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.

Protect Your Purchase

 

What item is right for you?

Ask our Experts!

800.831.2434
Live Chat

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 1091 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (837)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (233)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (14)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (3)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (1018)
  • Lightweight (938)
  • Consistent output (610)
  • Easily interchangeable (532)
  • Nice bokeh (372)

Cons

  • Weak casing (71)
  • Slow focus (65)
  • Blurry focus (21)
  • Poor in low light (10)
  • Tough to attach (9)

Best Uses

  • Low light (679)
  • Night photography (539)
  • Weddings (331)
  • Landscape/scenery (324)
  • General purpose (187)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (466), Casual photographer (187), Semi-pro photographer (162), Enthusiast (130), Pro photographer (46)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (503), Yes (40)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Worth the money

I struggled between this lens and the 40mm 2.8 macro but after reading the reviews, I went for this one. The 40mm seems more like a macro want-a-be. I'll save up for a real...Read complete review

I struggled between this lens and the 40mm 2.8 macro but after reading the reviews, I went for this one. The 40mm seems more like a macro want-a-be. I'll save up for a real macro. In the meantime, I am having a lot of fun with this fast lens.

The bokeh is pleasing to me – the out of focus areas are fairly smooth and rounded (this is such a subjective thing anyway). For a general use lens, you can't beat the speed or sharpness - at f1.8 it is a little soft but sharpens nicely once you get to f2.2 or higher. The field of view is a good balance for going between indoor shots and outdoor landscapes – I would prefer a wider angle of view for landscapes but it is adequate for many situations. The focusing is no speed demon but it does ok. The close focus range makes for great tight shots of flowers and other close ups. Yes, I would recommend the lens.

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.

Reviewed by 1091 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-20

Back to top

Previous | Next »

 
5.0

My favorite lens so far

By filmeo

from Jersey City, NJ

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easily Interchangeable
  • 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:

    It has a lot of great features: fast, silent, sharp, fantastic bokeh, well made, lightweight, and small... I walk around NYC with this lens and the 50mm and I always think that I should had bought it earlier.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    A DX Camera Must Have

    By Middledewey

    from Virginia Beach, VA

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

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

    Cons

      Best Uses

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

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

      This is a great walk around lens for my DX Camera. I got it for shooting weddings but I use it for everything because it performs that well. It is light weight and is very sharp. It has a quick auto focus in lowlight which is a mush have for weddings. If you use a DX camera this piece of glass is a must.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      A big improvement over the 50mm f1.8

      By Sarah M

      from Chapel Hill, NC

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

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

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Weddings/Events

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

        I mainly shoot food and portraits, and I've been consistently disappointed in my Nikon 50mm 1.8. Lacks sharpness and color repro. I have been using my 105mm macro, but it's pretty cumbersome and not suitable for group portraits. This little lens is great - nice bokeh, good color, and very sharp.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

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

        By Is-reallly-cold-outside

        from Washington DC

        About Me Photography Student

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

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

        Cons

          Best Uses

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

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

          Used for daily activities and for traveling. I wanted a lightweight lens that could work in low light places.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Great little lens!

          By Howie555

          from Brandon, MS

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

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

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Landscape/Scenery

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

            Focuses quickly and its a perfect walkaround lens for my D200.Not too expensive. Good bargain for the money.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Nice fast lens

            By deezle250

            from va

            About Me Casual Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Lightweight
            • Nice Bokeh

            Cons

              Best Uses

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

                Nice and lightweight. Sharp images. Fixed lens gets you up and moving.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Sweet lens for closeups/general purpose

                By Bigdave

                from Baton Rouge, LA

                About Me Casual Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Durable
                • Great in Low Light
                • Lightweight
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                • Slow Focus

                Best Uses

                • Indoors/Low Light

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

                I use this for taking pro style pictures of my family. This is my first dslr and lens. I bought the body only (d3100) and this lens. I have a few friends with kit lens who never use them, if I did want a kit lens I could just borrow theirs.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Best Lens for the Money

                By Wayne

                from Oklahoma City OK

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • 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:

                  I wanted a fast prime to go on my Nikon D5100. So far my images have been sharp and I can shoot at higher shutter speeds then with my zooms. The Nikon 35 F1.8 has got to be one of the best bargains in photography.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  4.0

                  Excellent Value

                  By MSR

                  from Houston, TX

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Lightweight
                  • Nice Bokeh
                  • Sharp

                  Cons

                  • A bit bulky
                  • AF issues

                  Best Uses

                  • Indoors/Low Light
                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Video

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

                  I purchased this lens for my wife to use on her D3100. She uses the camera for a 366-day project and wanted something more manageable in size. I, of course, made sure to fully "evaluate" the lens/camera combination before handing it over to her!

                  The bad: It's really quite large for a crop-sensor-specific prime lens, if still significantly smaller than the kit lens. Also, it seems like the AF takes longer to lock than with the kit lens, not sure why as this doesn't make sense. AF performance makes following my 20-month-old daughter more difficult than with the kit lens.

                  The good: This lens is shockingly good in image quality. (As is the D3100, for that matter.) It is a bit softer wide open, but not enough to bother me. The overall rendition, bokeh quality, colors, and sharpness are really excellent for the price. This is pretty much a must-have lens for crop-sensor bodies.

                  Four stars because there are plenty better lenses out there.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Low-light flashless photographer's dream

                  By Susi

                  from Washington, DC

                  About Me Photography Student

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

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

                  Cons

                  • No zoom

                  Best Uses

                  • Indoors/Low Light
                  • Weddings/Events

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

                  This is a fantastic lens, especially if you shoot in low/artificial light a lot, and want clear pictures without the complications of flash. The wide aperture range allows for great photos in a variety of settings. I am in love with this lens. My sister had it before I did, and I kept stealing HER camera to use it. Now I finally have my own. It takes a little getting used to the fixed 35mm bit, but frankly, I think it's made me a more proactive and thoughtful photographer. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this lens!

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • Yes

                  Share this review

                   
                  4.0

                  perfect party lens

                  By shulim

                  from Brooklyn, NY

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Lightweight
                  • Nice Bokeh
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

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

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

                    its great for small parties where you're shooting with on camera flash, and you need to utilize the ambient light. its also great for just carrying around on the street or wherever you go. great photojournalism lens for the laid back people who don't want the extra weight of a fast zoom. I use it when I don't need the flexibility of a zoom lens.

                    as compared with the 50mm 1.8,it does give more distortion, because of the wider angle, but on my d5000 itjust feels more natural

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    Good One

                    By Sabya

                    from New York

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Durable
                    • Nice Bokeh

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

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

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

                      Had a 18-55 and 55-200VR to go along with my D5100.But got this one to go for low light photography and sharper images indoors.Trust me this one does a great job.A steal and must have in the price range it comes.I think its all you need to have for almost all of the regular photographs that you take.You can just move a little bit forward and backward to adjust and then click.You dont need to worry about taking a bag with all those lenses and kits too.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      One of the best lens

                      By Mart the photog

                      from New York, NY

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easily Interchangeable
                      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                      • Lightweight
                      • Nice Bokeh
                      • Strong Construction

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Indoors/Low Light
                        • Night Photography
                        • Sports/Action

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

                        I had this lens nearly for one month and It is great...lightweight, produce a nice Bokeh, and Very sharp image. I'm lovin it.

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        great addition to my D7000 collection

                        By Craig the Explorer

                        from Chicago IL.

                        About Me Pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

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

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

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

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

                          Great Prime lens for the money

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Good in low light

                          By Ben

                          from Alexandria, LA

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                          • Lightweight
                          • Strong Construction

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

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

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

                            Good in low light.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            4.0

                            Nice addition to a camera bag.

                            By Indi

                            from Long Island, NY

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Affordable
                            • Easily Interchangeable
                            • Lightweight
                            • Nice Bokeh
                            • Strong Construction

                            Cons

                            • Blurry Focus
                            • Poor in Low Light

                            Best Uses

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

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

                            I bought the AF-S 50mm, f 1.8 previously, but I found it was a tad limited in field of view. I bought this lens to get a wider field of view and I wasn't dissapointed.
                            This is a great additional lens because it allows a lot of light in, has great bokeh, is lightweight,and...it's affordable. I definitely would buy it again, or reccommend it to a friend.
                            One drawback I discovered the other day, which was heavily overcast, is that it's suffers on the sharpness end in this particular situation.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Best lens under 400 dollars.

                            By Iz the Butcher

                            from McAllen, TX

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

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

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

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

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

                              First of all the construction is great, it has a metal mounting which you just dont see in lenses of this price. but beyond that this lens is BUTTER! the bokeh the clarity everything about this lens makes it a dreamy lens for under 200 dollars, a must have for all DX format photographers!

                              Share this review

                               
                              4.0

                              Great first prime lens.

                              By firedawg

                              from Boston MA

                              About Me Casual Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

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

                              Cons

                              • Weak Casing

                              Best Uses

                              • Indoors/Low Light

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

                              Great first prime lens, would definitely recommend.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                               
                              5.0

                              Wonderful lens

                              By gweltaz

                              from santa cruz, CA

                              About Me Photo Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

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

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Indoors/Low Light
                                • Landscape/Scenery

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

                                I like the depth of field it gives me, the ability to shoot in low light conditions, and the field of vision (35mm = about 55mm on a Nikon 5100).

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Great for the Amateur Photographer

                                By New Parents

                                from Metro Detroit, MI

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

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

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Indoors/Low Light

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

                                  My wife and I just had a baby so we have been taking a lot of portrait type photos. This lens has allowed us to shoot indoors easier without the need of a flash all the time. We have been able to take great close-up pictures in lower light without the blur that we got when we used our 18-55mm f3.5 kit lens (without flash). Overall, we have been very happy with the lens so far.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                  Displaying reviews 1-20

                                  Back to top

                                  Previous | Next »

                                  Filters & Filter Kits

                                  Tiffen -  52mm UV Protector Filter
                                  • Price: $8.95
                                   
                                  Tiffen -  52mm Circular Polarizing Filter
                                  • Price: $23.50
                                   

                                  Hoods & Covers

                                  Flex Lens Shade -  Flex Lens Shade
                                  • Price: $39.95
                                   

                                  Cases & Wraps

                                  Pearstone -  Onyx 30 Lens Case
                                  • Price: $9.95
                                   

                                  Lens Wraps & Bands

                                  LENSBAND -  Lens Band (Black)
                                  • Price: $4.99
                                   
                                  View all Accessories

                                  What's in the Box

                                  Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens
                                   
                                   
                                  See any errors on this page? Let us know.

                                  Close

                                  Close