Nikon Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Nikon · 35 mm · f/1.7
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
71
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Outstanding sharpness throughout the aperture range, even wide-open at f/1.7
+Versatile dual-purpose lens for everyday shooting and macro photography with 0.67x magnification
+Exceptionally compact and lightweight at 220g with metal mount for improved build quality
+Fast, quiet, and accurate STM autofocus ideal for video work with suppressed focus breathing
+Minimal distortion and negligible color fringing at medium to narrow apertures
Worth Knowing
−Not a true 1:1 macro lens; tops out at 0.67x magnification rather than life-size
−No optical image stabilization; Nikon DX bodies lack in-body stabilization, limiting handheld macro work
−Notable vignetting at f/1.7 and strong flare when bright lights enter the frame without a lens hood
−Plastic barrel construction feels less durable compared to metal barrels, though weight reduction is intentional
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 isn't a true 1:1 macro lens, but for APS-C shooters it's remarkably capable, doubling as a decent portrait lens and general-purpose prime with a 52.5mm equivalent focal length. The lens is pin-sharp at the center wide-open at f/1.7, with excellent edge and corner performance at f/2.8 and narrower, virtually no distortion, and excellent sharpness for both general shooting and macro photography. The lack of image stabilization is a limitation for handheld macro work, but optical quality and versatility make it solid value if you use good shooting technique and a tripod when needed. | |
| Brand | Nikon |
| Release Year | 2025 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Nikon Z |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Nikon Z APS-C |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  APS-C |
Physical57/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 220 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 70 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 72 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 52 mm |
Optics88/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 35 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 1.7 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 44° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 16 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 9020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 16 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.67x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features52/100 | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. |  Yes |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction54/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 8 |
| Groups | 7 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 1 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 1 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |