Nikon announces new NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4

Not to be outdone by Canon's RF35mm f/1.4 L VCM announced earlier this month, Nikon has released its own fast prime lens – the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4. But the big news is the Nikkor's smaller price tag – it's $1,500 cheaper.

But there are also reasons for this cheaper price, as the Canon is a revered 'L' series lens while this Nikkor is not even part of Nikons premium 'S' series. This being said, the latest standard 'Z' lenses have had good reviews. For Nikon users, the other lenses to compare this one to are the Nikon 35mm f1.4 G and the Nikon Z f1.8 S lens. 

While the Canon may tout a new style of autofocus system – the 'Voice Coil Motor', Nikon opts for a more tried and tested traditional stepping motor (STM). Even though the STM may be seen by some as an inferior motor, there have been other lenses released of late with STM that have been noted for their super fast, accurate and quiet autofocusing and we can assume that this lens will have these characteristics.


Another highlight is its fairly compact form with a low weight of only 415g and 86.5mm length (Canon RF35mm f/1.4 is still a reasonable 555g and 99.3mm long). We have always been promised reduced size of bodies and lenses for mirrorless, so it's a good thing when we see Nikon delivering like this.

Other features for this lens are: dust and weather resistance; a minimum focus distance of 0.27 m; filter size is 62mm; and it has minimised focus breathing for video work. 

The lens will be available locally some time in July for $1,099.

You can find out more about this lens on the Nikon Australia website.