Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm F/1.2 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm F/1.8 S — Which Is Better?

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm F/1.2 S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm F/1.8 S are S-Line prime lenses for the full-frame Nikon Z mount, and the real choice between them is focal length and maximum aperture. The 50mm arrived in 2020, two years after the 2018 35mm, but the earlier lens is not the lesser pick for every job. Each is a fixed single focal length, so your choice sets the framing before you shoot.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm F/1.8 S is much the lighter and more compact lens. It weighs 370 g against 1090 g for the 50mm F/1.2 S, measures 86 mm long versus 150 mm, and spans 73 mm wide against 89.5 mm. Both accept front filters, but their threads differ at 82 mm and 62 mm, so each lens needs its own direct-fit sizes.

The 50mm F/1.2 S is the stronger choice for dim venues and very shallow depth of field, opening to f/1.2 against f/1.8 on the 35mm. For close work the advantage swaps sides: the 35mm focuses to 25 cm against 45 cm, and it offers 0.19x maximum magnification against 0.15x, so small subjects fill more of the frame. Both use nine diaphragm blades and support autofocus plus a manual focusing ring.

Both lenses have weather sealing, so neither gives up that protection. Neither offers built-in image stabilisation, so neither lens steadies the image itself and any shake control must come from the camera body. Neither has a fluorine coating for easier front-element cleaning, and neither is teleconverter compatible.

The 50mm F/1.2 S carries a larger optical formula, with 17 elements in 15 groups against 11 elements in 9 groups for the 35mm F/1.8 S. It also has internal focusing, so the barrel does not extend while you focus. Both designs include three aspherical elements and two low-dispersion elements.