Review: Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX
When the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX was released, I wanted to hate it. I'd been clamoring for years for Nikon to release a fast, wide prime for professionals, and this seemed like it could be it … but it was DX, meaning it wasn't designed to work with Nikon's professional, full-frame cameras without vignetting. I was … not happy.
But then I understood -- I saw the price. Whatever cost-savings they had gotten from making it a DX lens were passed on to the customer. Nikon was only charging $200 at the exact same time that the yen/dollar comparison and recession forced them to raise the prices on all other lenses into the stratosphere. Pretty much anyone who could afford a dSLR system could afford this lens … but should they get it?
In my view, yes. This is a lens for practically all Nikon users -- even, amazingly enough, owners of the full-frame D700 and D3.
If you have a newer small-body Nikon DSLR like the D40 or D60, this lens is a godsend. Before the 35mm came out, the only fast prime that would focus on your camera is the $5,000 200mm f/2 -- and you're probably not the target market for that lens. Here is a cheap way to get far better low-light quality and shallow depth-of-field.
If you have a more expensive camera, $200 is probably a drop in your overall camera budget, so all you need to know is whether this lens is any good or not.
Well, it is -- even on full-frame cameras. Having used the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 on the Nikon D3 for years, it is astonishing how much less vignetting the 35mm f/1.8 has, at least wide-open, just a minor darkening of corners. Like with the Sigma, stopping down will increase vignetting, so this is a lens for people who want to "shoot f/1.8 and be there." All of the shots below are uncropped captures from the Nikon D3 and D700:
And is it sharp? You be the judge. Here, with default sharpening, is a 100 percent crop of the image above, taken at f/1.8. It's actually taken from where the absolute corner would fall on a DX sensor. Wide-open plus corners usually spells dull details, but here you go:
Its focusing is not as fast as professional lenses like the 24-70mm f/2.8, but it is silent and accurate, with far less hunting than the 35mm f/2D it replaces, allowing for good shots in low-light:
Above, a bit of contrast was added as the only edit, which emphasizes the vignetting. Still, it doesn't detract from the photo. Not the lens to use if you're trying to shoot a subject against a clean, high-key background, of course.
Also, there is very good subject isolation due to the fast aperture. Even on a broad scene like this without a close subject, it makes the subjects "pop" a bit. Small web-sized photos kill DoF rendition, so clicking on the photo will link to a larger version:
All in all, this is one of the few lenses I would recommend for just about everyone. The main exceptions would be shooters who have little need for fast apertures, especially full-frame shooters, since this lens HAS to be shot at a fast aperture on those systems. For those, a zoom or the old 35mm f/2D is a better choice. Conversely, for some people f/1.8 isn't fast enough, and there is always the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, a fine lens but with a higher cost, weight, and strange triangular bokeh in corners.
Alex R on September 28, 2009 at 08:52 AM
I've been waiting for you to get a 35mm 1.8 DX in your bag. I wanted one before and I want one even more now. The price is coming down on these guys too, £199 to start with and now £179. Bargain? You betcha!
Amanda on September 28, 2009 at 09:07 AM
awesome Ryan! I was just wondering about this lens. perfect timing! :)
Raymond on September 28, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Niceeeeeeeeeee..................
cool............ :B
Rob Sanderson on September 28, 2009 at 09:15 AM
Really interesting article Ryan and you've got me tempted. Adding a touch of vignette to the edges is a common edit for so many people so it could even save time in post. What I really want though (just like everyone else) though is a fast 24mm I would pay big for one of those and smile about paying it :)
Christoph on September 28, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Awesome review, I also used it on my D700, but in DX mode.
What did you do? DX or FX mode? Looks like DX mode!
Cheers
Ryan Brenizer on September 28, 2009 at 10:38 AM
All of these were shot in uncropped FX mode.
Daniel Fuentealba on September 28, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Ken Rockwell doesn't like this for FX but I can see in your picture and explanation that is a very interesting lens for both DX and FX. Anyway I'm always adding some vignetting. Nice post Ryan!
Nas on October 02, 2009 at 01:15 PM
Hey Ryan,
Are you using this new 1.8 instead of your old f2? I'm finding it hard to decide which one to buy. I shoot mostly weddings with a D700.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Mike on October 04, 2009 at 03:52 PM
I got this lens to pair with my D300 for an AUG trip to Europe. It was awesome inside churches and cathedrals, where my 16-85 was too slow. Not as nice as a 1.4 but, as you noted, the price is great and the construction is what I expect from Nikkor.
sean porto on October 07, 2009 at 01:04 PM
It seems that its sharper than the 50mm f1.8 wide open? I love DOF but I was afraid of the DX, I like vignetting so this doesn't bother be. I wish it was a little better built, but hey for 200 seems like an amazing deal. on my way to the store tomorrow lol.
digital cameras on October 09, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Nicon 35mm f/1.8 dx is amazing by seeing the demo which is desplayed here.wonderful and what a professional way to manufacture.
Nancy on October 23, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Thank you for this review. It was extremely helpful for photo novices like myself.
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Shane on October 17, 2010 at 02:06 AM
I have the nikon D3 and use this lense on a regular basis. The cost of the lense as you say is very very very good but i still wish they would release a full frame lense!!!
Shane on October 17, 2010 at 02:07 AM
I have the nikon D3 and use this lense on a regular basis. The cost of the lense as you say is very very very good but i still wish they would release a full frame lense!!!
Roger25 on January 07, 2011 at 08:03 AM
would this lens be recommended for the nikon d5000?
australia wholesale dropshippers on February 25, 2011 at 03:42 AM
Finally Nikon launch it's DX lens. Small, light, and competent. Just what most DX users desire.
Nikon is respected for making fantastic lenses, but in recent years Nikon now emphasis on zoom lens development than prime lenses. That's why most people where surprised when Nikon recently announced their latest lens. This low cost, high performance lens is designed specifically for Nikon D40, D40X, and D60 users who needed a fast lens at an affordable price.
Ron Scubadiver on April 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM
I am using the 35mm f/1.8 successfully on a D700 in FX mode. For low light shooting it works better than the 35mm f/2. Some of the "experts" get upset at the idea of using a DX lens on FX, but it is because they overemphasize corner performance in differentiating lenses.
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