Nikon launches AF-S 35mm F1.8 DX prime

[Gdad]

In case anyone missed this- looks pretty nice and will auto-focus on D40/D60 bodies just fine.

Nikon launches AF-S 35mm F1.8 DX prime

Monday, 9 February 2009 08:50 GMT

Pre-PMA 2009: Nikon has announced the launch of a 35mm F1.8 prime lens with autofocus compatible with the D40, D40X and D60. The AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8 G is a completely new design for Nikon-mount DSLRs with APS-C sized sensors (or the ability to work in crop mode). The manufacturer suggested retail price is just €199/£199/$199, making it a modern alternative to the traditional 50mm lenses as used on 35mm film bodies.

All new fast aperture, DX format prime lens

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09020901nikon35mm1p8.asp

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09021002nikoninterview.asp

 

[annnewjerz]

I was jut reading something about this on Nikon Cafe. I was considering getting the Sigma 30 because it is a little wider than the 50 1.8 (which seems to be a littttle too tight on a lot of those rides in WDW) that I already have, but with Sigma's recent price increase it almost doesn't seem worth it anymore.

For those of you that have used the 50 1.8 on the indoor rides at WDW, how does it perform and for those of you experts...how big a difference will the extra stop make in getting some good shots on those rides like PotC, HM, etc??

If the difference won't be great, I may spend 1/2 the money and just go with the new Nikon 35 instead.

 

[Todd_H]

I was jut reading something about this on Nikon Cafe. I was considering getting the Sigma 30 because it is a little wider than the 50 1.8 (which seems to be a littttle too tight on a lot of those rides in WDW) that I already have, but with Sigma's recent price increase it almost doesn't seem worth it anymore.

For those of you that have used the 50 1.8 on the indoor rides at WDW, how does it perform and for those of you experts...how big a difference will the extra stop make in getting some good shots on those rides like PotC, HM, etc??

Well, I'm no expert, but I'll share my experience. I have both the nifty fifty and the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and have used them both on dark rides at WDW (should mention that I shoot Canon). They both work well and the 30mm f/1.4 will give you a noticeable difference in the amount of light you can get into the camera. The hard part for me was manually focusing the 30mm because the size of your objects in the viewfinder are obviously smaller. I'll say that I got better exposures in the HM, but more blurry pix. That's just my 2 cents. Not saying I don't recommend it, but if you go with the 30mm, be sure to practice like crazy with it before you take it to WDW. The Sigma is a great lens and I think the Nikon version is supposed to be better than Canon's.

 

[handicap18]

Wow. Interesting. Should do pretty well. Looks like $199 suggested retail. If IQ is up there then this should be a nice addition to the Nikon DX lens lineup.

Ann, to answer your question (or at least trying to answer it) I've used both the 50 f/1.8 and the Sigma 30. For most stuff the 30 is better because of the focal length. The 50 will work and you can get some great shots, but I liked the 30's focal length better. I also found it a little faster with focusing. The 1/3 of a stop isn't to to much of a difference, but in some cases it does help.

Here are a few comparisons from approximately the same spot:

With the 50mm:

With the 30mm:

With the 50mm:

With the 30mm:

 

[annnewjerz]

Here are a few comparisons from approximately the same spot:

With the 50mm:

With the 30mm:

With the 50mm:

With the 30mm:

THANK YOU. I agree that I would like the 30 (or 35mm) focal length better but didn't know if I could really justify spending over $400 now on it when I'd probably only use it here and there. For $200, depending on the sample shots that come out, I could very well have the best of both worlds...cheap, 1.8 AND 35mm. Niceeeee

 

[Code]

Sounds like a great addition to Nikon's lineup, I imagine other manufacturers will follow their lead on this one eventually.

One correction, the difference between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is 2/3 of a stop. When talking about the darkest of the dark rides, every 1/3 stop counts. If your ultimate goal is HM & PotC, you might still want to consider the Siggy.

 

[handicap18]

Sounds like a great addition to Nikon's lineup, I imagine other manufacturers will follow their lead on this one eventually.

One correction, the difference between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is 2/3 of a stop. When talking about the darkest of the dark rides, every 1/3 stop counts. If your ultimate goal is HM & PotC, you might still want to consider the Siggy.

Yep, you are correct. I was doing my math the wrong way.

 

[ssanders79]

I think I am going to add this to my wishlist. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Groucho]

I feel bad for our friends over in Europe - they'll be paying much more for this lens!

$200 is a steal for this lens, I am impressed that Nikon came out with this, especially if they're bettering the IQ of their existing 35mm F2.0. Fast primes was probably where the Nikon lineup has been, IMHO, the weakest (virtually everything they've got is ancient and none of it focuses on the entry-level bodies, plus Nikons have the least-adaptable mount so you can't do much with non-Nikon-mount lenses), and it sounds like they're going to be coming out with some new stuff. I think as more people spend time with DSLRs or return to SLRs after time with film ones, people are rediscovering the joy of fast primes.

 

[WDWFigment]

This really makes me want to consider selling me Sigma 30 1.4. However, I don't really want to lose the 5mm, nor do I want to lose the 2/3 of a stop for the $100 or so I could make by switching. I wonder if the IQ will be better, though (not that the Sigma is bad by any means). Hmm...

 

[Gdad]

The Sigma 30/1.4 is a sweet lens which I really liked when I had it- it is really the only DX lens that I miss. That being said I am seriously considering this one for my daughters D40/18-200vr kit (which I do borrow sometimes ) but I'm going to wait and see some images from it first. I like that it not only costs but also weighs less than half than the Sigma- which is kind of awkward feeling on a tiny camera body like the D40 IMHO.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Wow! I guess I'm a little conflicted about this lens. I searched and researched for so long before committing to the Sigma 30mm 1.4 lens because I already have the 50mm 1.8 and wanted a wider perspective than what it offered. I really like the 30mm 1.4. The extra 2/3 stops does make a big difference on the darkest rides. I think had this lens been out I may have considered it, but I'm glad I got the Sigma. $199 is a great price for a Nikon Prime. I wonder what the photos will look like? I'm glad I don't have to make the decision of which to get now, because I would be thoroughly confused!

 

[Gdad]

Samples:

http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/nikon_35_1p8_preview/