nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8g

£149/$197

it’s Simple but Mostly effective

As a DX format lens, this Nikon only needs to produce a relatively small image circle, for covering a downsized APS-C format image sensor. Along with a fairly modest aperture rating of f/1.8, this enables a small and lightweight build but, even so, it’s only marginally smaller and is actually a little heavier than the FX format Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens on test.

The design is based on just eight elements in six groups but, that’s still one more element than is featured in the Nikon 50mm. Both have a seven-blade diaphragm for controlling the aperture, but the DX 35mm lens lacks a focus distance scale. The mounting plate is metal not plastic, which is good news considering the price tag, but the plate has no weather-seal ring.

Performance

Autofocus is pretty quick and quiet, and comes with manual override. It’s an internal focusing system so the front element doesn’t rotate, making filters easier to use. Overall image quality isn’t as good as from other lenses on test, but it’s still a good buy at the price.

Sharpness

It’s not quite as sharp as the other Nikon lenses on test, but it’s not far off.

Fringing

Lateral chromatic aberrations are a little worse than other lenses on test.

Distortion

There’s a little more barrel distortion than from most other lenses in the group.

Verdict