Should I buy the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX or the 35mm f/2 for a D90?
Asked 8/13/2010
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2 answers
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I shoot with a Nikon D90 and want a 35mm prime for indoor and low-light photography. I'm deciding between the AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G and the older AF 35mm f/2.
Since the D90 has an in-body focus motor, autofocus compatibility isn't a problem for either lens. My main questions are:
- Is the 35mm f/2 worth paying extra for on a DX body?
- Are there meaningful differences in image quality, focus speed, or bokeh?
- Does the full-frame compatibility of the f/2 make it a better long-term buy?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
9
The biggest argument for the AF 35mm 2.0F is that you could still use it if you switch to full frame someday. If you have no intention to ever make that switch, it looks like the 1.8 is actually a better lens optically, and at a lower price.
Originally by user67. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user67
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For a D90, the 35mm f/1.8 DX is usually the better buy.
Why:
- It’s designed for DX bodies like the D90.
- It’s a stop faster than f/2, which helps in low light.
- Based on the community feedback, it appears to be optically very strong and better value at the lower price.
- The older 35mm f/2 may have nicer bokeh, but it’s also reported to focus more slowly.
The main reason to choose the 35mm f/2 is future full-frame use. If you expect to move to an FX Nikon body soon, the f/2 keeps full compatibility, while the DX 35mm is not ideal on full frame due to strong falloff/vignetting.
So the choice is basically:
- Stay on DX for the foreseeable future: get the 35mm f/1.8 DX.
- Planning to switch to FX soon: consider the 35mm f/2.
If you’re buying for your current D90 and want the best value for indoor/low-light shooting, the 35mm f/1.8 DX makes the most sense.
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