NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7: Tried and tested

First impressions

What I noticed first was how small and light the lens is, but at the same time well-made and sturdy. For the session, I used natural daylight on a bright, sunny day to enhance the seasonal feel of the theme and help bring out the colours and textures in a natural way. I loved how the lens allowed me to get close and highlight texture. By adjusting the aperture and controlling the softness of the light with a diffuser, I was able to keep the details sharp while maintaining a soft, natural look. The 35mm focal length (close to 50mm full-frame equivalent) pushed me to think more about composition and storytelling instead of just isolating tiny details from a distance, which created a more immersive experience than I was used to.

The photo session

I wanted a set-up that would offer a variety of textures and colours to really test the lens in capturing closeup details in lifestyle-oriented compositions. Being inspired by spring and summer, I thought of waffles with fruit – colourful, fresh and visually appealing, the kind of food you instantly think of on warm, sunny days. On their own they’re interesting, but with whipped cream and honey they become a great subject for food photography, perfect from every perspective, whether it is a closeup, flat lay image or a 90° angle, and the combination of vibrant berries, soft cream and crisp waffles creates a strong balance of colour and texture that works beautifully in photographs.

Constant f/1.7 aperture

One of the first things I noticed was how the lens’s very fast f/1.7 aperture gave me a lot of flexibility with my approach. While I mostly used between f/4 and f/10 to capture more detail and control depth of field, having the option of a wide aperture allowed me to photograph handheld. I could keep ISO low at 100 and use a faster shutter speed, which made it much easier to photograph without worrying about blur or noise. As I was working in beautiful daylight, I didn’t need to supplement the scene with extra lighting, which made the session feel relaxed and natural. The combination of the fast aperture and good natural light allowed me to experiment with angles, get low to the subject and focus on styling. I was also able to capture flowing honey clearly, which adds a sense of movement and makes the images even more appetising.

35mm focal length

The 35mm focal length, which is around 50mm equivalent field of view on full frame, works really well for food photography thanks to its balance between close focusing and a natural perspective, all without needing to switch lenses. You can do portraits, keeping context and colour the main focus of the frame, which works especially well for lifestyle compositions, or wider frames, which are great for setting the scene and showing the overall mood around the hero dish, making pictures feel more natural and engaging. But this being a macro lens, you can get really close to reveal all the details and textures of the subject in a very natural way, such as the crispness of the waffles, the melting butter, the softness of the cream and the freshness of the fruit.

Using DX format

Working with the Nikon Z50II felt quite different from my usual full-frame set-up with the Nikon Z 7, but in a really good way. The DX crop sensor allowed me to get a slightly tighter field of view, which actually worked very nicely for food. Also, it gave me a bit more flexibility when working close up, allowing me to experiment with details and composition, and as such it made my scenes feel more focused.

Best use cases

I would definitely recommend this lens for anyone who enjoys food and macro photography. It’s really versatile, allowing for both closeup detail and wider, more contextual compositions. I used it with the Nikon Z50II, which is also very lightweight, almost like a compact camera, while still offering many features you’d expect from a full-frame system. Overall, the camera and lens struck a great balance between ease of use and creative flexibility, making them ideal for both beginners and more experienced photographers. And although I approached the session slightly differently and a bit more experimentally, I was able to gain strong, high-quality, professional-looking results.

Monika’s ten top tips

1. Good lighting brings out textures. If the light is too far away, food can look lifeless, but the same happens if there are no shadows at all, so find a balance. Try different directions, such as side light or backlight. I often use a net curtain to soften light and shape it in a creative way.
2. Texture is what makes food feel interesting, and closeup photography should emphasise those details. Using a dedicated macro lens will help these small details create an almost sensory response for the viewer.
3. Food freshness is vital, especially in macro photography, as every detail becomes visible, even the smallest imperfections. Furthermore, fresher food catches the light nicely! Enhance this by spraying water on fruit, herbs or vegetables, or soak them in cold water beforehand.
4. Guide the viewer’s eye using layers, depth and selective focus to highlight the most appealing parts of the dish and avoid overcrowding the frame with too many props. By keeping things simple you can use negative space to draw attention to the food.
5. Styling is essential. Small adjustments such as the placement of fruit, the flow of honey or the shape of cream make a big difference. Also only keep props if they have a purpose. For example, a flower in a vase might cast an appealing shadow in the background.
6. Layer ingredients to create a sense of depth and contrast. Even something as simple as icing sugar or crushed freeze-dried raspberries can add that extra texture and make the image more interesting.
7. Pay attention to edges and shapes. Gently adjusting cream or placing fruit in a certain way allows you to show food in its most natural form, which can accentuate its creaminess or juiciness.
8. Depth of field matters in macro, so really think about what you want in focus. At f/4, I captured flowing honey while my hands were slightly blurred. With f/9, I captured the softness of melting butter on a waffle, while in another frame, f/10 and a steeper angle kept everything sharp.
9. Understanding the colour wheel can help you choose the right props and create a harmonious scene. I worked with a warm, soft colour palette, using sand and pink tones for the background and a cool grey tablecloth, ensuring the scene didn’t distract from the food.
10. While the fast f/1.7 aperture of this lens is great for working handheld and encouraging you to experiment, you should use a tripod when needed. It helps keep everything sharp, especially in lower light or when working with very shallow depth of field.