This is how an experienced professional photographer absolutely breaks the mould to our benefit. Well done Chief! We as consumer spec stuff, you use it in the real world.

As a Fuji user, I am astonished by how negative Nikon users perceive this lens. It's an absolute dream lens, a 35 f1.4 FF just over 400g and under 9cm in length, wow, that's a system seller right there. In Fuji terms, that would be a 23mm F0.95, it doesn't exist, and if it would, we'd be talking about 800g most likely. Similar Sony and third party lenses are equally big & heavy, Nikon gave you guys an absolute gem here. Produce the same thing as a 50mm 1.4, paired with a Nikon Zf (would be even better if they made a smaller FF version of that, a7c or a7cr style) and you have an insanely compact and capable setup. I'm envy, enjoy it lol

It's so refreshing hearing a detailed breakdown on the aspects of a lens from a veteran photographer, unfortunately there's too many photo gear critics and not enough seasoned photographers on KZfaq these days, thank you for sharing.

I still like the AF-S 35mm f1.4 G very much. I still like to use it on my D3 and D4s. As far as I have heard the Nikkor Z 35mm 1.4 has a better image quality for a much lower price. So this is a good direction that Nikon is heading to.

I realized that some lenses are so sharp and "perfect" that I don't actually use them much. I felt this way about the Leica Q3. A few days ago, I added a mist filter to soften the image. Now, it has that "dreamy" quality that transports you.

This will mean more options for the 35mm Nikon shooter, and cheaper prices as well. I would be interested to hear about it's build quality. I think this is a good move.

Voigtlander shooter here. You make great points! This lens is VERY appealing to me if I want to add autofocus to my 35mm lens slot.

You are my favourite photo youtuber. Listening to your point of view is pure pleasure.

Right on spot!

During some unexpected free time around spring of 2020, I mated a lens from a 110 year old Kodak folder to my Z6. It is beautiful. Not overly done character like a wide open Helios, just incredible subject/ background separation. I firmly believe we need more low element count lenses.

You’ve really hit the nail on the head. The new z mount lenses are truly remarkable but at times lack character.

Nicely Put, and thank you Martin Castein!

Spot on. This is one of the reason I shoot the 200mm f2 on my mirrorless body. There is just something about the rendering - and it's easy to identify - and my photography "friends" all see it. The type of image can not be replaced by sharper more contrasty lenses. Nor can the dimensionality - which as you know - a lens will have or not have. For me, it's one of the reasons I love taking photos.

You have given words to what some of us were thinking in our hearts but were not able to express ... Even the Nikon 35mm 1.4G with its CA and flare is one of my fav ... same reason I like the Fuji 35mm 1.4 ... lenses that exude some kind of characters that can not be measured by brick walls and pixel peeping ... 🎉🎉🎉

Nikon Rumors reported they are soon coming out with a 50mm 1.4 non-S as well. I hope you are right and that this is a trend. Maybe an 85mm 1.4 to follow? I do love my 50mm 1.8 S, but I also find my cheap 40mm f2 is plenty sharp enough with nice character that does remind me of some of my older SLR lenses. Really like your take on this and I’m looking forward to the launch of this lens

I heard of this lens for the first time yesterday in a email form LCE. My first reaction was 'That's a surprise: this new Z version is about the same price as some people are still asking for the F Mount 35mm f1.4 used. Interesting times. I'm still a DSLR guy currently (it's bargain time in the used DSLR market - so I'm happy to buy & try all those bodies I've always been curious about.)

This is my dream lens & price. I’m pairing this with a Zf, for event photography. I hope Nikon gives us a similar 1.4 for 85mm

I hope we get what you are saying. I saw a couple people already questioning why this lens was being made instead of the 1.2 version and it left me baffled. I am excited for this lens.

Time and a place for everything, right? If you make me pick character vs perfection, used to pick perfection, but have grown to prefer character. Have one of these on order, hope it's the beginning of a range.

I want the quality of the 40 2.0 at 1.4. Than I’m happy

These a good points and I agree with most of what you are saying, but wonder if its the reduced count of expensive aspherical lenses (and 1 focus motor) configuration, that give the softer look rather than the lack of expensive Ed elements?

Manufacturers use the best lens coatings to improve the contrast, and people then put mist filters on them to make them look dreamier 😁

I was thinking that the 35mm 1.4 might be a little better than the 1.8s for taking pictures in darker small clubs for live music. Thoughts about this?

Would it be fair to consider this an "upgraded" version of the 40mm f/2 lens? It's great to see more budget friendly Nikon lenses added to their lineup. Still hoping for a 35mm f/1.2 or similar big baller lens to be introduced later.

Such a lens that you describe already exists to a large extent in the form of the NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7. In APS-C use you get a field of view of 36mm in full frame analogy. In addition to being light, characterful and small, this lens is also dirt cheap. So anyone who has a Zfc, Z50 or Z30 cannot ignore this lens.

If NIkon and other manufacturers release good enough glass without fancy sharpness and contrast for good price, lot of professionals will buy that, unfortunately the market is driven by KZfaqrs and Amateurs who only care about the sharpness not good photography, I have delivered photos taken from old nikon lenses and some photos that are somewhat out of focus even and not a single person complained or withhold payment due to photos being "not sharp"

Hopefully Nikon have ignored the anoraks when they delivered this lens. Just as Nurburgring lap time comparisons ruined car reviews, brick-wall tests of lenses are meaningless. Like you, I want a 35mm with creamy bokeh and vignetting with smooth gradation.

It's like watching an old horror movie...an old vhs copy creates significantly more discomfort compared to a 4k copy which is so clean that that pleasant feeling of horror is gone.

Just take a look at photos shot with a low element count Nikkor AF 35mm f/2 and see how dimensional the results are. It's stunning compared to most new lenses.

When you are doing professional portraits, not all clients want sharper photos. Some older clients want soft focusing to hide their wrinkles.

When it comes to the older Nikon lenses, is the 50mm 1.4D better than the 1.8D ? (apart from the bigger aperture)

I hope Canon makes also 35mm f 1.2 L. Emphasis on image quality, bokeh, accurate autofocus. State of the art 35mm lens.

Great video Martin

Will your lightroom classic presets work in lightroom 5? Thanks in advance!

Bought,,, TESTED and sent back… hit rate was low.. not sharp at all wide open . Had to go back.

Nikon are getting my attention 😅

The few available yt videos show that the lens is almost as sharp as the S f/1.8. And it’s about 25% lower price. It’s an interesting product. Some say that it is made by tamron.

Is F mount tamron 35 f1.4 better?

I don’t understand this lens unless it drops way down in price. Right now the 1.8s is not much more money.