Nikon's AF-S f/1.8: a fast, cheap lens for DSLR newcomers
Nikon's cheap DSLRs don't have autofocus motors, instead relying on expensive lenses to bring it. You get one with the basic retail kit, but it's a one-size-fits-all compromise. The AS-F DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 offers shallow depth of field, good low-light shooting, and speed. From Wired:
It's clear what Nikon is doing here. The 50mm lens has been hugely popular amongst the new wave of DSLR photography enthusiasts. It is cheap, it offers a fast maximum aperture and it is small. On a DX camera, though, it ends up acting like a 75mm lens -- perfect for flattering portraits but a little long for everyday use.
Best of all, it's just $200.
AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G [Nikon via Wired: Gadget Lab]
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Nokia's ???
Not to be nit-picky or anything, but when I first saw the title to this post I thought, "Since when did Nokia start making camera lenses?" Just sayin'.
Alternative universe!
Who the hell buys a DSLR to use autofocus anyway? Am I missing something? I avoid autofocus like the plague.
That is a very nice starter lens. I think every photographer's first lens should be a prime, like this 35mm - I didn't know shit about taking a good picture until I strapped a 50mm to my D70 and didn't let myself take it off for three months.
Deedubell-
Those that shoot 5-9 frames per second of something moving. Or, any of the 9 million other situations where autofocus is handy. But, I do manual in the studio if possible.
With you on the 50mm. Learn that, learn it all. Saw the Nokia comment - sneaky editing there.
There are some problems with this lens, though. It's DX-only, which is a problem for those who plan to upgrade to FX bodies down the road, or who ::gasp:: are still shooting film. Not to mention annoying a bunch of FX shooters who were hoping for an update to the 35mm f/2 AF-D.
It also lacks not only DOF markers and IR index -- two critical features which sadly began disappearing from SLR lenses years ago -- but also even a simple distance scale. This makes it difficult to even use a DOF calculator when doing scale focus or hyperfocal work. Thus, it is of limited utility for street shooting or landscape work, where being able to manipulate DOF is essential.
thank you thank you thank you! I've been waiting for this for the longest time.
"And the 'G' means no manual focusing ring."
So how do I manually focus this lens? I use my 50mm prime for low-light photography. I have to be able to physically focus the lens. I think this new 35mm, as nice as it sounds, has a fatal flaw.
Or am I missing something?
that outer ring with the rubberized grip has got to be the manual focus ring...also if you look closely you can just see the M/A - A switch on the lens.
@Dr. Benway. I believe the 'G' means that there is no manual aperture ring. Manual focus should still be an option. That said, it certainly is meant for hobbyists and beginners.
I'm going to go ahead and brand-jack the thread for a moment: I got the same advice that Marshall@4 gave, so my first non-kit lens for my Canon DSLR was the EF-50 f1.8 II, bought for about CDN$129.
I've bought new lenses, and even new body since, but this is still my go-to lens. Partly because I find it versatile for shooting in low light, but also becuase it is inexpensive enough that if something were to happen to it, it's not the end of the world to replace it.
An added bonus, which is something that KukkurovacaA@7 touched on, is that this will work on all EF mount Canons (so any current SLR, D or otherwise)
"And the 'G' means no manual focusing ring."
No. That's not what it means.
It means that there is no mechanical way of changing the F-stop. The aperture ring has been removed. You have to use the control wheel on the camera, rather than reaching forward to make the change on the lens to change the F-stop.
coop
Coop is correct. The lack of an aperture ring reduces compatibility with older film bodies, and also makes the lens less useful in certain macro applications (bellows work and lens reversal).
However, that isn't nearly as bad as removing the focus ring. ; )
Deedubell @3
I do. Try manually focusing on a hockey player coming straight at you shooting 6fps using a 400mm f5.6 lens wide open. Been there-done that. If you can manually focus that, then I tip my hat to you.
What I often do is turn the AF on, half click and then turn it off. I am good so long as I don't change focal length, and I and the subject stay put. This works great for podium press conferences.
@coop and @kukkurovaca,
Thanks for your comments. I looked it up; seems the Wired article got it wrong. I must now go and retreat into the woods to come to peace with this new knowledge: not everything I read on the internet is true.
@David Carroll
Yeah, I couldn't manually focus on that. But then again, I've never used a lens that big that I'm sure has a depth of field the size of a mouse's testicle.
*gurgle* *drool*
This is the lens I've been waiting for! I have a D40, and the kit lens is basically decent at everything and great at nothing. I've been wanting a 35/1.8 lens like my film SLR has, because it just works so much better in hand-held and portraiture situations. I was going to buy an old all-manual lens, but this is even better!
BTW, that there is no aperture ring is a moot point, at least in the case of my camera; with any manual lens, you're forced to lock it at the lowest f-stop number, or the D40 refuses to take pictures!
Anyone want to buy me one of these?
I shoot regularly with a manual focus 400mm f/5.6. Mostly birds, though, and generally not coming straight at me. : )
Deedubell @18
See for yourself:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_carroll/3267069851/
I am unfamiliar with the size of an average mouse testicle, so I will leave it up to you to determine what the DOF is in mouse testicles (MT) units.
"I've never used a lens that big that I'm sure has a depth of field the size of a mouse's testicle."
yeah. and thats the point. even on a 50mm lens if you're shooting with an aperture 1.8 or below the dof is going to be touchy.