The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4: A Budget-Friendly Lens With Big Potential

Nikon has just released the Z 35mm f/1.4 lens, and it's catching attention for its bright aperture and affordable price. This lens is a compelling option if you’re looking to capture stunning wide angle shots without breaking the bank.

Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this insightful video provides a detailed look at the Z 35mm f/1.4 lens and its features. One of the first things Frost highlights is the lens' build quality. It’s made primarily of plastic, which gives it a slightly lower-budget feel compared to Nikon’s higher-end models. Despite this, the lens is built around a metal mount and includes extensive weather-sealing, making it durable enough for various shooting conditions. This is a practical choice for those who might not need the most premium materials but still want something reliable.

The video also touches on the lens' autofocus system, which, while not the fastest on the market, is adequate for most uses. It’s described as having an average speed and emitting a quiet whirring sound, which is only noticeable when recording video with an onboard microphone. Importantly, the lens shows minimal focus breathing, a feature that’s particularly beneficial for video work. This characteristic, combined with the lens' ability to control focus accurately, makes it a versatile option for those who shoot both stills and videos.

Frost demonstrates how the lens performs at various apertures, with a sharp center at f/1.4 but softer corners, which improve when stopped down to f/2.8. The lens also shows a significant amount of barrel distortion and vignetting at f/1.4, which might require correction in post-processing. Despite these issues, the lens produces visually compelling images, especially for those who enjoy the creative effects that a wide aperture can offer.

For those considering the Z 35mm f/1.4, Frost suggests it’s a lens worth having in your kit if you’re drawn to its unique qualities. It’s not perfect—there are optical compromises—but its affordability and the striking images it can produce make it an attractive choice. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.