Nikon 35mm f/2 AF or Nikon 24MM AF Nikkor f/2.8 D

[trackin951]

Well I sold my 18-200 VR yesterday in search of better IQ. I purchased a 55-200VR off of the guy I sold it to. While I build up funds, my plan was to get the 35mm F/2 af lens as my prime. I have only read great reviews and love the photos I have seen with it. I am ready to pull the trigger today and have found myself slightly hesitant... Maybe I shouldn't be but I just realized how much I really used my 18mm on the old lens.

It got me looking at the NIKON 24MM AF Nikkor f/2.8 D lens. How is the IQ on this thing. Is it worth getting over the 35 f/2? This is only the beginning of my lens collection and will get a fill zoom in the lower range sometime... Help

[erichlund]

I cannot speak to the image quality of the 24mm, other than to point you to some of the reviews. I have the 35mm f2, and on my D200, it is my normal lens, a category you currently don't have. I'm very happy with it, but some people want an AF-S update, the sooner the better. OTOH, I don't chase kids, so I really don't need the speed.

Of course, you also don't have a wide angle. Bjorn Rorslett doesn't even review the 24, and Photozone pans it pretty hard. There are some nice AI-S lenses, but they would be manual focus and you would have to do your own metering (hand held or rule based) on the D80. Generally speaking the <28mm Nikkors are an average to less than average bunch and they really need an AF-S update more for the optical formula than the AF-S, though Rooz might disagree with the last part.

So, in my opinion, the 35mm is your best option, and if you can scratch up the cash, an 18-55VR would tide you over nicely and complement that 55-200VR. It's not a great lens, but it's a decent performer. You will love the 35.

[trackin951]

Thanks, I couldn't find any amazing reviews on the 24 either. Only wish I could afford the 12-24.. f4...!

On that note I currently have around $350 to spend. Do you think the 35mm f2 is my best option at the moment? I want great IQ and will sacrifice some convenience.

[erichlund]

You have three options.

If you really need f2, then the 35mm is your only option.

If you can get by on flash, then you can choose the 18-105VR and use your on camera flash.

Or, you can choose the 18-55 VR and get an SB600 flash.

The latter two lenses are AF-S, but you will have to have good light for natural light photography.

What you should do is more up to you. Image quality will be similar, though you will have to stop down more with the zooms than you will with the prime. However, they are much more convenient.

With the prime you're best shooting range is probably f4-f11, but it does a decent job wide open. It does vignette a bit at f2, but you'll only notice that with relatively empty backgrounds like sky or an empty wall. So, if you like to shoot without flash in lower light, then this lens is the no brainer.

With the zooms, it's f8-f11, so you have a narrower working range. Someone with the 18-55 can tell you if you can open up more without a big sacrifice in sharpness. Perhaps f5.6 at the wide end. The prime cannot do 18mm. It can be panned and stitched.

Diffraction will set in about f13, so images will get progressively softer for all lenses above that.

[Visual Reality]

I didn't find the 18-55 focus fast enough for my liking. Was actually very similar to my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8.

This is a tough choice, for someone with no other lens at the moment. The 35mm f/2 is really a complement, for use in certain situations. You will probably want a standard zoom and in that case you don't have enough money for both. I highly recommend the 35 f/2 as part of your arsenal so I would buy it anyway, but think about what you need the most.

You have telephoto covered with your new 55-200. If you get your low-light indoor no flash lens you will only be missing ultra-wide and standard. For those the recommendations are #1 Tokina 11-16 and # Tokina 12-24. For normal, Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 (faster focus), Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (sharper IQ), Nikkor 18-105 VR, 18-55 VR, 16-85 VR.

[Rooz]

found myself slightly hesitant.

don't be....

[trackin951]

don't be....


Ok, I'm not... B&H now has my money for a 35mm F/2 Af-D :D