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View Full Version : 35mm f2 D or 35mm f1.8 G

Quaker
16-12-2009, 07:57
Well last night I was very surprised when my good lady decided that I never have nor ask for anything and she is able to have what she likes without me ever complaining, I suppose she does have a point. Anyway, I have come in to a bit of cash and have a couple of hundred quid spare that my good lady insists I treat myself with.

I am therefore going to look at buying a new lens.

Last year I went and got myself a 50mm f1.8 and it has never really been off my camera, I love it. I was very tempted to go for the 50mm F1.4 but decided against it (however you can try to change my mind).

I am looking at the two 35mm lenses the f2 D and the F1.8G

I have a Nikon D90 body.

Can anyone help me decide please and offer some advice on the why's and wherefore's?

Cheers
Knikki
16-12-2009, 08:15
Personally I would go for the 35mm f2 D lens becuase it has a depth of field scale on it (which I use alot) it is an older but better built lens and it has an aperature ring on it which again I like.

I have read a couple of reveiws on the 35mm f1.8G lens which I think is DX only but comments like, plastic feel, no aperature scale put me off.
fracster
16-12-2009, 08:17
I think the F2 is full frame compatable, so if you move on to FF the lens would be ok.The 1.8 is not,AFAIK.

Just a thought.
Quaker
16-12-2009, 08:36
I absolutely, no way, in the foreseeable future, will be changing my camera body. Maybe the FF aspect should play no part in my decision.

I want a crisp lens that's good in low light.
fracster
16-12-2009, 08:53
I absolutely, no way, in the foreseeable future, will be changing my camera body. Maybe the FF aspect should play no part in my decision.


I think we have all said that and then reneged on it.....:D

From reviews that I have read the F2 is the better lens. I have an old 35 F2 MF lens, so cannot comment personally on either of the newer ones.As such, I`ll bugger off and leave it to people who do have the lenses in question.....:lol:
Orville
16-12-2009, 09:12
The Sigma 30mm F/1.4 is another option which works well on a crop body (if you can live with the idea of third party lenses). I just got one for my Canon 7d and love it.
Andysnap
16-12-2009, 09:19
I'm in exactly the same boat as you, just in the process of selling my 50mm and want a 35mm. Reading reviews on fredmiranda the f1.8 gets a 9.7 and the f2 a 9.4 so little difference there but the build quality on the older lens appears to be a tad better. I don't know what to get........

Andy
Ben Hur
16-12-2009, 09:35
I went through this dilemma as well for a D200 and finished up with the DX 1.8G. I have not regretted this decision at all. If you are familiar with Nikoncafe, there are a few dedicated threads to the lenses:

35mm f/1.8: http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=216842
35mm f/2: http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=178001
Quaker
16-12-2009, 09:58
I'm in exactly the same boat as you, just in the process of selling my 50mm and want a 35mm. Reading reviews on fredmiranda the f1.8 gets a 9.7 and the f2 a 9.4 so little difference there but the build quality on the older lens appears to be a tad better. I don't know what to get........

Andy

A mate of mine has the f1.8 and he is going to let me have a go with it. I doubt I will get rid of my 50mm, I like it too much!

I am leaning toward the F1.8
martsharm
16-12-2009, 10:03
You won't be disappointed with the 1.8. It AFs on the non-motor bodies as well, so if you want a spare body (D40, D60 et al) you'll be in luck.

Depending on how you see the Nikon lineup changing (more non-motor bodies? I would personally say so) it may hold its value rather well.

No scales, but you do get a cute little hood.
Quaker
18-12-2009, 07:23
Well I had a couple of hours with the F1.8 last night and it has really won me over. I think this will be the one I get tomorrow.
johnaalex
18-12-2009, 16:37
I have just bought the 35 f2 and although maybe a little soft wide open, it is a cracking lens otherwise.
Quaker
18-12-2009, 18:54
I picked up the 35mm F1.8 today and am really happy with it. Hopefully I will get some use out of it this weekend!
LASTOLITE
19-12-2009, 08:41
I absolutely, no way, in the foreseeable future, will be changing my camera body.


Until you come into a little money your missus says you can treat yourself:D here's hoping its enough for both:thumbs:

I too chose the 1.8 and am well pleased with it:clap: its low light performance is the reason I bought it.