Nikon has officially introduced the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S, a high-performance prime lens designed for professional photographers and filmmakers. As part of the brand’s premium S-Line series, this full-frame lens combines exceptional optical precision with an ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture, offering creative control over light, depth of field, and image rendering.
The 35mm focal length is widely favoured in fashion, documentary, editorial, and fine art photography, providing a natural perspective and versatile composition options. The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S enhances this classic field of view with an advanced optical design, ensuring superb sharpness, contrast, and colour fidelity across the frame. Nikon has implemented its latest multi-focusing system, allowing for precise autofocus even at the ultra-shallow depth of field enabled by the f/1.2 aperture. This system uses dual stepping motors for rapid, accurate adjustments, making it particularly useful for both still photography and videography.
Cinematographers will appreciate the lens’s smooth manual focus control, focus breathing suppression, and linear focusing options, which enable precise focus pulls. The optical construction includes 17 elements in 15 groups, featuring ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and SR (Short-wavelength Refractive) elements that reduce chromatic aberrations and colour fringing. Additionally, Nikon’s Meso Amorphous, ARNEO, and Nano Crystal coatings effectively counteract ghosting and flare, maintaining high image clarity even in challenging lighting conditions.
Handling is another strong point of the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S. The lens is built for durability, with extensive weather sealing around the barrel and control buttons, ensuring reliability in various shooting environments. The design also incorporates a customisable control ring and two function buttons, optimised for intuitive operation in both horizontal and vertical orientations.
The new lens joins Nikon’s existing f/1.2 S-Line primes, complementing the 50mm and 85mm f/1.2 models. This trio of ultra-fast lenses offers a consistent imaging experience across different focal lengths, providing professionals with a flexible and cohesive set of tools for high-end photography and video production.
Specifications
- Focal length: 35mm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.2
- Minimum aperture: f/16
- Optical construction: 17 elements in 15 groups
- Special elements: ED and SR glass
- Coatings: Meso Amorphous Coat, ARNEO Coat, Nano Crystal Coat
- Aperture blades: 11, rounded
- Autofocus: Multi-focusing system with dual stepping motors
- Minimum focusing distance: TBC
- Filter thread: 82mm
- Dimensions: TBC
- Weight: TBC
- Weather sealing: Yes
Price and availability
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S will be available from 27th February 2025 at a recommended retail price of £2,899 in the UK. Pricing in other regions, including the US, is expected to be announced soon. For more details check out the Nikon website.