![]() ![]() When evaluating any lens, we focus on four key areas: sharpness, distortion, chromatic aberration, and bokeh. That’s $300 you could be spending on other lenses. ![]() But even then you’re still talking about a 50% markup over the AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED. If you’re really set on an f/1.4 max aperture, look at the Sigma 35mm f/1.4, which is offers performance virtually indistinguishable from the Nikon version and only costs $900. And while f/1.4 is nice in the right circumstances, the depth of field is so shallow that it can actually be difficult to work with. The 35mm f/1.8 isn’t quite as good wide open, but once you stop down a bit, the lenses offer virtually identical performance. Nikon’s AF-S 35mm f/1.4G is an object of desire for many FX shooters, but it’s nigh unattainable at $1,800. All reports indicate that this lens is well-built inside and out, and we saw nothing to contradict them.ĭespite its rather simple plastic construction, the lens still offers pro features like a distance scale and focus mode switch. Of course, while all-metal lenses have a luxurious feel, it’s the internal construction that really matters. The few controls are all in the right place and feel just fine, but the lens is primarily made of plastic-it feels like an "affordable" lens. The build is sturdy, lightweight, and functional above all else. Like most of Nikon’s G-series lenses, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G ED isn’t much to look at. But if you're happy with your DX camera, just buy the DX lens. If you plan to upgrade to a full-frame body soon, it might be a smart purchase. While it's designed for FX, this lens will also work on DX-compatible bodies, where it behaves like a 52.5mm f/1.8. It's a wide-normal prime lens that features an internal focusing motor, a bright f/1.8 aperture, and an extra low dispersion (ED) lens element. The AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED (this one) is the company’s full-frame option.Īs compact and lightweight as it is, the AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED balances well on virtually any Nikon body. The AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G (which is not the one we’re reviewing here) is for entry-level DX Nikons with APS-C sensors. ![]() Nikon has made things a bit confusing in the last few years by producing two different 35mm f/1.8G lenses. It's one of our favorite FX Nikon lenses for its combination of size, price, and performance. While most DX camera owners should probably opt for the similarly excellent (and less expensive) DX version, shooters who plan to upgrade to full-frame may be better served by going for the 35mm f/1.8G ED from the start. And since it was designed to cover the full-frame FX image sensor, it can also be used on the smaller DX sensors found in Nikon's entry-level bodies.īoth in and out of the lab, we were consistently impressed with the lens's capabilities. An appealing compromise between the two is the Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED (MSRP $599.95), which provides superb performance but costs significantly less than the f/1.4 version. Nikon now offers five different 35mm prime lenses, ranging in price from $199.95 (the AF-S 35mm f/1.8G for its DX cameras) to $1,799.95 (the AF-S 35mm f/1.4G for full-frame FX cameras). ![]()
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