When Nikon first introduced their mirrorless Z system, they asked us to be patient. They promised that fast, professional-grade Z lenses would come in time—and they’ve more than delivered on that promise. Now, with the launch of the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S, we see another major step forward in the evolution of Nikon’s mirrorless ecosystem—a true powerhouse for portrait and documentary photographers and DSLR filmmakers.
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is a lens built for working in low-light conditions while capturing razor-sharp details with exquisite clarity and depth, edge-to-edge sharpness, minimal distortion, and ultra shallow depth of field—everything we expect from Nikkor glass.
For those of us who have been shooting on the Z system since the beginning, this is the kind of lens that makes you want to go out and create.
A special shout-out to Joe McNally, a good friend, mentor, and a legend in the photography world, for his incredible work in helping launch this lens. Check out some of his stunning portraits on the Nikon landing page. His work not only speaks to Joe’s artistry, but also showcases the lens’s ability to capture rich detail, natural skin tones, and that signature depth that makes images feel alive.
If you’re a Z shooter, this lens belongs in your kit. If you’ve been on the fence about switching to Nikon mirrorless, this might just be the lens that convinces you.
And it’s worth highlighting that this lens completes the trifecta of fast prime lenses that we all love: the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S, NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S, and the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/ 1.2 S.
Check out the full lineup of Z lenses here!
