Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S 35mm
The bright f/1.8 maximum aperture and 52.5mm equivalent field of view deliver strong subject isolation and low-light performance in a compact 200g body. Its Silent Wave Motor provides fast, near-silent autofocus with full-time manual override, while the aspherical element and Super Integrated Coating maintain sharpness and contrast. This lens is best for DX-format Nikon shooters seeking an affordable, lightweight prime for everyday photography and discreet street shooting.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a sharp, fast-focusing standard prime that's perfect as an everyday walkaround lens. It excels in low light and handles bad weather with ease, though the corners are a bit soft wide open and the bokeh won't win any awards. It's a great value, especially if you find a deal, and the silent autofocus makes it a solid hybrid shooter. If you can only have one prime for your Z camera, this is the one to get.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tack-sharp in the center, even at f/1.8 94th
- Fast, near-silent autofocus that's great for video 92nd
- Compact and lightweight at just 372g 75th
- Excellent weather sealing for shooting in bad conditions
- Nano Crystal Coat effectively suppresses flare and ghosting
Cons
- Noticeable vignetting and corner softness wide open
- No optical stabilization, relies on camera IBIS
- Bokeh is just okay, not a standout feature
- Plastic-heavy build feels less premium than the price suggests
- User sentiment is mixed, with some quality control reports
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q2 202695/100
Buyers praise this lens for sharpness, fast autofocus, and excellent low-light performance. It is considered a versatile travel prime, though some note the price is high.
- Sharpness and image quality are consistently praised across reviews.
- Fast and silent autofocus, especially compared to adapted F-mount lenses.
- Excellent low-light performance and pleasing bokeh for a f/1.8 lens.
- Price is considered high by some, but value is acknowledged during promotions.
- Q1 202672/100
Buyers praise the lens for its optics, portability, and versatility, but one notes it's overpriced and less sharp than the 50mm f/1.8, with infrared hot spots.
- Sharp, clear images with good bokeh and low-light performance; great for landscapes, portraits, and everyday use.
- One buyer found it overpriced, less sharp and contrasty than the 50mm f/1.8, and unsuitable for infrared due to hot spots.
- Compact and lightweight, easy to carry, and versatile as a second prime for wider angles.
- One review mentions corner sharpness issues for landscapes on Z7 II, but another praises overall sharpness; mixed on landscape use.
- Q4 202595/100
Buyers praise this 35mm lens for its sharpness, bokeh, and ideal focal length. A few note minor color fringing wide open.
- Sharp images with beautiful bokeh and soft tonality.
- Ideal focal length for events, family, and travel.
- Some magenta-green fringing (LOCA) wide open, but minor.
- Great value as a refurbished lens; excellent B&H service.
- Q3 202533/100
One buyer never received the package, while two others praised the lens quality and value, noting sharpness and good shipping.
- Package not received; buyer contacting courier for information.
- Lens quality praised; sharp and good value for DX cameras.
- Shipping described as quick and secure by one buyer.
- Q2 202383/100
Buyers praise the lens for its sharpness and portrait performance, though some note it is pricey for an f/1.8 prime.
- Lens is sharp even wide open at close distance.
- Excellent for portraits with f/1.8 aperture.
- Expensive for an f/1.8 prime but worth it on sale.
- Clear upgrade from the 40mm f/2 lens.
- Q3 202283/100
Buyers praised the lens for sharpness, autofocus, and value, with one noting plastic build but excellent performance.
- Sharpness and depth of field are highly appreciated.
- Autofocus works well, especially for astrophotography.
- Plastic build feels cheap but lens is lightweight and performs well.
- Great value for the price, with good bokeh.
- Q2 202292/100
Buyers in Q2 2022 praised the lens for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and low-light performance, calling it a great value. Minor issues included difficulty mounting and untested low-light scenarios.
- Sharpness consistently praised, described as 'sharp as a tack' and 'sharper than a new thumbtack'.
- Fast and accurate autofocus highlighted, aiding beginners and street photography.
- Good low-light capability for handheld shots, though some hadn't fully tested f/1.8 yet.
- Value for price is positive, but one user noted difficulty attaching/detaching the lens.
- Q1 2022100/100
All four reviews are extremely positive, praising the lens as sharp, lightweight, and ideal for beginners, gimbal use, and portraits.
- Sharp edge-to-edge image quality and beautiful depth of field.
- Lightweight design reduces fatigue, especially for gimbal use.
- Great for beginners, making cameras look professional.
- Less distortion than wider lenses, good for tighter shots.
- Q4 202190/100
Buyers praised the lens for sharpness, low-light performance, and fast autofocus. Many were delighted with refurbished quality and fast shipping.
- Sharpness and image quality are excellent, with stunning resolution and contrast.
- Fast, silent autofocus and good low-light performance for handheld shots.
- Lightweight and compact design, ideal for composition and depth of field.
- Some find the lens heavy; one wished for a full-frame version.
- Q3 202195/100
Buyers in this period praised the lens as a great value, easy to use, and ideal for DX cameras, with sharp, fast performance and lightweight design.
- Great value for the price, especially at $179, making it a worthwhile purchase.
- Easy to use and works well with Nikon cameras, suitable for beginners and classes.
- Sharp, fast, and lightweight, ideal as a normal lens on DX format.
- Good for DX base, providing a 52.5mm equivalent, perfect for general use.
- Q2 202196/100
Buyers in Q2 2021 praised this prime lens for its sharpness, beautiful bokeh, low-light performance, and value. It was well-received by both beginners and experienced photographers, with no reported issues.
- Sharpness and image quality consistently praised, with users noting excellent results out of the box.
- Bokeh and low-light performance highlighted, especially for astrophotography and background blur.
- Great value for the price, described as a low-cost gem and a worthwhile investment.
- Compatibility with Nikon Z50 and D7500 confirmed, with no issues reported when using adapters.
- Q1 202196/100
Buyers in Q1 2021 praised the lens for its sharpness, image quality, and versatility, often preferring it over kit lenses. One noted the lens shade fell off, but overall satisfaction was high.
- Sharp, crisp images with beautiful bokeh, enhancing photo quality.
- Versatile and preferred over kit lenses or 50mm for various shooting.
- Solid build and good value for the price.
- Lens shade fell off easily and was lost, though not affecting use.
- Q4 202095/100
Buyers in Q4 2020 praised the 35mm lens as sharp, lightweight, and versatile, often keeping it on their camera. It was seen as a great value, though one noted slow shipping due to COVID.
- Sharpness and image quality praised, especially wide open at f/1.8.
- Lightweight and compact design, ideal for everyday carry and walk-around use.
- Excellent value for the price, often described as a bargain or high-end quality at low cost.
- Shipping delays reported, attributed to COVID-19, but product itself well received.
- Q3 202096/100
Buyers in Q3 2020 praised the lens as sharp, fast, and versatile, ideal for beginners and low-light shots. Many noted it as a great value upgrade from kit lenses, with a few minor comments on size or use as backup.
- Sharp, fast focus, and excellent low-light performance, including astrophotography.
- Great value for price, often described as a worthwhile upgrade from kit lenses.
- Versatile focal length, suitable for general use, portraits, and activities.
- Some found it compact and easy to carry, while one noted it as a backup lens.
- Q2 2020100/100
All eight reviews are highly positive, praising the lens for sharpness, low-light performance, and value. Buyers also note excellent condition of refurbished units and good customer service.
- Image quality: sharp, colorful photos with impressive depth of field.
- Low-light performance: excellent, as noted by multiple buyers.
- Value: great price, especially for refurbished units that look new.
- Customer service: Adorama praised for timely shipping and support.
- Q1 202091/100
Buyers in Q1 2020 praised the lens for sharpness, low-light performance, and versatility, calling it a great value. Some noted focusing could be better and price was slightly high.
- Sharp, clear images for photo and video; versatile for portraits, landscapes, and indoor use.
- Excellent low-light performance with fast f/1.8 aperture, effective for indoor and family shots.
- Great value for the price; several buyers called it a must-have under $200.
- Focusing could be better; one buyer found it a tad pricey but quality justified it.
- Q4 201993/100
Buyers in Q4 2019 praised the lens for its sharpness, fast and quiet autofocus, and compact size, especially for low-light and video. Some noted it wasn't as sharp as other S-line lenses, but overall satisfaction was high.
- Sharpness and image quality were consistently praised, with many calling it the sharpest 35mm they've owned.
- Fast, quiet autofocus was highlighted, particularly for low-light events and video work.
- Compact and lightweight design made it comfortable for all-day shooting and a great everyday lens.
- Some found it not optically equal to the 24mm or 50mm S lenses, but still decent and sharp.
- Q3 201986/100
Buyers in this period praised the lens for sharpness, low-light performance, and compact size, especially on Z cameras. One negative review cited sharpness and focus issues compared to a kit zoom.
- Sharpness and image quality praised, often described as excellent edge-to-edge and superior to kit lenses.
- Low-light capability with f/1.8 and IBIS on Z bodies highlighted as outstanding.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for walk-around and travel.
- One review reported sharpness and focus issues, recommending against it if you own an 18-140mm kit lens.
- Q1 201991/100
Buyers praised the lens for its sharpness, low-light performance, and build quality, with some noting it feels pricey for its build. It's recommended for travel, street, and video use.
- Sharpness wide open and across the frame is consistently praised.
- Excellent low-light performance, rendering colors and details in dark environments.
- Build quality is good but some find it pricey for the build.
- Fast, quiet autofocus suitable for video and photography.
- Q4 2018100/100
Buyers praised the lens for sharpness, autofocus, and handling in various light, noting it works well with Nikon Z's stabilization. One mentioned the price and non-Japan manufacturing.
- Sharp, clear images at all apertures; excellent for beginners and professionals.
- Autofocus is quick and easy, especially for events and people photography.
- Works well with Nikon Z in-body stabilization, reducing camera shake concerns.
- Expensive but good; some disappointment it's not made in Japan.
Based on 192 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Sharpness is the headline here, and it mostly delivers. In the center, this lens is bitingly sharp, even wide open at f/1.8. That's where you'll see the benefit of those ED and aspherical elements. Stop it down to f/2.8 or f/4 and the sharpness across the frame becomes very good, though our data and user feedback both point to some corner softness and vignetting when shooting wide open. It's not a dealbreaker for portraits where your subject is centered, but landscape shooters who demand edge-to-edge perfection might find themselves stopping down more than they'd like. The autofocus is a real strength, ranking in the 87th percentile. It's fast, accurate, and nearly silent, which is a huge plus for both candid photography and video work.
The f/1.8 aperture is the other big performance draw. It pulls in a lot of light, letting you shoot in dim conditions without immediately reaching for a flash. The bokeh quality, however, is a bit of a mixed bag. It ranks in the 36th percentile, which means it's not going to blow you away with creamy, dreamy backgrounds. The 9-blade diaphragm helps keep out-of-focus highlights fairly round, but the rendering can feel a little busy compared to some of the faster f/1.4 options out there. It's pleasant enough, but it's not the main reason to buy this lens. The lack of optical stabilization is a notable omission, landing it in the 37th percentile. If you're on a Z body without IBIS, you'll need to keep your shutter speeds up in low light.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Prime |
| Focal Length Min | 35 |
| Focal Length Max | 35 |
| Elements | 8 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.4 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 52 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | No |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 250 |
| Max Magnification | 1:6.25 |
vs Competition
The most direct comparison within Nikon's own lineup is the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S. That lens is widely considered to be one of the sharpest in the Z system, and our user data backs that up, with many owners saying this 35mm isn't quite as sharp. The trade-off is field of view. The 50mm is a bit tight for indoor use and walkaround shooting, where the 35mm feels much more natural. You're choosing between absolute optical perfection and a more versatile focal length. For a lot of people, the 35mm's framing will win out every time.
Looking outside the Nikon ecosystem, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN is a fascinating competitor, though it's designed for APS-C sensors. It's faster, often cheaper, and delivers gorgeous bokeh, but it's a short telephoto, not a standard wide. The Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm f/2.8 Macro is a completely different beast, a macro lens that prioritizes close-up sharpness over general versatility. If you're cross-shopping these, you need to get your priorities straight. The Nikon 35mm is the generalist's choice. It won't win a bokeh contest against the Sigma or a macro contest against the Panasonic, but it will be the lens you use for 80% of your shots.
| Spec | Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S 35mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM | Panasonic LUMIX S S-R2060 | Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm | 28-300mm | 18-135mm | 15-45mm | 20-60mm | 56mm |
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/4 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 | f/1.4 |
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E | Sony E | Canon EF-M | L-Mount | Nikon Z |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | false | false |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | false | false | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 200 | 590 | 326 | 463 | 350 | 280 |
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | VXD linear motor | Linear motor | STM | stepping motor | stepping motor |
| Lens Type | prime | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | prime |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S 35mm | 53.9 | 31.4 | 91.6 | 75.3 | 57.7 | 44.7 | 48.2 | 33.2 | 94.1 | 34.4 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 97.7 | 83.7 | 63.1 | 83.2 | 96.3 | 71.1 | 92.5 | 97.9 | 50.6 | 79.4 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 97.7 | 81.5 | 71 | 37.4 | 77.9 | 82.9 | 48.2 | 95.8 | 90.8 | 79.4 |
| Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Compare | 84.7 | 81.5 | 56.8 | 96.3 | 45.9 | 82.9 | 0 | 81.9 | 73.4 | 90.1 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S S-R2060 Compare | 84.7 | 89.2 | 80.3 | 65.1 | 77.9 | 82.9 | 0 | 81.9 | 72.2 | 34.4 |
| Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Compare | 84.7 | 97.3 | 85.5 | 55.5 | 64.1 | 97.6 | 48.2 | 33.2 | 94.1 | 34.4 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Pricing on this lens is all over the map depending on where you look, with a spread of over $37,000 across vendors. Obviously, that's a data anomaly with some third-party listings, but it highlights why you need to shop smart. The real-world street price for a new copy typically hovers in the $600-$800 range. For an S-Line lens with this level of optical performance and weather sealing, that's a solid value proposition. It's not cheap, but it's a clear step up from budget third-party options in terms of build and autofocus reliability. The user sentiment score of 82/100 on value specifically confirms that most owners feel they got their money's worth. If you can snag it on sale or find a clean used copy, the value proposition gets even stronger. Just make sure you're buying from a reputable retailer to avoid the wild pricing outliers.
Amazon 2 offers From £148
Price History
Read more
Overview
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S is the kind of lens that ends up living on your camera. It's a standard prime for the Z mount, and that 35mm focal length hits a real sweet spot. It's wide enough for environmental portraits and street scenes, but tight enough to avoid the exaggerated perspective you get with wider glass. If you're a Z shooter looking for your first prime, or you just want a fast, reliable walkaround lens, this one is almost certainly on your shortlist. And for good reason. It's part of Nikon's S-Line, which is their premium tier, so expectations are high right out of the gate.
But here's the thing about this lens: it's a bit of a contradiction. The optical design is serious business, with 11 elements in 9 groups, including aspherical and ED glass, plus Nikon's Nano Crystal Coat to fight flare. That's a recipe for sharpness, and in our database, its optical score lands it in the middle of the pack for its class. Yet the user sentiment score sits at a mediocre 45th percentile. That gap tells a story. People love the images it takes, but there are some real-world quirks that keep it from being a universal crowd-pleaser. We'll dig into that.
This lens is best for photographers who prioritize image quality and low-light capability in a compact package. It's a natural fit for everything from casual family snapshots to paid event work. The silent stepping motor makes it a solid choice for video, too, as long as you're not relying on in-body stabilization to smooth out your handheld footage. It's not a macro lens by any stretch, but the 0.82-foot minimum focus distance lets you get close enough for detail shots. Just don't expect to fill the frame with a postage stamp.
Common Questions
Q: Does this lens have image stabilization?
No, the lens itself does not have VR. It relies entirely on the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) of your Nikon Z camera. If you're using a Z body without IBIS, like the Z30 or Z50, you'll need to be mindful of your shutter speed in low light to avoid blur from camera shake.
Q: Is this lens good for video?
Yes, with a caveat. The silent stepping motor is excellent for video, providing smooth and nearly inaudible autofocus that won't be picked up by your camera's microphone. The lack of optical stabilization is the main drawback, so you'll want a Z body with good IBIS or a gimbal for the smoothest handheld footage.
Q: How does it compare to the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S?
The 50mm is generally considered to be slightly sharper, especially in the corners, and it's often the benchmark for optical quality in the Z system. The 35mm offers a wider, more versatile field of view that's better for indoor shooting and capturing more of a scene. It really comes down to whether you prefer the tighter, more portrait-oriented 50mm or the more documentary-style 35mm.
Q: Is this lens weather sealed?
Yes, it is. Nikon has included extensive weather sealing on this S-Line lens, including a rubber gasket on the lens mount. It's designed to handle dust and moisture, making it a reliable choice for shooting in rain, snow, or dusty environments when paired with a weather-sealed Z body.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a dedicated portrait photographer who lives for creamy, dreamy backgrounds, this lens probably isn't for you. The bokeh is just okay, and you'll get much better subject separation from a faster lens like an f/1.4 prime or even the Z 50mm f/1.2 S if your budget allows. Similarly, if you shoot a lot of landscapes on a high-resolution body and demand perfect corner-to-corner sharpness at wide apertures, the vignetting and softness at f/1.8 will frustrate you. You'd be better served by the Z 50mm f/1.8 S or a dedicated wide-angle zoom. And if you're on a tight budget, the plastic-heavy build and mid-range price might feel like a poor value compared to some excellent third-party manual focus lenses that offer similar optical quality for less cash.
Verdict
For the Nikon Z shooter who needs a do-it-all prime, this lens is an easy recommendation. It's the lens you bring when you can only bring one. The combination of a natural 35mm field of view, strong low-light performance, and fast, silent autofocus makes it a killer tool for everything from travel to event photography. The image quality is excellent where it counts, and the weather sealing means you don't have to baby it. If your photography is about capturing life as it happens, this lens will rarely let you down.
But if you're a pixel-peeping landscape photographer or a portrait artist obsessed with bokeh, you might want to look elsewhere. The corner softness wide open and the merely decent background blur mean this isn't the ultimate tool for those specific jobs. A used Z 50mm f/1.8 S will give you more sharpness for less money, and a fast f/1.4 prime from another system will give you more subject separation. This 35mm is a master of none, but for most people, it's exactly the lens they need.
