What do you think of Nikons 35mm f/1.4

What would you use this lens for? I'm trying to figure out if I want to get this or not. Would be nice to see what others consider this lens good for.

Thanks for your opinion.

Do you mean the newer version? The moderate wide angle capability of the lens is suitable for interiors, weddings, photojournalism and landscape photography. Pretty pricey, but looks to be a fine lens. I don't have this one, mostly because my 24-70 2.8 covers that, and its fast enough on my D700........

I have the AIS version, which is I wonderful lens. I have also used it on the D2X, which I used before getting the D3. On a DX camera, it works like a 50mm f1.4, so you could ask yourself whether that would be useful. I find it is a good walk about lens on my backup D200, which is easy to carry and very versatile, not to speak of the CRC feature for close shooting. A great lens, if you find use for it.

John Landolfi wrote: I have the AIS version, which is I wonderful lens. I have also used it on the D2X, which I used before getting the D3. On a DX camera, it works like a 50mm f1.4, so you could ask yourself whether that would be useful. I find it is a good walk about lens on my backup D200, which is easy to carry and very versatile, not to speak of the CRC feature for close shooting. A great lens, if you find use for it.

Exactly! It is a great lens and on a cropped body the same field as the 50mm on a film/FX camera. So it sees close to the same your eye sees the scene. You can use it for anything and everything. You just have to compose the shots with your feet, a practice which is under rated in these days of zooms. Focusing with your feet makes you take your time when shooting.

I have never tried the 35 f1.4, but if John likes it then its probably a great lens. I've heard great things about the 35 f2 and thats probably what I'll get if I ever sell my 35-70mm 2.8.

McBeth Photography wrote: I have never tried the 35 f1.4, but if John likes it then its probably a great lens. I've heard great things about the 35 f2 and thats probably what I'll get if I ever sell my 35-70mm 2.8.

Don't do it, Barry! That's one of the best and sharpest mid zooms ever, and fast to boot! It is even good at moderate Macro, and makes a great travelling lens.

John Landolfi wrote:

McBeth Photography wrote: I have never tried the 35 f1.4, but if John likes it then its probably a great lens. I've heard great things about the 35 f2 and thats probably what I'll get if I ever sell my 35-70mm 2.8.

Don't do it, Barry! That's one of the best and sharpest mid zooms ever, and fast to boot! It is even good at moderate Macro, and makes a great travelling lens.

I think you're right about that one John, I kinda go back and forth on the idea of going all primes though. Probably end up keeping the 35-70mm since I just got it CLA'd and it's tip-top right now. Truth be told, my next purchase really should be a nicer camera body.

John Landolfi wrote: I have the AIS version, which is I wonderful lens. I have also used it on the D2X, which I used before getting the D3. On a DX camera, it works like a 50mm f1.4, so you could ask yourself whether that would be useful. I find it is a good walk about lens on my backup D200, which is easy to carry and very versatile, not to speak of the CRC feature for close shooting. A great lens, if you find use for it.

John is 100% right about this being a great walk-around lens for the D200 (or any other crop body for that matter), after getting one of my own, I can say that this lens is a keeper! I recently bought a nice copy of the Nikkor-N 35mm f/1.4 Ai'd and couldn't be more pleased!

Here are a couple of shots....

The close focus ability is really quite amazing too!