Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX

Nikon Best Lenses

Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX 

       The AF-S Nikkon 35mm F1.8G DX is Nikon's lens, was announced in February for PMA 2009. Its introduction came as something of a surprise to many observers, not because it's an updated 35mm lens with a built-in autofocus motor, but because the 'DX' designation indicates that it's designed for use on DX format bodies, and isn't fully compatible with Nikon's growing FX format camera range. According to Nikon, this has allowed the company to design a lens that is smaller, lighter and cheaper than it would have been had it offered full coverage of the FX image circle. In effect, the lens is primarily targeted as an inexpensive, large aperture option for users of the entry-level (D40 / D40X /D60) series of DSLRs.

       The 35mm f/1.8 is super-sharp, focuses instantly, it's fast, it's tough (metal mount), and simply works perfectly.

       The f/1.8 aperture is a nice compromise. It's fast enough to give a three-stop advantage over most of the kit zooms (which would be at least f/5 at 35mm). But f/1.8 isn't fast enough to require a big chunk of glass, so the size of the lens is, as I noted, small. I like compromises like that. Yes, f/1.4 would give you another two-thirds of a stop, but it would also increase the size, weight, and cost of the lens. Let's just agree that Nikon made some decent decision trade-offs here and quibble about fractions of a stop on a lens where the difference might be more meaningful.

       The 35mm focal length provides 37° of horizontal angle on DX. One reason why some people think this is "normal" is that the most central area our eyes take in--anywhere from 40-60°--is where most of perception of the scene in front of us is. Areas outside that tend to be more "motion detectors" as far as our eyes are concerned (which is why we glance to the side or turn or head when something is not happening right in front of us).

Specifications
Street price	200$ (US)
Date introduced	February 2009
Maximum format size	DX
Focal length	35mm
35mm equivalent focal length	52.5mm
Diagonal Angle of view	47º
Maximum aperture	F1.8
Minimum aperture	F22
Lens Construction	• 8 elements / 6 groups • 1 hybrid aspherical element
Number of diaphragm blades	7, rounded
Minimum focus	0.3m (1.0 ft)
Maximum magnification	0.16x
AF motor type	• Ring-type Silent Wave Motor (ultrasonic-type)
	• Full-time manual focus
Focus method	Internal (rear) focus
Image stabilization	• None
Filter thread	• 52mm
	• Does not rotate on focus
Supplied accessories	• Front and rear caps
	• HB-46 hood
Optional accessories
Weight	210g (7.4 oz)
Dimensions	70mm diameter x 52.5mm length
	(2.8 x 2.1 in)
Lens Mount	Nikon F only

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Lens Highlights:

• Fast, f/1.8 prime lens is perfect for low-light conditions, travel, environmental portrait and general photography 
• Engineered for Nikon DX-format D-SLRS, the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G lens renders a picture angle approximating the classic normal angle of view of a 50mm lens on a Nikon FXformat digital SLR or 35mm film camera 
• Aspherical lens element minimizes coma and other types of lens aberrations, further improving image integrity 
• Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) enhances light transmission efficiency and offers color consistency and reduced flare 
• Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus 
• Close focusing to 1 foot for creative perspectives and versatility 
• Rounded 7-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural 
• Accepts 52mm filter attachments