The following chart shows a comparison between basic parameters of the Nikkor Z 1.8/35 S and other full frame f/1.8-2.0 lenses with similar focal lengths. Significant physical dimensions and weight of the new instrument stick out immediately – especially that it remains bigger and heavier than its Nikon F equivalent while preserving the same number of elements inside.
In the following photo the Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.8 S is positioned between its system 50 mm f/1.8 brother and the reflex camera Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG DC.
The tested lens starts with a metal mount surrounding contacts and a rear element, 27 mm in diameter. The area close to that element is well blackened and matted; we also didn't notice any electronic parts. It would be difficult to have any reservations here.
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The first part of the tested Nikkor's proper barrel is a black, metal ring which doesn't move. On its surface you can find a white dot, making an alignment with a camera easier, an inscription with parameters of the lens, the logo of the producer, an AF/MF switch, allowing you to control the focusing mechanism mode, a „Nikkor S” plate, the serial number, the focusing mechanism working range (∞-0.25m/0.82ft), and finally information that the lens was made in China.
Further on you find another immobile ring, this time made of plastics and devoid of any inscriptions. Then there's a manual focus ring, made of metal, as wide as 39 mm, without any distance or DOF scale. It is a 'focus-by-wire' stepping construction and its whole surface is covered by fine ribs. The focus throw is strongly connected to the speed of your turning – if you move the ring fast it amounts to less than 90 degrees, whhen you turn it slower you are able to reach even 180 degrees. Still the amount of rotation is sometimes rather tricky to measure because a really slow movement doesn't produce any result on the electronic distance scale.
It's worth mentioning that fine, metal ribs on the manual focusing ring are very scratch-prone. It's enough to put two such system lenses close together and they can scratch each other's paint with ease.
Then you see a plastic ring which near one of its ends gets a bit narrower and finishes with a bayonet mount for a hood which you can find in the box with the lens.
The front element doesn't move, is slightly convex and 36 mm in diameter. It is surrounded by a casing collar with the name and parameters of the lens and a non-rotating filter thread, 62 mm in diameter.
When it comes to optical construction you deal here with 11 elements positioned in 9 groups. Two optical elements are made of low dispersion ED glass and three other are aspherical in shape. Inside you also find a round aperture with nine diaphragm blades which can be closed down to a value of f/16. It's worth adding that, in order to protect the lens from moisture and dust, every movable part of its barrel features a rubber gasket. The system also contains Nano Crystal coating.
Buyers get in the box with the lens: both caps, a soft pouch and a petal-type hood.
