Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S vs Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z)

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 50mm, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z) is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Choose the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z) if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You value portability — at 140g (4.9 oz) it's lighter than the 415g (14.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z)'s f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 50mm, Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z) is 35mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is $599, $100 under the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z).
  • Close-up: the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z) reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
  • Weight: the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z) is 140g (4.9 oz) vs 415g (14.6 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S or the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 50mm, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z) is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S?

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Who should choose the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z)?

Choose the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 140g (4.9 oz) it's lighter than the 415g (14.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x.

What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S and the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z)?

Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Voigtlander MACRO APO-ULTRON D35mm f/2 (Nikon Z)'s f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length50mm35mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements128
Optical Groups97
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/2
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades910
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameAPS-C
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View47° – 47°44°
35mm Equivalent52-52mm
Focus
AutofocusYesNo
Focus MotorMulti-focus Stepping
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance40 cm18 cm
Max Magnification0.15x0.5x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$599$699
Filter Size62mm46mm
Diameter76mm57.6mm
Length86.5mm50.5mm
Weight415g (14.6 oz)140g (4.9 oz)
Weather SealedYesNo
Tripod CollarNoNo