as sturdy as they was once. However the lens balanced effectively on my Z9 physique. Clearly, mounting it to a smaller physique just like the Z6III would make the total unit all of the extra front-heavy. Which match is best for you will rely by yourself private preferences. One factor I do admire about having the larger-body Z9 with these top-of-the-line lenses is that the physique vs. lens ratio feels extra balanced. However once more, that’s a subjective opinion, and your emotions could differ.
Focus velocity was quick and correct. I discussed it earlier, however there was a pointy high quality in regards to the photographs that I felt added a bit to the sense of picture high quality. The rubber ribbing across the barrel of the lens makes for a snug maintain. The main target and customized rings are effectively spaced, as are the customizable perform buttons you’ve grown accustomed to with the Z line of lenses.
The 35mm focal size has lengthy been a favourite for photojournalists and occasion photographers. And whereas I’m neither, I can simply see how this lens could be one which could possibly be mounted to a photojournalist’s digicam full-time.
Naturally, in case you are paying extra for an f/1.2 lens, there’s probability that you’re doing so to benefit from the bokeh. And this lens doesn’t disappoint. With a minimal focus distance of 11.8 inches, the lens offers loads of stunning depth-of-field choices so that you can benefit from. And like all of Nikon’s current line of lenses, the Z 35mm f/1.2 S is optimized to attenuate focus respiratory.
From one other sensible standpoint, I used to be personally happy to see that the filter diameter on the lens is 82mm. I do know it is a small factor. However as a result of my 24-70mm has an 82mm filter diameter, as do the opposite top-tier primes within the Nikon Z universe—the 50mm and 85mm f/1.2—it makes for a handy equipment for knowledgeable photographer that permits her or him to shortly change equipment throughout the product line.
Professionals
Picture high quality
Bokeh
Nice in low-light conditions
Versatile
Low focus respiratory
Fixed filter sizes throughout the f/1.2 line
Balances effectively on bigger digicam our bodies
Cons
Conclusion
So, in the long run, do you have to buy the Z 35mm f/1.2 S? Nicely, solely you’ll be able to reply that query. What I can let you know from my hands-on checks is that you simply received’t be disillusioned by picture high quality. In reality, it will be arduous to do higher on the identical focal size. The one questions actually to contemplate are whether or not or not you’re a prime shooter who makes use of the 35mm on a frequent foundation and whether or not the added cease of sunshine is definitely worth the bump in worth versus the f/1.8 model. However clearly, if you happen to prioritize picture high quality above all else, this might very effectively be the lens for you.
