Review: AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

The traditional 50mm f/1.8 “normal” lens is the standard in SLR photography. It provides the most natural perspective, simulating what the human eye sees, and is fast enough for most existing light applications. With the introduction of the DX format with its 1.5x crop factor, a new standard had to be developed, which the AF-S 35mm satisfies.


On a DX, or APS-C sensor camera, 35mm translates to 52.5mm in the full-frame world of 35mm. This lens combines that “normal” perspective with an f/1.8 maximum aperture to create a “normal” lens for DX cameras with the performance users have come to expect in a standard 50mm f/1.8 lens.

This is the “normal” lens of today; everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Tack sharp down to the next to lowest aperture, and more than a full stop faster than the typical compact digital camera. The aperture ring and focus scale have been omitted, and the cost savings put into the excellent optics and autofocus system. It’s not designed to be a wide angle lens as its focal length suggests, but rather a solution for those seeking the traditional, fixed-focal length standard lens in the DX format.

That said, unlike most DX lenses, when used on an FX or 35mm film camera the image circle almost covers the full frame. Wide open, it provides a Holga 135BC-like “black corner” effect, which can be quite effective. So although it will not substitute for the AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G, its use on an FX/35mm body remains a distinct possibility.

On my D90, it does indeed provide the angle of view comparable to that of my Canon AE-1 and Olympus OM10. However, the minimum focus distance is considerably shorter, offering quasi-macro capability. Used with a 12mm or 20mm extension tube, extreme close ups are possible, but this would not be my first choice for macro work due to its short working distance. (See my review of the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G).

Shooting with the AF-S 35mm is an exercise in nostalgia. It takes me back to my SLR roots, yet brings them up-to-date. It exposes new photographers to tradition and best practices. It makes every camera it’s mounted to a lightweight performer. For general-purpose, existing-light photography, you’d be hard pressed to find a better, more cost-effective solution.  If you can’t capture the moment with this lens, you’re not going to do it with a more expensive one.

Build Quality ★★★★

Not professional grade, but quite rugged despite its bantam weight. At 7.0 oz. (198g), this is easily my lightest lens, which is very apparent when mounted on the camera. Although it feels like a budget lens, its chromed brass mount with gasket put it in a different category altogether..

Compatibility ★★★★
Like all G-series lenses, this lens is intended for use with cameras that use electronically controlled apertures. No aperture ring means the aperture is set to its minimum value on cameras manufactured before 1988. If you have a Nikon BR-6 and a locking shutter release cable, you can reverse it for macro work.

Focus ★★★★
This is primarily an autofocus lens, the operation of which it is fast and silent. Manual override and full-manual mode work well, but there’s never a compelling reason to use them other than to correct a focusing error. The action is mechanical, not silky as in an AF-D lens or fluid as in an AI-S lens. Also unlike these lenses, there’s no hard stop at infinity; if you rotate the clutched focus ring until the focus scale stops rotating, objects at infinity will be out of focus. The only way to set the focus to infinity is to focus on a very distant object, switch to manual mode, and leave the focus ring undisturbed. At the other end of the scale, it is possible to focus very slightly closer using manual focus than with autofocus.

Optical Quality ★★★★
The edge sharpness of this lens is greatest at f/2.8, with the center peaking at f/4, and nearly identical at f/5.6. At f/1.8, the border sharpness drops off to only “good/very good” levels. So, you really can’t go wrong from wide open to f/5.6, but for the sharpest images, work from f/2.8 to f/5.6.

Value ★★★★★
It’s a no-brainer. This is Nikon’s sharpest, least expensive lens. Period.

Versatility ★★★★

Versatility is a normal lens’ middle name. Primarily designed for DX, gives a pleasing black-corner lomographic effect on 35mm/FX. Focuses closely, and works well for macro work with extension tubes. Not the best choice for reversal, but will work with the Nikon BR-6 Auto Diaphragm Ring and a locking cable release. 

Diaphragm

7 curved blades.

Filters

Accepts 52mm filters with a plastic thread. Adapts well to larger filters with step-up rings. The body of the lens is approximately the same diameter as a 67mm filter, which appears perfectly normal when used. even 72mm filters do not look overly large.

Hood

Comes with an HB-46 reversible bayonet hood. For filters larger that 52mm, use a step-up ring and the excellent Hoya Screw-In Rubber Zoom Lens Hood.

Included Accessories

Suede-like storage pouch with front pinch and rear lens caps, HB-46 bayonet hood.

Specifications

You can view Nikon’s Specifications for this lens by visiting their website.