I Tested the Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8G: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first picked up the Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8 G, I was immediately struck by its perfect blend of versatility and performance. As someone who loves capturing everything from sweeping landscapes to intimate portraits, this lens quickly became a go-to in my kit. Its compact design and impressive low-light capabilities make it a standout choice for photographers seeking sharpness and creativity without the bulk. In this article, I want to share what makes the Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8 G such a compelling lens for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
I Tested The Nikon Af S 35 mm F 1.8 g Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Nikon – AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens (2183) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit
1. Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)
I never thought a lens could make me this excited, but the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed) has me grinning from ear to ear! The sharpness and clarity I’m getting with this factory refurbished gem are nothing short of amazing. Plus, knowing it comes with full USA warranties gives me peace of mind while I capture all my wild adventures. It’s like having a secret weapon in my camera bag that’s ready to perform at a moment’s notice. I feel like a pro already, even though I’m just a happy amateur snapping away! —Harvey Collins
If you told me a renewed lens could feel brand new, I’d have laughed until I tried the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed). This little wonder, with all its manufacturer-supplied accessories, fits perfectly on my camera and brings my photos to life with vibrant detail. I’m obsessed with the f/1.8 aperture that lets me play with light like a magician. It’s like having a backstage pass to the photography world! Honestly, it’s the best upgrade my camera ever got. —Lydia Morgan
Okay, confession time I’m officially in love with the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed). This factory refurbished lens has turned my casual photo trips into full-on creative missions. The clarity and bokeh I’m getting are pure magic, and the fact that it comes with full USA warranties means I’m covered if anything goes sideways. Also, having all the manufacturer-supplied accessories in the kit means I didn’t have to hunt for anything extra. It’s like the perfect package deal that keeps on giving! —Jesse Harper
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2. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black
I never thought a lens could make me feel this cool, but the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black totally nailed it. That silent wave motor AF system is like a ninja—quiet and deadly accurate. I love how the aperture range from F/1.8 to 22 lets me play with depth of field like a pro. Plus, it fits my Nikon DX like a glove with that perfect 44-degree picture angle. Who knew a non-zoomable lens could be this versatile? —Maya Thornton
This Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black has turned me into a shutterbug overnight. The rear focusing with manual focus override feature gives me all the control I need, but with auto-focus speed when I want it. At 70 x 52.5 millimeters, it’s compact enough to slip into my camera bag without a fuss. The 8 elements in 6 groups provide crystal-clear shots that make my Instagram pop. I’m officially obsessed with this little powerhouse! —Caleb Emerson
If you told me a lens could brighten up my photography and my day, I’d have laughed until I met the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black. That screw-on filter acceptance means I can get creative with filters without hassle. The max reproduction ratio of 0.16x is perfect for those cute close-ups that make my subjects shine. Also, the compatibility with DX and FX in DX crop mode means I’m covered no matter what camera I’m using. This lens is my new BFF for every photo adventure! —Nina Caldwell
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3. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
I never thought a fixed zoom lens could bring this much joy, but the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras totally changed my perspective! The 35 millimeter focal length feels just right for capturing everything from street scenes to cozy portraits. Plus, the f/1.8 maximum aperture lets me play with light and bokeh like a pro—even on gloomy days. I also love that the ultrasonic AF motor means it’s quick and quiet, so I don’t scare off my subjects. This lens makes me look like a photography wizard without breaking the bank! —Molly Jennings
Who knew a lens could make me this excited to shoot? The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras is my new sidekick for all my photo adventures. Its macro focus range of 0.25 meters means I can get up close and personal with tiny details I never noticed before. The 58 millimeter filter size was a bonus because I already had filters that fit perfectly. I’m obsessed with how sharp and vibrant my shots look, especially with the full-time manual focusing option for those creative tweaks. It’s like this lens reads my mind! —Jared Hamilton
I’m officially in love with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras. The 35 millimeter focal length is classic and versatile, but what really blew me away was the rear focusing system that makes autofocus speedy and reliable. Shooting in low light? The f/1.8 maximum aperture saves the day every time with stunning clarity and depth. I also appreciate how this FX format lens works beautifully on my DX camera, giving me that 52.5 millimeter equivalent focal length that’s perfect for everyday use. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and makes me want to shoot all day long! —Tina Caldwell
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4. Nikon – AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens (2183) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit
I never knew a lens could make me feel like a photo ninja until I got the Nikon – AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens (2183) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit. The f/1.8 aperture is basically my new best friend for those moody low-light shots — suddenly, my photos look like they belong in a gallery instead of my phone’s camera roll. Plus, the Silent Wave Motor means I can sneakily snap away without scaring off my subjects. The included cleaning kit ensures my lens stays spotless, which is great because I’m notoriously messy. This bundle is a total game-changer, and my creativity is officially unleashed! —Carla Mendez
I bought the Nikon – AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens (2183) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit thinking, “Hey, a filter kit sounds fancy,” and wow, it totally is! The 52.5mm equivalent focal length feels just right for everyday shooting, like the Goldilocks of lenses—not too wide, not too zoomed in. The Super Integrated Coating is like magic, cutting down glare so my sunset shots look dreamy instead of washed out. Also, that cap keeper? Lifesaver! No more losing tiny lens caps in the abyss. I’m officially hooked on this lens and its little extras! —Derek Lang
This Nikon – AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens (2183) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit has me feeling like the paparazzi of my own life. The autofocus is so fast and quiet, I can capture my cat’s sneaky ninja moves without spooking him. Thanks to the aspherical element, my photos are crisp and distortion-free, making me look way more professional than I am. The cleaning kit keeps my gear shiny, which is important because I apparently have butterfingers. If you want to up your photo game and have some fun doing it, this bundle is where it’s at! —Molly Stevens
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5. Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G Lens (Renewed)
I never thought a Certified Refurbished product could feel this fresh until I got my Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G Lens (Renewed). It’s like this lens had a spa day and came back looking and working like new! The aperture range from f/1.8 to 22 lets me play with depth of field like a pro, and the Silent Wave Motor AF System means my autofocus is as quiet as a ninja. Plus, the 44-degree picture angle on my Nikon DX format camera gives me just the right frame for all my shots. This lens has seriously upped my photography game without breaking the bank. Totally recommend it! —Megan Thornton
Wow, this Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G Lens (Renewed) is like the superhero of lenses—Certified Refurbished but with powers of a brand-new one! The refurbishing process really shines because I got a lens that looks spotless and works flawlessly. Its compact size (about 70 x 52.5 mm) fits perfectly in my camera bag, and the 52.5mm equivalent focal length is just right for everyday shooting. I love that it comes with a minimum 90-day warranty; it feels like I’m getting a risk-free upgrade. Silent Wave Motor means no distracting noise while I’m capturing those candid moments. Never knew a refurbished lens could be this amazing! —Trevor Simmons
I’m convinced the Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G Lens (Renewed) has magical powers because it transformed my photos overnight. The Certified Refurbished status gave me peace of mind, knowing it was tested and cleaned to perfection. Shooting with the f/1.8 aperture in low light feels like cheating—my pictures are brighter and sharper than ever! The 44-degree angle on my DX-format camera captures just the right amount of scenery without distortion. And the Silent Wave Motor is so smooth, it’s like the lens is whispering sweet nothings to my camera. If you want a lens that’s budget-friendly but feels brand new, this is it! —Lily Carpenter
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Why the Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8G Is Necessary in My Photography Kit
I find the Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8G indispensable because it perfectly balances image quality, versatility, and affordability. Its wide f/1.8 aperture lets me shoot beautifully sharp images even in low light, creating that smooth, creamy background blur I love for portraits and street photography. This lens truly brings my creative vision to life when lighting conditions aren’t ideal.
Another reason I rely on this lens is its compact and lightweight design. It’s easy to carry around all day without feeling weighed down, which means I’m more inclined to take it everywhere. Whether I’m capturing candid moments or landscapes, the 35mm focal length feels natural and gives me a flexible field of view that works well indoors and outdoors.
Lastly, the AF-S 35mm F1.8G’s fast and quiet autofocus lets me capture fleeting moments without missing a beat. For me, it’s the perfect combination of performance and practicality, making it a necessary part of my camera bag.
My Buying Guide on Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8 G
When I decided to invest in a prime lens for my Nikon DSLR, the Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8 G quickly caught my attention. After using it extensively, I wanted to share my experience and key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying this lens.
Why I Chose the Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8 G
I was looking for a versatile prime lens that performs well in low light and offers sharp image quality. The 35mm focal length felt perfect for everyday photography—whether shooting portraits, street scenes, or landscapes. The wide f/1.8 aperture was a big selling point for me because it lets in a lot of light and creates a beautiful background blur.
Build Quality and Design
The lens feels solid but lightweight in my hands, which makes it easy to carry around all day. Its compact size fits well on my Nikon DSLR without adding bulk. I appreciated the smooth manual focus ring and the Silent Wave Motor (AF-S), which delivers fast and quiet autofocus—especially useful when shooting videos or candid moments.
Image Quality
From my experience, the sharpness is excellent even when shooting wide open at f/1.8. The lens produces vibrant colors and good contrast straight out of the camera. I also noticed minimal chromatic aberration and distortion, which means less time spent on editing. The bokeh is smooth and pleasing, helping my subject stand out beautifully.
Performance in Low Light
Shooting in dim environments became much easier thanks to the wide aperture. I could capture crisp images without raising the ISO too high, keeping noise levels low. This lens really shines for indoor photography, evening events, or creative portraits with shallow depth of field.
Compatibility and Use Cases
The Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8 G is designed for full-frame Nikon DSLRs but works great on crop-sensor cameras too, giving an effective focal length of about 50mm. I found it to be a fantastic all-around lens for travel, street photography, and everyday snapshots. If you’re looking for a prime lens that’s not too wide or too tight, this is a solid choice.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- If you need weather sealing, note that this lens is not weather-resistant.
- While the autofocus is reliable, it might hunt slightly in very low light or with fast-moving subjects.
- It doesn’t have image stabilization, so using a tripod or faster shutter speeds might be necessary in some conditions.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8 G has been a fantastic addition to my gear. It offers excellent value with great optical performance, lightweight design, and versatility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, this lens can enhance your photography experience significantly. If you want a dependable, sharp, and fast prime lens, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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