The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G ED lens is a popular choice among photographers, especially those just starting out or looking for a budget-friendly option. But is it a good lens? Does it live up to the hype, or is it a disappointment waiting to happen? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of the Nikon 35mm 1.8, exploring its features, pros, and cons to help you decide if it’s the right lens for you.
Features and Specifications
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a look at the specs of the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G ED lens:
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.2x
- Elements/Groups: 11/8
- Diaphragm Blades: 7
- Filter Thread: 58mm
- Dimensions: 70 x 52.5mm
- Weight: 205g
- Mount Type: Nikon F-mount
Optical Design
The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G ED lens features an optical design that includes 11 elements in 8 groups, with one Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass element. This design helps to reduce chromatic aberration and spherical distortion, resulting in sharper, more accurate images.
Autofocus
The lens features Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocus. This makes it ideal for capturing candid moments, as well as for video recording.
Pros
So, what makes the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G ED lens a great choice for photographers? Here are some of the key advantages:
Wide Aperture
The lens’s wide maximum aperture of f/1.8 allows for excellent low-light performance and a shallow depth of field, making it ideal for portraits, street photography, and indoor shooting.
Affordability
The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G ED lens is priced very competitively, making it an attractive option for photographers on a budget.
Compact and Lightweight
Weighing in at just 205g, the lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for extended periods of time.
Great Image Quality
The lens produces excellent image quality, with high sharpness and contrast, even at the edges of the frame.
Cons
While the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G ED lens is a great choice for many photographers, it’s not without its flaws. Here are some of the key disadvantages:
Distortion
The lens exhibits some visible distortion, particularly at the edges of the frame, which can be noticeable in certain types of photography.
Vignetting
The lens suffers from some vignetting, especially when used at wider apertures, which can result in darker corners and loss of detail.
No Image Stabilization
The lens does not feature image stabilization, which can make it more difficult to handheld shots, especially in low-light conditions.
Not Ideal for Landscape Photography
The lens’s wide angle and compact design make it less suitable for landscape photography, where a wider angle and greater depth of field are often desired.
Real-World Usage
So, how does the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G ED lens perform in the real world? Here are some examples of its usage:
<h3_Portrait Photography
The lens’s wide aperture and compact design make it an excellent choice for portrait photography. It’s ideal for capturing candid moments and intimate portraits, and its wide angle allows for a more environmental portrait style.
Street Photography
The lens’s wide angle and fast autofocus make it a great choice for street photography, allowing you to capture quick and candid moments in a variety of lighting conditions.
Indoor Photography
The lens’s wide aperture and compact design make it an excellent choice for indoor photography, where lighting is often limited. It’s ideal for capturing images in restaurants, museums, and other low-light environments.
Alternatives
If the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G ED lens isn’t quite the right fit for you, here are some alternative options to consider:
| Lens | Focal Length | Maximum Aperture | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon 35mm f/2 | 35mm | f/2 | $269.95 |
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art | 35mm | f/1.4 | $899.00 |
Conclusion
So, is the Nikon 35mm 1.8 a good lens? In conclusion, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G ED lens is a excellent choice for photographers looking for a budget-friendly, compact, and lightweight lens with excellent image quality. While it’s not perfect, its pros far outweigh its cons, making it an excellent addition to any photographer’s kit. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G ED lens is definitely worth considering.
Is the Nikon 35mm 1.8 a good lens for beginners?
The Nikon 35mm 1.8 is an excellent choice for beginners. Its wide aperture and relatively affordable price make it an attractive option for those looking to venture into prime lens photography. Additionally, the 35mm focal length is considered a great starting point for learning about composition and storytelling.
Moreover, the lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to handle and carry around. It’s also a great lens for learning about aperture and how to use it effectively. With a wide aperture like 1.8, you can experiment with shallow depth of field and create beautiful bokeh. Overall, the Nikon 35mm 1.8 is an excellent lens for beginners who want to improve their photography skills.
Is the Nikon 35mm 1.8 a good lens for portraits?
The Nikon 35mm 1.8 can be used for portraits, but it may not be the best choice. The 35mm focal length is considered a bit wide for portraits, and it may not provide the best compression and flattening effect that portrait photographers often look for. However, it can still be used for environmental portraits or group shots, where a wider angle is desired.
If you do decide to use the 35mm 1.8 for portraits, make sure to pay attention to your subject’s placement within the frame. You may need to get closer to your subject or use a wider aperture to blur the background effectively. Additionally, consider using a slight crop or adjusting your post-processing to account for the wider angle. With practice and creativity, you can still get great portrait results with the Nikon 35mm 1.8.
Can I use the Nikon 35mm 1.8 for street photography?
The Nikon 35mm 1.8 is an excellent choice for street photography. The 35mm focal length is considered a classic street photography focal length, providing a wide enough angle to capture the surroundings while still being wide enough to get up close and personal with your subjects. Additionally, the wide aperture allows you to shoot in low light conditions, making it ideal for capturing the vibrant atmosphere of city streets at night.
The Nikon 35mm 1.8 is also a discreet lens, making it easy to carry around and blend in with the crowd. Its compact size and light weight also make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, allowing you to quickly respond to changing scenes and capture the decisive moment. With the Nikon 35mm 1.8, you’ll be able to capture stunning street photography shots that tell a story.
Is the Nikon 35mm 1.8 weather-sealed?
Unfortunately, the Nikon 35mm 1.8 is not weather-sealed. This means that it’s not designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, or extreme temperatures. If you plan to shoot in such conditions, you may need to take extra precautions to protect your gear.
However, it’s worth noting that many photographers have reported using the Nikon 35mm 1.8 in light rain or mist without any issues. But if you plan to shoot in more extreme conditions, you may want to consider a different lens or take necessary precautions like using a rain cover or umbrella.
Can I use the Nikon 35mm 1.8 on a crop sensor camera?
Yes, you can use the Nikon 35mm 1.8 on a crop sensor camera. However, keep in mind that the crop sensor will affect the lens’s effective focal length. On a crop sensor camera, the 35mm focal length will be equivalent to around 52mm, which is slightly longer than the standard 50mm focal length.
While this may affect the way you compose your shots, the Nikon 35mm 1.8 can still be used effectively on a crop sensor camera. Just be aware of the crop factor and adjust your composition accordingly. Additionally, the wide aperture will still provide a beautiful bokeh and shallow depth of field, even on a crop sensor camera.
Is the Nikon 35mm 1.8 compatible with Nikon’s Z-series cameras?
The Nikon 35mm 1.8 is a DX lens, which means it’s designed for Nikon’s DX (crop sensor) cameras. However, it can be used on Nikon’s Z-series cameras with the FTZ adapter. The FTZ adapter allows you to use DX and FX lenses on the Z-series cameras, but keep in mind that there may be some limitations.
When using the Nikon 35mm 1.8 on a Z-series camera with the FTZ adapter, you may experience some vignetting or corners that are slightly softer than the center. However, many photographers have reported that the lens works well with the adapter, and you can still get great results.
Is the Nikon 35mm 1.8 worth the price?
The Nikon 35mm 1.8 is considered a budget-friendly lens, and its price reflects its value. While it may not be the most premium lens in Nikon’s lineup, it offers excellent value for its price. Its wide aperture, compact size, and light weight make it an attractive option for photographers who want a prime lens without breaking the bank.
Additionally, the Nikon 35mm 1.8 is a great lens for learning about prime lens photography, and its affordable price makes it an excellent starting point for beginners. Even for more experienced photographers, the lens offers great value for its price, and it’s a great addition to any camera bag.