The way that it was explained to me, Nikon’s lineup of f1.4 lenses are all about the character. They’re not meant to be the lens equivalent of someone working in finance: rich on the numbers but totally lacking personality. So yes, that means that Nikon’s very good 35mm f1.8 S lens will look a whole lot like the vegetables next to the steak. In contrast, the Nikon 35mm f1.4 Z is meant to be more of a side of truffle fries or creamed spinach. Both are good for you, but one was treated with a far less algorithmic way of doing things. This is a much different approach from other brands, which led to confusion when it was first announced. But if I’m being my honest self, this is a lens that I’ve fallen deeply in like with.
