Good 35mm for Nikon

sanmich

sanmich

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Is there a good 35mm f/2 or f/1.4 for early AF cameras (no G lenses)?
I would prefer AF but AI version is also an option
When I mean "good", I mean "close to summicron M" - good in terms of sharpness, flare handling and distortion.
Price is important too, and zeiss glass is not an option.
 
If you ever decide to check out their DX cameras, they make a 35/1.8 G lens that is phenomenal. Really sharp.

I have used the 35/1.4 AiS only briefly but I remember being impressed with color and sharpness.

The 35/2 AF-D has a great reputation as well.
 
AF or not? If yes, I'm still hunting myself. If not, then I'm very happy with the 35/1.4 AIS.

That said, it's not cheap, and has, uh, 'character'.
 
sanmich said:
Is there a good 35mm f/2 or f/1.4 for early AF cameras (no G lenses)?
I would prefer AF but AI version is also an option
When I mean "good", I mean "close to summicron M" - good in terms of sharpness, flare handling and distortion.
Price is important too, and zeiss glass is not an option.
Click to expand...

Close to Summicron-M? No.. I used the Nikkor 35/2 AF for years, the center is sharp, the sides first after f4 get sharp. I prefer the 28/2 AI..

There is no AF 35/1.4 the last one was AI-S.. Extremely sharp but horrible bokeh..

I presume you've a film Nikon. If you opt for the non-AF lenses then they seem to be more robust.

(Closest to Summicron-M: The Summicron-R 35/2 (E55) with Leitax; no automatic feature though..)
 
The 35mm f/2 AI-s is a dandy lens:
newd2x.jpg
 
I've shot with most versions, my current fave list is the following.

1) 35/1.4 G - sorry that G lenses are out for you, this is a great lens and lives on my AF cameras 90% of the time. BTW, I've used this on my F4 in P mode, it works great.
2) Zeiss 35/2 - you might be able to find the ZF.1 version used pretty cheap (zeiss cheap anyways, $500-600 if you're lucky). It's worth looking around for though as the Zeiss look is just fantastic.
3) 35/1.4 AIS - just crazy sharp by f/2 & f2.8. Pretty soft and glowy wide open, and it does have some pretty nasty bokeh. But still a
4) 35/2 AF-D - good stuff, just don't look for sharp corners wide open. But perfectly adequate.
5) 35/2 AIS - mine is truly ugly with tons of cleaning marks and some separation. But it's still perfectly usable and actually pretty darn good.

One thing you might want to look into is the Rokinon/Samyang 35/1.4. It's an AIS lens and from all reports beats the pants off the old Nikkors. Even if it is enormous.
 
yossarian123 said:
I've shot with most versions, my current fave list is the following.

1) 35/1.4 G - sorry that G lenses are out for you, this is a great lens and lives on my AF cameras 90% of the time. BTW, I've used this on my F4 in P mode, it works great.
Click to expand...

Interesting. G lenses can be used on old AF cameras in modes allowing the camera to take control of the aperture: P and S, and that can be quite ok (I am used to the A mode, one can learn...)
 
sanmich said:
Interesting. G lenses can be used on old AF cameras in modes allowing the camera to take control of the aperture: P and S, and that can be quite ok (I am used to the A mode, one can learn...)
Click to expand...

Right, you just need to get used to the camera rarely picking f/1.4 in P mode. Of course you could get a pseudo-A mode by bumping up the shutter speed to a high enough value...
 
As already mentioned by Dogberryjr, the AF-D 35/2 is a fine lens for film or dx sensor. It feels "plasticky" but gives great results. I picked mine up (used) for about UK£100.
 
The 35/2 AF-D is considered by many to be Nikon's best for 35mm if you can't use the G-lenses. It's a nice, compact, inexpensive lens that delivers. In general, SLR lenses are compromised by the need to leave space for the mirror in focal lengths below 50mm. So, in general, wides are better on Leica. However, some of Nikon's newer wide lenses have been excellent.

Another interesting lens is the Voigtlander 40/2 for Nikon. This is a manual-focus lens, and has the advantage of being very short and compact. Optically, it is excellent.
 
The AF and AFD 35/2 Nikkors have a different optical layout than the manual focus Nikkor 35/2s. The 35/2 AFD has been a decent performer when I have used it but might be a bit much to expect it to perform close to a Summicron M. After all the 35/2 AFD is a sub $200.00 lens in good used condition.

Bob
 
The Zeiss 35/2 is amazing, had it on my D700. It had much nicer colors, contrast, etc. than the 35/2 AF.

if it is too big/expensive for your taste, try the Voigtländer 40/2 as it is a pretty competent lens too.
 
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