The Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S represents the head of large angle prime lens engineering, however its $3,000 price ticket raises severe questions on worth and necessity. Understanding whether or not this ultra-premium optic justifies its price requires inspecting each its distinctive capabilities and compromises.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this complete video evaluation examines each facet of Nikon’s flagship 35mm lens via real-world testing. Abbott places the huge 2.3-pound lens via its paces, revealing each spectacular strengths and notable weaknesses that potential consumers want to think about. The evaluation covers vital facets like autofocus efficiency, which makes use of twin STM motors that ship good however not distinctive pace in comparison with rivals. Abbott notes that whereas the lens handles average motion nicely for portraits and weddings, it might not be quick sufficient for demanding images. The video additionally addresses video autofocus efficiency, the place Nikon’s touch-to-focus implementation introduces some quirks and lacks the cinematic smoothness present in competing techniques.
Abbott’s testing reveals the lens’ true optical excellence, significantly in difficult taking pictures situations. The reviewer demonstrates distinctive flare resistance when taking pictures immediately into daylight, a state of affairs that usually destroys picture high quality on large-aperture lenses. Focus respiration stays minimal, making it appropriate for video work regardless of some autofocus limitations. The lens delivers exceptional sharpness even large open at f/1.2, with nook efficiency reaching distinctive ranges by f/2.8. Nonetheless, Abbott additionally uncovers important drawbacks, together with heavy vignetting that requires substantial correction and a few coma points when taking pictures astrophotography. The customizable management ring proves overly delicate for sensible use, and the shortage of an OLED show discovered on some competing lenses seems like an oversight at this worth level.
Key Specs
Focal Size: 35mm
Most Aperture: f/1.2
Minimal Focus Distance: 11.8″ (30 cm)
Weight: 2.3 lbs (1,060 g)
Dimensions: 3.5″ x 5.9″ (90 x 150 mm)
Filter Measurement: 82mm
Optical Design: 17 parts in 15 teams
Abbott’s conclusion facilities on the lens being a specialised software quite than a general-purpose possibility. He positions it particularly for working professionals who can justify the funding via their revenue or rich fanatics who merely need the very best. Whereas it has distinctive optical efficiency, it comes with actual trade-offs in dimension, weight, and value that not everybody ought to settle for. Take a look at the video above for the complete rundown from Abbott.
