The Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S represents the pinnacle of wide angle prime lens engineering, but its $3,000 price tag raises serious questions about value and necessity. Understanding whether this ultra-premium optic justifies its cost requires examining both its exceptional capabilities and compromises.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this comprehensive video review examines every aspect of Nikon's flagship 35mm lens through real-world testing. Abbott puts the massive 2.3-pound lens through its paces, revealing both impressive strengths and notable weaknesses that potential buyers need to consider. The review covers critical aspects like autofocus performance, which uses dual STM motors that deliver good but not exceptional speed compared to competitors. Abbott notes that while the lens handles moderate movement well for portraits and weddings, it may not be fast enough for demanding photography. The video also addresses video autofocus performance, where Nikon's touch-to-focus implementation introduces some quirks and lacks the cinematic smoothness found in competing systems.
Abbott's testing reveals the lens' true optical excellence, particularly in challenging shooting conditions. The reviewer demonstrates exceptional flare resistance when shooting directly into sunlight, a scenario that typically destroys image quality on large-aperture lenses. Focus breathing remains minimal, making it suitable for video work despite some autofocus limitations. The lens delivers remarkable sharpness even wide open at f/1.2, with corner performance reaching exceptional levels by f/2.8. However, Abbott also uncovers significant drawbacks, including heavy vignetting that requires substantial correction and some coma issues when shooting astrophotography. The customizable control ring proves overly sensitive for practical use, and the lack of an OLED display found on some competing lenses feels like an oversight at this price point.
Key Specs
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
- Minimum Focus Distance: 11.8" (30 cm)
- Weight: 2.3 lbs (1,060 g)
- Dimensions: 3.5" x 5.9" (90 x 150 mm)
- Filter Size: 82mm
- Optical Design: 17 elements in 15 groups
Abbott's conclusion centers on the lens being a specialized tool rather than a general-purpose option. He positions it specifically for working professionals who can justify the investment through their income or wealthy enthusiasts who simply want the absolute best. While it has exceptional optical performance, it comes with real trade-offs in size, weight, and cost that not everyone should accept. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.
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