Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G
The Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G is a new prime lens (meaning it has a fixed focal length of 35mm) from Nikon that has a few nice features. Most exciting is the speed of this lens – f/1.8 – that’s fast enough for many low light situations (it is the widest aperture DX-series lens available). This is a DX lens so is designed to work on all DX/cropped cameras including the D40, D40X, D60, D90, D300 etc
The focal length of 35mm sounds wide but is the equivalent of 52mm on a full frame or film body and is pretty close to producing ‘a picture angle similar to the field of vision as seen through the human eye.’ The lens also comes with Nikons Silent Wave Motor – making focussing quiet and smooth.
The Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G will have a recommended retail price of $199 USD when released in March and is already available for order on Amazon at that rate (pretty affordable for a lens of this speed).
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G Lens News Release
Nikon Introduces The Fastest DX-Format Lens To Date: The AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G
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.
“The development and release of the 35mm f/1.8 NIKKOR lens delivers new and added versatility to the Nikon DX-format digital SLR system and provides DX-format photographers with a broader range of fast-aperture lens options,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “This f/1.8 prime lens provides users with exceptional control of background and foreground, superb low-light ability, and the natural focal length that has been the staple of photography since its inception.”
Lightweight, compact and affordable, this lens can easily become a fast favorite for any level of photographer, and is the perfect complement to D60 users who are just starting to learn D-SLR photography or enthusiasts who love their D90. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens is ideal for travel, general photography, landscape shooting, portraiture or pushing creative boundaries. The stunning sharpness, clarity and color reproduction are all proof positive of more than 75 years of NIKKOR heritage and experience in optics engineering.
This lens continues the tradition of NIKKOR precision optics to provide photographers with sharp, high-resolution images and the ability to focus as close as 0.98 feet, while the integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, whisper-quiet AF operation.
The 35mm DX lens construction consists of eight elements in three groups, with an aspherical element to reduce size and weight, while contributing to the enhanced balance when mounted on a smaller DX-format D-SLR. A rounded diaphragm opening combined with the nine-blade aperture contributes to a substantially more circular bokeh for a more natural appearance of out-of-focus background elements. Additionally, instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are suppressed using Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate color balance.
The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning March 2009 at an estimated selling price of $199.95.* For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
Tags: Lenses, Nikkor, Nikon, Nikon Lenses
47 Responses to “Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G” - Add Yours
February 11th, 2009 at 11:41 am
‘The focal length of 35mm sounds wide but is the equivalent of 52mm on a full frame or film body and is pretty close to producing ‘a picture angle similar to the field of vision as seen through the human eye.’
It is still a 35mm lens with a cropping factor. I don’t think that the ‘field of vision’ is the same as that of a 50mm lens on a FX body.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Ah finally! Now I can save some dough rather than buying a full-frame DSLR (which cost a bomb for me) just to enjoy my 50mm 1.8 Nikkor! at its rated focal length rather than being cropped up to 70mm
February 11th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
With this and the recent article entitled “Stop wishing for that Amazing Camera and Appreciate The One You’ve Got”, I now think I’ll stick to my D40. =)
February 11th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
And they briefly explain why over here: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09021002nikoninterview.asp
February 11th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
While I use my 50mm 1.8 a fair amount, I am interesting in checking this one out especially for indoor candid shots.
February 11th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I just purchased the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 not too long ago, only to hear the recent news?!? Go figure.
But will I grab the NEW 35mm despite my recent purchase? You betcha! Although I enjoy using the 50mm, to have the convenience of an AF-S will justify my purchase. Or, so I keep telling myself. ;) Really looking forward to this lens.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Why does the D70 always get left of lists?
February 12th, 2009 at 2:19 am
This is very interesting, especially compared to the 50mm f/1.4 AFS DX released not to long ago. Both are clearly aimed at D40 owners. This one is much cheaper, but probably has a more useful focal length, and is slower. But, the price is low enough that I think I’d be willing to forgo the extra stop of speed just to be able to use this on my D40!
February 12th, 2009 at 4:06 am
This is awesome news, especially in light of the interview kain posted indicating more ‘budget’-priced AF-S primes should be coming soon. I recently bought a D60 as my first DSLR and have been a bit disappointed by the steep prices (at least to me) of the AF-S lenses available, such as the 50mm 1.4. I bought an old AF 50mm which I enjoy, but would love a reasonably priced AF-S alternative. I was starting to think it would be better to move up to an AF-compatible body just to open up my budget lens options.
February 12th, 2009 at 5:13 am
I am waiting for the release of the much touted 50 mm f 1.4 but there seems to be no sign of it anywhere except by pre-order without any clue of a date. Does anyone have any idea? Also is it going to be worth the wait?
douglas
February 12th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Exciting news! I couldn’t justify purchasing a $500 Nikkor 50mm AF-S 1.4g lens, and after reading that the new AF-S 35mm F/1.8G is very similar, I’m getting this lens on the first day!
Good move by Nikon.
February 12th, 2009 at 11:23 am
being new to photography, the numbers quoted dont mean anything to me yet – i havent learned the jargon. I”m wondering if it will fit my D80 (doesnt say so i doubt it) and also if its a low light and wide aperature if it would be decent for concert photography where i’m able to get right up front. any thots would be great, i’ll come back and read later. thanks.
February 12th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
@Douglas Nelson: doesn’t the 50mm f/1.4 already exist? It’s goes for ~$350 on amazon.com?
February 12th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Donna, yes, it will fit your d80. It will fit any Nikon DSLR. The problem with cameras “lower” than the d80 is that they don’t autofocus with all lenses. This is one of the first prime lenses Nikon is making that will autofocus on these cameras. This is why it is exciting. You can use this one and any others that will work on the D40/x, D50, D60, and D70, but you have many additional options because you own D80.
My feeling is that this would probably be a good lens for concert photography, but I’ll let others chime in here.
February 12th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
deirdre, thanks very much for the info… i think i’m excited – hopefully the answer will be ‘yes it will be great for concert photography’ seeing as how its at least affordable (and small enough to pack around!)
:: eagerly awaits another comment ::
February 13th, 2009 at 2:54 am
Donna, another lens you might want to look at is the AF 50mm 1.8, which is currently available for around $110-125. It’s the same aperture (1.8) as the 35mm mentioned here, so it would also be good for indoor photography (lower aperture numbers mean you can use faster shutter speeds and therefore they’re more optimal for indoor use). Since you have a D80, the AF lenses will work great for you (the sub-D80 bodies require the ‘AF-S’ lenses in order to have functional auto-focus).
It’s up to you whether a 35mm or 50mm will be better, but I think the main excitement around this new lens is for sub-D80 users who want cheap-ish prime lenses with auto-focus. There are already lots of great options for D80 users like yourself :)
February 13th, 2009 at 2:58 am
Also, Donna, you mentioned you’re new to this and the numbers don’t mean much to you. I’m very new to this whole game as well and one book I would highly recommend as a fellow newbie is ‘Understanding Exposure’ by Bryan Peterson. I’ve seen it recommended by several others and from the few books I’ve looked at, it definitely does the best job of really helping to understand aperture, shutter speeds, ISO, etc.
February 13th, 2009 at 3:02 am
miketuna thanks. I’ll check out that lens and see if the book is available at chapters. I have also found Photography 101 on back posts here – and it seems like a great way to learn as well – well explained and easy to remember once you walk away from the computer :)
February 14th, 2009 at 3:21 am
I’m SO excited to hear about this. I’ve been delaying a decision on a prime and was wanting a 35 vs the 50 but hesitated because I wanted a faster lens. I was very (pleasantly) surprised to see the low price. Hooray! I know what my next lens will be.
February 15th, 2009 at 12:13 am
I’m sure it’s a great piece of glass, but I’m skeptical about the lens being a “step above the 35mm F2 in terms of image quality.”
February 16th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Do you know where I can see some SOOC shots using this lense? Great review!
February 18th, 2009 at 6:12 am
What it mean by saying AF vs AF-S?
February 20th, 2009 at 4:52 am
@william
AF – auto focus
AF-S – auto focus with silent motor
February 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 am
Can someone explain what the difference between 50mm 1.8 and 35mm 1.8 is (besides autofocus for sub d80s)? I’m new to photography…thanks!
February 24th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
So will this lens auto focus on my nikon d60 camera – or is it manual only?
February 28th, 2009 at 2:24 am
Yes it will Diane…I have a D60 and preordered it from Amazon
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:45 am
Lysa,
The 50mm f/1.8 is built (and priced) for full frame (FX) sensors. The focal length multiplier for a DX sensor (D40 … D90) is 1.5, which will turn that 50mm lens into an equivalent 75mm lens. The 35mm f/1.8 announced by Nikon is a true 35mm on a DX sensor.
The “standard” focal length for DX is 35mm, the standard for FX is 50mm. These focal lengths give images with an angle of view similar to the human eye. Here [http://www.panoramafactory.com/equiv35/equiv35.html] is a good explanation.
March 5th, 2009 at 10:05 am
How did you preorder from Amazon? I don’t see anywhere to do that. All it allowed me to do was enter my email address to be notified when it is available. I would much rather preorder it and be done with it.
March 8th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
I’m really looking forward to this one. I have two f2.8 lenses (both made for FX bodies) and am looking forward to an even quicker prime lens. And the fact that it is made specifically for my DX body is a bonus. I’ve been fighting with myself on whether or not to buy a 35mm f2.0. Now that decision has been made for me. Personally I am really glad to see Nikon pay attention to the DX crowd AND to producing more/newer prime lenses.
March 14th, 2009 at 7:30 am
This is going to be my first lens purchase (after the kit lens) for my D40. I’ve just started photography and from what I have read I think this will be a really good lens to learn with.
March 16th, 2009 at 2:39 am
Just got mine yesterday and have not had time to really try it yet but my first impression is very positive. At 259 canadian $ I just could not be without it.
March 16th, 2009 at 7:55 am
If I already own a 50 f/1.8 (D80 and D300), then should I look at some other lens than the 35 f/1.8 which will help with everyday pictures and more or should I consider getting the 35mm one? I have the 18-200 VR, 18-55 VR already. Any suggestions to this dilemma?
March 19th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Donna, since you’ve already owned the D80, I’d think the 50mm f/1.8D is more economical since your D80 can auto focus with this lens, which is one of the fastest and sharpest prime lens available, and is now available pretty cheap on ebay even with dedicated hood included almost for free. The f/1.8G is aimed at those who own sub D80 which cannot auto focus with the f/1.8D.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:19 am
Got my Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f/1,8G last Sunday and I just love it. Perfect for my D80!
March 26th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Go figure they just released this and I ordered my 50mm f/1.8D 2 weeks ago. I’m pretty new to the photography world so learning to use manual focus along with learning everything else is a bit overwhelming. Luckily I just found a buyer for my 50mm so I can’t wait to get this 35mm with auto focus for my d40! No one seems to have it in stock though. B&H had it for a bit but it’s like $20 more there than adorama and amazon.
March 27th, 2009 at 9:59 am
where are you guys getting your lenses? only place I can find it is pre-order on amazon.com. I want to walk in a store and buy this thing, shipping would be too long to wait for me :-P
June 9th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I have a D90 and I am new to photography. From what I read, I think the 35mm lens is more suitable than 50mm for D90. CORRECT ME IF I AM MISUNDERSTOOD.
Thanks for the valuable Info.
@ Deborah
In Canada, the lens is avialable at Henry’s Camera $279, Aden Cameras $259, and Bestbuy $279, and Camera Canada $257.
June 25th, 2009 at 4:05 am
Amazon is selling it for ~$525.. not sure how it shoot up from $199 ?
June 25th, 2009 at 4:16 am
Is that Amazon or a third party seller on Amazon? Supply & demand, maybe? I know I ordered mine on Amazon back in March, I think. It took months to ship, but it was direct from Amazon and I paid $199.
June 25th, 2009 at 4:22 am
I’ve just checked Amazon. They are still preselling this at the price of $199.99.
The price you refer to is from a stockist who are profiteering if anyone is stupid enough to pay their grossly inflated price. This company should be avoided at all costs……
DWN
June 25th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Thanks for pointing that.. I guess failed to notice that..
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:52 am
Got mine today, using it on a D80, too. Concert pictures here. Some of the pics are cropped a bit, otherwise not tweaked.
Handheld, sitting first row, tried with ’sports’ setting, but couldn’t hold it steady enough. So turned it on S, shutter speed 1/60, pushed the ISO to 1600 and the exposure correction to +5. White balance on 3000.
> hopefully the answer will be ‘yes it will be great for concert photography’
For an amateur I’d say yes.
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:59 am
Line up:
Matthieu Michel: flugelhorn
Michael Zisman: bandoneón
Urs Bollhalder: piano
Heiri Känzig: bass
Lionel Friedli: drums
heirikaenzig.com / myspace.com/heirikaenzig
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:14 am
You’re less limited than with the 50/1.4 because you can capture more of the scene with the 35.
October 2nd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
> the sub-D80 bodies require the ‘AF-S’ lenses in order to have functional auto-focus
As does the newer D5000.
October 17th, 2009 at 11:54 am
B&H got in stock and before ordered checked on web and found a Best Buy store who had these. It was the only one but cost 199.99 plus st. tax which was the same as next day delivery. Thanks Best Buy. Played for a while tonite—-excellent.
October 17th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Bought mine at a local shop (Carsands Mosher) two weeks ago and it’s pretty well stuck on my d300! I find it to be unexpectedly sharp and the f1.8 aperture has given me the opportunity to shoot in situations I couldn’t before.
It has it’s problems.
Below f2.8 it is a little soft. But at 2.8 and above it is amazingly sharp!
With the D300 and NX2 chromatic aberation doesn’t even exist! BUT…if you open the same .nef files in cs3, then it is present and has to be dealt with using the proper tools.
Light fall off at f1.8 is marked…but c’mon!!! It’s f1.8!! And what sub $1000.00 lens doesn’t have light falloff at a wide open aperture?
I highly recommend this lens if you can live with it’s faults….I know I can and love using it! When it came out a lot of people seemed to want to beat up on Nikon because this lens wasn’t designed for full format. Personally I am grateful to them as it’s sooooo nice to have a prime lens designed for DX format cameras!
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