Red Dot Photo Review - Nikkor AF-S 35mm f/1.4 G: A Solution to Low Light

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Red Dot Photo Review - Nikkor AF-S 35mm f/1.4 G: A Solution to Low Light

Nikkor AF-S 35mm f/1.4 G

The AF-S 35mm f/1.4 G (35G) lens is a new addition to Nikon's range of wide-angle lenses. It is a prime lens with moderate wide angle capability and a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4. The lens is a great solution to photography in low-light environments and is able to produce photos with dramatic separation between subject and background due to its large aperture.

Other key features include a Rear Focusing (RF) system, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and a manual priority atuofocus (M/A) mode. This review takes a look at some of the features and performance of this 35mm lens and provides comparisons to other lenses similar to it.

Functions and Features

Background

The AF-S 35mm f/1.4 G is the first 35mm lens in the G series with a maximum aperture of f/1.4.

The G series lenses:

Launched in 2000, the Nikkor G series lenses do not have an aperture ring. Thus, G lenses will not work on manual focus cameras as it will shoot at minimum aperture on these cameras. However, as most modern cameras today are autofocus cameras, the Nikon's G lenses were created to keep up with this technological change.

Compatibility

• Nikon: FX/DX (FX in DX Crop Mode) 35mm Film.
• Note: → Autofocus function does not work with the older AF 35mm cameras such as the N55.
→ Autofocus function can work on older AF cameras like the N90s, N70 and F4 but Manual and Aperture-priority modes will not work with this lens.

Focus Modes

• Two focus modes: M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus).
→ M/A mode: Enables users to rotate lens' focus ring while operating in autofocus mode.

• Easy to use focus mode switch → to switch between manual and autofocus.
• Lens is enhanced with refined manual focus drive mechanism which reduces focus time lag and increases ease of use of M/A mode.

Rear Focus (RF) and Silent Wave Motor (SWM)

• Rear Focus (RF) system → provides smooth and fast autofocus, eliminating front barrel rotation.
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) → enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus.

Bokeh (The character of out of focus backgrounds)

• The lens produces a vivid separation between subject and background, creating a blurred background effect.
• Lens is equipped with a rounded 9-blade diaphragm, which renders a more natural appearance to out-of-focus image elements.

→ The photos shown below are taken at f/1.4 and shallow depth of field can be observed.

*photos are shot with Nikon D3s (FX format)

Shutter speed: 1/160. Aperture: f/2. Focal length: 35mm.
Photo courtesy of: Nikon (nikon.com)

The above images demonstrates a key feature of this lens, namely its smooth and excellent bokeh properties. Being an ultra-fast lens with large maximum aperture, this lens is more than capable in rendering smooth background blur effects, which can come in useful both for portrait and nature photography.

Vignetting (Light Fall off)

• The lens produces a visible fall off effect (edges of a photo is slightly darker than the centre of the picture), especially at f/1.4.

• The following photos show this effect.

(click on photo to enlarge)

→ The above photo is a comparison of different shots of the same brick wall, taken at different apertures.

The fall off effect seem to be less visible after f/2.8.

*all photos are shot with Nikon D3s (FX format)

(click on photo to enlarge)

→ In comparison: the above photo taken with the AF-S 85mm f/1.4 G lens shows that the fall off effect is also less visible after f/2.8. However, the 35mm's fall off is more visible at f/1.4 as compared to the 85mm lens.

• Barrel distortion → As seen in the photos of the brick wall above, there seems to be slight barrel distortion for the 35G, which is more visible compared to the 85mm lens.

Ghosting and Interior Flare

→ Nano Crystal Coat – reduces ghosting and interior flare and provides greater image clarity.

Shutter speed: 1/4. Aperture: f/11. Focal length: 35mm.
Photo courtesy of: Nikon (nikon.com)

This photo showcases the exclusive Nano Crystal Coat in action. The lens is able to take in strong incoming light well, leaving no visible ghosting or flare flare effects. Shadow detail is also retained well.

Coma and Aberration

• Aspherical lens element → eliminates coma and other types of aberration.
• Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) → enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare.

Shutter speed: 1/3. Aperture: f/2. Focal length: 35mm.
Photo courtesy of: Nikon (nikon.com)

Coma aberration is very well controlled as evident from the above sample image. Bright lights shot in night scape are rendered very well, making this lens an excellent performer for night scenes.

Comparisons

→ 35D (AF Nikkor 35mm f/2.0D)
→ Canon's 35L (Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM)
→ Canon's 35f2 (Canon EF 35mm f/2.0)


Table of Specifications

Lens / Specifications	AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 G	AF Nikor 35mm f/2.0D	Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM	Canon EF 35mm f/2.0
Focal Length	35mm	35mm	35mm	35mm
Maximum Aperture	1.4	2.0	1.4	2.0
Minimum Aperture	16	22	22	22
Compatible Formats	FX DX FX in DX Crop Mode 35mm Film	FX DX FX in DX Crop Mode 35mm Film	All Canon EOS DSLRs	All Canon EOS DSLRs
Maximum Angle of View	DX-format: 44° FX-format: 63°	DX-format: 44° FX-format: 62°	Diagonal: 63° Horizontal: 54° Vertical: 38°	Diagonal: 63° Horizontal: 54° Vertical: 38°
Diaphragm Blades	9	5	8	5
Distance Information	Available	Available	Available	NA
Nano Crystal Coat	Available	NA	NA	NA
Aspherical Elements	1	NA	NA	NA
Autofocus	Available	Available	Available	Available
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor)	Available	NA	Available (in the form of USM)	NA
Mimimum Focus Distance	0.98 ft.	0.85ft.	0.94 ft.	0.78 ft.
Focus Modes	Auto (manual priority) Manual	Auto Manual	Auto (full time manual focus) Manual	Auto Manual
Rear Focusing	Available	Available	Available	NA
Filter Size	67mm	52mm	72mm	52mm
Dimensions (Diameter x Length)	3.27 x 3.52 in.	2.5 x 1.7 in.	3.11 x 3.39 in.	2.64 x 1.69 in.
Weight	21.2 oz.	7.2 oz.	20.5 oz.	7.4 oz.

Conclusion

Pros

• Fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 → provides a great solution for low-light environment.
• Good Bokeh → provides photographers opportunities to create effects and to add an artistic touch to their photos.
• Nano Crystal Coat reduces ghosting and interior flare.
• Aspherical lens element eliminates coma and aberration.
• Manual priority autofocus (M/A) mode → allows focus to be adjusted while on autofocus mode.
• Rear focus system and Silent Wave Motor enables fast and quiet autofocus.

Cons

• Despite being a new 35mm lens by Nikon, the distortion and fall off is similar or equivalent to older 35mm lenses like the AF 35mm f/2.0 D.
• High cost → especially when compared to the older 35mm f/1.4 lens (non G series).

The AF-S 35mm f/1.4 G (35G) is a new lens released under Nikon's G series generation and has various features with note-worthy performance. With fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, it can be used without flash under low-light setting.

Furthermore, it provides fast and quiet focusing through the Rear Focus system, Silent Wave Motor and manual priority autofocus mode. As it is a wide angle lens, it is ideal for interior, landscape and wedding photography.

Overall, it is an excellent lens with state-of-the-art features that makes it a worthy addition to one's lens arsenal.