Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is 35mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You value portability — at 830g (1.83 lb) it's lighter than the 1090g (2.40 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Where they differ

  • Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is 35mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is 50mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is $1,999, $100 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S.
  • Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is 830g (1.83 lb) vs 1090g (2.40 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is 35mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S?

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 830g (1.83 lb) it's lighter than the 1090g (2.40 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S?

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S?

Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is 35mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is 50mm — different framing and reach.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length35mm50mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1717
Optical Groups1415
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.2f/1.2
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades1111
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View63°47° – 47°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorMulti-focus SteppingMulti-focus Stepping
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance30 cm45 cm
Max Magnification0.17x0.15x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,999$2,099
Filter Size82mm82mm
Diameter97mm89.5mm
Length118.5mm150mm
Weight830g (1.83 lb)1090g (2.40 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo