The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 autofocus lens, a mainstay in the world of photography, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Nikon’s lens design. This lens, introduced in 1986, quickly became a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike, renowned for its exceptional image quality, compact size, and versatility.
Its legacy continues to this day, captivating photographers with its ability to capture the world in stunning detail.
The lens’s 35mm focal length provides a natural perspective, making it ideal for a wide range of subjects, from street photography and landscapes to portraits and everyday snapshots. Its maximum aperture of f/2 allows for shallow depth of field, enabling photographers to isolate subjects and create beautiful bokeh, the pleasing blur of out-of-focus areas.
The lens’s construction, featuring six elements in five groups, delivers sharp images with excellent contrast and minimal distortion. Its lightweight design and compact size make it a highly portable option for photographers on the go.
Lens Overview
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens, released in 1986, is a classic prime lens known for its compact size, sharp image quality, and relatively fast aperture. It represents a significant milestone in Nikon’s history, marking the transition from manual focus to autofocus technology.
Lens Specifications, Nikon af nikkor 35mm f/2 autofocus lens
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens boasts a range of key specifications that contribute to its performance and versatility:
- Focal Length:35mm, providing a wide-angle perspective suitable for capturing landscapes, architecture, and street photography.
- Aperture Range:f/2 to f/22, offering flexibility in controlling depth of field and light intake. The maximum aperture of f/2 allows for shallow depth of field, isolating subjects against blurred backgrounds, while smaller apertures enhance sharpness and detail.
- Lens Construction:Composed of 7 elements in 6 groups, including 2 aspherical elements that minimize distortion and enhance sharpness. The lens’s design ensures a balance between image quality and size, making it a compact and portable option.
- Weight:Approximately 220 grams (7.8 ounces), making it lightweight and easy to carry around.
Intended Purpose and Target Audience
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens is a versatile tool for various photography genres, making it a popular choice for both professionals and enthusiasts. Its strengths include:
- Sharpness:The lens produces sharp images with good contrast and detail, particularly at wider apertures. This makes it suitable for situations where capturing detail and clarity is crucial, such as landscapes, portraits, and street photography.
- Fast Aperture:The f/2 maximum aperture allows for shallow depth of field, creating a pleasing bokeh effect and isolating subjects. This is particularly beneficial for portrait photography and low-light situations where capturing subject detail with a blurred background is desired.
- Compact Size and Lightweight:Its compact design and lightweight nature make it a convenient lens for everyday use, allowing photographers to carry it without added burden. It is well-suited for travel photography and situations where portability is essential.
While the lens offers numerous advantages, it also has some limitations:
- Autofocus Speed:While autofocus is present, it is not as fast or responsive as modern autofocus systems. This can be a drawback in fast-paced situations or when capturing moving subjects.
- Chromatic Aberration:The lens may exhibit some chromatic aberration, particularly at wider apertures. This can result in color fringing, especially in high-contrast areas. However, this issue can be minimized through post-processing techniques.
- Distortion:The lens exhibits some barrel distortion, which can be noticeable at wider angles. This can be corrected in post-processing or by using lens profiles in editing software.
Image Quality: Nikon Af Nikkor 35mm F/2 Autofocus Lens
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 is renowned for its image quality, which is a testament to its optical design and construction. It delivers sharp and detailed images across a range of apertures and focusing distances. The lens exhibits excellent sharpness, especially in the center of the frame, even at wide apertures.
The sharpness performance is a result of the lens’s seven elements in six groups design, including two aspherical elements.
Sharpness Performance
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens demonstrates excellent sharpness performance, especially in the center of the frame, even at wide apertures. This sharpness is maintained across various focusing distances, making it suitable for various photography scenarios.
At f/2, the lens exhibits a noticeable softness in the corners, which improves significantly when stopped down to f/4.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 autofocus lens, a staple for photographers seeking a versatile and affordable wide-angle option, boasts a sharp and crisp image quality. However, when venturing into the realm of filmmaking, the question of lens choice becomes more nuanced.
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The sharpness gradually improves as you stop down the aperture, with the best performance achieved around f/8. However, diffraction effects become more pronounced at apertures smaller than f/8, which can slightly degrade sharpness.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 autofocus lens is a popular choice for photographers seeking a versatile and affordable prime lens. Its wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field and low-light shooting, making it ideal for capturing portraits, street photography, and everyday moments.
To fully utilize this lens, you’ll need a camera with ample storage, and a 128GB memory card can hold a significant number of images. It’s helpful to consider the file size of your photos, which depends on factors like resolution and image format.
To get an idea of how many photos you can store on a 128GB card, you can refer to this helpful guide on how many pics will 128gb hold. With a reliable storage solution, you can capture countless moments with your Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens.
Bokeh Characteristics
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 produces pleasing bokeh, which is the blur in the out-of-focus areas of an image. The lens’s circular aperture contributes to a smooth and creamy bokeh, with a pleasing rendering of out-of-focus elements.
The bokeh is particularly noticeable when shooting subjects against a blurred background, such as portraits.
The bokeh is not as smooth as some modern lenses, but it remains pleasant and contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the images.
Distortion and Chromatic Aberration
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 exhibits minimal distortion, which is the tendency for straight lines to appear curved in an image. The lens is designed to minimize distortion, resulting in images with minimal geometric distortion.
The lens also demonstrates low levels of chromatic aberration, which is the appearance of color fringing around high-contrast edges.
The lens effectively controls chromatic aberration, particularly when stopped down to f/4 and beyond. Chromatic aberration can be further minimized through post-processing techniques if necessary.
Autofocus Performance
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 is renowned for its autofocus performance, which is a crucial factor for many photographers. This lens utilizes a dedicated autofocus motor, enabling it to achieve rapid and precise focusing, making it suitable for various photographic scenarios.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
The autofocus speed of the Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 is generally considered fast, especially when compared to older manual focus lenses. This lens’s autofocus motor, combined with its relatively simple optical design, allows it to acquire focus quickly and accurately in various lighting conditions.
However, its performance might not be as fast as some modern autofocus lenses equipped with more advanced technologies. The lens’s accuracy is also commendable, as it consistently delivers sharp and well-focused images. It is particularly adept at capturing stationary subjects, thanks to its ability to lock onto the target with minimal hunting.
While its performance in low light might not be as impressive as newer lenses, it still manages to achieve acceptable results.
Autofocus Performance Compared to Other Lenses
When comparing the Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 to other lenses in its class, it is essential to consider the era in which it was manufactured. Older autofocus lenses, like the Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2, often lack the advanced features and technologies found in modern lenses.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 autofocus lens, with its wide aperture and compact size, is a versatile tool for capturing those candid moments that make senior pictures truly special. Whether you’re capturing the joy of a senior portrait session in a bustling city park or the serene beauty of a sunset by the lake, the lens’s ability to capture detail and depth will make your photographs stand out.
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While it might not be as fast or accurate as modern lenses, it still holds its own in terms of overall performance. For example, it surpasses some older manual focus lenses in speed and accuracy.
Tracking Moving Subjects
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2’s autofocus system is designed primarily for capturing stationary subjects. While it can track moving subjects to a certain extent, its performance in this area is limited. This is due to the lack of advanced autofocus technologies like continuous autofocus (AF-C) or subject tracking, which are commonly found in newer lenses.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 autofocus lens, a classic for its sharp image quality and fast aperture, can be a valuable tool for capturing intimate moments. While not designed for covert surveillance, its compact size and discreet appearance might lead some to consider its use in situations where privacy is paramount.
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Therefore, photographers who frequently shoot fast-moving subjects might find it challenging to achieve consistently sharp images. However, the lens’s relatively fast maximum aperture of f/2 can compensate for this limitation by allowing for faster shutter speeds, which can help freeze motion.
Suitability for Different Types of Photography
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 is a versatile lens suitable for a range of photographic genres. Its fast aperture and compact size make it ideal for street photography, where quick focusing and discreet shooting are essential. It is also well-suited for portrait photography, as it can produce pleasing bokeh and deliver sharp details.However, its limited autofocus capabilities might make it less suitable for action or sports photography, where fast and accurate tracking of moving subjects is crucial.
Despite this limitation, it can still be used for these genres, but it requires more manual intervention and careful timing to achieve successful results.
Build Quality and Design
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens is a well-constructed lens that reflects Nikon’s reputation for quality. Its build quality is robust and durable, making it suitable for both casual and professional photographers. The lens is primarily constructed from metal, with a high-quality black finish that is resistant to scratches and wear.
This combination of metal and finish ensures that the lens can withstand the rigors of everyday use. The lens’s design features contribute to its overall build quality and usability.
Focus Ring and Aperture Ring
The focus ring on the Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens is smooth and precise, providing a tactile and satisfying experience when adjusting focus. The focus ring is made of rubber, providing a comfortable grip. It has a good amount of resistance, ensuring that focus adjustments are controlled and precise.The aperture ring is located on the lens barrel, allowing for quick and easy aperture control.
The aperture ring has a click stop mechanism, which provides tactile feedback as the aperture is adjusted. This mechanism makes it easy to determine the current aperture setting, even in low-light conditions. The aperture ring also has a “clickless” mode, which can be useful for video recording.
Ergonomics and Ease of Use
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens is a relatively compact and lightweight lens, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. Its size and weight make it easy to carry around and use on various camera bodies.The lens’s design is well-balanced, with the center of gravity located near the lens mount.
This balance makes it easy to hold and maneuver the lens, especially when shooting handheld. The lens’s overall design is ergonomic and intuitive, making it easy to use for both beginners and experienced photographers.
Comparisons and Alternatives
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 holds its own among other popular 35mm lenses in its price range. While it offers a compelling blend of features and performance, understanding its strengths and weaknesses in comparison to competitors can help you make an informed decision.
This section explores its advantages and disadvantages against similar lenses and examines alternative options that might suit your specific needs.
Comparison with Other 35mm Lenses
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 competes with other popular 35mm lenses in its price range, such as the:
- Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G:This lens is designed for Nikon DX-format cameras and offers a wider maximum aperture of f/1.8. It’s a great choice for low-light photography and shallow depth of field effects, but its smaller image circle limits its use on FX cameras.
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art:This lens offers exceptional image quality and a wider maximum aperture of f/1.4, but it comes at a higher price point. It’s a top contender for professionals and enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and low-light performance.
- Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM:This lens is designed for Canon cameras and offers image stabilization, which can be advantageous for handheld shooting. It also boasts a wider maximum aperture of f/2.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 stands out with its compact size and lightweight design, making it a more portable option compared to some of its competitors. Its build quality and autofocus performance are also noteworthy, especially considering its price point.
However, its maximum aperture of f/2 might not be as appealing for low-light photography or achieving shallower depth of field compared to lenses with wider maximum apertures.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 autofocus lens, a classic choice for street photography, boasts a fast aperture that allows for shallow depth of field and low-light shooting. To further enhance the capture of details in a bustling scene, photographers often employ techniques like a high angle flash photo , which directs the flash downwards, illuminating subjects from above.
This technique, combined with the Nikkor 35mm’s wide field of view, provides a dynamic perspective and helps freeze motion for captivating street shots.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 presents both advantages and disadvantages compared to other lenses in its class.
Advantages:
- Compact Size and Lightweight Design:Its smaller size and lighter weight make it a more portable option compared to other 35mm lenses, especially for travel and street photography.
- Good Build Quality:The lens is built with a metal barrel and a robust construction, providing durability and a satisfying feel in hand.
- Solid Autofocus Performance:The autofocus system is quick and accurate, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.
- Affordable Price Point:Compared to some of its competitors, the Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 offers a good balance of features and performance at a reasonable price.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Maximum Aperture:The f/2 maximum aperture is not as wide as some of its competitors, which might limit its capabilities in low-light situations or achieving shallower depth of field effects.
- No Image Stabilization:The lack of image stabilization can make handheld shooting more challenging in low-light or unstable conditions.
- Older Design:As an older lens, it may not offer the latest technology or features found in newer models.
Alternative Lenses
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 is a solid option, but other lenses might better suit your specific needs or budget.
Alternative Lenses at Similar Price Points:
- Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G:A good choice for Nikon DX-format cameras, offering a wider maximum aperture and affordability. However, its smaller image circle limits its use on FX cameras.
- Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD:A popular alternative offering a wider maximum aperture, image stabilization, and excellent image quality, all at a competitive price.
Alternative Lenses at Higher Price Points:
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art:A top contender for professionals and enthusiasts seeking exceptional image quality and low-light performance, but it comes at a higher price point.
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G:Nikon’s flagship 35mm lens, offering exceptional sharpness, wide maximum aperture, and excellent build quality, but it is significantly more expensive.
Sample Images and Applications
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens is a versatile tool for photographers of all skill levels. Its wide-angle perspective and fast aperture make it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios, from capturing stunning landscapes to intimate portraits. To illustrate its capabilities, we’ll examine sample images across various subjects and shooting conditions.
Image Examples by Subject and Shooting Conditions
The following table presents a collection of sample images taken with the Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens, categorized by subject matter and shooting conditions. Each entry includes a brief description of the image, the aperture used, and the technical aspects that contribute to its overall quality.
| Image | Subject | Aperture | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Image of a bustling city street, showcasing sharp details and a wide field of view] | Urban Landscape | f/2.8 | This image captures the energy of a city street, showcasing sharp details of the architecture and the movement of people. The wide-angle perspective allows for a sense of depth and immersion. The aperture of f/2.8 provides a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and drawing attention to the foreground. |
| [Image of a lone tree silhouetted against a vibrant sunset] | Nature and Landscape | f/8 | This image showcases the lens’ ability to capture stunning landscapes. The aperture of f/8 provides a sharp and detailed image, allowing for a wide depth of field that captures the intricate details of the tree and the vibrant colors of the sunset. |
| [Image of a portrait with a soft, blurred background] | Portraiture | f/2 | This portrait demonstrates the lens’ capability for capturing beautiful portraits with a soft, blurred background. The wide aperture of f/2 allows for a shallow depth of field, isolating the subject from the background and creating a sense of intimacy. |
| [Image of a low-light scene with minimal noise] | Low-Light Photography | f/2 | This image showcases the lens’ ability to capture low-light scenes with minimal noise. The fast aperture of f/2 allows for a faster shutter speed, reducing the risk of camera shake and ensuring sharp details even in challenging lighting conditions. |
End of Discussion
The Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2 autofocus lens, despite its age, remains a compelling choice for photographers seeking a versatile and high-performing lens. Its classic design and robust construction ensure its longevity, while its ability to deliver exceptional image quality makes it a valuable tool for capturing the world’s beauty.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, this lens offers a compelling blend of performance, affordability, and portability, making it a timeless classic worth considering.