Nikon AF-S 18–35mm f/3.5–4.5G ED Lens: An Affordable Zoom for a New Generation of FX-Format DSLRs
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One of the important advances in Nikon DSLRs during 2012 was the introduction of new full-frame cameras, such as D600 and D800, with more moderate price tags than traditional, pro-level FX-format DSLRs. It only made sense for Nikon to bring into the market similarly affordable AF-S lenses, so D600 buyers weren’t faced with spending almost as much for one of Nikon’s popular wide-angle zooms: 14–24mm f/2.8, 17–35mm f/2.8 or 16–35mm f/4. The new AF-S 18–35mm f/3.5–4.5G ED lens costs approximately a third of the first two and approximately half of the third. Read review about Nikon 50mm 1.8 lens on our website PhotographyTalk.com.
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Granted, two of the older lenses have wider apertures, but the 18–35mm is a bit faster than the 16–35mm f/4. For the “entry-level” full-frame DSLR photographer, however, the new 18–35mm is an excellent place to start assembling a selection of AF-S lenses for the 600D or 800D. The 18–35mm serves as a regular “carry-around” lens that will give you the focal length and aperture coverage for most of the standard shooting situations and subject matter throughout the day. At 3.3” x 3.7” (83mm x 95mm) and 13.6 oz. (385g), the Nikon AF-S 18–35mm will never be a burden. You can work the streets, compose striking architectural compositions and capture all the casual photos of family and friends and the people you meet during your travels.
The new Nikon AF-S 18–35mm f/3.5–4.5G ED lens is the second generation of the venerable 18–35mm f/3.5–4.5 AF-D lens of 2000 that was popular with many film photographers. The updated version is more compatible with the digital age of cameras. For example, the newer 18–35mm f/3.5–4.5G has instant manual-focus override. Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) gives this new lens extremely fast and quiet auto-focusing.
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Although Nikon has purposely designed this lens to be more affordable, it has rather impressive optics, with 12 glass elements in 8 groups, which include 2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements and 3 aspherical elements. Nikon has also applied its Super Integrated Coating (SIC) and built this lens with a 7-rounded-blade diaphragm. Internal focusing keeps the barrel at the same length throughout use and it will accommodate 77mm front filters. You’ll be able to focus as close as approximately 11 inches (0.28 meters).
The Nikon AF-S 18–35mm f/3.5–4.5G ED lens is scheduled for release the first week of March 2013. It can be pre-ordered from Amazon for $746.95.
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