35 mm lens for Nikon F

Jerevan · May 27, 2014

I have been thinking of getting a 35 lens for my newly acquired Nikon F. I prefer the older glass (have two 50/2 Nikkor-H, one 105/2.5 Nikkor-P and one 135/3.5) but I am not sure what to get.

I've heard some people saying that the 35 focal length is a bit of a weak spot for Nikon.

I need to shake it up a bit, having used the 50 mm for so long. I think I need to "work the scene" much more, and the 35 forces me to step in a bit closer. I don't need speed, as I use the camera mostly in daylight with 400 film.

Is the 35/2.8 good, or should I skip that? Any "sleepers" in this categpry?

mweintraub · May 27, 2014

I really enjoy the F2 AI-S I recently got.

John_Nikon_F · May 27, 2014

The Nikkor-S 35/2.8 is a decent lens. That said, for only a few bucks more, you might be able to get a decent 35/2 Nikkor-O. As long as an HN-3 is used, the lens is great. Without the hood, it will tend to flare a bit, thanks to the large front element.

-J

Vilk · May 27, 2014

Nikkor-O.C 35/2 is a great little lens.

narsuitus · May 27, 2014

For years, the 35mm f/2 was my favorite lens. I eventually replaced it with the f/1.4 version because I needed the extra speed. I usually carried my 35mm with an 85mm and a 180mm. Rarely did I carry the 35mm with the 50mm because they were too close in focal length for my shooting style.

When I did carry the 50mm lens, I usually carried it with the 105mm f/2.5 and a 28mm f/2.8. The 28mm gave me the wider coverage that I preferred when I was shooting with a 50mm.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/11336821@N00/7011397917/

RalphLambrecht · May 27, 2014

I boughtanold Nikkor 35f/2 for penniesand it is great.

kobaltus · May 28, 2014

Mine 35/2 Q is not in the same league as 28/2 or 50/ 1,4. 35 /2 AF also disappointed me . Now I am trying some compacts like nikon L35 AF.

zanxion72 · May 28, 2014

The 35mm 2.8 AI is a great one. Sharp, contrasty and with not as much of distortion as wider angles it offers quite pleasing results.
Plus, it will not be the most expensive Nikkor to buy.

Trond · May 28, 2014

I used to use a 35/2 when I had a F2. Nice lens, and I was very pleased with it.

Trond

Xmas · May 28, 2014

The series E lenses are ok too if you can find one.

E. von Hoegh · May 28, 2014

Jerevan said:
I have been thinking of getting a 35 lens for my newly acquired Nikon F. I prefer the older glass (have two 50/2 Nikkor-H, one 105/2.5 Nikkor-P and one 135/3.5) but I am not sure what to get.

I've heard some people saying that the 35 focal length is a bit of a weak spot for Nikon.

I need to shake it up a bit, having used the 50 mm for so long. I think I need to "work the scene" much more, and the 35 forces me to step in a bit closer. I don't need speed, as I use the camera mostly in daylight with 400 film.

Is the 35/2.8 good, or should I skip that? Any "sleepers" in this categpry?

Yes it is; however the 35/2 Nikkor-O is a stop faster, just as sharp, and has more even illumination - also fast enough for any practical purpose and pretty cheap. I've had both and kept the 35/2. The ones marked "Nikkor O C" (and all later versions) are muticoated. One advantage of the 2.8 version is that it is almost exactly the same size as the 50/2 (and the 28/3.5, another fine lens and a bit of a sleeper), you may find this important.

RidinRev66 · May 28, 2014

You might like a 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor-N Auto. It is the one lens I use most often on my Nikon F.
Specifications: Focal length: 24mm
Maximum aperture: 1:2.8
Lens construction: 9 elements in 7 groups
Picture angle: 84° at infinity
Distance scale: Graduated both in meters and feet up to 0.3m and 1 ft
Aperture scale: f/2.8 - f/16

Ap507b · May 29, 2014

Another vote for the 35mm F2.8 Nikkor S from me. I have one pretty much always attached to my F & have been very happy with it.

dynachrome · May 29, 2014

There is a lot of misinformation when it comes to 35/2.8 Nikkors. I am leaving out the P.C. lenses (perspective control) in this discussion. In the 1975/1976 time frame Nikon replaced the Nikkor S. I have never seen a 35/2.8 Nikkor SC and I don't think one was made. The 'K' lens was the last pre-AI model and was a six element design. It is very sharp and considerably better than the S. It was made for only about two years and was followed by the first version of the AI. That first AI version had the same six element design and is also excellent. The second version of the AI and the AIS were changed to a five element design. These are not as good as the 'K' or early AI models. I have had the 'K' lens for many years along with a 35/2 O , a late AI and the second to last P.C. Earlier this year I got an early AI for use with AI bodies. I agree that flare can be a problem with the 35/2 O. If you are careful to shield the lens you will get good results.

RalphLambrecht · Jun 1, 2014

narsuitus said:
For years, the 35mm f/2 was my favorite lens. I eventually replaced it with the f/1.4 version because I needed the extra speed. I usually carried my 35mm with an 85mm and a 180mm. Rarely did I carry the 35mm with the 50mm because they were too close in focal length for my shooting style.

When I did carry the 50mm lens, I usually carried it with the 105mm f/2.5 and a 28mm f/2.8. The 28mm gave me the wider coverage that I preferred when I was shooting with a 50mm.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/11336821@N00/7011397917/

I find that I always aim to own1/2f,normal f and double f for all camras and formats.for my Nikon FM that translates to 24,50 and 85mm glass and covers what I want to photographwithout busting the bank or my back.

alinnman · Jun 8, 2014

I am using the Zeiss Distagon ZF 35/2 often on my Nikon F. Fantastic lens in every aspect. A little bulky but balances well on the F.

kivis · Dec 21, 2015

My lens kit that I use with my Nikon F is:
Ai 24/2
Non-Ai 50/1.4
AiS 105/2.5

apoglass · Dec 21, 2015

The Zeiss Distagon ZF 35mm f2 is a terrific modern manual focus lens with beautiful color rendition and higher contrast than the older Nikon lenses. If you might instead prefer a modern lens that is light weight and tiny as a priority, also consider the Cosina Voigtlnder Ultron 40mm f2 Aspherical SL for Nikon diameter 63mm, length 24.5mm, weight 6.337 oz., 179.6g.

35 mm lens for Nikon F

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