Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX

Item: AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
Rating: 5
Author: Leo Sutic

2013-03-21

Updated: 2015-03-13

This may well be the last review of this lens being written, because I can't think of anyone who hasn't already gone out and bought one.

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
Prime lens for DX sensors

Specifications

VR Image stabilization
No

Focus motor (AF-S)
Yes

Reproduction ratio
0.16
Focal length

Actual
35 mm

35 mm equiv on DX
52 mm
Aperture

Min
f/1.8

Max
f/22

A great addition to your lens collection if you want to produce those photos with razor-thin depth of field. Otherwise don't bother, the 18-55mm kit lens is just as good. (5/5)

Let me be brief, because most has already been said.

Is it sharp? Average. If you pixel-peep on the new 24 Mpix cameras, then you'll see some softness. You shouldn't pixel peep. But if sharpness is an issue for you, then you are someone who pixel peeps. And for you, this lens is average.

Is it good in low light? Sort of. If you don't shoot moving objects, then it's about twice as fast as Nikon's 18-55mm VR kit lens. What you gain in light gathering you lose in the lack of VR. If you do shoot moving objects, then it's f/1.8 good. Compared to the kit lens, at 35mm it's seven times faster, but if we measure the kit lens at 18mm - and that is a fair comparison since prime lenses means sneaker zoom [a] - it's three times faster.

Is it small? Kinda. Compared to the Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 [b] it is small, but then again, so is an elephant. Compared to other plastic Nikon DX lenses it is slightly smaller, but not in a transformative way. Those lenses are already sized to be a good match, size-wise, for the DX-sensor camera they are intended for.

Does it produce a razor-thin depth of field with delightfully soft out-of-focus areas? Yes, amazingly so.