This Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX prime lens is aimed at photographers wanting a cost-effective, fast aperture alternative to their standard zoom lens. The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX features a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, so when compared to a standard zoom with a variable maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6, it offers many more creative depth-of-field options along with low-light shooting opportunities. It also means that you benefit from a slightly brighter viewfinder thanks to the extra light flooding through the wider aperture, and this aids aiding autofocus, too.
The lens is DX only, so is designed to be fully compatible on Nikon D-SLRs with APS-C sized sensors, and as such has a 1.5x focal length multiplication factor that produces a field-of-view equivalent to 52.5mm. This has traditionally been known as a ‘standard’ focal length, as it neither widens nor compresses the scene.
Unlike quite a few prime lenses in the Nikon lens line-up, the 35mm features an AF-S motor for quiet AF operation. It’s also good news for D40/D40x/D60 owners, as autofocus is possible thanks to the in-built motors. There’s no Vibration Reduction (VR) to assist in reducing the risks of camera shake, but with the lens being very compact, it’s not so much of an issue when hand-holding, and it helps to keep the price down, too.
Build wise, it’s a step up from a kit lens such as the 18-55mm or 18-105mm, with a metal lens mount and a decent matt finish, though there’s no focus distance indicator that’s found on more expensive models. For a lens costing just under £200, results were strong. There’s some minor barrel distortion and chromatic aberration when wide open at f/1.8, but detail was good, only falling-off a touch in the corners of the shot.
There’s no denying that the fast aperture of this lens is bound to appeal to owners of slow kit lenses and it’s a great way to start getting creative and honing your skills. Whether the idea of replicating a focal length you probably already have appeals is down to you.
At a glanceMaximum aperture: f/1.8
Minimum aperture: f/22
Closest focusing distance: 0.3m
Aperture blades: 7
Filter size: 52mm
Dimensions: 70x52.5mm
Weight: 200g
www.nikon.co.uk