Typical of most Nikon Z-mount primes, this 35mm has an f/1.8 aperture rating, matching that of the 20mm lens that we featured last month in our round-up of astrophotography lenses. Again, it’s an S-line optic that aims to combine stellar performance with strong build quality, intuitive handling, and top-end performance. Physically, it’s about 20mm longer than the other lenses on test, but still entirely manageable for street photography, measuring 73x86mm and weighing in at 370g.
The Nikon is the priciest lens in the group but outclasses the competing Canon lens in featuring weather-seals and a more up-market optical path. As such, the Nikon includes three aspherical elements instead of just one, plus two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements. There’s also a more high-tech Nano Crystal Coat for minimising ghosting and flare. Naturally, the Nikon lacks the Canon lens’s optical image stabiliser but all of Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras feature IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilisation). The minimum focus distance of 0.25m precludes a 0.5x macro magnification facility but that’s a moot point for street photography. Nevertheless, it removes a string from the Nikon’s bow of versatility.