Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S review: an f/1.2 wide-standard prime for Z bodies
Nikon's fastest 35mm for the Z mount, announced February 4, 2025. Who it suits: full-frame Z shooters who work in low light or want shallow depth of field with more of the scene in frame.
October 30, 2026 · Lens · Review
Taken with the Nikon Z8 and Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S. Photo: Lpd13doc via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
Why it exists. Nikon describes f/1.2 bokeh "that gives a sense of depth to a 35-mm wide-angle of view" (Nikon's lens page). It is the S-line fast 35mm for storytelling, portraits that keep their setting, and low-light stills and video.
Nikon says its optics are aimed at "depicting skin and hair delicately", and it uses Meso Amorphous, Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings against flare.
Who should buy it? Someone with a full-frame Z body who wants the shallowest depth of field Nikon offers at 35mm and can carry a lens of just over a kilogram.
The story
Nikon USA announced the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S on February 4, 2025, at $2,799.95, with availability from late February 2025.
The optical design has 17 elements in 15 groups and an 11-blade diaphragm, behind an 82 mm filter thread. At 1,060 g it is heavy for a 35mm lens; that is the cost of the f/1.2 aperture.
On BCG Forums the announcement thread drew pre-order plans and first reactions rather than long-term owner reports.
Two photos taken with the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S on a Nikon Z8 by one photographer, shared on Flickr under a Creative Commons license, including the one at the top. Select a photo to enlarge it.
Taken with the Nikon Z8 and Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S. Photo: Lpd13doc via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
Nikon: Launched at $2,799.95 in 2025 (US)
Verdict
Who it's for: full-frame Z photographers who want f/1.2 at 35mm for low light and shallow depth of field, and accept the size, weight and launch price.
Strengths
f/1.2 at a 35mm angle of view
17 elements in 15 groups with Meso Amorphous, Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings
