There aren’t that many lenses with constant focal length designed for the APS-C format. The explanation is right on the surface: why make models which duplicate existing full-frame ones and are even less expensive because it makes no sense to offer them at prices equal to or higher than those of their “big brothers” ? That’s partly why the Sigma AF 30/1 is so popular.4 EX DC HSM, released in 2005, which became a “normal” or “stock” lens for many crop crop camera owners.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35/1 lens.8 G DX
Nikon responded in 2009 with the announcement of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35/1.8 G DX, which makes up for the difference in aperture ratio by more than twice the price difference: Sigma is offered for $500, Nikon sells it for $200 USD. Disclaimer: Pentax, stubbornly building up their line of APS-C fixes doesn’t count – full-frame alternatives are hard to come by there. Plus, Sony has recently released several inexpensive APS-C lenses with constant focal length.
Specifications
Optical scheme from Nikon site
| Focal length:35mm |
| Equivalent focal length:52.5 mm |
| Angle of field of view diagonal : 44 degrees |
| Optical design: 8 elements in 6 groups, including 1 aspherical |
| Aperture range: f/1.8 – f/22 |
| Number of aperture blades: 7, rounded |
| AF motor: Ultrasonic SWM motor |
| Minimum focus distance:30 cm |
| Maximum magnification: 0.16x |
| Light filter diameter:52 mm |
| Dimensions: 71*53 mm |
| Weight:200 grams |
Package Contents
Nikon took the hero of the review seriously. Buyer waiting:
The lens
Nikon HB-46 Hood
Nikon LC-52 front cover
Nikon LF-1 back cover
Nikon CL-0913 storage case
Manual
Warranty card
A complete kit that’s more like an expensive professional lens. I wouldn’t even be surprised at the lack of a lens hood Canon, au! , and here for $ 200 and a hood, and even a storage case I wanted to go through the ineptness of the case-bag, but I can not talk – with the price it is perceived more as a gift, but a gift horse
Manufacture, construction, ergonomics
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35/1.8 G DX definitely does not disappoint: a quality lens in the entry level price range, from which it is inappropriate to expect the level of top professional models. The plastic is not annoying, the assembly is neat, sturdy and without tolerances, the mount is metal, the manual focus ring is covered with grooved rubber. The only complaint is the lack of a distance window.
Top view
The manual focus ring occupies the front of the lens, is well placed and “where you expect”. The ring is not wide 12mm, rubber covered8mm , there is virtually no damping, a “plastic over plastic” feel is present, but the travel is even, no jerking or jamming, and the force is comfortable. The 115-degree ring travel is friendly to manual focus lovers.
Front element
Autofocus mode switch is conveniently located, the “flick” force is a little more than usual. the lens does not change size when focusing, the front element does not rotate. Shallow ring hood also won’t make it difficult to use gradient and polarizing filters.
Back element
Easy to use, to the ergonomics of the Nikon D5200/AF-S Nikkor 35/1.8 G has no complaints and cracks, the weight is friendly. The only complaint is that the hood, when worn in the carrying position, obstructs access to the focus ring. The lens looks organic on small DSLRs.
Geometric distortion
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35/1.8 G DX performed slightly worse than expected: barrel distortion is 2%, a bit higher than usual for lenses with the same focal length.
Distortion
Resolution and sharpness
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35/1.8 G DX did not disappoint: Center is sharp at all working apertures, corners leave much to be desired at f/1.8 and f/2.0, but already at f/2.8 are pulled up to a fully acceptable level, and in the f/4 range.0 – f/11 lens is sharp across the entire image field.
| f/1,8 | f/2,8 | f/4,0 | f/5,6 | f/8,0 | f/11 | |
| Center | 90% | 95% | 100% | 98% | 93% | 88% |
| Edge | 78% | 86% | 92% | 91% | 85% | 81% |
| Angle | 63% | 77% | 80% | 81% | 76% | 75% |
| 90% | 103% | excellent |
| 76% | 89% | very well |
| 62% | 75% | well |
| 41% | 61% | acceptable |
Vignetting
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35/1.8 G DX was a pleasant surprise: vignetting is present and noticeable at open apertures, but its level is lower than in most classmates. Level of 1 stop exceeded only at f/1.8 and f/2.0, already at f/2.8 Vignetting is reduced to a comfortable 0.7 stops. At f/4.0 – 0.4 stops and 0.3 stops at f/5.6.
Vignetting at f/1.8
Vignetting at f/2.0
Autofocus
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35/1.The 8 G DX has a built-in SWM autofocus motor – a process that is almost silent and convincingly fast. Full distance travel takes about 0.5 seconds.
I have heard numerous complaints about the accuracy and reliability of the autofocus. I won’t refute it – it would be silly to deny the variation from piece to piece, but I can’t deny it either: the lens we tested focused confidently, accurately and tenaciously even in difficult lighting conditions.
Front focus and out-of-focus area coloring at f/1.8
Worth mentioning is the focus-shift shifting the focus point depending on the selected aperture , an inherent feature of many fast-aperture models. The settings on the test piece met my expectations: at f/1.8 and f/2.0 A slight front focus that is almost imperceptible at f/2.4 and absent at f/2.8 and beyond. If I mainly took portraits, I’d have to correct it to get an accurate exposure at open apertures.
Chromatic aberration
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35/1 test specimen.8 G DX has excellent chromatic aberration control: it is within acceptable limits 0.06% at all apertures.
CA at f/1.8
Even at fully open apertures, the CA width is less than 1 pixel: 0.9 pixels or 0.03%. At f/2.8 The CA width is 0.722 pixels 0.024% and increases slightly with aperture shutter: 0.827 pixels 0.027% at f/4.0, 0.85 pixels 0.028% at f/5.6 and 0.935 pixels 0.031 at f/8.0. Outstanding results for a fast, inexpensive lens.
Out-of-focus vignettes are not as bright, or rather, they are intrusively colorful at open apertures. The effect is clearly present up to f/2.8 and only stops bothering me when the aperture is set closer to f/4.0
Image, Backlight
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35/1.8 G DX has no problems with the quality of the image: the contrast is already sufficient at f/1.8, color reproduction neutral.
Out-of-focus area blur is solid, but the impression is somewhat spoiled by increased out-of-focus area coloring at open apertures.No complaints about operations in harsh lighting conditions and backlight: the subject of the review maintains acceptable contrast in most cases, reflection and artefacts are very rare even when shooting without the hood.
Conclusion
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35/1.I liked the 8 G DX. Some loss of sharpness in the corners of the frame at open apertures and the presence of focus shifter do not allow me to place this lens in my list of “honest” lenses, but it is frankly good and very close to the list, and its flaws are fully compensated by the low price.
In fact, the price of $200 seems rather steep nowadays, and you are half expecting a catch. I declare: I found no catch and recommend the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35/1.8 G to all Nikon APS-C camera owners looking for a quality inexpensive “normal” lens.
The hero of this review will be an excellent choice: predictable, bright, with good workmanship, and most importantly – not at all costly.
My thanks to Nikon for the opportunity to get to know the lens.
Can someone please provide insight on the performance and quality of the Nikon AF-S DX 35/1 lens? I am in need of a reliable review that covers its features, image sharpness, autofocus accuracy, and overall value for money. Does it produce satisfactory results in low light conditions? Thank you in advance for any information you can share!
The Nikon AF-S DX 35/1 lens is highly regarded for its performance and quality. It is known for its excellent features, including a wide aperture of f/1 which allows for great low light photography and shallow depth of field. The lens produces extremely sharp images with good contrast and minimal distortion. The autofocus accuracy is fast and reliable, making it suitable for both stills and video. In terms of value for money, it is considered a worthwhile investment due to its solid build, image quality, and versatility. It consistently produces satisfactory results in low light conditions, making it ideal for capturing sharp and high-quality images in challenging environments. Overall, it is a reliable lens that delivers impressive results, making it a popular choice among photographers of all levels.
Was the Nikon AF-S DX 35/1 lens review comprehensive and did the testing provide reliable results?