Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens — image 1
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens — image 2
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens — image 3
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens — image 4
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens — image 5
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87%
94%
Image Quality
90%
Portability
85%
Autofocus Performance
93%
Low-Light Performance
87%
Build Quality
89%
Versatility
92%
Value for Money
81%
Manual Focus Control
90%
Size and Weight
88%
Compatibility with Cameras
91%
Bokeh Quality
62%
Image Stabilization
More

Overview

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens is a highly versatile prime lens designed specifically for Nikon DX-format cameras. Weighing just 7.1 ounces, this lightweight lens is perfect for photographers who want a compact option that doesn't compromise on performance. With its fast f/1.8 aperture, it offers excellent low-light capabilities and beautiful depth of field, making it suitable for both casual enthusiasts and professional users. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or street photography, this prime lens delivers sharp, vibrant images with ease.

Features & Benefits

This Nikon lens is equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that ensures quick and quiet autofocus, allowing for smooth, discreet shooting. Its wide f/1.8 aperture is ideal for creating creamy bokeh and achieving a shallow depth of field for more dynamic, focused images. Additionally, it’s compatible with both Nikon DX and FX cameras in DX crop mode, offering a focal length equivalent to 52.5mm on full-frame sensors. Manual focus override gives photographers more creative control when necessary, while its compact design makes it easy to carry for everyday use.

Best For

The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G lens excels in a variety of shooting situations, especially for portrait photographers who crave sharp subject focus with a beautifully blurred background. Its wide aperture makes it ideal for low-light environments, making it a top choice for both indoor and evening shots. Travel photographers will appreciate the lens’s lightweight build and compact size, perfect for on-the-go photography. Additionally, it’s perfect for any Nikon user looking to upgrade to a fast prime lens that offers excellent value without sacrificing performance.

User Feedback

Users consistently praise this Nikon lens for its exceptional sharpness and clarity at all aperture settings. Many also highlight how easy it is to carry thanks to its lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for travel. Photographers love its versatility, with some noting that it works well for both wide-angle shots and portraits. However, a few users have mentioned the absence of image stabilization as a potential downside, particularly for handheld shots in challenging lighting conditions. Despite this, the overall feedback remains highly positive.

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Pros

  • This Nikon lens offers excellent image sharpness across all aperture settings.
  • The fast f/1.8 aperture provides great low-light performance, making it ideal for indoor and evening shoots.
  • Its lightweight design makes it highly portable, perfect for travel photographers who need to minimize gear weight.
  • The wide aperture creates a beautifully blurred background, making it perfect for portrait photographers.
  • The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, quiet autofocus, even in challenging environments.
  • Manual focus override allows precise adjustments, giving photographers greater control when needed.

Cons

  • The lack of image stabilization may be an issue for some users, particularly when shooting handheld in low-light conditions.
  • Some users noted that the autofocus is slower compared to higher-end lenses, which may be a drawback for fast-moving subjects.
  • The lens doesn't come with any included accessories, such as a lens hood or pouch, which might be a disappointment for some.
  • While compatible with full-frame cameras in DX crop mode, it doesn’t offer the full-frame coverage that some users may expect.
  • Its focal length may feel a bit too narrow for users who prefer a wider-angle lens for landscape photography.
  • Not everyone was pleased with the build quality, citing concerns about plastic components.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from various platforms and languages, we found that the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens consistently receives positive feedback for its performance, portability, and image quality. Spam, bot-generated, and off-topic reviews were filtered out, ensuring only authentic insights contributed to these scores. Both strengths and minor drawbacks have been reflected in the ratings, giving you a well-rounded understanding of this lens' real-world performance.

Image Quality
94%
Users are consistently impressed with the sharpness and clarity at all aperture settings. Whether shooting wide open at f/1.8 or stopping down, the results are crisp, with minimal distortion. The lens performs exceptionally well in portrait photography, delivering a beautiful bokeh and pleasing background blur.
Some users mention that the lens can produce occasional chromatic aberration, particularly in high-contrast areas. While the overall image quality is praised, a few buyers noted that it could struggle with finer details in very high-contrast situations.
Portability
90%
Weighing only 7.1 ounces and compact in size, this lens is highly favored by travelers and those who need to keep their camera gear light. Many users note how easy it is to carry around, even for extended periods, making it an excellent option for on-the-go photographers.
While the compact size is a benefit for portability, some users felt that the lens could be a bit too small for those who prefer a more substantial build. A few also noted that it lacks the feel of sturdier, heavier lenses typically found in professional setups.
Autofocus Performance
85%
The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast and quiet autofocus, making it a solid choice for both photography and video work. Many users report that autofocus is quick and responsive in most shooting situations, with no noticeable hunting or lag.
Despite its generally good performance, some users experience slower autofocus in low light conditions. A few buyers also noted that autofocus can struggle with moving subjects or in low-contrast environments, leading to occasional misses.
Low-Light Performance
93%
The wide f/1.8 aperture allows for impressive performance in low-light situations, with many users reporting clear, bright images even in dim conditions. It enables faster shutter speeds and helps maintain sharpness, even without a tripod, which is perfect for indoor or evening shoots.
Some users mentioned that while the f/1.8 aperture performs well in most scenarios, the lack of image stabilization can make handheld shooting in very low light a bit challenging. This can occasionally result in softer images when shooting without a tripod.
Build Quality
87%
The lens features a solid construction, despite its lightweight design. Users appreciate that it feels durable for the price, with a robust plastic body that holds up well in everyday use. Many buyers are satisfied with its performance considering its affordable price point.
Some buyers feel that the build quality could be improved, particularly with the plastic construction. A few noted that while it's durable enough for casual use, it's not as rugged as some higher-end lenses and might not withstand extreme conditions as well.
Versatility
89%
This lens is highly praised for its versatility, making it a great option for various types of photography, from portraits to landscapes. Its compatibility with both DX and FX cameras further extends its usability, allowing users to easily switch between different setups.
While versatile, some users felt that the lens could be more suitable for specialized tasks, like macro or telephoto photography. Its 35mm focal length may not be ideal for every photographer, particularly those who require more reach or tighter framing.
Value for Money
92%
This lens is widely regarded as a great value for its price. Users love the combination of excellent image quality, portability, and low-light performance at an affordable price. Many buyers feel it offers premium-level performance without breaking the bank.
A few users mentioned that while it's an affordable option, it doesn't offer the same high-end features (like image stabilization or weather sealing) found in more expensive lenses. Some also feel that the build quality could be a little more premium for the price.
Manual Focus Control
81%
19%
The manual focus override allows for fine-tuning focus, which is useful for precise adjustments in specific shooting situations. Users appreciate the added control, especially when shooting in manual mode or during video recording.
However, some users reported that the manual focus ring feels a bit stiff or too small, making it less comfortable to use for extended periods. A few photographers felt it could have been more intuitive, particularly for those accustomed to smoother manual focusing.
Size and Weight
90%
Many users love the compact size and lightweight design of this lens, which makes it a perfect match for travel and street photography. It's easy to carry in a bag or even around the neck for long shooting sessions, adding to its overall appeal for photographers on the go.
Some users feel the lightweight design compromises the overall feel of the lens, especially when paired with larger camera bodies. A few buyers would have preferred a slightly heavier lens for better balance, especially for those who prefer more robust gear.
Compatibility with Cameras
88%
The lens's ability to work with both DX and FX cameras in DX crop mode adds to its flexibility. Users with different Nikon camera models appreciate that they can easily swap it between bodies without worrying about compatibility issues.
However, some buyers noted that while it works well in crop mode on FX cameras, it doesn't deliver the same performance as it would on a dedicated DX sensor. Those expecting full-frame coverage might find the crop factor limiting for wide-angle shots.
Bokeh Quality
91%
The wide f/1.8 aperture enables a beautifully creamy bokeh, which many users love for portraiture. The smooth background blur creates a pleasing separation between subject and background, adding depth and focus to portraits.
Some users felt that the bokeh could become slightly harsh at times, especially when shooting at f/1.8 with certain backgrounds. Though it generally produces smooth bokeh, it's not as perfectly creamy as lenses with larger apertures like f/1.4 or f/1.2.
Image Stabilization
62%
38%
The lack of image stabilization isn't a major issue for most users who shoot with a tripod or in well-lit environments. For those who use steady shooting techniques, the absence of stabilization is manageable, especially considering the price of the lens.
Several users expressed disappointment that the lens lacks built-in image stabilization, especially when shooting handheld in low-light conditions. This can make it harder to capture sharp images at slower shutter speeds without additional stabilization equipment.

Suitable for:

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens is an excellent choice for a wide range of users, particularly those who need a compact and lightweight option for travel or street photography. Its affordable price makes it attractive to beginners or hobbyists looking to upgrade from kit lenses without breaking the bank. Professionals in need of a reliable prime lens for portraiture will also benefit from its sharpness and smooth bokeh, especially in low-light situations. Whether you're a portrait photographer seeking excellent subject isolation or someone shooting indoors with limited light, this lens offers impressive versatility and value.

Not suitable for:

However, this lens might not be the best fit for users who need built-in image stabilization or are regularly shooting fast-moving subjects. Those who prioritize sports, wildlife, or action photography may find its autofocus a bit slower compared to higher-end lenses. Additionally, the lack of stabilization can make handheld shooting in dim lighting more challenging, particularly for those who don't use a tripod. Full-frame users might also feel limited, as the lens performs best in DX crop mode, leading to a narrower field of view on full-frame bodies.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: 35mm focal length, ideal for standard perspective shots and versatile framing.
  • Aperture: Wide f/1.8 maximum aperture for enhanced low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
  • Lens Type: Prime lens, offering high image quality and sharpness across all aperture settings.
  • Mount: Nikon F-mount, compatible with both DX and FX Nikon cameras in DX crop mode.
  • Autofocus: Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocus performance.
  • Manual Focus Override: Allows precise manual focus adjustments while using autofocus.
  • Lens Construction: Built with 8 elements in 6 groups, contributing to the overall image clarity and optical quality.
  • Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.16x maximum reproduction ratio, suitable for close-up photography.
  • Dimensions: Compact size of 2.09 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches for easy portability.
  • Weight: Lightweight at 7.1 ounces, making it convenient for travel and handheld shooting.
  • Filter Size: 52mm screw-on filter size, compatible with a wide range of filters.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Nikon DX and FX cameras when using the DX crop mode.
  • Bokeh: Wide aperture of f/1.8 provides creamy bokeh for aesthetic background blur.
  • Build Material: Constructed with a lightweight plastic body, offering durability without excess weight.
  • Included Accessories: No accessories are included, such as lens hood or case.
  • Field of View: Standard 44° field of view on DX-format cameras, offering a natural perspective.
  • Closest Focusing Distance: Closest focusing distance of approximately 0.9 feet (0.28 meters), useful for detailed shots.
  • Lens Type Application: Best suited for portraits, travel, and low-light photography with its fast aperture.
  • Warranty: Comes with a standard manufacturer warranty, typically covering defects in materials and craftsmanship.

FAQ

This prime lens features a wide f/1.8 aperture, allowing more light to hit the sensor. This results in better performance in dim conditions, producing sharper images without the need for a flash. Its fast aperture is especially useful for indoor or evening photography, where lighting is less than ideal.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens is primarily designed for Nikon DX-format cameras. However, it can also be used with full-frame Nikon cameras in DX crop mode. This limits the effective focal length but still allows you to use the lens with your FX body.

Yes, this lens is excellent for portrait photography due to its f/1.8 aperture, which allows for a shallow depth of field. This helps to isolate your subject with a soft, creamy background blur (bokeh). Its focal length is also ideal for capturing natural-looking portraits.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens uses the Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which provides fast and quiet autofocus. This makes it ideal for shooting in quiet environments or recording videos without the distraction of noisy focusing. However, some users report that it can be slower compared to more advanced lenses in fast-moving situations.

No, this lens does not have built-in image stabilization. This can be a downside for users who frequently shoot handheld in low-light conditions. However, many users find the fast aperture and steady handholding technique sufficient for most situations.

This lens is a great option for travel photography due to its compact and lightweight design. Weighing just 7.1 ounces, it won't weigh you down, and its wide f/1.8 aperture makes it versatile for various lighting conditions. It’s ideal for capturing street scenes, portraits, and landscapes while on the go.

To maintain this lens, keep it clean by gently wiping the glass with a microfiber cloth to remove dust or fingerprints. Store the lens in a dry, cool place and use a lens cap to protect it from scratches. It’s important to avoid exposing it to moisture or extreme temperatures to maintain its performance.

While the 35mm focal length works well for portraits and general-purpose photography, it may feel a bit too narrow for wide-angle shots, especially on DX-format cameras. For landscape or architecture photography, a wider lens may be more appropriate, but it can still capture some wide scenes in a pinch.

This lens is made with a plastic build, which some users feel may be less durable than metal-bodied alternatives. However, its design is lightweight and portable, making it easier to carry. It’s considered a solid, well-built lens within its price range, but not as rugged as more expensive models.

The biggest downside mentioned by users is the lack of image stabilization, which can make handheld shooting in low-light situations challenging. Some users also feel that the autofocus could be faster, particularly when capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the lens doesn’t include accessories like a lens hood or case.