Nikon 35mm f1.8, different versions: After having gone to an event yesterday, and found that my 50mm f1.4 was “a bit much” — I wasn’t able to back up enough, because of people behind...

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

After having gone to an event yesterday, and found that my 50mm f1.4 was “a bit much” — I wasn’t able to back up enough, because of people behind me and the group I was trying to capture — that maybe if I had a 35mm, it would have been better. Camera is a D7100, and my 50mm was an older AI-S lens. There is the “cheap” 35mm (“G”) for under $200 and a higher-priced one, the “ED”, for $400-something. Both are f1.8, and the “ED” version has only a single “ED” element. So is it that much better of a lens to spend twice as much? I’ve read great reviews on the “cheaper” one in terms of it’s overall sharpness and that it’s a great lens. Comments?

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

The less expensive version is a DX lens so it will work with your D7100 just fine. The more expensive version is an FX lens and I would expect it to be better built for the price but I have used neither. In that range I normally would be using my 24-70/2.8 Zoom. For your situation, I would recommend the less expensive version. Best of luck.

Murray Loc: New Westminster

I have the DX version on my D7100 and it gives good quality images (within my abilities of course)

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

cjc2 wrote:

In that range I normally would be using my 24-70/2.8 Zoom. For your situation, I would recommend the less expensive version. Best of luck.

I would LOVE the 24-70 but it's a bit beyond my financial situation at this time.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Murray wrote:

I have the DX version on my D7100 and it gives good quality images (within my abilities of course)

The reviews I've read have been positive, almost glowing.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

The 35mm DX cheap lens will serve you well on a 7100.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

If you possibly anticipate buying a full frame at some point,you may opt to buy the more expensive FX model.

klaus Loc: Guatemala City, Guatemala

kb6kgx wrote:

I would LOVE the 24-70 but it's a bit beyond my financial situation at this time.

You can get a grey-market Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 with built in focus motor for $230-250.
This version doesn't have VR but at that focal length it's not really an issue.
It's a good, sharp, well reviewed lens and that's what I have on my D7200 most of the time.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-A16NII-17-50mm-Di-II-Aspherical/dp/B0013DAWPQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1465867083&sr=1-5&keywords=tamron+17-50

By going through amazon you can return it if you don't like it.

I also have the DX 35mm f/1.8 and it won't get sharp until you close it down to f/2.8 so there is no real benefit to this lens other than size.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

I got the 35mm as a refurb from Nikon when they had an extra discount on refurbs so the price was super and I have been very happy with the performance. Also, it is such a cute little lens and very light weight!

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

klaus wrote:

You can get a grey-market Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 with ... (show quote)

True about Amazon. I got my D7100 refurb that way on a Black Friday sale last year. Even though the seller was Adorama, I used gift card credit so there was no out-of-pocket expense involved. As for the 35mm f1.8 not being sharp at that f-stop, I can’t imagine I’d be using it “full open”, anyway. But that’s an interesting point.

I’d consider also the Tamron 24-70, but I’d rather have the Nikon. Just out of the realm of possibility at the moment.

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

kb6kgx wrote:

True about Amazon. I got my D7100 refurb that way on a Black Friday sale last year. Even though the seller was Adorama, I used gift card credit so there was no out-of-pocket expense involved. As for the 35mm f1.8 not being sharp at that f-stop, I can’t imagine I’d be using it “full open”, anyway. But that’s an interesting point.

I’d consider also the Tamron 24-70, but I’d rather have the Nikon. Just out of the realm of possibility at the moment.

The Tamron wont be sharp at wide open either. go 35mm Nikon DX.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Look at the specs and the reviews and read some comparisons. Decide what features are important to you.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare
http://www.lenscore.org/

Dbooker

The 35mm f/1.8 DX is one of the best buys on the market.

Jim Bob

cjc2 wrote:

The less expensive version is a DX lens so it will work with your D7100 just fine. The more expensive version is an FX lens and I would expect it to be better built for the price but I have used neither. In that range I normally would be using my 24-70/2.8 Zoom. For your situation, I would recommend the less expensive version. Best of luck.

Nice recommendation form a person who has used neither. Geesus.

Jim Bob

kb6kgx wrote:

After having gone to an event yesterday, and found... (show quote)

35 G is an exceptional lens. Doubtful you can beat it at anywhere near its price.