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| AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1. |
On a DX, or APS-C sensor camera, 35mm translates to 52.5mm in the full-frame world of 35mm. This lens combines that “normal” perspective with an f/1.8 maximum aperture to create a “normal” lens for DX cameras with the performance users have come to expect in a standard 50mm f/1.8 lens.
This is the “normal” lens of today; everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Tack sharp down to the next to lowest aperture, and more than a full stop faster than the typical compact digital camera. The aperture ring and focus scale have been omitted, and the cost savings put into the excellent optics and autofocus system. It’s not designed to be a wide angle lens as its focal length suggests, but rather a solution for those seeking the traditional, fixed-focal length standard lens in the DX format.
That said, unlike most DX lenses, when used on an FX or 35mm film camera the image circle almost covers the full frame. Wide open, it provides a Holga 135BC-like “black corner” effect, which can be quite effective. So although it will not substitute for the AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G, its use on an FX/35mm body remains a distinct possibility.
On an APS-C body, it does indeed provide the angle of view comparable to that of a normal lens. However, it’s close focus distance extends its macro capability. It would not be my first choice for use with extension tubes though, due to a short working distance.
What’s missing from this lens is a focus scale. However, this saves cost making this the sharpest, fastest lens for its price in the Nikon lineup. Along with this omission are a depth of field scale and infrared index, all features we have come to appreciate in “Normal” lenses.
What’s included is the usual storage pouch, and a reversible bayonet-mount circular hood. The reversibility of these hoods works particularly well in prime lenses, as they often block the zoom ring. And with autofocus, access to the focus ring is less essential.
Aperture Ring None. Aperture is controlled through the command dial on the camera body.
Auto Focus Built-in Silent-Wave motor makes this lens compatible with professional, semi-professional and entry-level cameras. Average focus speed and very accurate.
Bokeh As this is technically a wide-angle lens, the bokeh suffers and ranges from fair to poor.
What’s included is the usual storage pouch, and a reversible bayonet-mount circular hood. The reversibility of these hoods works particularly well in prime lenses, as they often block the zoom ring. And with autofocus, access to the focus ring is less essential.
Auto Focus Built-in Silent-Wave motor makes this lens compatible with professional, semi-professional and entry-level cameras. Average focus speed and very accurate.
Bokeh As this is technically a wide-angle lens, the bokeh suffers and ranges from fair to poor.
Close Focus 12". Short working distance when used with close-up filters and extension tubes.
Color Rendition Typical of most NIKKOR AF-S lenses.
Compatibility Works with Nikon Digital SLRs and AF film SLRs such as the F6, F100, F5, N80 and N75. On the N90s, N70 and F4 you won’t have VR, Aperture Priority or Manual exposure modes.
Construction 8 elements in 6 groups, including hybrid aspherical element. Rear focusing. Polycarbonate outer and inner barrel, metal mount, rear gasket.
Country of Origin China.
Coverage DX (APS-C).
Diaphragm 7 curved blades. Stops down to f/22
Distortion Considerable, but corrected in-camera for JPEGS, and can be corrected easily during post-processing.
FX Performance When used on an FX camera, the image circle does not quite make it to the corners, resulting in severe vignetting. However, this can create a pleasing “Holga Dark Corner” effect at larger apertures and when cropped square. At larger apertures, the frame can be cropped smaller resulting in the equivalent of a 40mm lens.
Extension Tubes Because of its faster aperture, this lens works well with extension tubes in autofocus mode.
Falloff Negligible. On FX cameras, creates a pleasing, Holga-like “Dark Corner” effect.
Filter Thread Plastic, 52mm. Does not rotate with focus ring, so it works well with polarizers.
Ghosts and Flares Very well controlled, making a lens hood largely unnecessary, except for protection or “coolness factor”.
Included Standard center-pinch front lens cap, LF-1 rear cap, HB-46 reversible circular plastic lens hood, CL-0913 pouch.
Lateral Color Fringes None when used with cameras that correct for this. Visible on the D40.
Macro The minimum focus of 12" is better than average, but not as good as others. Works well with closeup lenses and extension tubes. May be reversed with the use of the Nikon BR-2A Reversing Ring and Nikon BR-6 Auto Diaphragm Ring used with a cable release for stepless aperture adjustment.
Manual Focus No focus scale or hard stop at infinity, making this lens a poor candidate for manual focus photography. Manual override at all times in AF mode. Focus ring is smooth, but has a mechanical feel and slight play making it a challenge to rock back and forth for precise focusing. It is not fluid like a dedicated manual focus lens.
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:6.1 (0.16x)
RoHS Compliance 10 years.
Sharpness The edge sharpness of this lens is greatest at f/2.8, with the center peaking at f/4, and nearly identical at f/5.6. At f/1.8, the border sharpness drops off to only “good/very good” levels. So, you really can’t go wrong from wide open to f/5.6, but for the sharpest images, work from f/2.8 to f/5.6.
Spherochromatism Slight at f/1.8, with green fringing in the background and magenta in the foreground.
Sunstars Soft, 14-pointed, becoming sharper with underexposure.
Teleconverters Because of its faster aperture, this lens works well with teleconverters in autofocus mode.
Versatility Great for portrait and close-up, handheld night photography and light macro work with closeup lenses, extension tubes or reversing rings. Not the best choice for infrared due to the lack of a focus scale, but will autofocus with variable results.
Vibration Reduction None. Due to its fast aperture, VR is largely unnecessary.
The Bottom Line
Shooting with the AF-S 35mm is an exercise in nostalgia. It takes me back to my SLR roots, yet brings them up-to-date. It exposes new photographers to tradition and best practices, making every camera a lightweight, low-light performer.
The surprise is how well it performs on full-frame body in FX mode. With minor cropping, it can produce images equivalent to a “very normal” 43mm lens, and with square cropping simulate a Holga image with its signature “dark corner” characteristic. I highly recommend this lens for any photographer using an APS-C or full-frame Nikon.
Originally published on 8/26/2013, this is an update to a previous review.
Color Rendition Typical of most NIKKOR AF-S lenses.
Compatibility Works with Nikon Digital SLRs and AF film SLRs such as the F6, F100, F5, N80 and N75. On the N90s, N70 and F4 you won’t have VR, Aperture Priority or Manual exposure modes.
Construction 8 elements in 6 groups, including hybrid aspherical element. Rear focusing. Polycarbonate outer and inner barrel, metal mount, rear gasket.
Country of Origin China.
Coverage DX (APS-C).
Diaphragm 7 curved blades. Stops down to f/22
Distortion Considerable, but corrected in-camera for JPEGS, and can be corrected easily during post-processing.
FX Performance When used on an FX camera, the image circle does not quite make it to the corners, resulting in severe vignetting. However, this can create a pleasing “Holga Dark Corner” effect at larger apertures and when cropped square. At larger apertures, the frame can be cropped smaller resulting in the equivalent of a 40mm lens.
Extension Tubes Because of its faster aperture, this lens works well with extension tubes in autofocus mode.
Falloff Negligible. On FX cameras, creates a pleasing, Holga-like “Dark Corner” effect.
Filter Thread Plastic, 52mm. Does not rotate with focus ring, so it works well with polarizers.
Ghosts and Flares Very well controlled, making a lens hood largely unnecessary, except for protection or “coolness factor”.
Included Standard center-pinch front lens cap, LF-1 rear cap, HB-46 reversible circular plastic lens hood, CL-0913 pouch.
Lateral Color Fringes None when used with cameras that correct for this. Visible on the D40.
Macro The minimum focus of 12" is better than average, but not as good as others. Works well with closeup lenses and extension tubes. May be reversed with the use of the Nikon BR-2A Reversing Ring and Nikon BR-6 Auto Diaphragm Ring used with a cable release for stepless aperture adjustment.
Manual Focus No focus scale or hard stop at infinity, making this lens a poor candidate for manual focus photography. Manual override at all times in AF mode. Focus ring is smooth, but has a mechanical feel and slight play making it a challenge to rock back and forth for precise focusing. It is not fluid like a dedicated manual focus lens.
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:6.1 (0.16x)
RoHS Compliance 10 years.
Sharpness The edge sharpness of this lens is greatest at f/2.8, with the center peaking at f/4, and nearly identical at f/5.6. At f/1.8, the border sharpness drops off to only “good/very good” levels. So, you really can’t go wrong from wide open to f/5.6, but for the sharpest images, work from f/2.8 to f/5.6.
Spherochromatism Slight at f/1.8, with green fringing in the background and magenta in the foreground.
Sunstars Soft, 14-pointed, becoming sharper with underexposure.
Teleconverters Because of its faster aperture, this lens works well with teleconverters in autofocus mode.
Versatility Great for portrait and close-up, handheld night photography and light macro work with closeup lenses, extension tubes or reversing rings. Not the best choice for infrared due to the lack of a focus scale, but will autofocus with variable results.
Vibration Reduction None. Due to its fast aperture, VR is largely unnecessary.
Vignetting No vignetting problems even with one or more thick filters. When used with a polarizer, use of the Hoya Screw-In Rubber Zoom Lens Hood does not cause vignetting.
Build Quality ★★★★
Optical Quality ★★★★★
Value ★★★★★The Bottom Line
Shooting with the AF-S 35mm is an exercise in nostalgia. It takes me back to my SLR roots, yet brings them up-to-date. It exposes new photographers to tradition and best practices, making every camera a lightweight, low-light performer.
The surprise is how well it performs on full-frame body in FX mode. With minor cropping, it can produce images equivalent to a “very normal” 43mm lens, and with square cropping simulate a Holga image with its signature “dark corner” characteristic. I highly recommend this lens for any photographer using an APS-C or full-frame Nikon.
Originally published on 8/26/2013, this is an update to a previous review.
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