Nikon 35mm f/1.8
Z-Mount FX Mirrorless
Format & Compatibility Specifications
Unboxing USA Version Performance
Z9 Z8 Z7 II Z6 II Zf Z7 Z6 Z5 Z fc Z50 Z30
Z System Z Lenses All Nikon Lenses Flash
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S (62mm filters, 12.8 oz./363g, 0.8'/0.25m close-focus, $697 or about $500 used if you know How to Win at eBay). bigger. I got mine at Adorama. I'd also get it at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or get it used at eBay.
This all-content, junk-free website's biggest source of support is when you use those or any of these links to approved sources when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. Thanks for helping me help you! Ken.
August 2023 Nikon Mirrorless Mirrorless Lenses All Nikon Lenses Nikon Flash All Reviews
Why Fixed Lenses Take Better Pictures
Sample Images
Top Sample Images Introduction
Format & Compatibility Specifications
Unboxing USA Version Performance
(many more throughout the review)
These are all shot hand-held as BASIC ★ JPGs; no RAW files, NORMAL or FINE JPGs or tripods were used or needed.
Clubhouse, California Desert, 22 June 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/11 at 1/80 at Auto ISO 64, Perfectly Clear v3.7. bigger, full-resolution or camera-original © file.
Office Building, 03 July 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/8 at 1/250 at Auto ISO 64, Perfectly Clear v3.7. bigger or camera-original © file.
Office Building, 03 July 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/11 at 1/80 at Auto ISO 64. bigger or camera-original © file.
Introduction
Top Sample Images Introduction
Format & Compatibility Specifications
Unboxing USA Version Performance
I buy only from these approved sources. I can't vouch for ads below. |
The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S is bigger, heaver and more expensive than any Nikon 35mm f/1.8 or f/2 lens ever, but that's because this new lens has higher performance with a far more complex optical design than any other Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens.
This is an optical "statement" lens; it's not intended as a tiny pancake lens.
This Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a superb general-purpose semi-wide lens for Nikon's full-frame mirrorless cameras.
This new Z lens uses a electronic diaphragm and focus motors for near-silent operation and is designed also for shooting video, with little focus breathing and minimal spherochromatism.
I got my Z 35/1.8 at Adorama. I'd also get it at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or get it used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay.
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8. bigger.
New
Nikon's first 35mm fixed lens for their full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Electronic diaphragmn.
Good
Superior optics.
The big focus ring provides instant manual-focus override by default, or can be set to control Aperture, Exposure Compensation or ISO — or be disabled entirely — at Z7/Z6 MENU > CUSTOM SETTING MENU (pencil icon) > f Controls > f2 Custom control assignment > click right and down to Lens Control Ring > and chose what you want it to do: Focus, Aperture, Exposure Compensation, ISO or NONE.
9-blade diaphragm.
Nikon claims it's dust and drip resistant.
Bad
Offshored to China; not made domestically in Japan.
$847, not $547 for the F-mount AF-S 35mm f/1.8 which also works great on the Z cameras with the FTZ adapter.
Missing
No VR switch for in-camera VR.
Format & Compatibility
Top Sample Images Introduction
Format & Compatibility Specifications
Unboxing USA Version Performance
I got my Z 35/1.8 at Adorama. I'd also get it at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or get it used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay.
This is a full-frame lens which works only on Nikon's Z-series mirrorless cameras.
It does not so much as even mount on any other camera.
Specifications
Top Sample Images Introduction
Format & Compatibility Specifications
Unboxing USA Version Performance
I got my Z 35/1.8 at Adorama. I'd also get it at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or get it used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay.
Name
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S. bigger.
Nikon calls this the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S:
NIKKOR: Nikon's brand name for all their lenses.
Z: For Nikon's mirrorless cameras.
S: Subliminally suggests sexual satisfaction. The "S" designation has no other purpose than subliminal seduction; Nikon and electronics and automobile and every kind of marketer have been using letters like "S" and "X" in model numbers since the 1940s for this same reason. Nikon called their first 1946 rangefinder lens mount the "S" mount, then went whole-hog to the "F" SLR mount in 1959, used "S" again when they updated their AI lenses to AI-"S" in 1983, created AF-"S" SWM lenses in 1998 and here it is again.
Also has:
E: Electronic diaphragm for silent operation.
AF-P: Stepper (Pulse) autofocus motor: silent and ultra fast.
D: Couples distance information to the 3D Matrix Meter.
ED: Magic Extra-low Dispersion glass for reduced secondary chromatic aberration.
RF: Rear focusing; nothing moves externally as focused except the rear element.
Aspherical: Specially curved glass elements for sharper pictures.
Nano Crystal Coat (N): Magic anti-reflection coating that has a variable index of refraction that's far more effective against ghosts and internal reflections than traditional multicoating.
∅62: 62mm filter thread.
Optics
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S internal optical construction. Aspherical and ED elements.
11 elements in 9 groups.
2 ED extra-low dispersion elements which help reduce secondary axial chromatic aberration.
3 aspherical elements.
Nikon Super Integrated multicoating (SIC).
Nano Crystal Coat.
Coverage
Diaphragm
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S. bigger.
9 rounded blades.
Electronically actuated.
Stops down to f/16.
Angle of View
63º diagonal on FX.
(44º diagonal on DX.)
Autofocus
Internal focus.
No external movement as focused, so no air or dust is sucked in.
Silent stepper motor.
Focus Scale
No.
Infinity Focus Stop
No.
Depth of Field Scale
No.
Reproduction Ratio Scale
No.
Infrared Focus Index
No.
Close Focus
0.82 feet (10 inches or 0.25 meters).
Maximum Reproduction Ratio
1:5.3 (0.18 ×).
Image Stabilizer
The lens itself has no internal stabilizer.
It's rated 5 stops improvement when used with the Nikon Z cameras, which have their own internal stabilization.
It actually gives about 2½ stops of real-world stabilization on a Z7.
Caps
LC-62B 62 mm snap-on front cap, included.
LF-N1 Z-mount rear cap, included.
Filters
62 mm x 0.75mm pitch standard filter thread.
Hood
HB-89 hood for 35mm f/1.8. bigger.
HB-89 bayonet hood, included.
Case
CL-C1 slipcase included.
Size
2.87" maximum diameter × 3.39" extension from flange.
73 mm maximum diameter × 86 mm extension from flange.
Weight
12.800 oz. (362.8g) actual measured weight.
Rated 13.1 oz. (370 g).
Announced
12:09 AM, Thursday, 23 August 2018, NYC time.
Promised for
27 September 2018.
Included
LC-62B 62 mm snap-on front cap, included.
LF-N1 Z-mount rear cap.
HB-89 bayonet hood.
CL-C1 bag-style case.
Nikon's Model Number
20081.
Price, USA
August 2023
$697 at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H and at Crutchfield.
About $500 used if you know How to Win at eBay.
July 2021
$847 at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H and at Crutchfield.
About $575 used if you know How to Win at eBay.
July 2019
$847 at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H and at Crutchfield.
August 2018
$997 at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H and at Crutchfield.
Unboxing
Top Sample Images Introduction
Format & Compatibility Specifications
Unboxing USA Version Performance
I got my Z 35/1.8 at Adorama. I'd also get it at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or get it used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay.
The box and lens are completely unsealed. There is no way to know if anyone else has been fiddling with your lens, swapping parts and accessories, or even if it's a dropped or used lens.
That's why it's critical only to buy from an approved online source, since they ship from automated warehouses where no shifty salesmen or customers ever get to touch your new camera before it ships. While new $5 CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays and bottles of milk and drinking water are sealed and quite obvious if anyone's opened them, paradoxically Nikon doesn't bother sealing anything, so your only insurance is to buy only from a trusted online dealer.
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8. bigger.
Open the unsealed microcorrugated cardboard box, and you'll see a clear plastic bag with the black sack covering the USA warranty card and big folded sheet of instructions in a zillion languages:
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8. bigger.
Lift up the inner cardboard flap and you'll see the capped lens in bubble wrap on the left, and the hood in a clear plastic bag on the right side of folded cardboard dividers:
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8. bigger.
Getting a Legal USA Version
Top Sample Images Introduction
Format & Compatibility Specifications
Unboxing USA Version Performance
I got my Z 35/1.8 at Adorama. I'd also get it at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or get it used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay.
This section applies in the USA only.
Nikon used to include a 5-year warranty in the USA, but no longer as of 2021.
In the USA, no longer do boxes have box has a "5 Years of Protection Included" stickers.
You should have a USA Warranty Card on top inside your box:
Nikon USA Warranty Card. bigger.
If you don't have this card, if the card doesn't say "UNITED STATES" or the serial number on the card doesn't match the one on your lens exactly, you got ripped off with a gray market version from another country. (The serial number on the box doesn't have to match, but if it doesn't it means you bought from a shady dealer who took lenses out of boxes and then resold them as new.) This is why I never buy anyplace other than from my personally approved sources. You just can't take the chance of buying elsewhere, especially at any retail store, because non-USA versions have no warranty in the USA, and you won't even be able to get firmware or service for it — even if you're willing to pay out-of-pocket for it when you need it!
Nikon USA enforces its trademarks strictly. It's unlikely, but possible that US customs won't let your lens back in the country if you bought a gray-market version in the USA, carried it overseas, and try to bring it back in. (If you take the chance of buying one overseas, be sure you have a receipt to prove you bought it overseas and be prepared to pay duty on it.)
If a gray market version saves you $300 it may be worth it, but for $200 or less I wouldn't risk having no warranty or support.
Always be sure to check yours while you can still return it, or just don't buy from unapproved sources or at retail so you'll be able to have your camera serviced and get free updated firmware as needed.
Get yours from the same places I do and you won't have a problem, but if you take the risk of getting yours elsewhere, be sure to check everything while you still can return it.
Performance
Top Sample Images Introduction
Format & Compatibility Specifications
Unboxing USA Version Performance
Overall Autofocus Manual Focus Breathing Bokeh
Distortion Ergonomics Exposure Falloff Filters
Flare & Ghosts Lateral Color Fringes
Lens Corrections Macro Mechanics
I got my Z 35/1.8 at Adorama. I'd also get it at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or get it used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay.
Overall
This Z 35 1.8 has superior optics, but not superior to the equally superior 24-70mm f/4. Both are superb. The reason to get this 35 is if you really need f/1.8; otherwise, stick with the 24-70 zoom as it does more.
Autofocus
Autofocus speed is moderate. It takes a moment to motor quietly from infinity to close distances or vice versa. It's not instantaneous.
On my Z7 firmware version 2.0, as with all other lenses on my Z7, in Auto-AF-Area select mode it will tend to ignore a close subject in the center of the frame right in front of the camera if the background is already somewhat in focus. If you're focused at a distance, hold your hand a foot or two in front of the camera and you have to select the single-AF zone to get the Z7 to focus on the hand. Weird, but that's a Z7 problem with all lenses, not a problem with this lens.
Manual Focus
Just grab the focus ring at any time for instant manual-focus override.
Manual focus is very slow. Since it's completely electronic (the manual focus ring isn't connected to anything other than a digital encoder) I'm surprised we don't have a menu option for focus speed, or better, have adaptive manual focus speed that goes faster as we turn the ring faster.
If you have a problem with a camera not autofocusing on a close subject, just use the manual focus ring to get to about the right distance and then the AF system will lock in.
Focus Breathing
Focus breathing is the image changing size as focused in and out. It's important to cinematographers that the image not breathe because it looks funny if the image changes size as focus gets pulled back and forth between actors. If the lens does this, the image "breathes" by growing and contracting slightly as the dialog goes back and forth.
The image from the Nikon 35 1.8 gets slightly smaller as focused more closely. It's so minor I doubt if anyone will ever notice it.
Bokeh
Bokeh, the feel, character or quality of out-of-focus areas as opposed to how far out of focus they are, is excellent.
Here are photos from headshot distance wide-open. Click any for the camera-original © files:
Davis 6250 weather station, 26 June 2019. Click any for the camera-original © file.
What's also very impressive is how there is no visible spherochromatism on the DAVIS logo. Older lenses often has magenta and green fringes on all but the perfectly in-focus parts of the printed logo.
As always, if you want to throw the background as far out of focus as possible, shoot at f/1.8 and get as close as possible.
Distortion
The Nikon Z 35 1.8 has moderate barrel distortion, which goes away completely if you set your camera to correct it at MENU > SHOOTING > Auto Distortion Control > ON.
Office Building, 03 July 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/11 at 1/80 at Auto ISO 64, auto distortion control ON. bigger or camera-original © file.
Even if you don't set your camera to correct this as I did above, it's easy to correct fully with Photoshop's lens correction filter with my correction factors below.
These aren't facts or specifications, they are the results of my research that requires hours of photography and calculations on the resulting data.
On full-frame |
Correction factor with uncorrected images |
Correction factor with correction ON in Z7 |
100'/30m |
+1.70 | ±0.00 |
20'/6m |
+1.80 | ±0.00 |
10'/3m |
+2.00 | ±0.00 |
© 2019 KenRockwell.com. All rights reserved.
Ergonomics
|
|
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8. bigger. |
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8. bigger. |
There are no secrets here; half the lens is the big metal focus ring and there's but one AF/MF slide switch, and that's it.
You can program the ring in the camera to other things than focus if you prefer.
Exposure
Exposure is uniform across the aperture range, except that even with Vignette Correction ON it tends to expose less wide-open at f/1.8 and f/2. This is a a little weird; cameras for many decades have always added a little extra exposure wide-open to compensate for overall falloff.
While cameras traditionally have overexposed slightly with the lens wide-open to give about the same overall exposure with some central overexposure wide-open, this lens on the Z cameras maintains the same central exposure at the expense of darker periphery wide-open, even with correction ON.
Falloff
Falloff on full-frame is invisible in actual shooting with Vignette Correction left at its default of NORM, except for some corner darkening at f/1.8. As soon as you stop down to f/2.8, it's gone. The biggest effect you'll see is a little less exposure at f/1.8 rather then corner darkening.
I've greatly exaggerated the falloff by shooting a gray field and placing these on a gray background; it will not look this bad in actual photos of real things:
Falloff on full-frame at infinity, Vignette Correction NORM.
© 2019 KenRockwell.com. All rights reserved. |
If you go out of your way to turn Vignette Correction OFF, of course you'll see more:
Falloff on full-frame at infinity, Vignette Correction OFF.
© 2019 KenRockwell.com. All rights reserved. |
Filters, use with
There's no need for thin filters. I can stack four regular 62mm filters with NO vignetting on full-frame. Add a fifth stacked filter and there's only a tiny bit of vignetting.
Go ahead and use your standard rotating polarizer and grad filters.
Flare & Ghosts
There are no significant ghosts. See more samples at Sunstars.
Here's an extreme worst-case sample:
Worst-case ghosts, 03 July 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/5.6 at 1/125 at Auto ISO 64 (LV 12••), Perfectly Clear v3.7 to emphasize the ghosts. bigger.
This is the very worst I could get. This is the direct disc of the sun shining into the lens while exposing for the dark underside of a palm tree. You'll never see this unless you go way out of your way as I did here deliberately to do this.
Lateral Color Fringes
There are no color fringes as shot on Nikon cameras, which by default correct for any that may be there.
There is some slight spherochromatism, which can cause color fringes on things that aren't in perfect focus. Spherochromatism is a completely different aberration in a different dimension than lateral color fringes.
Lens Corrections
The Z6 and Z7 correct for any or all of distortion, diffraction and falloff, any of which you may turn ON or OFF.
The Z6 and Z7 always correct for lateral color fringes (chromatic aberration), this is part of Nikon's secret sauce and never appears in any menu.
Macro Performance
Macro gets about as close as most lenses (1:5.3 or 0.18×), and it stays sharp and contrasty even at f/1.8:
Wide-open at f/1.8
Casio G-Shock Solar Atomic Watch at close-focus distance at f/1.8, 03 July 2019. bigger or camera-original © file.
1,200 × 900 pixel crop from above. bigger or camera-original © file.
If this 1,200 × 900 pixel crop is about 3" (7.5cm) wide on your screen, the complete image would print at a large 14 × 21″ (35 × 55 cm) at this same high magnification.
If this 1,200 × 900 pixel crop is about 6" (15cm) wide on your screen, the complete image would print at a huge 27½ × 41¼″ (70 × 105 cm) at this same high magnification.
If this 1,200 × 900 pixel crop is about 12" (30cm) wide on your screen, the complete image would print at a mammoth 55 × 82½″ (1.4 × 2.1 meters) at this same extremely high magnification!
At f/4
it gets even sharper at f/4. Of course there is still nearly nothing in focus at f/4 as with all lenses this close:
Casio G-Shock Solar Atomic Watch at close-focus distance at f/4, 03 July 2019. bigger or camera-original © file.
1,200 × 900 pixel crop from above. bigger or camera-original © file.
If this 1,200 × 900 pixel crop is about 3" (7.5cm) wide on your screen, the complete image would print at a large 14 × 21″ (35 × 55 cm) at this same high magnification.
If this 1,200 × 900 pixel crop is about 6" (15cm) wide on your screen, the complete image would print at a huge 27½ × 41¼″ (70 × 105 cm) at this same high magnification.
If this 1,200 × 900 pixel crop is about 12" (30cm) wide on your screen, the complete image would print at a mammoth 55 × 82½″ (1.4 × 2.1 meters) at this same extremely high magnification!
Mechanical Quality
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S. bigger.
The Nikon Z 35/1.8 is a mostly plastic made-in-China lens with glass optics and a metal focus ring and mount.
Hood
Plastic bayonet.
Front Bumper
None.
Filter Threads
Plastic.
Hood Bayonet Mount
Plastic.
Front Barrel
Plastic.
Focus Ring
Metal.
Rear Barrel aft of Focus Ring
Plastic.
Rearmost Barrel
Section with AF/MF switch: metal.
AF/MF Slide Switch
Plastic.
Identity
Molded engraved and filled with paint on ring between front element and filter threads.
Also engraved and filled with paint on top of rear barrel.
Internals
Probably plastic.
Dust Gasket at Mount
Yes.
Mount
Chromed metal.
Markings
Mostly molded as engraved and filled with paint.
Serial Number
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S. bigger.
Laser engraved on bottom of barrel.
Date Code
None found.
Noises When Shaken
Moderate clicking.
Made in
Made in China.
Sharpness
Lens sharpness has nothing to do with picture sharpness; every lens made in the past 100 years is more than sharp enough to make super-sharp pictures if you know what you're doing. The only limitation to picture sharpness is your skill as a photographer. It's the least talented who spend the most time worrying about lens sharpness and blame crummy pictures on their equipment rather than themselves. Skilled photographers make great images with whatever camera is in their hands; I've made some of my best images of all time with an irreparably broken camera! Most pixels are thrown away before you see them, but camera makers don't want you to know that.
If you're not getting ultra-sharp pictures with this, be sure not to shoot at f/11 or smaller where all lenses are softer due to diffraction, always shoot at ISO 100 or below because cameras become softer at ISO 200 and above, avoid shooting across long distances over land which can lead to atmospheric heat shimmer, be sure everything is in perfect focus, set your camera's sharpening as you want it (I set mine to the maximum) and be sure nothing is moving, either camera or subject. If you want to ensure a soft image with any lens, shoot at f/16 at ISO 1,600 at default sharpening in daylight of subjects at differing distances in the same image.
These cautions aside, this is an ultra-sharp lens especially wide-open at f/1.8 where most lenses are softer. At f/1.8 the corners are only the tiniest bit softer in the lab at 45MP but you won't notice this as 1.) they are darker due to falloff, and 2.) depth-of-field in all lenses is so narrow at f/1.8 nothing is probably in focus there anyway. In most of the image, it's utrasharp even wide open at f/1.8!
As you view these samples remember that, especially at f/1.8, there is very little in focus.
Clubhouse, California Desert, 22 June 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/1.8 at 1/4,000 at Auto ISO 64, Perfectly Clear v3.7. bigger, full-resolution or camera-original © file.
Clubhouse, California Desert, 22 June 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/11 at 1/80 at Auto ISO 64, Perfectly Clear v3.7. bigger, full-resolution or camera-original © file.
Gate, California Desert, 22 June 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/1.8 at 1/1,250 at Auto ISO 64, Perfectly Clear v3.7. bigger, full-resolution or camera-original © file.
Gate, California Desert, 22 June 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/8 at 1/50 at Auto ISO 64, Perfectly Clear v3.7. bigger or camera-original © file.
Trek Émonda SLR 8 H2 58cm (Made in USA!), California Desert, 22 June 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/1.8 at 1/6,400 at Auto ISO 64, -0.7 stops exposure compensation to keep the reds from turning orange, Perfectly Clear v3.7. bigger, full-resolution or camera-original © file.
Trek Émonda SLR 8 H2 58cm (Made in USA!), California Desert, 22 June 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/4 at 1/1,000 at Auto ISO 64, -0.7 stops exposure compensation to keep the reds from turning orange, Perfectly Clear v3.7. bigger, full-resolution or camera-original © file.
Nikon's MTF data agrees with what I see:
Nikon's MTF chart at 10 cyc/mm and 30 cyc/mm.
Spherochromatism
Spherochromatism, also called "color bokeh" by laymen, is an advanced form of chromatic aberration in a different dimension than lateral color. It can cause colored fringes on out-of-focus highlights, usually seen as green fringes on backgrounds and magenta fringes on foregrounds. Spherochromatism is common in fast lenses of moderate focal length when shooting contrasty items at full aperture. It goes away as stopped down.
The Nikon Z 35/1.8 has a little bit of spherochromatism:
Mondaine A132.30348.11SBB at close-focus distance at f/1.8, 03 July 2019. bigger or camera-original © file.
1,200 × 900 pixel crop from above. bigger or camera-original © file.
If this 1,200 × 900 pixel crop is about 3" (7.5cm) wide on your screen, the complete image would print at a large 14 × 21″ (35 × 55 cm) at this same high magnification.
If this 1,200 × 900 pixel crop is about 6" (15cm) wide on your screen, the complete image would print at a huge 27½ × 41¼″ (70 × 105 cm) at this same high magnification.
If this 1,200 × 900 pixel crop is about 12" (30cm) wide on your screen, the complete image would print at a mammoth 55 × 82½″ (1.4 × 2.1 meters) at this same extremely high magnification!
Image Stabilization
This lens has no Optical Image Stabilization (OIS, IS or VR (Vibration Reduction)), but it is designed to work with the built-in stabilization of Nikon's cameras.
In real-world use I get 2½ stops of improvement.
"Percent Perfectly Sharp Shots" are the percentage of frames with 100% perfect tripod-equivalent sharpness I get when I'm shooting hand-held while standing with no support. Hand tremor is a random occurrence, so at marginal speeds some frames will be perfectly sharp while others will be in various stages of blur — all at the same shutter speed. This rates what percentage of shots are perfectly sharp, not how sharp all the frames are:
| % Perfectly Sharp Shots | 1s |
1/2 |
1/4 |
1/8 |
1/15 |
1/30 |
1/60 |
1/125 |
| VR ON | 0 |
20 |
75 |
75 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
| VR OFF | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
60 |
75 |
83 |
100 |
This is a 2½ stop real-world improvement.
Sunstars
With a 9-bladed rounded diaphragm, I get 18-pointed sunstars on brilliant points of light only at the smaller apertures.
Ignore the crazy rainbow effects at the smaller apertures; those are sensor artifacts caused by taking a picture directly of the sun and exposing for the dark underside of the palm trees.
Click any to enlarge:
Click any to enlarge.
Office Building, 03 July 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/8 at 1/250 at Auto ISO 64, Perfectly Clear v3.7. bigger or camera-original © file.
Office Building, 03 July 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/11 at 1/125 at Auto ISO 64, Perfectly Clear v3.7. bigger.
Office Building, 03 July 2019. Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 at f/11 at 1/60 at Auto ISO 64, Perfectly Clear v3.7. bigger.
Compared
Top Sample Images Introduction
Format & Compatibility Specifications
Unboxing USA Version Performance
I got my Z 35/1.8 at Adorama. I'd also get it at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or get it used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay.
You could consider an FTZ Adapter and any other Nikon 35mm FX lens like the excellent 35mm f/1.8 G FX. This could save you money, especially since I know you already have lenses, but be careful because the older 35mm f/2 AF-D lens will not autofocus on the FTZ Adapter.
Recommendations
Top Sample Images Introduction
Format & Compatibility Specifications
Unboxing USA Version Performance
I got my Z 35/1.8 at Adorama. I'd also get it at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or get it used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay.
This f/1.8 lens is especially for people who usually shoot in low light or need soft backgrounds at 35mm. This is a basic wide-to-normal fixed lens for your Z camera. I find the 24-70/4 more useful, but for people who need an f/1.8 lens for extremely low light or softer backgrounds or simply people who know that Fixed Lenses Take Better Pictures, here you go.
I use a clear (UV) protective filter instead of a cap. I only use a cap when I throw this in my bag, otherwise I leave a clear protective filter on my lens at all times so I'm ready to shoot instantly.
The very best protective filter is the Hoya multicoated HD3 62mm UV which uses hardened glass and repels dirt and fingerprints.
For less money, the B+W 62mm 010 is an excellent filter, as are the multicoated version and the basic multicoated Hoya filters, but the Hoya HD3 is the toughest and the best.
Filters last a lifetime, so you may as well get the best. The Hoya HD3 stays cleaner than the others since it repels oil and dirt.
This junk-free website's biggest source of support is when you use those or any of these links to approved sources when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. Nikon does not seal its boxes in any way, so never buy at retail or any other source not on my personally approved list since you'll have no way of knowing if you're missing accessories, getting a defective, damaged, returned, non-USA, store demo or used lens. I use the stores I do because they ship from secure remote warehouses where no one gets to touch your new camera before you do. Buy only from the approved sources I use myself for the best prices, service, return policies and selection.
Thanks for helping me help you!
Ken Rockwell.
© Ken Rockwell. All rights reserved. Tous droits réservés. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.
Help Me Help You
I support my growing family through this website, as crazy as it might seem.
The biggest help is when you use any of these links when you get anything. It costs you nothing, and is this site's, and thus my family's, biggest source of support. These places always have the best prices and service, which is why I've used them since before this website existed. I recommend them all personally.
If you find this page as helpful as a book you might have had to buy or a workshop you may have had to take, feel free to help me continue helping everyone.
If you've gotten your gear through one of my links or helped otherwise, you're family. It's great people like you who allow me to keep adding to this site full-time. Thanks!
If you haven't helped yet, please do, and consider helping me with a gift of $5.00.
As this page is copyrighted and formally registered, it is unlawful to make copies, especially in the form of printouts for personal use. If you wish to make a printout for personal use, you are granted one-time permission only if you PayPal me $5.00 per printout or part thereof. Thank you!
Thanks for reading!
Ken Rockwell.