Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX

It is often believed by photographers that they need to have an expensive lens to complement their expensive digital camera bodies in order to feel the full benefits of the performance that these cameras deliver. Some people may shy away from those lens that cost under $200 because the list of features is too small leading people to believe that these lens serve as significant bottlenecks of the camera’s true performance. However, Nikon has been introducing new lens for the people on a tight budget and throwing in some exciting features that make the low price questionable. Among these lenses is the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens which was announced back in Februrary ‘09.

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX | Lens Details

Design & Construction

Out of the eight wide-angle lenses currently available, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens looks different from the rest of the pack in terms of design and construction. The budget aspect lies on its use of plastics to compose most of the design and low amount of elements with 8 in 6 groups used. The lens mount is the only metallic part of the lens while the 52mm filter threads remain plastic. The interesting thing about the overall design is that just by looking at it, it is difficult to tell what materials are used to build the lens. This means that people do not need to worry about attaching a lens that “looks cheap”. It is also easy to storage since the hood reverses onto the lens like other bayonet-mounts and it still feels pretty light because of the plastics used.

Actual user review:
“Being a self proclaimed prosumer I’m not exactly a pro, but I am still demanding when it comes to camera hardware. I mention this because it puts this review in the proper context. First off, when a $199 lens comes around from Nikon, I was skeptical but for $199 and all the great reviews why not give it a shot? Well, I did. I put the thing on my camera (made sure to put on a filter first) and start snapping away, outside, inside, and everywhere in between. The pictures are fantastic, in low light in particular. The bokeh isn’t top notch but for anyone but a pro this likely will be worth the tradeoff being the 199 price tag is a huge selling point here. And don’t get me wrong, the bokeh isn’t terrible, I’ve just seen better with more (much more) expensive lenses. So is it hype? Can a Nikon lens selling at $199 be good enough for the more demanding consumers out there? You betcha, this thing is probably the best and smartest purchase I’ve made in the last five years. I have three other lenses and I can say without any hesitation the 35mm F/1.8 AF-S will be on my camera 90% of the time – if not more – from here on out. In closing, if you love photography but don’t have the means to drop hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on nicer lenses, get annoyed at the fact that low light photography with the kit lens just doesn’t cut it, and want to expand, this is THE lens to get. I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Good luck! “ – T.B.Hill (OR,USA)

Features & Specifications

The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens is a decent choice for photographers and travelers that prefer taking photos in low-light conditions, but general photographers should be happy with this unit as well. It is one of the newer models available so the optics are generally better and with the DX logo being present, it is easy to tell that this is optimized for the DX-format DSLRs where the picture angle can be 50mm.

Those that see sharpness as a big deal will be pleased to know that the sharpness is rather good for a lens that cost $200. It is best at f/2.8 where the center is under 1.5 units and the corners under 2 blur units. Even the chromatic aberration is handled a bit better at f/2 although it still doesn’t compare well with the ones that have the ED specification.

The autofocus operation is good as well and has the Silent Wave Motor technology to ensure that it is fast, stays accurate, and operates quietly. Color consistency is good as well because of the Super Integrated Coating and aspherical lens element to minimize coma.

Bottom Line

Ordinary photographers should have a lot of fun with these lens and creative photographers can take some pretty good shots too because of the focusing options and rounded 7-blade diaphragm for the out-of-focus areas. The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens a great general purpose lens to get for environmental photography and a must-have for budget users that want emphasis with low-light.

Average User Rating:

• “If you are looking for the ultimate walk around portrait & landscape dx prime lens then this lens has your name on it! I use this lens 90% of the time on my D90. The 35mm range gives you what I call as the “what you see is what you get” framing. It is also very “footwork friendly”. A prime lens where you can easily step forward or step back to zoom in or out without breaking a sweat. The constant 1.8 aperture allows you to shoot crisp images at low ISO at low light conditions. Images are sharp and vivid. Creamy bokeh baby! The way you like it served. Absolutely perfect for portrait shots at the f2.0~2.8 sweet spots. Much respect with the rest of the prime lenses on the Nikon line but for me this is just simply the best performing affordable fast lens to date. GO GET IT!!!” – R.V.Polito (CA,USA)
• “Like many I was on the waitlist for this lens. I almost cancelled my order for the Sigma version which I had heard good things about. I am glad I didn’t. This lens is on my camera 90% of the time now. For anyone that shoots in side and needs a fast prime for low light conditions – this is your answer. 35mm is roughly the equivalent of the classic 50mm on film. Wide enough to get the whole family in the shot and long enough that you are a comfortable distance from your subject 99% of the time – its the perfect lens for DX. Nikon I thank you.” – Justin F. (PA,USA)

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