Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens

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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f:3.5-4.5G ED lens

Product Summary

Overview

Wide angle lenses that are sharp from corner to corner are perfect for landscape or group photos. The new AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens is sharp from corner to corner with little distortion if you know what you’re doing. The lens is compatible with both FX and DX format DSLRs, comes with a wide 18-35mm focal length range and has manual focusing override at all times.

Key features & specs

  • Maximum aperture f/3.5 and minimum of f/29
  • This is a G lens compatible with all new FX and DX format cameras. Works perfectly with modern cheaper cameras with no AF motors.
  • 7 rounded diaphragm blades
  • 12 lens elements arranged in 8 groups
  • AF-S with SWM (Silent Wave Motor) Nikkor’s Silent Wave Motor for quiet auto-focusing
  • Weighs 385 grams and takes a filter of 77mm

The good

The lens is compatible with all modern Nikon DSLRs, both FX and DX formats. Auto-focuses perfectly with cheaper DSLRs with no focusing motor. For older cameras, however, it is best to check the compatibility charts from Nikon.

The image quality of the lens is very sharp. However if you don’t know what you’re doing it would be difficult for you to even get sharp images with a tripod.

Manual focusing override is present. All you need to do is grab the focusing ring in front and turn it to use manual focusing. Saves that extra second to flick the M/A switch.

The Bad

The absence of Vibration Reduction (VR) is hard to understand. The older 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-D did not have it and neither does the new 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED. One would really love VR on one of these lenses, though the new G lens is much better in terms of performance compared to the older D lens. If you use a tripod, it will not affect you much. For your hand-held portrait shots on a DX format DSLR you would wish the lens had VR.

Auto-focusing speed is a little slower than what would have been ideal.

Not for DX users who have an 18-55mm kit lens. This one is just as good, coming at a fraction of the cost and weight. The AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED will become a 27-52mm on a DX camera, wasting your money.

Similar Products

The AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR priced at just over $1200 is an alternative that you could look into for FX cameras. At that price you would not be disappointed with the quality that the lens will bring. For DX users, realistically, your 18-55mm kits lens is good enough. At less than $200 you would also get Vibration Reduction bundled with it.

Should I buy it?

Yes if you’re looking for a wide angle that’s cheaper than the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR for your FX camera.

Images taken by Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED on Flickr

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens Specifications

Focal length
18-35 mm
Max aperture
f/3.5-4.5
Min aperture
f/22-29
Construction
12 elements in 8 groups (including 2 ED glass and 3 aspherical lens elements))
Angle of view
100° – 63° (76° – 44° with Nikon DX format)
Min focus distance
0.28 m/0.92 ft (from focal plane)
Max reproduction ratio
0.2x
No. of diaphragm blades
7 (rounded)
Filter-attachment size
77mm
Diameter x length
(distance from camera lens mount flange)
Approximately 83 x 95 mm/3.3 x 3.7 in.
Weight
Approximately 385 g /13.6 oz
Supplied accessories
77 mm snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-77, Rear Lens Cap LF-4, Bayonet Hood HB-66, Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1118

More info

Sample Images

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