We Review the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G: “A Must Have”

I’ll admit, I was a bit confused when Nikon announced a fixed length 35mm lens for DX formatted Nikon DSLRs only. The logic was that it allowed Nikon to focus on making a smaller more affordable lens for DX owners, which essentially means Nikon wanted a lens to cater specifically to the countless Nikon D40, D60, D80, and D90 owners out there. A 35mm lens provides them an equivalent length of 50mm, that classic focal range well known to full frame and 35mm shooters, and the f/1.8 provides wide open shooting just not possible in a kit type lens. Once you accept this, and factor in the price point of $199, this lens starts to make a whole lot of sense. Luckily, while reviewing the very good Nikon D90, Nikon was kind enough to loan me a copy of this new offering. To find out whether this inexpensive fixed length lens is right for you, continue reading our review of the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G .

In the Box

• 35mm f/1.8G DX lens
• Bayonet Lens Hood
• Snap-On Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Soft Case

Even at this price point, you get the lens hood and the soft case. It’s the little things in life, and it’s nice that Nikon didn’t skimp here.

In The Hands

We mentioned that by focusing on DX shooters only, Nikon was able to go smaller and cheaper with the 35mm f/1.8G. Thankfully, in no way did this equate to cheapness, because the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G does not come off as cheap. Housed mainly in plastic, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is well made with excellent fit and finish. It has a metal F mount, a sectional ribbed rubber focusing ring, and the manual/auto focus switch. Left off presumably to control costs, is a distance scale. Overall it’s lighter than most lenses and just a wee bit smaller than say the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G.

Aesthetically it’s a nice looking lens, and it might just be me, but it beautifully combines with the Nikon D90, where its lightness and compact size worked in perfect harmony with the D90’s excellent form factor. Overall, though certainly a low cost lens, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G doesn’t come off looking like a cracker jack prize, and has enough looks and presence to earn a regular place mounted to your camera.

Using the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

The Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is an above average performer and a real pleasure to use. So that it works with entry-level Nikon DSLRs, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G features the Silent Wave Motor, and true to its namesake, lens noise is kept to a minimum. AF when used with the Nikon D90 was reasonably fast, and generally quite responsive. For manual focusing, the focus ring had a fairly smooth action, but did have a tiny amount of give in the back and forth, which might cause a bit of headache during live view focusing. With that tiny exception, we couldn’t have enjoyed our time with the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G more. Paired with the Nikon D90 it made for a well balanced and capable package, picking out focus as fast as I’d want, and looking good while doing it.

2 additional pluses, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G stays at a fixed physical length during focusing, and it also features a non-rotating front element, good news for those wishing to use polarizers, or other screw on filters (52mm).

Image Quality

The Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G delivers very sharp, satisfying results at a high rate. I found it easily resolved fine details, like single hairs, even while shooting a f/1.8. Unsurprisingly, best results are in the center and better results are found at f/2.8, but you needn’t be all that shy about shooting this lens wide open. Bokeh was pretty good overall, again with best results coming at f/2.8, where things look a bit smoother to my eye. Vignetting is well controlled and generally not an issue, but the lens does exhibit a mild degree of distortion, though certainly nothing overly horrific. Where we do get into problems (you knew there had to be a catch right?) is with chromatic aberrations. First a reminder, the D90 automatically removes chromatic aberrations, or at least most of it, so long as it is of the lateral variety. Even so, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G still shows some degree of lateral CA. Where it really has trouble is managing longitudinal CA, especially when wide open. Unlike lateral CA, longitudinal CA is a real pain, if not impossible, to remove in post. Luckily, it can be reduced greatly by stopping down the lens, but if you prefer to shoot wide open, you’ll simply have to live with this flaw. Overall the lens produced silky smooth, but sharp images that most photographers, especially those used to their kit lens, will be very pleased with.

At the end of the review we’ve include a number of samples taken with the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G lens. For the full size originals, just click through the “original size” link. In the included files you’ll note both types of CA in a number of shots, where I deliberately tried to induce CA. Note that decreasing the aperture also dramatically reduce CA with this lens, so that shots f/5.6 and over have very little CA. Detail throughout is very good, but improves even further with sharpening, which hasn’t been done on these images.

Verdict

I really can’t say enough good things about this lens. Relative to its cost, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G brings a high level of performance in a well made, but still tidy package. If you’re still using your kit lens, and looking for an affordable alternative to put in your camera bag, the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G deserves a very strong look. The price simply can’t be beat, and kit lens users will be very happy with the sharp images and wonderful depth of field it provides. If the lens has a negative, it surely has to be with dealing with chromatic aberrations, both lateral and longitudinal, and while certain Nikons can handle the lateral CA, you’re on your own with the longitudinal variety. Other than that, I can’t find a good reason to not recommend this lens. In fact, if you’re just starting to expand your lens library, and own anything from a D40 up to D90, I’ d say this lens is a “must have”.

Build Quality: 8/10
Features: 7/10
Functionality: 8/10
Image Quality: 8/10
Overall Value: 9/10

Get the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G at Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama.

Sample Images

Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.006 sec (1/160) Aperture:     f/3.5 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.24 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.006 sec (1/160) Aperture:     f/3.5 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.24 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture:     f/3.5 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.24 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.004 sec (1/250) Aperture:     f/2.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     1/4000 sec Aperture:     f/1.8 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.88 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     0 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     1/4000 sec Aperture:     f/1.8 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.40 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     0 EV original size
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.002 sec (1/640) Aperture:     f/5.6 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.24 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     0 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.002 sec (1/640) Aperture:     f/5.6 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     0 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     1/4000 sec Aperture:     f/2.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.32 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     0 EV original size
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     1/3200 sec Aperture:     f/2.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.24 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     +1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.001 sec (1/800) Aperture:     f/2.8 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.48 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     +1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.003 sec (1/320) Aperture:     f/8.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     -0.16 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     +1/3 EV original size
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.004 sec (1/250) Aperture:     f/8.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     +1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.02 sec (1/50) Aperture:     f/2.8 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     400 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size	Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture:     f/5.6 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Camera:      Nikon D90 Exposure:     0.002 sec (1/640) Aperture:     f/2.0 Focal Length:     35 mm Exposure:     0.00 ISO Speed:     200 Exposure Bias:     -1/3 EV original size

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1. 

   Mark Doescher says:

   July 9, 2009 at 11:03 am

   Actually, since this is a DX lens, there is no conversion factor involved-it shoots the same as a 35mm on a full-frame lens. All Nikkor lenses with the DX are gauged on the smaller sensor size-so there is no 1.5 times conversion to the focal length.

   reply
   • 

     Patrick says:

     July 9, 2009 at 1:59 pm

     Mark,
     On the nikon D90, the lens performs like a 50mm lens, (52.5mm), as close to a “normal” lens as you’ll get. This is how Nikon markets the lens as well, from their press release on the lens:

     “Nikon Inc. today announced the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens, which is the first fixed focal length, fast-aperture DX-format lens that affords photographers superb image quality along with the creative possibilities and versatility of the classic 50mm focal length (FX-format equivalent of 52mm). When mounted on a DX-format camera body, it enables photographers to document their world with a lens that produces a picture angle similar to the field of vision as seen through the human eye. Whether new to D-SLRs or a seasoned enthusiast, users will appreciate the extreme low-light performance and the expanded ability to dramatically separate the subject and background with the new 35mm DX lens’ wide f/1.8 aperture.”

     reply
2. 

   Charles Badua says:

   July 9, 2009 at 12:31 pm

   I really wish Nikon would make more primes for there FX line up. I wouldn’t mind a 35mm 1.4 for FX, even a 1.8 I could live with if it were decently sharp wide open.

   reply
   • 

     Patrick says:

     July 9, 2009 at 2:01 pm

     Charles,
     I see those same thoughts quite a bit in the various forums. I guess they’re thinking of their entry-level shooters first…

     reply