The New Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S: What You Need to Know

The New Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S: What You Need to Know

Nikon’s Z-mount system continues to expand with the highly anticipated release of the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S. This premium lens, designed for full-frame Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras, promises exceptional image quality, breathtaking bokeh, and a versatile focal length perfect for a wide range of photographic applications. Here’s a comprehensive look at what makes this lens so special:

Headline Features:

• Ultra-Wide Aperture: The standout feature is, of course, the incredibly fast f/1.2 maximum aperture. This allows for incredible light-gathering capabilities, enabling shooting in extremely low-light conditions without resorting to high ISO values (reducing noise). It also produces an extremely shallow depth of field, blurring backgrounds beautifully and isolating subjects with stunning precision.
• ‘S-Line’ Quality: As an ‘S-Line’ lens, the 35mm f/1.2 meets Nikon’s highest standards for optical performance, build quality, and reliability. This designation guarantees exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color reproduction.
• Advanced Optical Design: The lens incorporates a sophisticated optical formula, likely featuring aspherical and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements to minimize aberrations, distortion, and chromatic aberration (color fringing) across the entire image frame, even at wide apertures.
• Multi-Focus System: Nikon’s multi-focus system typically uses two or more focusing lens groups that move independently, driven by powerful and precise stepping motors (STMs). This results in fast, accurate, and remarkably quiet autofocus, ideal for both stills and video.
• Nano Crystal Coat & ARNEO Coat: Nikon’s premium lens coatings are almost certainly employed. Nano Crystal Coat reduces flare and ghosting from light entering the lens at diagonal angles, while ARNEO Coat combats these effects from light entering vertically. The combination results in superior image clarity, especially in backlit situations.
• Robust Build Quality: The lens is expected to be weather-sealed, with dust and moisture resistance, making it suitable for use in challenging environments. A durable metal construction ensures longevity.
• Customizable Control Ring: A feature common to Z-mount lenses, a customizable control ring allows photographers to assign various functions, such as aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation, for quick and intuitive adjustments.
• Lens Function (L-Fn) button: A Programmable L-Fn button will be available to assign various functions for fast changes during the shooting.

Detailed Breakdown:

1. Optical Performance:

• Sharpness: The f/1.2 aperture will be surprisingly sharp wide open, with corner-to-corner performance improving further as you stop down. Nikon’s S-Line lenses are renowned for their resolution, and this 35mm will likely be no exception. Expect exceptional detail rendering.
• Bokeh: The combination of the 35mm focal length and the ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture will produce dreamy, creamy bokeh. Out-of-focus areas will be rendered with a smooth, pleasing blur, making this lens ideal for portraiture, street photography, and any situation where subject isolation is desired. The quality of the bokeh (roundness of highlights, smoothness of transitions) will be a key selling point.
• Aberration Control: Aspherical and ED elements, coupled with Nikon’s advanced coatings, will keep aberrations to a minimum. Chromatic aberration, coma, and distortion are expected to be exceptionally well-controlled, even at the widest aperture.
• Flare and Ghosting Resistance: Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat will work in tandem to minimize unwanted reflections and internal lens artifacts, ensuring clear and contrasty images even when shooting into the light.

2. Autofocus and Handling:

• Multi-Focus System: This system provides fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus. The use of stepping motors ensures smooth focusing transitions, crucial for video recording. The lens should acquire focus quickly and confidently, even in low-light conditions.
• Manual Focus: A generously sized, smoothly damped focus ring will offer precise manual focus control when needed.
• Customizable Control Ring: This ring allows for quick adjustments to aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation, providing a seamless and intuitive shooting experience.
• Lens Function (L-Fn) Button: Provides instant access to pre-assigned camera functions.

3. Build Quality and Design:

• Weather Sealing: The lens is expected to be extensively weather-sealed, protecting it from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.
• Durable Construction: A robust metal barrel ensures the lens can withstand the rigors of professional use.
• Ergonomics: While likely to be a substantial lens (due to the large aperture and high-quality glass), it should be well-balanced and comfortable to hold.

4. Target Audience and Applications:

The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S is aimed at professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who demand the highest levels of image quality and performance. Its key applications include:

• Portraiture: The shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh are perfect for creating stunning portraits with a beautifully blurred background.
• Street Photography: The 35mm focal length is a classic choice for street photography, and the fast aperture allows for shooting in low light without sacrificing image quality.
• Wedding Photography: The lens’s versatility and low-light capabilities make it an excellent choice for capturing weddings and other events.
• Environmental Portraiture: The 35mm perspective is wide enough to include context, while the f/1.2 aperture still allows for subject separation.
• Low-Light Photography: The wide aperture makes it ideal for capturing images in dimly lit environments, such as concerts, bars, or nighttime scenes.
• Video: The silence and speed of the auto focus coupled with the shallow depth of field are a bonus.

5. Potential Downsides (and Considerations):

• Price: As a premium S-Line lens with a unique f/1.2 aperture, the 35mm will undoubtedly be expensive. This is an investment-grade lens.
• Size and Weight: While the ergonomics will likely be good, the lens will be larger and heavier than a typical 35mm f/1.8 or f/2 lens due to the complex optical design and wide aperture.
• Depth of Field: While a shallow depth of field is desirable, at f/1.2, it can be incredibly narrow, requiring precise focusing to ensure the subject is sharp.

Conclusion:

The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S is a statement lens, demonstrating Nikon’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of optical excellence. Its exceptional image quality, fast aperture, and robust build will make it a highly desirable lens for photographers who demand the best. While the price will be a significant consideration, the performance and versatility of this lens are likely to justify the investment for serious photographers seeking a truly special 35mm prime. It represents a significant addition to the Z-mount lineup and is poised to become a legendary lens.