Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 Svs 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
Nikon
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S (2018)
Starting from £549 new
Best for Portraits & studio work
View Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Sigma
35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (2012)
Starting from £499 new
Best for Street, documentary & low-light photography
View 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Portraits & Studio Work — Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S (2018): One of the finest 50mm lenses ever made — the wide Z-mount throat enables edge-to-edge sharpness and stunning bokeh that rivals lenses twice the price.
Street, Documentary & Low-Light Photography — 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (2012): The lens that proved third-party glass could beat first-party — world-class optical quality at a significantly lower price than Nikon equivalents.
Who should buy what
Quick take: The 35mm f/1.4 dg hsm art is the most affordable; only the nikon z 50mm f/1.8 s is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S (2018) | 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (2012) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £549 | £499 |
| Sensor | f/1.8 (max aperture) | f/1.4 (max aperture) |
| Video | 40cm minimum focus distance | 30cm minimum focus distance |
| Autofocus | STM (Stepping Motor Actuator) — fast and near-silent | HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) — fast and near-silent with full-time manual override |
| Stabilisation | None (relies on body IBIS) | None (relies on body VR if available) |
| Burst Rate | — | N/A |
| Battery Life | — | N/A |
| Weight | 415g | 665g |
| Dimensions | 76.0 × 86.5mm | 77mm diameter × 94mm length |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | — | N/A |
| Screen | — | N/A |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon F-mount (FX / DX) |
| Memory Cards | — | N/A |
| Connectivity | — | N/A |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S | 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Travel | — |
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