Last Updated on 11/24/2024 by Chris Gampat
There’s something really odd about the new Nikon Z 35mm f1.4 lens. It’s not that it exists — I think it’s pretty cool that Nikon made this lens because we really needed it. However, it’s more of the fact that Nikon isn’t considering this to be one of their highest-end lenses — which are otherwise called the “s” series. However, the Nikon Z 35mm f1.8 S is considered such. To that end, it’s also even more affordable than the 35mm f1.8 with it being only $599.95 while the older lens is going for around $850 normally. For the first time in Nikon’s history of making lenses for digital cameras, the lens with the slower aperture is the higher-end lens.
Nikon Z 35mm f1.4 Tech Specs
- 62mm filter thread, which means this lens is pretty small.
- 3.4 inches long
- 415 grams, that’s about as heavy as a soccer ball.
- Clickless control ring
- 11 lens elements in 9 groups
- 9 aperture blades
- 2 aspherical elements
- 10.6-inch close-focusing
- Dust and drip-resistant. But you still will most likely need insurance coverage.
Is It Worth it to Make Better Art?
If you already own the 35mm f1.8, would it make sense to get the 35mm f1.4? And more importantly, would you step up to the lens or step down? Traditionally, when you bought a lens with a faster aperture, you were stepping up in quality. Truly, we’re not even sure that we know the answer this time around. But frankly, it doesn’t seem so far like it’s capable of doing anything to help you out artistically anymore so than the 35mm f1.8 Z can do. The press release doesn’t talk about it being based on a classic design at all — and that’s where we’d think it might all make sense. And there are no special things about it even mentioned in the press release. Typically, Nikon is big on talking about things like Nano Crystal coatings, ED glass elements, etc.
From Nikon’s sample image gallery, I don’t see anything out of the ordinary that any other 35mm lens can’t do.
This lens begs the question: Why get it? Is it just for the affordable-shooting crowd of photographers? Therefore, is the autofocus performance not as stellar as it is with other lenses? As it seems so far, it doesn’t truly stand out as doing anything different or unique except for being affordable and stating that it exists.
Back when we reviewed it, we gave the Nikon Z 35mm f1.8 S four out of five stars. It’s quite good overall. But these days, we’re looking for different things. There are so many lenses on the market, and we still do not understand why this lens exists. Why do we need such plain, ordinary glass anymore? Without saying to Nikon to “Do better,” I believe they need to start thinking more creatively for the crowd of photographers who need lenses like this. Generative AI is copying the clinically perfect look they’ve been striving for, and Nikon needs to find ways to make their lenses stand out — therefore then giving photographers an extra edge. And if it’s only up to the photographers to make the shot, then why bother buying the lens? For what it’s worth, Artralab makes a solid 35mm f1.4.
I’m very curious about, however, whether this lens is actually made by Nikon. 62mm filter thread lenses are most notably made by Tamron.
It’s also curious to see product images of the Nikon Z 35mm f1.4 on the Nikon Zf. Could it mean that there is a retro-body version of this lens on the way?