Review: Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX Lens: I haven't been in the photography game that long. I've always taken a LOT of cell phone pictures, and practiced composition, but Until January of this...

Stef C Loc: Conshohocken (near philly) PA

I haven't been in the photography game that long. I've always taken a LOT of cell phone pictures, and practiced composition, but Until January of this year I didnt' have a DSLR.

While I really liked my kit lenses and thought the photos were amazing (compared to what i had before they were), I really didn't understand the capabilities of better lenses until i bought this. It is so fast and sharp..

Almost all of the reviews i read for this lens said it was a must have, and they were right. I put it on and haven't taken it off. I really thought the fixed focal length would bother me, but it's forced me to get so much more creative and think outside the box. I just wish they had an 15mm 1.8 or something like that for around this price ( I can dream!)

I think my plan is to save for Wide Angle, and a longer telephoto. By the end of the year i want my lens lineup to look like this..

Tokina 11-16mm or Sigma 10-20mm
Nikon 35mm f/1.8
Nikon 55-300 VR DX

I think with those I should be able to to tackle most situations. the 36-54mm range doesn't really matter much to me after using the 35mm..

I would say if you're a DX format shooter (like so many of us on here) and you're looking for your next lens, you will be 100% happy getting the 35mm f/1.8!

Thom Loc: Cleveland Ohio

I bought the 35mm f 1/8 G version...took it back ...it was slow to focus.....all my lenses are D's...much faster....with a D7000..IMO
Test one out if you can...and compare!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

For your wide angle you might look at either the Nikon or Tamron 10-24mm lens. I had the Tamron on vacation and found the extra coverage it gives over the Tokina to come in handy. If you have the cash I'd go Nikon.

Stef C Loc: Conshohocken (near philly) PA

Thom wrote:

I bought the 35mm f 1/8 G version...took it back ...it was slow to focus.....all my lenses are D's...much faster....with a D7000..IMO
Test one out if you can...and compare!

What does the D & G signify? It seems to focus pretty quickly for me, but I haven't used any super high level lenses either. I like playing with the manual focus as well..

Is there a 35mm f/1.8 D?

Stef C Loc: Conshohocken (near philly) PA

SteveR wrote:

For your wide angle you might look at either the Nikon or Tamron 10-24mm lens. I had the Tamron on vacation and found the extra coverage it gives over the Tokina to come in handy. If you have the cash I'd go Nikon.

Great call Steve.. Do you have any example pictures you could send me/post on this thread from 10-17mm shots?

Thanks!

Thom Loc: Cleveland Ohio

Heres a link to a test for the D lense:

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/35af.htm

By the way its a F/2 lense, not 1.8....I believe they were designed for full format Nikon cameras....

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Stef C wrote:

SteveR wrote:

For your wide angle you might look at either the Nikon or Tamron 10-24mm lens. I had the Tamron on vacation and found the extra coverage it gives over the Tokina to come in handy. If you have the cash I'd go Nikon.

Great call Steve.. Do you have any example pictures you could send me/post on this thread from 10-17mm shots?

Thanks!

Stef....I was looking through my Monument Valley photos and when I used my wide angle, I used the upper limit of the wide angle, in the 20mm + range rather than below.

mrblackett Loc: Bloomfield, CT

I do own this lens and very sharp. I also own the 16-85 which is also very fast and sharp. It never comes of my D7000, unless if I'm looking for wide aperture from the 35m. http://www.ebay.com/itm/320869647906

Stef C Loc: Conshohocken (near philly) PA

SteveR wrote:

quote=Stef C quote=SteveR For your wide angle yo... (show quote)

That's okay! If you'd be willing I'd still like to see a few..

thank you!