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Register/Nikon Z-mount/Nikon/Wide
NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S — Three-quarter front view
Three-quarter front view© Nikon Corporation
NikonS-Line

NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S

Z · PRIME
35mm
APERTURE
1:1.8
AFWR

Launch MSRP

$850
Weight
370g
Filter
⌀62mm
Min focus
0.25m
Max mag.
0.19×
Formula
11E / 9G
Released
2018
AlternativesCompare with…
01

Specification sheet

Optical construction

11
Elements
9
Groups
2 LD · 3 ASPH
9 rounded blades
  • 2x ED
  • 3x Aspherical
  • Nano Crystal Coat
Aperture range
f/1.8 — f/16

Physical & ergonomics

S-LINE
Weight
370g
⌀ × length
73.0 × 86.0mm
Filter
⌀62mm
Weather sealed
Yes
Aperture ring
No

Autofocus actuator

Stepping Motor (STM)
Autofocus
Stabilisation
Body IBIS
Teleconverter
Not supported
AF speed score
8.4 / 10

Close-up performance

Min focus distance
0.25m
Max magnification
0.19× (1:5.3)
0.19×
0×0.25×0.5× half macro1.0× macro
02

Optical character

One of the two primes launched with the Z 6 and Z 7 in 2018, the 35mm f/1.8 S set the tone for Nikon's S-Line: high resolution across the frame at a modest aperture, in a sealed, lightweight barrel. Two ED and three aspherical elements keep longitudinal colour fringing low, and Nano Crystal Coat handles backlight well.

It is a lens built for detail rather than drama. Out-of-focus areas are clean and the 0.25m close focus helps with tabletop and environmental shots. AF uses a stepping motor in a multi-focusing arrangement, and the barrel carries an A/M switch plus a customisable control ring.

Reviewer consensus

Reviewers rated it among the sharpest 35mm f/1.8 designs on any system, with strong centre and good edge performance from wide open and excellent results by f/2.8. Distortion is well controlled and flare resistance is high.

The main criticisms are pronounced vignetting at f/1.8 and noticeable coma in the corners, which matters for night-sky work. Bokeh is judged smooth but not especially creamy, and some reviewers felt the price was high for an f/1.8 prime when it launched.

Owner sentiment

Owners call it a reliable, sharp workhorse and often keep it even after buying faster glass, citing its light weight and weather sealing. Landscape and street shooters praise its consistency across the frame.

Complaints centre on the focus-by-wire ring feel, the launch price, and the arrival of the cheaper 35mm f/1.4, which some see as the more interesting lens for portraits. Some note the AF, while accurate, is not the fastest in low light.

03

Strengths, weaknesses & performance

Strengths

  • +Sharp across the frame from f/1.8
  • +Low longitudinal CA (2 ED elements)
  • +Good flare control with Nano Crystal Coat
  • +Weather-sealed, only 370g
  • +Close focus 0.25m

Weaknesses

  • −Strong vignetting wide open
  • −Visible corner coma for astro
  • −Expensive for an f/1.8 at launch

Six-axis rating

SHARPBOKEHAFFLAREBUILDVALUE
Sharpness
9.0
Bokeh Rendering
8.0
Autofocus Speed
8.4
Flare Resistance
8.5
Build / Sealing
8.5
Value / Size
8.0

Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.

04

Technical specifications

Optics
MountNikon Z (FX) · full frame
Focal length35mm
CategoryWide
Maximum aperturef/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16
Construction11 elements in 9 groups
Special elements2x ED · 3x Aspherical · Nano Crystal Coat
Aperture blades9
Focus
Focus typeAutofocus
DriveStepping Motor (STM)
Minimum focus0.25m
Max magnification0.19×
StabilisationNone (uses body IBIS)
TeleconvertersNot supported
Body
Weight370g
Diameter × length73.0 × 86.0mm
Filter thread⌀62mm
Weather sealingYes
Aperture ringNo
De-clickable apertureNo
Release year2018
Launch MSRP$850 USD
05

Sources

Specifications

  • imaging.nikon.com/imaging/lineup/lens/z-mount/z_35mmf18s/
  • en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_Nikkor_Z_35_mm_f/1.8_S
  • lenstip.com/576.11-Lens_review-__Summary.html
  • kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/35mm-f18.htm
06

Similar focal length alternatives

  • VSNIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S vs 35mm F1.4 III (Nikon Z)
  • VSNIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S vs 35mm F5.6 Pancake (Nikon Z)
  • VSNIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S vs AF 35mm F1.8 (Nikon Z)
  • 7Artisans

    35mm F1.4 III (Nikon Z)

    7Artisans 35mm F1.4 III (Nikon Z)
    35mmF1.4
    WT
    274g
    FLT
    ⌀52mm
    MFD
    0.33m
    MSRP
    $189
    MFRING·DC
  • 7Artisans

    35mm F5.6 Pancake (Nikon Z)

    7Artisans 35mm F5.6 Pancake (Nikon Z)
    35mmF5.6
    WT
    154g
    FLT
    —
    MFD
    0.30m
    MSRP
    $139
    MF
  • 7Artisans

    AF 35mm F1.8 (Nikon Z)

    7Artisans AF 35mm F1.8 (Nikon Z)
    35mmF1.8
    WT
    426g
    FLT
    ⌀62mm
    MFD
    0.40m
    MSRP
    $299
    AFWRRING·DC