Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens USA

  • Price: $196.95
  • B&H # NI3518DXAF
  • Mfr# 2183

DX lenses are NOT recommended for use with FX "full-frame" digital, 35mm or APS SLR cameras.

This item can only be shipped to a US address.

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To fulfill the needs of digital photographers owning Nikon cameras with DX-sized sensors, Nikon produces the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S DX Lens.

This lens produces an angle of view similar to what a 50mm lens would produce on a full-frame/FX camera and thusly functions as a "normal" lens. Prior to the digital explosion, most shooters would begin their exploration into the world of photography with a "normal" lens with a large maximum aperture.

A lens of this type is the traditional standby for low-light shooting, careful composition, and street shooting. This 35mm f/1.8 Nikkor lens recreates that experience for DX format shooters who have been seeking a comparable "normal" lens.

Fast "Normal" Lens
The 35mm focal length closely matches a 50mm lens in the FX format. This is perceived to be a natural lens as it provides an undistorted angle of view that is similar to what the unaided human eye perceives.
Versatile
A desirable lens for low-light, travel, environmental portraiture and overall general photography.
Contains an Aspherical Lens Element
The incorporation of an aspherical element minimizes coma and other lens aberrations, further improving image integrity.
Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
This lens coating enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency with reduced flare.
Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
The motor embedded in the body of the lens enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocusing.
7-blade Diaphragm
A rounded iris produces a more natural rendering of out-of-focus image elements.
Close Focusing
The 35mm f/1.8 AF-S can focus as close as one foot.
Performance
Focal Length 35 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/1.8
Minimum: f/22
Camera Mount Type Nikon F
Format Compatibility Nikon DX
FX in DX Crop Mode
Angle of View 44°
Minimum Focus Distance 11.81" (30 cm)
Magnification 0.16x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:6.25
Groups/Elements 6/8
Diaphragm Blades 7
Features
Image Stabilization No
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 52 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 2.8 x 2.1" (7.11 x 5.33 cm)
Weight 7.05 oz (200 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens
 
4.7

(based on 1055 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (808)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (226)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (14)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (3)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (993)
  • Lightweight (909)
  • Consistent output (594)
  • Easily interchangeable (520)
  • Nice bokeh (347)

Cons

  • Weak casing (69)
  • Slow focus (63)
  • Blurry focus (20)
  • Tough to attach (9)
  • Poor in low light (8)

Best Uses

  • Low light (646)
  • Night photography (526)
  • Weddings (316)
  • Landscape/scenery (310)
  • General purpose (187)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (447), Casual photographer (180), Semi-pro photographer (157), Enthusiast (130), Pro photographer (45)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (474), Yes (37)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Excellent value-for-dollar, lots of fun.

This new Nikkor design betters the older AF 35mm F/2D in a couple of important respects- a nice accomplishment given the ackowledged quality of the 35mm F/2D. The new lens exhibits significantly ...Read complete review

This new Nikkor design betters the older AF 35mm F/2D in a couple of important respects- a nice accomplishment given the ackowledged quality of the 35mm F/2D. The new lens exhibits significantly better sharpness wide open and the bokeh is noticeably smoother, particularly at f/5.6 to f/8. All for a less than 2/3 the cost of the original. Build quality is more than adequate, not a tank but certainly strong enough to serve a reasonably careful shooter for a long time to come. The AF/S motor is fast, though that was really not an issue with the old screw-drive lens. It extends the functionality to all of Nikon's modern DX bodies, including those like the D40(x) and D60 that lack an internal focus motor. Contrast is very nice, sharpness from wide open on is fine, and the tendency to have a bit more chromatic aberration than would be ideal is the limiting factor when shooting very contrast or backlit scenes. For the money, this is Nikon's latest no-brainer choice. It has taken that mantle, in my opinion, from the 50mm f/1.8D for owners of DX Nikon digital bodies.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Not too shabby

I've been using this lens as my normal lens on a d90 now, taking the place of my 50mm f/1.8 Series E. There are two things about the 35mm that it does better ...Read complete review

I've been using this lens as my normal lens on a d90 now, taking the place of my 50mm f/1.8 Series E. There are two things about the 35mm that it does better for me. First, I like the field of view for 35mm a lot more than 50mm on a dx camera. Second, this lens is sharper than my 50mm f/1.8E. Unfortunately it seems to do about everything else than my 50mm, despite being a 20 year newer design. I'll hit on some strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:
Size - not too much to say here..it's big enough for a great reasonable grip, the MF ring is easy to find. Nothing to complain about here.

Sharpness - it's usually pretty good in this respect, so good in fact I think that causes problems when it comes to the transition between in focus and out of focus, and the bokeh quality, but more on that later. This lens is a 3.5 out of 5 on sharpness in my book - pretty good with lenses like the 75-150 Series E getting a 4.5 and the 180/2.8 AIS (legendary) getting a 5. Do avoid being wide open when going for sharpness (as with about every other lens on the planet) but it doesn't take much stopping down for it to get its act together. At f/2.5 its output is pretty good.

Volume - it's AF motor is quiet. I can't think of any scenario in which it may be a problem.

Flare resistance - I haven't felt the need to use the supplied hood.

Weaknesses:
Image Quality - the lens is sharp, but the transition between the in focus areas and the out of focus areas is a clearly visible line. I'll avoid shallow depth of field photos with this lens. It's just disappointing.

- in addition the quality of the out of focus areas (bokeh) hasn't been so spectacular in my book. It's just not that smooth. The moderately fast aperture allows you to throw the background out of focus fairly easily, but with the quality of the oof areas leaves that fast aperture is for light gathering, not depth of field control, in my book.

Controls - I'm used to vintage lenses with a proper aperture control, using this G lens is simply put silly. The two control dials on my d90 that I must use with this lens to set exposure is such a clunky design. I can't believe it's the best Canon, Nikon, Pentax, all the dSLR makers have come up with. A proper aperture control ring puts both hands into play engaging more of the body. With an AF-S G lens my left hand has nothing to do, and it leaves me feeling more disconnected from the picture taking.

Bundled pouch - the pouch bundled for this lens is a joke.

Bottom line --
If you're looking for a lens to mount to take photos of friends that can handle the dark this is a great, inexpensive option. If you're looking for anything that involves throwing the background out of focus I'd look elsewhere.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 1055 customers

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5.0

Like getting a new camera

By Max

from New York City

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Lightweight

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light
    • Night Photography
    • Weddings/Events

    Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

    This is the perfect lens for street photography. It's fast, light, and inconspicuous.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Awesome Prime Lens

    By brentsunrise

    from Cape Town, South Africa

    About Me Casual Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Lightweight
    • Nice Bokeh

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Portraits

      Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

      This is the first lens I got with my D5100 and it's set standards that are hard for my other lenses to live up to. I'm a beginner photographer and it's making me look better than I am. Great crisp pictures with wonderful bokeh. Not being able to zoom can be frustrating sometimes, but what you gain is worth it.

      Highly recommended!

      • Was this a gift?:
      • Yes

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Very good lens

      By artur80

      from Geneva, Switzerland

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Lightweight
      • Nice Bokeh

      Cons

      • Weak Casing

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Night Photography
      • Video
      • Weddings/Events

      Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

      I have one of this lenses which I use on my D80, and I really like it for the wide field of view. I have a 50mm 1.4, but its filed of view is sometimes too narrow, and I prefer using the 35mm in those cases.

      A friend of mine got a D5100 recently, and was looking around for a nice lens to compliment the kit. I gave him the 35mm 1.8 as a gift, and he is very happy with the low-light capabilities.

      For the price, it is a bargain of a lens.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Great buy for the money

      By funluvingrn

      from Palmdale, Ca

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Lightweight
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Weddings/Events

        Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

        Great for indoors and low light. Used for taking photos of fast moving toddlers!

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Great little lens

        By benny

        from Phila., Pa.

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Lightweight
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Night Photography
          • Sports/Action
          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

          Great lens on my D300s specially use in indoor and close-ups. Definately worth buying as it is an amazing quality item for a very low price. Nikon, keep it up!

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Must-have lens for DX sensor cameras

          By Mr Crackers

          from Santa Cruz, CA

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Lightweight
          • Nice Bokeh

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Night Photography
            • Weddings/Events

            Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

            The lens is small, fast, and versatile. It excels at low light situations and in closeups where you may want a strong bokeh background.

            Instead of getting typical noisy, warm-colored images in indoor dim lighting with slower kit lenses, have this lightweight lens in the camera pouch side pocket (it's small enough to fit in many). The focal length is very natural/normal for human eye perspectives.

            It's also a very artistic lense at f/1.8 with the ability to produce a pleasing bokeh.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            4.0

            Good lens for general use.

            By Photo Jessi

            from Omaha, NE

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Durable
            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
            • Lightweight

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Weddings/Events

              Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

              It's fast so it's useful for low lighting. Much more affordable than the f/1.4. Fast focus. I would use this more than the 50mm even for portraits.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Outstanding value for indoor sports

              By philbert

              from Kenosha, WI

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Price

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Indoor Sports
                • Sports/Action

                Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                This lens is an outstanding value relative to it's big brother, the f/1.4G, which cost over $1,600. I rented both of these lenses to shoot a basketball tournament and was surprised how well the f/1.8 performed. Clearly, the f/1.4G is a superior lens, but the f/1.8 DX is a terrific solution for indoor sports for a non-pro. The high ISO generates a fair amount of noise but it's easily cleaned up with a noise filter (I use Dfine2). This little guy's appearance on your camera won't impress or "wow" anyone, but the action shots it enables you to capture will have teammates and parents begging for more. It was easy to rate this lens 5 stars given the [$] price tag having compared it to the $1,600 wishlist alternative.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                On you mark, get set...

                By Dave

                from Warren, Ohio

                About Me Casual Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                      I love to record memories, so when my son gave me a Nikon camera for Christmas I was grateful and a little overwhelmed. He told me to get this lens so that my introduction to this level of photography would be easy and gratifing. He was right. The pics I take are very clear,of post card quality, and so easy.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • Yes

                      Share this review

                       
                      4.0

                      Essential for the dx photographer

                      By Naftoli

                      from NY

                      Verified Buyer

                      Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                      awsome lens! awesome price! great for portraits, low light, way sharper then my nikon 18-200mm, small compact and very lightweight, why 4 stars? because it doesnt have that little focus window on the lens that the 50mm has

                      Share this review

                       
                      4.0

                      Decent

                      By Erin

                      from Southaven, MS

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Consistent Output
                      • Easily Interchangeable
                      • Lightweight
                      • Nice Bokeh

                      Cons

                      • Blurry Focus
                      • Slow Focus

                      Best Uses

                      • General Purpose
                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Night Photography

                      Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                      I purchased this lens in order to take better portraits of my friends. The bokeh is really pretty, and I usually just leave this lens on my camera. It's decent for everyday purposes. The only negative thing I can say about it, is that the auto-focus searches too much in low light, which gets annoying if you're shooting indoors. Other than that, I'm glad to have purchased it.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

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                      5.0

                      If you have a Nikon, you need this lens.

                      By ritzstudio

                      from boca raton, fl

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Pros

                      • Consistent Output
                      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                      • Lightweight

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Indoors/Low Light
                        • Video

                        Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                        I bought this lens because of friend of my recommended it. Then I sold it to buy another lens. I missed it so much that I just bought it again last week. It's lightweight, shoots great in low light and takes incredible video. You need this lens.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Can't be beat

                        By Elbaryn

                        from Washington DC

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Durable
                        • Easily Interchangeable
                        • Lightweight

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Indoors/Low Light
                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Weddings/Events

                          Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                          This is my walk around lens, I hardly miss having a zoom. I would recommend this lens to any DX shooter not looking to go to FX bodies any time soon.

                          Takes beautiful pictures and I wouldn't trade it for any "normal" type lens.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • Yes

                          Share this review

                           
                          4.0

                          Great on DX cameras

                          By deniska

                          from MI

                          About Me Casual Photographer

                          See all my reviews

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output
                          • Easily Interchangeable
                          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                          • Lightweight
                          • Low light capabilities

                          Cons

                          • Stiff focus ring

                          Best Uses

                          • Indoors/Low Light
                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Night Photography
                          • Video

                          Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                          Got this one to be the prime on my D3100. Small camera goes well with small lens. 35mm on DX get you 54mm full-frame focal distance. Not exactly portrait but an all day around lens. Very good for group of peoples also. The lens is light, very sharp even wide open and with only minimal barrel distortion. Colors are very very good. 1.8 aperture allows to shoot in bad lights conditions which is a great advantage. Bokeh is just good. [$] ! Very good value for money. One small con is the focus ring, it is a bit stiff and not accurate.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          It is Great!

                          By Jim Dandy

                          from New York, NY

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                                I had a 50mm 1.8. It was not wide enough. This lens is always on my backup camera.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Great little lens for the money

                                By Nick

                                from State College, PA

                                About Me Casual Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                • Lightweight
                                • Nice Bokeh

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Indoors/Low Light
                                  • Night Photography

                                  Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                                  This is my first prime lens & I'm really enjoying it. It is great for low light & indoor shots without a flash. I took it out on new years eve & was very pleased with the results. The precise control of depth of field is a lot of fun too.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Terrific "everyday" lens

                                  By doodlehead

                                  from Atlantic Highlands, NJ

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                                  Use this on my 3100 and couldn't be happier. You can't go wrong at this price. Great for stills and video.

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Perfect lens for portraits!

                                  By debbied

                                  from Smithtown, NY

                                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Consistent Output
                                  • Easily Interchangeable
                                  • Lightweight
                                  • Strong Construction
                                  • Very good in low light

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                      Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                                      was a gift for my nephew. He is not easy to please, but is definitely pleased with this lens' performance.

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • Yes

                                      Share this review

                                       
                                      4.0

                                      Goo Optics

                                      By Buya808

                                      from Misawa Air Base Japan

                                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Durable
                                      • Easily Interchangeable
                                      • Lightweight

                                      Cons

                                      • Slow Focus

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Indoors/Low Light
                                      • Landscape/Scenery
                                      • Video

                                      Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                                      Great lens for the price, takes a while for it to focus on what I really want it to but then again I'm using a cheaper DSLR body where I know it wouldn't have any problems with a D7000. Clear images and great video.

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • No

                                      Share this review

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      Why I waited so long

                                      By Cathy

                                      from Houston, TX

                                      About Me Casual Photographer

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Consistent Output
                                      • Easily Interchangeable
                                      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                      • Lightweight

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Indoors/Low Light
                                        • Weddings/Events

                                        Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens:

                                        Amazing lens for the price. I don't know why I procrastinated on buying this lens. This will stay on my camera 80% of the time.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

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