Nikon AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED £550, $750
Th e cheapest Nikon on test – but the least wide
Similar to using a 12mm lens on a DX camera, this FX-format zoom has a widest available viewing angle of 100 degrees. That’s the least impressive of any lens on test, but at least it has a compact and lightweight build for an FX wide-angle zoom. Indeed, at 385 grams, it’s even lighter than the 460-gram Nikon 10-24mm DX zoom, and only just over a third of the weight of the Nikon 14-24mm.
Despite being a lightweight, the lens feels reasonably well put together. Attractions include ring-type ultrasonic autofocus, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and a rubber weather seal on the mounting plate. Unlike some of Nikon’s more lavish lenses, it has SIC (Super Integrated Coating) rather than Nano Crystal Coat, but resistance to ghosting and flare is pretty good nonetheless.
Performance
Along with the modest maximum viewing angle comes relatively little distortion at the shortest zoom setting. Fringing is also minimal, but levels of sharpness towards the edges of the frame are disappointing.