Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S Lens (Nikon Z) Review

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is a premium ultra-fast wide-angle prime built for full-frame Nikon Z shooters who need maximum light-gathering ability and shallow depth of field control. At f/1.2, it sits at the top of Nikon's Z-mount 35mm lineup, offering nearly a full stop advantage over the f/1.8 variant and delivering exceptional low-light performance and background separation. The optical formula includes one aspherical ED element and three ED elements to minimize aberrations, while Meso Amorphous and ARNEO coatings tackle flare and ghosting.

Nikon's multi-focus system paired with dual STM motors should provide quick, quiet autofocus for both stills and video work. The lens adds customizable control ring and function buttons for streamlined shooting, and the 11.8-inch minimum focus distance allows for some close-up versatility. Weather sealing rounds out the professional feature set. At around $2,600, this lens commands a significant premium over the f/1.8 version, making it a specialized tool for professionals and enthusiasts who need that extra stop of light and maximum bokeh rendering in a classic 35mm field of view.