Nikon has recently unveiled the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4, a new wide-angle prime lens designed for Z mount full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras. This lens is poised to offer photographers a blend of fast maximum aperture and versatile imaging capabilities at an excellent cost-performance ratio.
Fast and Versatile
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 lens is built to capture a wide array of scenes and subjects. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, snapshots, portraits, or close-up shots, this lens has got you covered. The 35mm focal length is close to the field of human vision, making it an ideal choice for everyday photography. For photographers using DX format Z cameras, this lens turns into a 52mm equivalent prime lens, closely resembling the classic “standard” 50mm lens.
Bokeh and Depth of Field
One of the standout features of the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 is its maximum aperture of f/1.4. This allows for the creation of smooth and creamy out-of-focus backgrounds, giving photographers precise control over depth-of-field. Such shallow depth of field is particularly useful in portrait photography and other scenarios where the subject needs to stand out sharply against a blurred background.
Close Focus and Magnification
Photographers will appreciate the lens’s close minimum focus distance of just 10.6 inches (0.27 meters). This makes it possible to capture intricate details in subjects such as food and flowers with beautifully blurred backgrounds. Additionally, the lens offers a maximum magnification of 0.18× (1:5.6), which enhances its utility for macro photography.
Image Gallery
Compact and Well-Balanced
Weighing just 14.6 ounces (415 grams), the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 is easy to carry and convenient for handheld shooting. Its compact design ensures that it is well-balanced and easy to maneuver, making it a suitable option for photographers who are often on the move.
Fast and Quiet Autofocus
Nikon has equipped this lens with a stepping motor (STM) that ensures fast and quiet autofocus for both stills and video. This is particularly advantageous for videographers who want to capture video without the distracting noise of traditional autofocus systems.
Enhanced Control and Focus
Control Rings and Focus Breathing
The lens features a clickless control ring, allowing photographers to easily manage key exposure settings including aperture, ISO sensitivity, and exposure compensation. Furthermore, the lens is designed to suppress focus breathing, making it an ideal choice for recording video.
Weather and Dust Sealing
Durability is a strong point for the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4. The lens is dust and drip-resistant, with seals strategically placed throughout the design to prevent dust and water droplets from infiltrating the lens. This makes it a reliable choice for outdoor photography under various weather conditions.
Price and Availability
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 lens is available since June 2024 at a price of $599.95. Excitingly, this price point offers photographers an excellent balance of cost and performance. For more detailed information about this lens and other products in the NIKKOR Z lineup, you can visit Nikon’s official website at Nikonusa.com.
Conclusion
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 from Nikon promises to be a versatile and affordable lens that combines excellent cost-performance with advanced features. Its fast maximum aperture, compact design, and advanced autofocus system make it a strong contender for photographers and videographers looking for a prime wide-angle lens. Whether capturing sweeping landscapes or close-up details, this lens is a stellar addition to the NIKKOR Z lineup.
Source: Nikon/NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4
What Others Say About the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 Prime Lens
Build Quality and Handling
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 lens is praised for its robust build quality and portability. It weighs 415g and features weather-sealing, making it suitable for various shooting conditions.
“The lens barrel, crafted from high-quality materials, feels robust in hand.”
– Cambridge Photography Week
This aspect of the lens is highlighted by its smooth and precise clickless control ring, which is beneficial for silent adjustments during video recording.
Optical Performance
The lens delivers excellent image quality, with impressive edge-to-edge sharpness even at f/1.4. It also controls chromatic aberration well and produces beautiful bokeh.
“The optical design, featuring 11 elements in 9 groups including 2 aspherical elements, delivers outstanding image quality.”
– Keith Wee
The 9-blade diaphragm design enhances the bokeh, making it ideal for subject isolation in portraits and environmental photography.
Low Light Performance
The f/1.4 aperture allows for excellent low light performance, enabling sharp images without noise even in dimly lit environments.
“The f/1.4 aperture is a game-changer in dimly lit environments.”
– Cambridge Photography Week
This feature is particularly beneficial for street photography, environmental portraits, and video work.
Value and Versatility
The lens offers a good balance between price and performance, making it an attractive option for both professionals and enthusiasts.
“The Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4 lens with its versatile focal length and fast ƒ1.4 speed in a relatively compact size has quickly allowed it to become an essential part of my kit.”
– Keith Wee
The lens is suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios, including street photography, environmental portraits, and even some landscape work.
NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 Prime Lens Tech Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 |
| Manufacturer | Nikon |
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Mount Type | Z mount |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 10.6 inches (0.27 meters) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.18× (1:5.6) |
| Weight | 14.6 ounces (415 grams) |
| Autofocus | Stepping motor (STM) for fast and quiet autofocus |
| Control Rings | Clickless control ring |
| Additional Features | Dust and drip-resistant, suppresses focus breathing |
| Price | $599.95 (launch price) |
| Availability | Since June 2024 |
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