35mm F2 - Hidden Gem?

[SoCal Steve]

I wanted a "normal" lens with a little more sharpness than the kit lens so I bought a Nikkor 35mm F2.0 today. US$330 in store. My first impression is WOW! This is the best lens I've purchased. Better than my 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, or 105mm 2.8. Sharpness, contrast and color saturation..It's all there in spades. That may not show up well here, but check out the links to the images on Pixspot, they're much better. I've never heard anyone else talk about this lens that I can remember. Let me know if you have any experience with it. I'd love to hear about it. It's suppose to focus to about 10 inches but seems to focus to about 6 inches and lock with ease. Zoomed in the cat's eye even shows the reflection of the street in front of my house.


Better View at: http://www.pixspot.com/displayimage.php ... fullsize=1


Better View at: http://www.pixspot.com/displayimage.php ... fullsize=1

[Matt. K]

Supurb cat portrait. A classic!

[birddog114]

Yes Steve, I mentioned about this while ago, the 35/2 is the real 50mm on dslr and works great, sharp razor cut.
The 50mm = 75mm little bit long on what people thought it's 50mm.
I love to shoot with the 35/2 than the 50/1.4, my compact lens on my dslr body.
I say 50mm of the old days.

[yeocsa]

35f2. Yes it is a gem. Great find, steve.

regards,

Arthur

[fozzie]

SoCal Steve,

I do like the results you achieved.

Instead of 'Picture Of The Week', this could become 'Lens Of The Week'.

Might have to get Birddog114 to add to the 'Bargin Section'.


Cheers,

[sirhc55]

Steve - great shots with a great lens - even those famous roses, still going strong

[Onyx]

Steve, I agree tis a great lens and I'm sure you will be very happy with it. I acquired one in my time in HK, it seemed ideal for what I wanted - the f/2 makes it suited for low light use, it's a VERY sharp lens, able to focus close (0.28m) ideal candidate for reverse macro (even the instruction manuals mentions its use reserved). It is superbly sharp, and I found it to be a fantastic focal length on a DSLR.

The only criticism I have, and one which made me ultimately give it up for a 50/1.4, is its tendency to exhibit chromatic abberations - which is especially noticeable when it's used as a low light lens (my original intention for obtaining the 35 f/2), and exacerbated by closer focusing.

If you don't intend to use the 35 in low light (it makes for a fantastic walkaround candids and landscapes lens) it would make a superb lens especially stopped down - and f/4 is considered 'stopped down'!

[SoCal Steve]

Onyx - Thank you for the benefit of your experience. I will avoid using the 35mm f2 in low light and switch to my 50mm f1.4 at those times.

Much appreciated!!

[birddog114]

With the sweet spot of the 35/2 is always one stop down and I find it excellent. The 35/2 can achieve as a low light light lens at F2, CA is not always appear on my shooting, it has some but acceptable, in some situation the 35/2 is considered a good low light, compact and walkaround lens in candid and landscape photography.

[sirhc55]

CA will always depend on the lighting conditions - I get CA on the 12-24 if I shoot under strong side lighting.