Nikon 35mm 1.8 AF-S

[james_tigerwoods]

I've finally decided that I'm getting this lens to go with my D3100 - I've been agonizing over it for about a week as I really want a Kindle too. I'll get it in Jessops for £165 in Meadowhall tomorrow (I know, I must be mad to even think about venturing near there this close to Christmas).

It will join my brilliant 18-70 and my ok 55-200 (I may get a 55-300 or 70-300 some time though).

However, should I forget this, chalk it up as a bad idea and get the Kindle?

[Simpo Two]

You can't take photos with a Kindle, but you can read books


Presumably you need the faster aperture?

[james_tigerwoods]

The Kindle doesn't have a camera???

I don't need this lens, but I do want to be able to take low light photos and take 1.8/2/etc photos. Ultimately I want a decent fixed lens for family photos - I didn't get on with a 50mm fixed as it just didn't work for me as I ended up too far away from any action.

Does anyone have one?

[furtive]

I've got one. It's a great lens which is on my camera more than it is off it these days.


Aquarium, Atlantis Dubai by furtive, on Flickr


DSC_7340 by furtive, on Flickr

[james_tigerwoods]

I do rather like that aquarium photo

[Simpo Two]

I think if you want to have the classic view of a 'standard' lens (ie 50mm f1.8 on 35mm) then this is the one to have.

'Back in the day' a keen amateur would typically have 28, 50 and 135mm lenses, all pretty fast as they were primes with no AF.

[AndWhyNot]

I know lots of Nikon DX users who have this lens and have only ever heard good things about it. Won't migrate successfully to FX though so if a D700 or better features in your upgrade plans, go for the AF-D f/2. Loses 1/3 stop but so crisp even wide open and can be had used for appx the same amount: http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...

Can't comment on the rationale of your choosing between Kindle & lens, marginally more chance the lens will appear at a cut price in the sales but chances of scoring either with a worthwhile discount are slim.

[Simpo Two]

AndWhyNot said:

I know lots of Nikon DX users who have this lens and have only ever heard good things about it. Won't migrate successfully to FX though

FX cameras will auto-crop DX lenses giving a 5Mp image - so it will work, but I agree not ideal. But with respect to the OP I don't think he's hunting near FX-land just yet.

[chopper602]

furtive said:

I've got one. It's a great lens which is on my camera more than it is off it these days.

^^^^^^
wot he said

Superb lens (and I've bought the wife a Kindle for Christmas)

[james_tigerwoods]

My reasoning for Kindle or Lens is because I have money for both (sort of) and I've been hankering after the 1.8 for ages - The AF-S is the default option as I doubt I'll be moving away from the D3100 any time soon.

What's the view on how good it is (or isn't) at low light?

[AndWhyNot]

Simpo Two said:

AndWhyNot said:

I know lots of Nikon DX users who have this lens and have only ever heard good things about it. Won't migrate successfully to FX though

FX cameras will auto-crop DX lenses giving a 5Mp image - so it will work, but I agree not ideal. But with respect to the OP I don't think he's hunting near FX-land just yet.

Did think twice about mentioning FX upgrade issues and figured better to be forewarned. Know a couple of people including one who posts in here who tried the lens in question on full frame and there were bigger issues than the auto crop.

[james_tigerwoods]

Got it yesterday for £169 from Jessops in store - much as it pained me to go in there and not go online



First impressions are great, I'm loving the lens, it's great at low light and quick too - I am finding myself preferring it to my 18-70 and I didn't expect that. I far prefer it to a 50mm prime too as it means I can be closer to the action as I didn't like the distance I needed with a 50 (minor I know, but I tried a 50 and didn't get on with it).

[RobDickinson]

The 35mm works ok on a FX body even without crop mode afik. Some heavy vignetting but still usable

Its a fantastic lens, slightly harsh bokeh vs some of the better primes is its only real downside.

[james_tigerwoods]

I have been using this lens since I got it and I can safely say that I love it

[ian in lancs]

I gor myself a 35mm f2D from ebay last week and can safely say its fantastic. Should have got it ages ago!