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 

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24mm f/1.4 AF-S G

Nikon Best Lenses

24mm f/1.4 AF-S G (2010-today)

Nikon's newest lens is among their best.

       This is not only the world's best 24mm lens, significantly better optically than the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 24mm f/1.4 that costs three times as much, it's also an extremely useful lens.

       If low light is your interest, I'd suggest getting this 24mm f/1.4 instead of a wide zoom.

       For many people, this could be the only wide lens you'd ever need. Its performance is unequalled at any aperture.

       Because it has half the focal length of a 50mm lens, it can be hand-held at for exposure times twice as long. This lets me shoot hand-held in light twice as dim as with a 50mm f/1.4 lens, or in the same light as a 50mm f/1 lens.

Unlike a 50mm lens, it has far more depth of field at the same f/stop. This additional depth of field also contributes to sharp hand-held photos at night. This 24mm lens at f/1.4 has a useful depth of field, while 50mm f/1.4 lenses have only paper-thin depths of field.

      My friend have owned and tried most of Nikon's fast (low aperture) gems (58mm f/1.2 Noct, 28mm f/1.4, AF 85mm f/1.4, 105 and 135mm f2 DC, 200mm F2 VR, etc), and this lens ranks among the best.

      Great build quality, super sharp wide open at f/1.4, great bokeh (creamy background blur) and very low flare (especially when compared to my 14-24mm zoom). Less distortion and noticeably sharper than the older 28mm f/1.4.

     This is THE lens to own for low-light / nighttime photography! 

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50mm f/1.8D AF

Nikon Best Lenses
50mm f/1.8D AF (versions from 1978 - today)

       Nikon's least expensive lens is also among its sharpest. It has no distortion, focuses almost instantly, and it's Nikon's smallest and lightest lens.

       It is among Nikon's fastest lenses, and covers film and the full FX frame. Except that the D40, D40x and D60 can't autofocus with it (neither can the F3), there is no reason not to own one of these, unless you opt for the twice as expensive 50mm f/1.4 D.

       All the earlier 50mm f/1.8 lenses since 1978 are also all excellent, including the 50mm f/1.8 AF (non-D), 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor manual focus, and the 50mm f/1.8 Series E.

Specifications
Name	Nikon 50mm ƒ/1.8D AF Nikkon
Image Circle	35mm
Type	Standard Prime
Focal Length	50mm
APS Equivalent	75mm
Max Aperture	ƒ/1.8
Min Aperture	ƒ/22
Diaphragm Blades	7
Lens Construction	6 Elements in 5 groups
Diagonal Angle of View	46 degrees
Focus Details
Front Element Rotation	No
Zoom System	n/a
Closest Focus	0.46m / 1.5 ft.
Magnification Ratio	0.15x / 1:6.6
Filter Size	52mm
Dimensions(Length x Diameter)	39mm x 64mm / 1.5 in. x 2.5 in.
Weight	156g / 5.5 oz
Notes
Typical Online Price	US$99

       This is a great little lens, very sharp and thanks to it's low f-stop value can take some very good pictures in low light conditions. It's a very fast and quiet auto focus lens. It has become one of my favorite lenses to use. I would highly recommend this lens as a great very affordable low light lens. Talked with some other photographers and they love this lens as much as I do.

       Can't wait to go to museums and other locations where flash photography is either not permitted or hard to use to really put it through it's paces in low light conditions and handheld shooting is required thanks to tripod police. 

       This compact and fast, f/1.8 lens is versatile and perfect for travel and portrait pictures as well as general photography. Note: AF not supported by D40 and D60, D3100, D3000, D3100, D5000 cameras 

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