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Review by Markus Stamm, published February 2011 Introduction35 mm lenses have seen some sort of revival in the digital age, because for users of cameras with APS-C sensors these lenses offered almost the same picture angle as a 50mm lens on film cameras and thus were chosen by many as their normal primes. One of these popular lenses in the Nikon community is the Nikkor AF-D 35/2.0. It initially was and of course still is meant to be used as a moderate wide angle prime on full frame cameras. So let's see how this somewhat aged design (introduced in 1995) behaves on our FX test camera, the Nikon D3x.  The build quality of the lens is very good and in line with most moderately priced Nikkors. The outer barrel is made of polycarbonate combined with a metal mount. The small rubberized focus ring is very smooth and only marginally damped, but rotates during AF operation. Typical for lenses with a linear extension system the whole inner tube moves during focusing thus extending the lens when focusing towards closer focus distances. The lens has no internal AF motor and relies on a slotted drive screw operated by the camera, so AF is not available on the motor-free entry level Nikon DSLRs. As a result of the screw drive, AF operation will generate a moderate degree of noise. The front element does not rotate so using a polarizer is no problem. Specifications Optical construction6 elements in 5 groups Number of aperture blades7 min. focus distance0.25 m (max. magnification ratio 1:4.2) Dimensions65 x 45 mm Weight205 g Filter size52 mm (non-rotating) HoodNikon HN-3 (optional), barrel shaped (screw-in) Other featuresLens reports distance (D) information to camera I just received my Nikon 35mm 1.8 ED G lens which is on rebate right now for about $499. I bought it to replace my Nikon 35mm f/2 AF-D lens mainly for the improved focus speed, lighter weight and cheaper cost compared to the Sigma 35 Art. So far my initial impressions is that the G lens focuses very fast, it's sharper at the edges and weighs not much more than the D lens. In terms of sharpness, I actually think the D version is a bit sharper in the center wide open, but the difference is barely noticeable only if scrutinizing the image for awhile! I think where the G version shines is the focus speed and corner sharpness. Using the outer focus area of my D800, the G has a better overall image wide open. The D version tends to be soft on the edges and needs to be stopped down quite a bit to even out sharpness across the frame. Though if you're a center focus type shooter the D is just as good. In fact comparing the two they're really not too far off. If one doesn't care for corner sharpness or faster focus speed/tracking, I'd definitely save my money and get the D instead. I can post some pictures if anyone is interested. I'll probably be keeping the G and selling the D. Though I wanted to post my initial thoughts between the two before putting it up for sale for those looking at a 35mm FL lens. Last edited: Mar 12, 2015
I think my AF non-D is faster than any modern AF-S prime it is a metal, made in japan version and just looks more discreet for its main job..street work don't care much about corners
the 35 f2 AF-D is probably my favorite lens, it's easily my most used lens!
Street work has pretty much gone to my M43 gear. I'm also using the D3S & D800 for digital and corner softness is really noticeable with the D800 since I tend to be an off-center shooter. Plus I'm using an N80 for film and focus speeds with AF-D lenses are pretty slow. With AF-S lenses it's pretty much on par with my digital bodies even with the older multi CAM-900 AF module.
Thanks so much for posting this. I'm trying to make up my mind quickly between these two lenses, before the rebate goes away, and I'm torn. I'd really love to see some comparison shots, low light if possible. I'd also really like seeing a couple of shots of the two lenses side by side, since (smaller) size does matter a bit to me. Honestly, if they're as close as you say they are, I'd just as soon go for the lower profile (and less expensive) f/2 D.
And something demonstrating the corner sharpness differences would be much appreciated! Thank in advance!
Like I said, as long as focus speed/tracking and edge sharpness isn't a concern, I'd go with with a newer model D version. If you want good tracking for chasing little kids or something, I find the G incredibly fast. In terms of build, they're both plasticky. The D is more compact, but the inner barrel moves up and down. The G is taller, but has a thicker MF focus ring and the barrel is a fixed length. In terms of weight, the D is incredibly light. In fact mounting both on a camera and you won't notice much difference. Since I just got it this afternoon, I probably won't be able to shoot any samples until the weekend! Last edited: Mar 13, 2015
Here's a quick bokeh comparison between the two of my daughter! The G version's OOF areas are noticeably smoother, with more rounded spherical highlights, while the D has the more hexagonal OOF areas. The D shot is a slightly older photo, but you get the idea in terms of rendering. I'll shoot some more over the weekend! The D has a little bit of bite to it, while the G has a smoother overall rendering. These lenses definitely feel different. G shot: Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available) D shot: Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available) Here's another D shot to illustrate the OOF areas. If anything, sharpness between the two is not an issue: Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available) Last edited: Mar 13, 2015
my older 35/2 is metal and not D neither of these lenses are boke kings this was taken in the blink of an eye I don't think the OOF is any worse than the newer model Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
Are you talking about the AI-S model or the AF non-D? Anyways, not saying one is better than the other, but each lens definitely has advantages which are more dependent on the photographer's needs. If anything, the quality of the D lens is more of a testament of how good it is! Since I have both with me at the moment I figure it wouldn't hurt to showcase the similarities and differences. my older 35/2 is metal and not D
Nice shots, Jonathan, and a beautiful daughter. I've been thinking of a 35 for going out at night with friends and family, where in tight restaurants the 50 sometimes isn't wide enough. It seems like the f/2 D would be more than adequate for snaps like that, but I'd also like the option to try some evening streetscape shots while out and about, and that's where I wonder about the corner sharpness. That seems to be the most consistent complaint from people in the reading I've done online. I'd probably be looking to use the lens a lot at 2.0 to 2.8.
I'm going to try and shoot the lens tonight, they're lighting up 26 miles of road with giant spotlights for the LA Marathon this Sunday. That is if I can get out of the house without the kids!
G shot: Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available) D shot: Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available) Here's another D shot to illustrate the OOF areas. If anything, sharpness between the two is not an issue: Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)i like your old school processing in your D image! I think my AF non-D is faster than any modern AF-S prime it is a metal, made in japan version and just looks more discreet for its main job..street work don't care much about corners when I was looking for a nice 35mm prime I was looking for that exact one..the non-D version. They didnt make many but I wanted a 35mm in a whim and settled on MF 35mm nikkor-o f2 pre-AI.
I had a 35D. made in Thailand or where ever and it was ok sold it when I went zooms for while I searched for a while for a 35 AF nikkor...no D, made in Japan got one finally and will never let it go have the HN3 metal screw in hood instead of these huge plastic bayonet deals just looks old school cool I don't shoot architecture or landscapes really I don't really care about corners YMMV Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
The late model 35mm f/2 D I have with the new style gold box is stamped made in Japan. I don't think they ever off shored this camera for production, either that or they recently brought it back to Japan to be made. I had a 35D. made in Thailand or where ever and it was ok
think you are right Jonathan mine just feels more solid , better made I guess
Are the optics the same betwween the D and non-D versions? Your shots look really good, Frank. I guess one advantage of the D version is that I can still buy one new today.
I believe the optics are the same 6/5 grouping maybe just be a perceived difference by me or I have an excellent older copy... either way, for me the size/weight/quick focus/close focus is perfect for what I use it for street work 99% of the time I tried the Sigma Art way too heavy and large the 35/1.8G doesn't interest me at all
I agree, the Sigma is way too big and heavy, although I did have the 30mm 1.4 DX version and loved the rendering and how bright it was. The Nikon 1.8G does I interest me, but I wish it were a little less expensive and slightly smaller (I thought one advantage of primes was their small size?).
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/AFNikkor/AF35mm/ After the introduction of the Nikon F90(x) (N90(s)); and along with a broad scale general lens updating program conducted by Nikon, the AF Nikkor 35mm f/2.0s wideangle lens also had gone through a round of lens update and this probably could have been occurred around March, 1995 where a distance sensor has been incorporated within, enabling compatible Nikon SLRs that offer 3D Matrix Metering system for an improved level of metering and exposure accuracy. The AF-D Nikkor 35mm f/2.0D is marginally larger than the non-D predecessor but it weighs slightly lighter at 205g (non-D lens weighs at 215g). Other than these, it is an exact replication of the non-D predecessor. |
