This Nikon 35mm f2 lens is an older lens that Nikon manufactured a long time ago. You can get this lens from Amazon (Best Price + FREE Shipping)
Before you take the plunge and buy the lens, I would suggest you check out the Nikon 35mm 1.8 lens instead if you are using a cropped sensor DSLR camera.
For cheaper price, you’ll get better optical performance.
There is nothing wrong with this lens except weak border performance and visible vignetting at f/2. All the other performance are fairly well.
This lens used to be good before the appearance of the new Nikon 35mm 1.8 lens, but now it has reached its end.
Nikon need to release a new version of this lens to satisfy the full frame DSLR camera user.
Read on my Nikon 35mm f2 if you want to find out further about this lens.
Specs • Performance • Sample Image • Conclusion • Where to Buy
Nikon 35mm f2 Specs
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Official Name:
AF NIKKOR 35mm f/2D
Focal Length Markings:
35mm
Features:
AF – Autofocus only compatible with non-entry level Nikon DSLR camera. It is not compatible with Nikon D40, D40x, D60, D5000, D5100, D3000 and D3100.
FX – Compatible with both Nikon cropped sensor, film and full frame DSLR camera.
D – Distance information will be transferred to the camera body for metering purpose.
Full Technical Specs (from Nikon’s website):
| Technical Specifications | |
| Groups / Elements | 5 / 6 |
| Angle of View | 44 (DX) – 62(FX) |
| Number of Blade Diaphragm | 7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.85ft. (0.25m) |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
| Weight | 7.2oz. (205g) |
| Dimension (Diameter x Length) | 2.5 x 1.7in. (65 x 44.5mm) |
| Macro Magnification Ratio | 0.24X |
| Available at | Amazon (Best Price + FREE Shipping), B&H Photo Video, Adorama |
Optical Performance
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Nikon 35mm f2 Sharpness
On the center, this lens is very sharp at any aperture. However, at f/2, the borders are soft.
This is one of the reason why I prefer the newer Nikon 35mm 1.8 lens.
The point of maximum sharpness is at f/5.6.
See my sharpness test result below.
Sharpness Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Excellent
(4) Great
(3) Good
(2) Fair
(1) Poor
Nikon AF NIKKOR 35mm f/2D Center Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| 35mm | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Nikon AF NIKKOR 35mm f/2D Border Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| 35mm | Fair | Great | Great | Excellent | Excellent |
Distortion
Distortion is slightly visible on this lens, but you should not be concerned about it.
It can be easily fixed using post processing.
See the distortion test result below.
Nikon 35mm f2 Distortion
Vignetting
Vignetting is visible at the maximum aperture of f/2. Stop down to f/2.8 and it will be reduced greatly.
You can see the test result here.
Nikon 35mm f2 Vignetting
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration is very well controlled on this lens. It can be safely ignored at any aperture.
Chromatic Aberration Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Negligible
(4) Very Low
(3) Low
(2) High
(1) Very High
Nikon AF NIKKOR 35mm f/2D Chromatic Aberration
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/11 |
| 35mm | Very Low | Very Low | Negligible | Very Low | Very Low |
Build Quality
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Materials
Very good quality polycarbonate combined with metal mount.
Focusing
Focusing ring operates smoothly. The inner tube of the lens moves during focusing (extends out).
This lens will only autofocus with non-entry level Nikon DSLR camera. Nikon D40, D40x, D60, D5000, D5100, D3000 and D3100 will not autofocus with this lens.
Due to the absence of AF-S motor, the focusing will be a bit noisy because it will rely on the screw motor on the camera body.
Autofocus speed is fast and accurate. The filter thread does not rotate so you can use polarizing filter easily with this lens.
Image Stabilization
There is no VR or Vibration Reduction on this lens.
Compatibility
Being an FX lens, it is compatible with both Nikon cropped sensor DSLR and full frame DSLR camera. Also compatible with Nikon film camera.
Sample Image
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Below are some sample images that I took with this Nikon 35mm f2 lens. Click on any thumbnail to enlarge the images.
Get the best price online from these sites: Amazon (Best Price + FREE Shipping)
Conclusion
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Below is my conclusion for this Nikon 35mm f2 lens.
As I mentioned in the beginning of this review, if you are using a cropped sensor DSLR, you are much better off with the Nikon 35mm 1.8 lens instead.
For less the price, you get better optical performance and newer optical design.
The downside with this lens is the soft borders at f/2 and visible vignetting at f/2. None of this problem occur on the Nikon 35mm 1.8 lens.
If you are using a full frame DSLR, my suggestion is to wait for Nikon to release a newer version of this lens.
Below are my conclusions for this lens.
Drawbacks
- Soft borders at f/2
- Visible vignetting at f/2
Positives
- Excellent sharpness both on the center and borders
- Good distortion control
- Chromatic aberration is very well controlled
- Autofocus performance is fast and accurate
Good For
- Normal lens for cropped sensor DSLR
- Moderate wide angle lens for full frame DSLR
Not So Good For
- Sports photography
What Others Are Saying…
by “Glenn Carpenter”
Sharp, moderate-contrast lens, but DX users might wait for 35mm f/1.8 AF-S. I think this is a beautifully-made little gem of a lens. I love the way it’s put together and the way it feels in use…
Click here to see the full review
by “Bod Denhaan”
Definitely a 5-Star Lens! Light, fast, sharp, and as far as I’m concerned the perfect focal length. I started out using 50mm primes, but quickly got tired of how tight they were indoors…
Click here to see the full review
Where to Buy
Support this site, buy the Nikon 35mm 1.8 lens from these sites (best price online):
Amazon (Best Price + FREE Shipping)
See the following related lens reviews to see more options.
Thanks for reading this Nikon 35mm f2 review and I will catch you in the next one!
| Lens Score | |
|---|---|
| Optical Quality | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | |
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