Review of the New Nikon 35mm 1.4 Z Lens

As a wedding photographer, I’ve always been on the lookout for the perfect lens to capture those beautiful moments. Recently, I decided to give the new Nikon 35mm 1.4 Z lens a try, and here are my initial thoughts after some test shots.

Why I Chose the Nikon 35mm 1.4 Z

In wedding photography, achieving the right balance between sharpness and bokeh is crucial. The Nikon 35mm 1.8 S lens, while impressively sharp, didn’t quite deliver the bokeh I was aiming for. This often resulted in an overly sharp image where we typically prefer a softer, more romantic feel, especially for skin tones. This led me to explore other options, and the Nikon 35mm 1.4 Z lens seemed like a promising candidate.

First Impressions

Straight out of the box, the Nikon 35mm 1.4 Z felt noticeably lighter than my go-to Sigma 35mm 1.4 lens, which I typically use with an FTZ adapter. The weight difference is significant enough to make a considerable impact on a long wedding shoot, where every ounce counts.

Performance and Image Quality

The images captured with the Nikon 35mm 1.4 Z have been impressive. Here are some test shots:

The bokeh produced by this lens is simply beautiful. It manages to create a dreamy background blur that is soft and pleasing, without compromising on the subject's sharpness. This lens also boasts excellent character, which is essential for wedding photography where capturing the emotion and essence of the moment is key.

Comparison with Sigma 35mm 1.4

While the Sigma 35mm 1.4 has been a reliable workhorse, its weight and the bulkiness of the FTZ adapter have always been a concern. The Nikon 35mm 1.4 Z, on the other hand, is not only lighter but also fits perfectly in my kit without requiring me to remove other essentials. This convenience alone makes it a strong contender for my go-to lens.

Next Steps

I’m planning to take this lens for a few wedding shoots to see how it performs in a real-world scenario. Its initial performance is promising, and if it continues to impress, it might just replace my Sigma 35mm 1.4 as my primary lens.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon 35mm 1.4 Z has shown a lot of potential with its combination of sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and lightweight design. I look forward to putting it through its paces in upcoming weddings and will share a more detailed review after some extensive use.

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to test this lens in various shooting conditions!