Why the New Nikon 35 1.8G FX Lens is a Game Changer!

New Nikon 35 1.8G FX lens(Above Photo Tech details: D800 + 50mm at f/1.8, edited with “Soft Creamy Color – Warmer” preset)

For the vast majority of today’s photographers who’s first DSLRs are entry level “crop sensor” cameras (like the Nikon D3200 or a Canon Rebel), the decision to upgrade to a full frame camera is often a very costly one.

The odds are that many of the lenses you are currently using, or the ones that came with your camera aren’t compatible with your new full frame camera.  So not only do you need new lenses, but they are more expensive lenses too…

My favorite lens for my Nikon D7000 was the Nikon 35 1.8G DX prime lens.  I loved everything about it, the contrast, color, bokeh, sharpness and even the price!  At $199 new, it still is a bargain.

Then I upgraded to a D700, a full frame camera body.

Being primarily a prime lens photographer, I needed something wider than the 50 1.4D that I had.  I wanted the Nikon 35 1.4G lens, but wasn’t exactly stoked on the $1600+ price tag…

Luckily for me, I didn’t have to ponder too long since Nikon announced the 28 1.8G lens (read my review of the 28mm 1.8G here) which although a bit wider than a 35, would work just fine at a far more manageable $699 price point.

Up until today’s announcement from Nikon on their 35 1.8G FX lens, if you were a Nikon full frame user and wanted a 35mm prime lens your options were:

Nikon 35 f/1.4G – $1619
Nikon 35 f/2D – $320
Sigma 35 f/1.4 – $899

As you can see, your options were fairly limited.  The Nikon 35 1.4G, a great lens, but very pricey, the much older and much slower aperture Nikon 35 f/2D lens and a non-Nikon brand Sigma 35 f/1.4 which despite being a 3rd party option, has had great reviews.

The Nikon 1.8G lens lineup has been nothing short of amazing so far with the 28 1.8G, 50 1.8G and 85 1.8G and although not released yet, I see no reason why this lens won’t be equally as impressive. (Click here for my top 3 lenses for weddings without going into debt)

I’ll spare you the complete details of why I love my Nikon “G” primes so much but in summary…

They have great color rendition, all are very sharp, even wide open at f/1.8, smooth bokeh and best of all – awesome price to performance value!

Speaking of price, the Nikon 35 1.8G FX lens is $596 at Adorama and available for pre-order.  I wouldn’t be surprised if this lens ends up being out of stock for a while since many full frame “Nikonians” are likely going to jump all attractively priced lens.

Just to think, it wasn’t too many years ago that a D700 with a 35, 50, and 85 prime lens kit would be a total cost of more than $6,700 or so! Today – a new D600 + 35 1.8G, 50 1.8G and 85 1.8G lens will only set you back $3,300!!!

Now, I realize that it isn’t fair to compare cost of a 1.4 lens lineup to a 1.8 lens lineup, however, the point I am trying to make is at that time, those were your ONLY options and today, that is no longer the case.

Times are certainly changing and in a very positive direction for photography enthusiasts.

Similar Posts