Voigtländer Nokton D35mm f/1.2 Review: Retro Charm for Nikon Z fc

Considering the acquisition of a Nikon Z fc or already owning one? Delve into the Voigtländer Nokton D35mm f/1.2 lens; its compatibility with the Z fc is remarkable. Voigtländer meticulously incorporates vintage elements, evident in the notched rings and vibrant aperture markers. Unlike Nikon’s attempts, Voigtländer’s lens embodies true retro aesthetics for modern mirrorless setups. Nonetheless, navigating its manual operation poses challenges, prioritizing character over sheer technical prowess. Yet, for enthusiasts embracing retro vibes, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Reviewing the Voigtländer Nokton D35mm f/1.2 Lens

Lamenting the absence of vintage-style lenses for Nikon’s new retro cameras, the Zf and Z fc, led me to discover an alternative: Voigtländer.

Encountering the Voigtländer D35mm f/1.2 Nokton lens at CP+ expo, mounted on a Nikon Z fc, evoked a nostalgic sensation.

Specifications of the Voigtländer Nokton D35mm f/1.2 Lens:

Crafted in Japan, this lens, despite its vintage appearance, is designed for modern Nikon Z-mount cameras and is relatively new.

My brief encounter at CP+ left me yearning for more, and thanks to Flaghead Photographic, I had the opportunity for a more extensive review.

The Voigtländer lens captivated both myself and my camera enthusiast father, evoking memories of simpler times while harnessing Nikon’s latest mirrorless technology.

If you’re an owner or prospective buyer of a Nikon Z fc, the Voigtländer lens is a must-have accessory.

Design of the Voigtländer Nokton D 35mm f/1.2

Crafted in Japan, this lens pays meticulous attention to retro aesthetics, with a manual focus system.

The Nikon Z-mount variant stands out, boasting a tactile focus ring and aperture control reminiscent of vintage Nikon lenses.

For aficionados of Nikon’s SLR heritage, the Voigtländer lens is a nostalgic delight, completing the manual exposure triangle.

While lacking weather sealing, its solid build and electronic contacts ensure seamless integration with modern cameras, preserving vital metadata.

Performance of the Voigtländer Nokton D 35mm f/1.2

Optimal sharpness is achieved between f/2 and f/8, with distinctive bokeh adding character to your shots.

When using this lens on a full-frame camera like the Z f, be aware of automatic cropping due to vignetting.

For everyday use on an APS-C camera, especially for portraits, mastering manual focus is essential but challenging.

The lens boasts 12 aperture blades, resulting in smooth bokeh, particularly wide open at f/1.2.

While the f/1.2 aperture offers superb low-light performance and shallow depth of field, stopping down to around f/2 enhances sharpness.

Despite its price, the Voigtländer Nokton D 35mm f/1.2 is a worthwhile investment, especially for Nikon Z fc owners captivated by its charm.

Considerations for Purchasing the Voigtländer Nokton D35mm f/1.2

Buy it if:

If you crave an analog feel in today’s digital world, the Voigtländer Nokton D35mm f/1.2 delivers, mimicking the experience of old SLR lenses.

Full manual control is your preference. This lens offers manual focus and an aperture ring, allowing for complete manual exposure control.

For those who appreciate shallow depth of field, the f/1.2 aperture provides excellent potential, particularly for portrait photography.

Don’t buy it if:

If relying on Nikon’s autofocus system is crucial for your photography, this manual focus lens may not suit your needs.

Versatility is a priority for you. As a prime lens, it lacks the flexibility of zoom lenses, limiting its use in various scenarios.

If your main focus is on achieving the absolute best image quality, other lenses may outperform the Voigtländer Nokton D35mm f/1.2, which prioritizes character over technical excellence.