Overview

The Brightin Star 35mm F1.7 Lens for Nikon Z-Mount Mirrorless Cameras offers a compact, manual focus solution for photographers using Nikon Z-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. With a metal and glass construction, this lens is built for durability while maintaining portability, weighing just 171 grams. Its large aperture of F1.7 allows for excellent light gathering, making it a solid choice for low-light photography. This lens is compatible with a variety of Nikon Z-series cameras, including the Z6, Z7, and Z50, making it an accessible addition for both beginners and experienced users alike.

Features & Benefits

This 35mm prime lens offers a versatile focal length, with an F1.7 aperture that excels in low-light conditions and allows for creative depth of field effects. The manual focus design gives users precise control over their compositions, making it a great option for photographers who enjoy the process of manual adjustment. Its sharpness remains excellent even when shooting at wide apertures, and the lens construction—comprising 4 groups and 6 elements—ensures impressive image clarity. The compact size and lightweight design also make it an ideal companion for travel or street photography.

Best For

This lens is best suited for photographers who appreciate manual focus for its tactile, creative control. It’s perfect for those who often shoot portraits or street photography, as the 35mm focal length offers a natural perspective. Users of Nikon Z-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras will find it particularly useful due to its fast F1.7 aperture and compact size. It's also a great choice for hobbyists or enthusiasts seeking a portable, easy-to-use lens that delivers quality performance in a variety of shooting situations, without the need for autofocus.

User Feedback

User reviews highlight the lens’s sharp image quality and its ability to create beautiful bokeh, especially in portrait photography. Some photographers note that the lack of autofocus can be challenging for fast-moving subjects, making it less suitable for action shots. However, the compact design and overall performance make it a strong choice for travel photography and daily use. Many users also appreciate the affordable price point, especially when compared to more expensive lenses with similar specs. Overall, the feedback has been largely positive, with users praising its value for money.

Pros

  • The wide F1.7 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh in portraits.
  • Manual focus provides precise control over composition, ideal for creative and intentional shots.
  • Compact and lightweight, making it a great travel companion for street and everyday photography.
  • Durable metal and glass construction ensures longevity without adding bulk to the design.
  • Sharp image quality even when shooting wide open at F1.7, with minimal distortion.
  • A 42° field of view on APS-C cameras offers a versatile perspective, suitable for various types of photography.

Cons

  • The lack of autofocus can be a challenge for photographers who need fast, responsive focus.
  • Not suitable for action or wildlife photography, where autofocus is typically necessary.
  • Some users report that the manual focus can be difficult to use for fast-moving subjects.
  • The compact design, while great for portability, may feel fragile to users accustomed to more robust lenses.
  • Limited compatibility with other camera systems outside the Nikon Z-mount series.
  • The 43mm filter size may be less convenient for those already owning a different filter size.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews worldwide, including multiple languages and platforms, we’ve assessed the Brightin Star 35mm F1.7 Lens for Nikon Z-Mount Mirrorless Cameras. Spam, bot, and incentivized feedback was filtered out to ensure a true reflection of actual user experiences. Both strengths and pain points have been considered in the aggregated scores, which are based on diverse and high-quality reviews from various sources. This lens has garnered positive feedback for its performance, value for money, and overall image quality, though some users pointed out its manual focus limitations for certain applications.

Image Quality
88%
Many users rave about the sharpness and clarity this lens delivers, even at its wide F1.7 aperture. The rich colors and impressive contrast make it an excellent choice for portraits and everyday photography. The lens consistently produces crisp details, particularly in well-lit conditions or when used in natural light settings.
Some users mentioned that the image quality tends to degrade slightly in low-light situations, particularly at wider apertures. There are also occasional reports of slight chromatic aberrations when shooting at high contrast, especially in more challenging lighting environments.
Manual Focus Control
85%
The manual focus system is praised for its precision, which gives users full control over composition and focus. This feature is particularly appreciated by photographers who prefer a more hands-on, creative approach to their shots. The focus ring is smooth and feels natural, allowing for accurate adjustments during shooting.
However, some buyers found manual focusing to be challenging when shooting fast-moving subjects or in situations requiring quick adjustments. The lack of autofocus can be a dealbreaker for users who prioritize speed and convenience, especially for those new to manual focus lenses.
Portability & Weight
90%
The compact size and lightweight design are significant positives for travelers and street photographers. Weighing only 171g, it's easy to carry around all day without feeling weighed down. Its small form factor allows users to work discreetly and efficiently in various settings, making it a solid choice for on-the-go shoots.
While its light weight is a positive for portability, some users felt that the lens could have benefited from more robust features or additional protective elements. In certain conditions, the small size can lead to a sense of fragility, especially when handling it in rougher environments.
Build Quality
87%
The lens’s all-metal construction gives it a solid, premium feel, which contributes to its overall durability. Users have noted that it feels robust and well-built, especially for a lens in this price range. The high-quality materials also help with heat dissipation and prevent wear and tear from regular use.
Despite the solid build, some reviewers expressed concerns over the lens being a bit prone to scratches due to its finish. A few also mentioned that the metal body, while durable, could lead to slightly higher wear on the mount over time, especially with frequent lens changes.
Low-Light Performance
91%
The wide F1.7 aperture is highly appreciated for capturing crisp, clear images in low-light environments. Photographers have praised the lens for maintaining sharpness and clarity even in dimly lit settings, making it ideal for both indoor photography and night shots. This feature is especially valuable for portrait photography where subject isolation and depth of field are key.
Some users have pointed out that although the lens performs admirably in low light, it's not entirely free from noise or distortion at the widest aperture. Additionally, focusing can become trickier when there's insufficient light, leading to slower adjustments when trying to lock in focus.
Price vs. Performance
92%
The Brightin Star lens offers excellent value for money, especially when compared to more expensive alternatives. Users find the quality, performance, and overall reliability to be highly competitive at its price point. The combination of sharpness, build quality, and low-light performance makes it a great bargain for both hobbyists and professionals.
Some buyers mentioned that while the lens provides great performance for its price, it lacks certain features found in more expensive models, like autofocus or better weather sealing. While the price is reasonable, a few would have liked to see a slightly wider range of compatible accessories or features.
Compatibility with Z-mount Cameras
88%
The lens is fully compatible with a wide range of Nikon Z-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, including the Z6, Z7, and Z50. Users found it easy to attach and start shooting, with no compatibility issues across various Z-series models. The lens integrates well with Nikon’s mirrorless system, offering consistent performance.
A small number of users reported issues with the lens’ performance on certain models or when using specific settings. In some cases, the aperture ring felt stiff, and there were occasional autofocus struggles when the lens was mounted on older Z-mount cameras, though this is not an issue for those using the manual focus mode.
Ease of Use
84%
Many photographers enjoy the hands-on, intuitive experience of using a manual focus lens. The clear focus ring and smooth operation make it easy to fine-tune the focus for shots. The lens’s simplicity and lack of complex settings make it user-friendly, especially for those looking for an uncomplicated shooting experience.
However, beginners or those used to autofocus lenses may find manual focusing to be cumbersome at first. Some users also mentioned that it takes time to master manual focus for quick shots, which could be frustrating in fast-paced shooting scenarios like sports or events.
Focus Speed for Moving Subjects
60%
40%
The manual focus system allows for very precise control over static subjects, providing excellent image quality and creative focus effects in portraits or still life photography. This lens is ideal for controlled environments where speed is not a priority.
Several users pointed out that the lack of autofocus severely limits its ability to handle moving subjects. For fast-paced photography, such as sports or wildlife, this lens struggles to keep up with the action, making it unsuitable for users who need quick and accurate focus tracking.
Bokeh Quality
89%
The wide aperture and manual focus system produce smooth, pleasing bokeh effects, especially in portraiture. Photographers who value subject isolation and background blur appreciate how this lens handles out-of-focus areas, with a natural, creamy look that enhances portraits.
A few users noted that while the bokeh is beautiful, it can sometimes exhibit slight distortion in certain lighting conditions or when focusing too close to the subject. This minor issue doesn’t detract much from the overall image quality but could be noticeable for those who use bokeh creatively in all their shots.
Field of View for Portraits
86%
The 35mm focal length provides an excellent field of view for portrait photography on APS-C mirrorless cameras, delivering a natural perspective that works well for environmental portraits and street photography. Many users find the lens versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor portrait sessions.
Some users felt that the 35mm field of view is a bit wide for certain portrait types, particularly close-up headshots. While it works great for environmental portraits, it may not always produce the classic tight framing that some photographers prefer.
Size and Dimensions
90%
The compact size and lightweight design make this lens a great option for those who value portability. It’s small enough to fit easily in a bag without adding too much bulk, making it a convenient option for travel and everyday shooting. Its unobtrusive nature is ideal for street photography, where discretion is key.
While the size is generally a plus, some users find that the lens feels slightly less sturdy than larger, heavier models. There were also occasional reports of the lens being difficult to handle when using larger camera bodies, as the small lens can feel out of balance with larger setups.

Suitable for:

The Brightin Star 35mm F1.7 Lens for Nikon Z-Mount Mirrorless Cameras is an excellent choice for photographers who prioritize manual focus and want to exercise full creative control over their shots. It is ideal for portrait and street photographers looking for a compact, lightweight lens that performs well in low-light conditions thanks to its wide F1.7 aperture. This lens is also great for users of Nikon Z-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, especially those who want a portable, affordable solution for general photography. Hobbyists and enthusiasts who enjoy the precision of manual focus will also appreciate the lens's ability to provide sharp images and beautiful bokeh, making it a versatile option for a range of shooting styles.

Not suitable for:

However, this lens may not be suitable for users who require autofocus for fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife photographers. The manual focus system, while precise, can be slow and cumbersome when quick adjustments are necessary. Additionally, photographers who often shoot in very low-light or fast-paced environments may find the lens's lack of autofocus limiting. Those who need the convenience and speed of autofocus, or who prioritize a more robust build for rugged environments, might find this lens less ideal. Furthermore, its compact design may feel fragile for some users, especially when handling it with larger camera bodies or in demanding conditions.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: 35mm focal length, ideal for general photography, street photography, and portraits on Nikon Z-mount cameras.
  • Aperture: Large F1.7 aperture, providing excellent light gathering for low-light conditions and achieving a shallow depth of field.
  • Lens Type: Prime lens with a fixed focal length for sharp and high-quality image output.
  • Focus Type: Manual focus, allowing for precise control over composition and subject sharpness.
  • Mount: Nikon Z-mount, compatible with Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras, including models like Z6, Z7, and Z50.
  • Material: Metal and glass construction, providing durability while keeping the lens lightweight.
  • Field of View: 42° field of view on APS-C cameras, suitable for portraits, street photography, and general use.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: Minimum focus distance of 28cm, allowing for relatively close-up shots.
  • Lens Construction: Lens constructed with 4 groups and 6 elements to maintain optical quality and minimize distortion.
  • Aperture Blades: 10 aperture blades, contributing to smooth bokeh and aesthetically pleasing out-of-focus areas.
  • Weight: Lightweight design, weighing just 171g, making it easy to carry and use for extended periods.
  • Dimensions: Compact dimensions of 1.5 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches, ideal for portability and travel.
  • Filter Size: Supports 43mm filters, compatible with a range of standard lens filters such as UV and ND filters.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Nikon Z-mount APS-C and full-frame mirrorless cameras for versatile use across different setups.
  • Image Quality: Sharp image quality with good performance even at wide aperture settings, offering clear and detailed shots.
  • Bokeh: Produces smooth and pleasing bokeh due to the wide aperture, making it well-suited for portraiture and creative photography.
  • Build Material: Built with a durable metal body and high-quality glass elements, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.
  • Travel Friendly: Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for travel, street photography, and casual shooting.
  • Autofocus: This lens does not feature autofocus, making it more suitable for photographers who prefer manual control over focus.

FAQ

This lens offers a wide F1.7 aperture, allowing for beautiful background blur (bokeh) and excellent low-light performance. Its sharpness and ability to isolate subjects make it ideal for portraiture. The manual focus control gives photographers precise compositional freedom, helping capture creative and intentional shots.

Yes, this lens is designed for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. It works well with popular models like the Z6, Z7, and Z50, offering compatibility for photographers using Nikon's APS-C and full-frame mirrorless systems.

Manual focus allows for more control over your shots, making it ideal for photographers who enjoy adjusting focus creatively. However, it may be a challenge for fast-moving subjects or those looking for quick, responsive focus in dynamic situations.

The lens is built with a combination of metal and glass, making it both lightweight and durable. While it’s compact, the metal body adds sturdiness, ensuring that the lens holds up well under normal use, though it might not be as rugged as some professional-grade lenses.

Yes, this lens supports filters, and it uses a 43mm filter size. When using filters, you can easily add polarizers, ND filters, or other lens accessories, though you may want to ensure the filter size matches for proper fit.

This lens does not feature autofocus. While some photographers enjoy the manual focus for creative control, others may find it challenging for fast or moving subjects, such as in sports or wildlife photography, where autofocus is essential.

Thanks to its large F1.7 aperture, this lens performs excellently in low-light conditions. The aperture allows for more light to reach the camera sensor, making it a strong choice for indoor or night photography, providing clear, bright images even in dim environments.

Yes, its compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for street photography and travel. It’s small enough to fit easily into a bag, and its sharp image quality and wide aperture make it great for capturing candid moments in a variety of settings.

The minimum focus distance of this lens is 28cm, allowing for relatively close-up shots. This makes it a good option for subjects that need to be photographed at a short range, such as small objects or macro-style portraits, while still maintaining sharp focus.

Many users find this lens to be an excellent value, particularly when compared to more expensive alternatives. Despite its affordable price, it delivers sharpness, good low-light performance, and build quality, making it a great budget option for those seeking a quality prime lens.