Nikon 35-70mm f2.8d vs 35-70mm f2.8 – Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D vs 35-70mm f/2.8: These two lenses, both offering a versatile zoom range and a constant aperture of f/2.8, have captured the attention of photographers for years. They stand as testaments to Nikon’s commitment to crafting exceptional optics, but each lens boasts unique characteristics that cater to different photographic needs and preferences.
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of these lenses, dissecting their optical performance, autofocus capabilities, build quality, and practical considerations to determine which lens reigns supreme.
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D, a product of Nikon’s renowned D-series, is known for its exceptional image quality, particularly in the realm of sharpness and contrast. Its design, however, incorporates older technology, which translates to a slightly slower autofocus system compared to its newer counterpart.
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8, on the other hand, showcases advancements in lens technology, offering a faster and more accurate autofocus system, enhanced build quality, and a more modern aesthetic. While both lenses deliver impressive results, understanding their differences is crucial for making an informed decision based on your individual photographic goals.
Introduction
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and 35-70mm f/2.8 are two popular zoom lenses designed for photographers seeking versatile performance in a compact and lightweight package. Both lenses offer a constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, providing consistent performance in low-light situations and allowing for shallow depth of field effects.
They cater to a diverse range of photographers, from professionals to enthusiasts, who require a reliable and adaptable lens for various genres, including portraiture, landscape, street, and event photography.
Key Features and Specifications
These lenses share some common features, but also exhibit distinct characteristics.
Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D
This lens is a classic autofocus (AF) lens with a “D” designation, indicating its compatibility with Nikon cameras that support 3D Color Matrix Metering. It is known for its robust build quality and reliable performance.
- Focal Length:35-70mm
- Maximum Aperture:f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture:f/22
- Lens Elements/Groups:11 elements in 8 groups
- Diaphragm Blades:7
- Filter Size:67mm
- Weight:520g
- Closest Focusing Distance:0.45m (1.5 ft)
Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8
This lens is a later version, featuring an improved optical design and a more compact size. It is a modern AF lens with a more contemporary feel.
- Focal Length:35-70mm
- Maximum Aperture:f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture:f/22
- Lens Elements/Groups:13 elements in 10 groups
- Diaphragm Blades:7
- Filter Size:67mm
- Weight:450g
- Closest Focusing Distance:0.35m (1.1 ft)
Target Audience
Both lenses cater to a wide range of photographers, including:
- Professional photographers:Seeking a versatile and reliable lens for various genres, such as portraiture, landscape, street, and event photography.
- Enthusiast photographers:Looking for a high-quality lens that offers excellent image quality and performance, allowing them to explore their creative vision.
- Travel photographers:Appreciating the compact size and lightweight design, making it convenient for carrying on trips.
- Videographers:Benefiting from the constant aperture, providing consistent exposure and smooth transitions during video recording.
Optical Performance
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and 35-70mm f/2.8 lenses are both renowned for their optical quality, but they exhibit distinct differences in their performance characteristics. This section delves into a comparative analysis of their image quality, encompassing sharpness, contrast, color rendition, distortion, bokeh, and overall image aesthetics.
Sharpness
Sharpness is a crucial aspect of lens performance, determining the level of detail captured in an image. The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D, being a older design, generally exhibits slightly lower sharpness compared to its newer counterpart, the 35-70mm f/2.8. The 35-70mm f/2.8 demonstrates improved sharpness across the frame, particularly at wider apertures.
This is attributed to advancements in lens design and manufacturing techniques, leading to better correction of aberrations and improved overall resolution.
The 35-70mm f/2.8 achieves exceptional sharpness at f/8, providing crisp detail even at the edges of the frame.
Contrast
Contrast refers to the difference in brightness between light and dark areas in an image. The 35-70mm f/2.8D exhibits a slightly lower contrast compared to the 35-70mm f/2.8. This difference can be attributed to the older lens design and the presence of more lens elements, which can introduce some micro-contrast loss.
The 35-70mm f/2.8, with its improved optical formula, delivers higher contrast, resulting in images with greater punch and vibrancy.
The 35-70mm f/2.8 excels in delivering images with high contrast, particularly in high-contrast scenes, leading to a more dynamic and impactful visual experience.
Color Rendition
Color rendition is the accuracy and fidelity with which a lens reproduces colors. Both lenses exhibit excellent color rendition, producing natural and pleasing tones. However, the 35-70mm f/2.8 demonstrates slightly more accurate color reproduction, particularly in terms of skin tones and greens.
The 35-70mm f/2.8 exhibits a more neutral and balanced color rendition, minimizing any noticeable color casts or shifts.
Distortion
Distortion is a lens aberration that can distort straight lines, particularly at the edges of the frame. The 35-70mm f/2.8D exhibits noticeable barrel distortion at wider focal lengths, while the 35-70mm f/2.8 demonstrates minimal distortion, with a slight pincushion effect at the telephoto end.
The 35-70mm f/2.8 has been designed to minimize distortion, resulting in straighter lines and a more accurate representation of the scene.
Bokeh
Bokeh refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image. The 35-70mm f/2.8D produces a slightly softer bokeh with a more rounded appearance, while the 35-70mm f/2.8 delivers a smoother and more pleasing bokeh with a slightly more elliptical shape.
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and 35-70mm f/2.8 are both popular lenses, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The D version, designed for film cameras, boasts a classic, vintage aesthetic, while the newer f/2.8 version is built for modern digital cameras.
This choice mirrors the decision facing photographers who want to capture the timeless charm of the Nikon Zf, a full-frame mirrorless camera with a retro design, or the more contemporary Zfc, a smaller APS-C model. Nikon Zf vs Zfc highlights the differences between these cameras, just as the comparison between the 35-70mm f/2.8D and f/2.8 lenses showcases the evolution of lens technology and photographic aesthetics.
The 35-70mm f/2.8 exhibits a more pleasing bokeh with a smoother transition between in-focus and out-of-focus areas, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing visual experience.
Autofocus and Speed
The autofocus performance of a lens is crucial for capturing sharp and well-focused images, especially in fast-paced scenarios. This section delves into the autofocus capabilities of the Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and the newer 35-70mm f/2.8, analyzing their speed and accuracy in various shooting situations.
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and 35-70mm f/2.8 are both popular choices for street photography, offering a versatile range and fast aperture. While the D version is a bit older, its manual aperture ring can be a great asset for discreet shooting.
If you’re exploring other options, consider the world of mirrorless lenses, like those designed for Canon’s RF system. For a comprehensive guide on the best RF lenses for street , check out this resource. Ultimately, the choice between the Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and 35-70mm f/2.8 comes down to personal preference and shooting style.
Autofocus Performance Comparison
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D, a lens introduced in the 1980s, utilizes a screw-drive autofocus system. This system, while reliable, is generally slower than the more modern autofocus systems found in the 35-70mm f/2.8. The newer lens incorporates a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus system, which provides faster and quieter autofocus performance.
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and the newer 35-70mm f/2.8 both offer versatile zoom ranges, ideal for capturing family portraits. The older D version, though, boasts a more vintage aesthetic, with a slightly warmer tone and a subtle softness that can create a dreamy effect.
For those seeking inspiration for family photo poses, a wealth of ideas can be found at family photo poses 10 , which features ten captivating and unique arrangements. Whether you opt for the classic D or the newer f/2.8, both lenses are capable of capturing heartwarming family moments with clarity and depth.
The SWM system uses ultrasonic waves to drive the focusing elements, resulting in a more responsive and precise autofocus experience.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy in Various Shooting Scenarios
The autofocus speed and accuracy of both lenses can vary depending on the shooting scenario. In well-lit conditions, both lenses can achieve accurate focus relatively quickly. However, in low-light situations, the 35-70mm f/2.8D’s screw-drive autofocus system may struggle to achieve accurate focus as quickly as the newer 35-70mm f/2.8 with its SWM system.
The debate between the Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and the newer 35-70mm f/2.8 often centers around image quality and autofocus speed. However, if you’re looking to inspect the inner workings of a cylinder, you’ll need a different kind of lens entirely – a borescope.
A borescope, like those found on best borescope for cylinder inspection , allows you to visualize the interior of a cylinder without dismantling it, providing valuable insight into its condition. Back to the lens debate, the 35-70mm f/2.8D offers a classic look with its slightly softer rendering, while the newer f/2.8 version boasts sharper images and faster autofocus.
The newer lens benefits from a more sophisticated autofocus system that can better handle low-light conditions.For example, in a dimly lit indoor setting, the 35-70mm f/2.8 might focus on a subject with a slight delay, while the 35-70mm f/2.8D might struggle to acquire focus altogether.
This difference in autofocus performance becomes more pronounced in situations with low contrast or rapidly moving subjects.
Impact of Autofocus on User Experience, Nikon 35-70mm f2.8d vs 35-70mm f2.8
The autofocus performance of a lens can significantly impact the overall user experience. A fast and accurate autofocus system allows photographers to capture fleeting moments and rapidly changing scenes without missing the shot. A slow or inaccurate autofocus system can lead to missed opportunities and frustration, especially for photographers who rely on their lenses to perform reliably in various situations.
The 35-70mm f/2.8, with its advanced autofocus system, offers a more responsive and user-friendly experience, especially for photographers who frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions or need to capture fast-moving subjects. The 35-70mm f/2.8D, while still a capable lens, may require more patience and a bit of practice to achieve consistently sharp images, particularly in low-light situations.
Build Quality and Design
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and the 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-S both boast robust construction, but their materials and design differ significantly. The D version, being an older lens, showcases the classic Nikon build quality of the 1980s and 1990s, while the AF-S version reflects the modern advancements in lens design and technology.
Materials and Construction
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D is primarily constructed from metal, including its lens barrel and focusing ring. This results in a heavier and more substantial feel compared to the AF-S version. The lens’s metal construction contributes to its durability and longevity, making it a reliable choice for professional photographers.
In contrast, the Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-S features a blend of metal and plastic in its construction. While the lens barrel is primarily made of metal, some parts, such as the focus ring and zoom ring, are made of plastic.
This combination of materials results in a lighter lens compared to the D version.
Durability and Weather Sealing
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D, with its metal construction, offers excellent durability and resilience. The lens is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use and can handle harsh environments. However, it lacks any weather sealing, making it susceptible to moisture and dust.
This limitation restricts its use in challenging weather conditions. Conversely, the Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-S incorporates weather sealing, making it more resistant to moisture and dust. This feature expands its usability in diverse weather conditions, providing photographers with greater peace of mind.
Ergonomics and Ease of Use
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D features a classic manual focus ring, which is smooth and precise. However, the lens lacks any autofocus mechanism, requiring manual focusing for all shooting scenarios. The lens’s weight and size can make it slightly cumbersome for extended shooting sessions, particularly for handheld photography.
In contrast, the Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-S incorporates a smooth zoom ring and a responsive autofocus system. The autofocus mechanism significantly simplifies shooting, especially in fast-paced situations. The lens’s lighter weight and compact size make it more comfortable to handle for extended shooting periods.
Practical Considerations
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and 35-70mm f/2.8 lenses, while both offering a versatile focal range and impressive performance, differ in their practical aspects. These differences can significantly influence a photographer’s choice, depending on their shooting style and priorities.
Size, Weight, and Portability
The size and weight of a lens directly impact its portability and ease of use, particularly when shooting on the move. Here’s a comparison:
- The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D is significantly larger and heavier than its modern counterpart, the 35-70mm f/2.8. This difference is primarily attributed to the D lens’s older design and the use of heavier materials.
- The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8, being a more recent lens, benefits from advancements in lens design and material technology, resulting in a more compact and lighter build.
Filter and Accessory Availability
The availability of filters and accessories is crucial for expanding a lens’s capabilities and creative potential. Both lenses offer a standard 77mm filter thread, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of filters, including:
- UV filters: These protect the front element of the lens from scratches and dust. They also help to minimize the effects of ultraviolet light, which can cause a bluish haze in images.
- Polarizing filters: These filters reduce glare and reflections, enhancing the saturation of colors and contrast in images, particularly when shooting landscapes or water scenes.
- Neutral Density (ND) filters: These filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing photographers to use slower shutter speeds for creative effects or to shoot in bright conditions.
Cost and Value Proposition
The cost of a lens is a significant factor for many photographers, especially when considering the value proposition it offers. Here’s a breakdown:
- The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D, being a discontinued lens, is often available at more affordable prices in the used market. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious photographers seeking a versatile lens with a classic look and feel.
- The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8, being a newer lens, commands a higher price. However, its advanced features, improved performance, and modern design justify the investment for photographers who prioritize sharpness, speed, and ease of use.
Target Applications
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and the 35-70mm f/2.8 lenses, despite sharing the same focal length range and maximum aperture, cater to different photographic needs due to their distinct characteristics. The older D lens, with its legacy design and construction, presents a unique set of strengths and limitations, while the newer f/2.8 lens, built with modern technologies, offers a more contemporary approach to image quality and functionality.
Portraiture
The choice between the Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and the 35-70mm f/2.8 for portraiture depends largely on the desired aesthetic.
- The 35-70mm f/2.8D, with its characteristic rendering, can produce a softer, more romantic look, especially at wider apertures. This can be advantageous for creating a dreamy or nostalgic feel in portraits.
- The 35-70mm f/2.8, on the other hand, offers sharper images with more detail, particularly at wider apertures. This can be ideal for photographers seeking a more modern, crisp look for their portraits.
The 35-70mm f/2.8D, being a legacy lens, may present some challenges in modern portraiture, such as slower autofocus and less precise control over depth of field. However, its unique rendering and character can still appeal to photographers seeking a distinct aesthetic.
The 35-70mm f/2.8, with its modern design, offers a more predictable and reliable performance, making it a more versatile choice for contemporary portraiture.
Landscape
Landscape photography often benefits from lenses that can capture a wide field of view and offer sharp detail.
- The 35-70mm f/2.8D, while capable of producing sharp images, might not be the ideal choice for landscape photography due to its tendency to exhibit chromatic aberration, especially at wider apertures. This can be distracting in images with high contrast, such as landscapes with bright skies and dark foregrounds.
- The 35-70mm f/2.8, with its modern design and improved optical performance, offers sharper images with better control over chromatic aberration, making it a more suitable option for capturing landscapes with high fidelity.
However, the 35-70mm f/2.8D, with its softer rendering, can sometimes be used creatively to create a more atmospheric or dreamy look in landscape photography.
Street Photography
Street photography requires a lens that is fast, versatile, and discreet.
- The 35-70mm f/2.8D, with its manual aperture ring, offers a degree of control and discretion that can be beneficial in street photography. Its size and weight, while not as compact as some modern lenses, are still manageable for handheld shooting.
- The 35-70mm f/2.8, with its autofocus capabilities, offers a faster and more responsive shooting experience, allowing for capturing fleeting moments in street scenes. Its smaller size and weight can make it more comfortable to carry and use for extended periods.
Both lenses offer a useful focal length range for street photography, allowing for capturing a variety of subjects and perspectives. The choice between the two depends on the photographer’s shooting style and priorities.
Conclusion: Nikon 35-70mm F2.8d Vs 35-70mm F2.8
The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and 35-70mm f/2.8 lenses offer distinct characteristics catering to different photographic needs. While both share the same focal length range and maximum aperture, their optical designs, autofocus systems, and build qualities diverge, leading to unique strengths and weaknesses.
Key Differences and Similarities
The 35-70mm f/2.8D, a product of Nikon’s earlier lens design philosophy, emphasizes sharpness and contrast, particularly at the wide end of the zoom range. Its manual aperture ring, while offering creative control, might be less desirable for modern photographers accustomed to electronic aperture control.
Conversely, the 35-70mm f/2.8, a later iteration, boasts superior autofocus performance, particularly in low-light conditions. This is attributed to its internal focusing mechanism and the incorporation of Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM). The 35-70mm f/2.8 also benefits from a more robust build quality, featuring a weather-sealed design and a more substantial feel.
However, its optical performance, while generally good, is not as exceptional as the 35-70mm f/2.8D, particularly at the wide end of the zoom range.
Recommendation
For photographers seeking a lens that prioritizes sharpness, contrast, and manual aperture control, particularly for wide-angle shots, the 35-70mm f/2.8D remains a compelling choice. Its optical performance at the wide end is truly remarkable, making it ideal for landscapes, architectural photography, and situations where precise control over depth of field is paramount.
However, its older autofocus system and lack of weather sealing might be drawbacks for photographers working in demanding conditions or requiring rapid focusing capabilities.On the other hand, the 35-70mm f/2.8 excels in modern photography scenarios, offering reliable autofocus performance, weather sealing, and a more durable build.
Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of genres, including portraiture, street photography, and event photography. While its optical performance might not match the sharpness of the 35-70mm f/2.8D at the wide end, it still delivers excellent image quality overall.Ultimately, the choice between these two lenses depends on the photographer’s individual priorities and shooting style.
If sharpness and manual aperture control are paramount, the 35-70mm f/2.8D remains a solid choice. However, if autofocus performance, weather sealing, and a more modern design are crucial, the 35-70mm f/2.8 is the more practical option.
Closure
Ultimately, the choice between the Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and 35-70mm f/2.8 hinges on your specific photographic needs and priorities. The Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D, with its exceptional image quality and classic design, is an excellent choice for photographers who value sharpness, contrast, and a more vintage aesthetic.
Conversely, the Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8, with its faster autofocus, modern design, and enhanced build quality, appeals to photographers who prioritize speed, accuracy, and durability. Both lenses, however, are capable of producing stunning images, and the decision ultimately rests on your individual preferences and shooting style.