The Nikon 35mm f/2 AI is a compact fast wide-angle prime. 35mm primes have been in Nikons lens line-up since the 1960's and the latest update was done in 1989 with the AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 (I'm talking about 35mm Nikkor's in general here, and not only about the f/2 versions). The 35mm wide angle primes have been a favorite lens by photojournalists for decades, mostly until the zoom lenses hit the market. Like most of the manual focus lenses out there, gone but not forgotten. As usual the lens will be tested on the Nikon D3.

Specifications

Positives

• DOF/IR markings.
• Build quality.
• Close focus performance.
• Excellent on bellows.

Drawbacks

• Corner performance, not really great until you hit at least f/4

Verdict

Peak performance is f/4 to f/11, it is quite usable below f/4, but corners are not perfect until you hit at least f/4. This can of course be used creatively, and for some shooters this can be an advantage as much as it can be a disadvantage to some. Close focus on the other hand is outstanding, great results can be achieved from f/2, with soft corners though. Diffraction starts kicking in around f/16, still providing usable results @ f/22 if you add some sharpening to the pictures. IR performance, is overall good, but it does show a hot-spot around f/16.

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2.0D From: $319.95 USD

Zeiss MF 35mm f/2 ZF Distagon T* Price: $826.00 USD

Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF From: $1,599.95 USD

Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED-IF From: $569.95 USD

DX Lenses:

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX. Price: $194.95 USD

Tokina 35mm f/2.8 AT-X M35 Pro DX Macro. Price: $319.00 USD

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from May 18, 2010

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.