Following my previous posting, I am coming back to this topic as the lens has been tested by some specialized sites. Among the first to be able to put their hand on this new lens are a couple of eastern European photo sites in Czech Republic and Poland.
Here is a summary with additional comments from their preliminary results and other comments buzzing around on the net and in forums (of course I haven't had the opportunity to test the lens myself).
The release of the new Nikon 35mm lens has been received overall quite favorably, after some questions about the choice of DX format (that I share). This is one of the first prime lens that Nikon has released in a while (without taking into account the 24, 45, and 85 PC), after the recent 50mm AFS. It seems to correspond to consumers' need or want for modern and affordable prime lenses signaling also possibly the fact that they are maturing past the use of limited kit zooms and may not be interested in more sophisticated but also heavier and pricier pro-zooms.
The performances of the lenses following tests is considered satisfying in terms of image quality. The lens provides sharp images. However, the difference in quality between center and corner is noted by reviewers. Image improves by stopping the lens down to f4, with possibly the best performance at f8. Interestingly, while the lens is aimed at DX format, it can be used on full frame (FX) cameras with some (acceptable) vignetting when stopped to f11 - ok use only in desperate cases.
The lens display visible chromatic aberration, although this can be taken care of by the image processors in most recent bodies as D300, or in Photoshop.
The lens angle becomes equivalent to 50mm (52.5mm) but the depth of field remain that of a 35mm, this may be in part compensated by the DX sensor which in returns has less DoF, but nevertheless spoils a bit its use for low DoF photography with blurred backrounds. From sample pictures it appears that the 7 blades diaphragm renders quite a nice bokeh, with rounded specs of light.
Distortion remain present (can be compensated in Photoshop) but normally is much more limited (by definition) if not nonexistent in 50mm lens, the exception apparently is... the new Nikon 50 AFS.
The lens retain its plus points: AFS motor with manual focus override, 7 blades rounded diaphragm, metal bayonet with rubber sealing ring, provided with sunshade, 52mm (plastic) filter ring, resist well to flare, short minimum focus distance (30cm) compact and affordable.
However, the question remains of the advantage of such a lens compared to the existing 35mm f2 in DX format the center would be used providing possibly more uniform image quality. Also, I would like to see the lens compared to zooms such as 18-70 AFS or 16-85 AFS in 35 position. Because frankly at f/11 most lenses are good and the argument of fast aperture lens looses a bit of its relevance, also if distorsion is also taken into account.
The main advantage of the new 35mm AFS remains the possibility to be used with cameras without AF motor D40/40x/60. Then users can achieve a compact and relatively affordable package, although again I think many would have prefered a lens with a wider angle for reportage and street photography.
Here is a summary with additional comments from their preliminary results and other comments buzzing around on the net and in forums (of course I haven't had the opportunity to test the lens myself).
The release of the new Nikon 35mm lens has been received overall quite favorably, after some questions about the choice of DX format (that I share). This is one of the first prime lens that Nikon has released in a while (without taking into account the 24, 45, and 85 PC), after the recent 50mm AFS. It seems to correspond to consumers' need or want for modern and affordable prime lenses signaling also possibly the fact that they are maturing past the use of limited kit zooms and may not be interested in more sophisticated but also heavier and pricier pro-zooms.
The performances of the lenses following tests is considered satisfying in terms of image quality. The lens provides sharp images. However, the difference in quality between center and corner is noted by reviewers. Image improves by stopping the lens down to f4, with possibly the best performance at f8. Interestingly, while the lens is aimed at DX format, it can be used on full frame (FX) cameras with some (acceptable) vignetting when stopped to f11 - ok use only in desperate cases.
The lens display visible chromatic aberration, although this can be taken care of by the image processors in most recent bodies as D300, or in Photoshop.
The lens angle becomes equivalent to 50mm (52.5mm) but the depth of field remain that of a 35mm, this may be in part compensated by the DX sensor which in returns has less DoF, but nevertheless spoils a bit its use for low DoF photography with blurred backrounds. From sample pictures it appears that the 7 blades diaphragm renders quite a nice bokeh, with rounded specs of light.
Distortion remain present (can be compensated in Photoshop) but normally is much more limited (by definition) if not nonexistent in 50mm lens, the exception apparently is... the new Nikon 50 AFS.
The lens retain its plus points: AFS motor with manual focus override, 7 blades rounded diaphragm, metal bayonet with rubber sealing ring, provided with sunshade, 52mm (plastic) filter ring, resist well to flare, short minimum focus distance (30cm) compact and affordable.
However, the question remains of the advantage of such a lens compared to the existing 35mm f2 in DX format the center would be used providing possibly more uniform image quality. Also, I would like to see the lens compared to zooms such as 18-70 AFS or 16-85 AFS in 35 position. Because frankly at f/11 most lenses are good and the argument of fast aperture lens looses a bit of its relevance, also if distorsion is also taken into account.
The main advantage of the new 35mm AFS remains the possibility to be used with cameras without AF motor D40/40x/60. Then users can achieve a compact and relatively affordable package, although again I think many would have prefered a lens with a wider angle for reportage and street photography.
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