Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE is 28mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE for standard, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.2x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 opens to f/1.7 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE is 28mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.2x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE or the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE is 28mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE for standard, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.2x.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 opens to f/1.7 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 28mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 75° | 44° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 52-52mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 12 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $299 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 70mm | 70mm |
| Length | 45.5mm | 67mm |
| Weight | 145g (5.1 oz) | 166g (5.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
