Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens - Opinions??

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JA Warrior

New member
I think I may have found the right lens for product close-up and portraiture in the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 AF-S DX lens. For starters, with hundreds and hundreds of reviews on Amazon, it rates a 5 star average. I also found reviews mentioning low distortion and great close-ups of smaller items - both being my particular goal.

It doesn't have VR, but I'd be using it mostly on a tripod - though few reviewers mentioned blur as an issue, anyway. They also mentioned great bokeh and excellent low-light performance. Many considered it their "prime" lens and use it almost exclusively!

So to all you D5100, and Nikon DX, owners out there with experience using this Nikon lens, have I found the perfect, affordable ($196) lens for my needs?!? I'd be grateful for any advice you can offer.
 
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Dave_W

The Dude
I can say from experience that it's an excellent lens and due to the whole crop thingie it makes the perfect equivalent to a 50mm on a DX body. The optics are very sharp and focus is quick. As for VR, primes do not generally need VR due to their speed.
 
RockyNH_RIP

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
JA Warrior said:
I think I may have found the right lens for product close-up and portraiture in the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 AF-S DX lens. For starters, with hundreds and hundreds of reviews on Amazon, it rates a 5 star average. I also found reviews mentioning low distortion and great close-ups of smaller items - both being my particular goal.

It doesn't have VR, but I'd be using it mostly on a tripod - though few reviewers mentioned blur as an issue, anyway. They also mentioned great bokeh and excellent low-light performance. Many considered it their "prime" lens and use it almost exclusively!

So to all you D5100, and Nikon DX, owners out there with experience using this Nikon lens, have I found the perfect, affordable ($196) lens for my needs?!? I'd be grateful for any advice you can offer.
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I have that lens and the 50... I can tell you that it will work fine for what you want to do... In my signature is a link to my photo site, select all photos and then grab the directory for "Industrial" Most of those shots were done with that same lens..

Pat in NH
 
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crashton

Senior Member
JA- In my opinion the 35 f1.8 DX is the best deal in the Nikon line up. Tack sharp, fast & cheap. You will not be disappointed with this lens.
 
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suntrip

New member
I would say it's a no brainer. I bought this lens for my D60 and loved it instantly for walking around the city taking photos of street life, mostly because of it's sharpness and beautiful bokeh, but also because of it's size. It just feels less intrusive when walking the streets compared to a bigger zoom.

I had very few issues with shake in low light, and I don't have the steadiest hand. Now, with the D5100 allowing me to go higher on the ISO it's even better. In short, it's a beautiful lens and the price tag is just the icing on the cake.
 
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JeremyJS

New member
Definatley a no brainer, the vr should hurt you too bad unless you're filming. Other then the filming issue, its an amazing lens!! I would get it in a heart beat
 
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jr19

Senior Member
It really is a fantastic lens. I use it a lot in indoor/intimate settings, and I even use it for taking portraits of my son. I have a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 on the way though, so that might be taking over as my portrait lens...

8670827876_2b5f6485d8.jpg
 
mapman

mapman

Senior Member
I am thinking of picking up a prime lens, either a 35mm/1.8G or a 50mm/1.8G, my main need would be for low light inside shots, usually of my kids and at parties. Based on what I have read, it seems the 35mm would be the better choice, but thought I'd ask for some opinions. Thanks
 
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stmv

Senior Member
crashton said:
JA- In my opinion the 35 f1.8 DX is the best deal in the Nikon line up. Tack sharp, fast & cheap. You will not be disappointed with this lens.
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Yes,, occasionally there are nuguts of low cost awesome Optics that allow folks to have the best of both worlds.
 
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jr19

Senior Member
mapman said:
I am thinking of picking up a prime lens, either a 35mm/1.8G or a 50mm/1.8G, my main need would be for low light inside shots, usually of my kids and at parties. Based on what I have read, it seems the 35mm would be the better choice, but thought I'd ask for some opinions. Thanks
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If it's usually going to be used for low light indoor shots, I'd go with the 35mm personally. I went through the same decision awhile back, and I took my 18-55mm kit lens and set it to 35mm for awhile and took some shots. Then I set it to 50mm for awhile and took some more shots. I found that the 35mm was way more useful for me when I was indoors. That being said, a lot of people love the 50mm...even on crop sensors.
 
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§am

Senior Member
Agree with what everyone has said thus far.
The price/performance is amazing and sometimes I wish I had the 35mm as it's a bit wider than the 50mm I have, which doesn't quite fit in both kids when I want to do some indoor shots and don't have the space to back up a little.

To get both of them into a shot I'd be looking at a 28mm f/1.8, but then couldn't justify the close proximity to the 35mm, hence my reason to ultimately go for a 50mm initially.

You've done the right thing by trying both focal lengths on your 'kit' lens, as only you could have decided which is better suited to your needs :)
 
mapman

mapman

Senior Member
Did as was suggested and experimented with my 18-55 lens and it's confirmed, the 35mm is the winner! Now the next step, save up to get one!
 
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stmv

Senior Member
carguy said:
Ah, the lost art of 'saving up' - congrats on your choice and the plan :cool:

#actyourwage
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lol,, I use the negative saving method from Amazon,, zero interest 6 months,, so as long as you pay off in time,, it is like saving and paying in cash.
 
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turbobuick86

Senior Member
stmv said:
lol,, I use the negative saving method from Amazon,, zero interest 6 months,, so as long as you pay off in time,, it is like saving and paying in cash.
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Even Paypal has the "Pay Me Later" option. Same thing, based on amount, zero interest if paid off in designated time. I'm paying for my 55-300 lens this way to take advantage of their offer of $10 and additional ebay "Bucks" on the purchase. Just don't be late paying it off or all accrued interest for the term is attached.
 
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turbobuick86

Senior Member
Forgot to add, I also use the 35mm G and like it. Now shopping for the bargain 60 or 85 prime to accompany it. Think I used up all my fathers day wishes already on recent purchases to fill the camera bag. Might have save up too. lol
 
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