first impressions - Nikon 35/1.8 AFS DX G

[ampguy]

Bigger than I thought in diameter, just a tad shorter than my 18-70 zoom, and about the same diameter, even though the zoom is 67mm filter dia., and this prime is 52mm. On the D40x, the focus is a bit slower than the AFS 18-70. Build quality is very plasticy. Distortion is noticeable at all apertures for rectangular objects ~ 1-3 meters away, not wildly, but visible on camera screen if you look for it.

Bokeh wide open is good, for close up subjects with distracting backgrounds, better than the CV 40/35s IMHO, but distortion is about the same. The lens is no "Summicron" equivalent by any means, but is a usable fast AF prime for the motorless Dxx models.

 

[peter_n]

Let's not forget also that it weighs next to nothing... 😀 It certainly isn't a Summicron but for $199 I can deal with the plasticity of it, and it does have a metal mount. I'm pretty happy with mine!

 

[astroman]

Just about bought the 35/1.8DX last month but went for the 35/2D instead.
Sound like I made the right choice

 

[VinceC]

Very pleased with mine. Good match for my D40 and real-world image quality is very good. But, yeah, the size is awfully large compared to an RF camera with 35 or 50mm lens.

 

[Frank Petronio]

I was really disappointed with the one I got with a D60. I thought the bokeh was hard and it focused slowly and it was bulky compared to the 35/2 AFD. The distortion was the worst I've seen on a "quality" lens -- straight lines just curved like crazy (to me). I'd just get the 35/2 next time around the Nikon.

Apologies to whomever I sold it too, lol.

 

[kxl]

For an extra $100-$150, I'd rather get a used Sigma 30/1.4... oh, wait... I did. 😉

 

[ampguy]

I still think it's an OK deal. If there's a hailing tornado or sandstorm outside and I need AF, this is the lens I'm taking!

 

[venchka]

I got that shot

I got that shot

I still think it's an OK deal. If there's a hailing tornado or sandstorm outside and I need AF, this is the lens I'm taking!

I keep my Canon EF 28-80 on a EOS A2 for exactly the same reasons. 😀

 

[VinceC]

The lens is what it is, a $200 autofocus prime. I find the image quality within my boundaries.

(Edit: I also have an optically excellent 35/2 AIS lens that I use unmetered for critical work, but the 35/1.8 pictured below is a nice, light, carry-around lens)

 

[ampguy]

here are some snaps from the lens with d40x, mostly indoor @ 1.8