Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is 35mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm — 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 DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR for wide-angle.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $499 vs $1,999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 830g (1.83 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S opens to f/1.2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is 35mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is $499, $1,500 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 130g (4.6 oz) vs 830g (1.83 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is 35mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm — 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 DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $499 vs $1,999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 830g (1.83 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S opens to f/1.2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 12-28mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 63° | 99° – 54° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 18-42mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.23x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,999 | $499 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 97mm | 70mm |
| Length | 118.5mm | 45.5mm |
| Weight | 830g (1.83 lb) | 130g (4.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
