Nikon FE: 35mm lens needed

Odot · May 15, 2017

Whats the best 35mm lens for the Nikon FE? Can you guys recommend me something? Thanks in advance!

images39 · May 15, 2017

I've used Nikon's 35mm f2 lens (the AF-D version), and have been very happy with the results, and the way it handles on the FE. I haven't tried the AiS version of this lens, just because I've been very pleased with the performance of the AF-D version.

Dale

George Mann · May 15, 2017

Well, the 35mm F2 AIS certainly is a contender, but the AI version will work just as well with the body in question.

Odot · May 16, 2017

The 35mm f2 costs more than the body itself so i wondered about possibly better lenses at a cheaper price

macfred · May 16, 2017

There is a series e 35mm f/2.5 for a much cheaper price ...
I never had one but I'm happy with other series e lenses (50mm f/1.8 ; 75-150mm f/3.5).

We discussed the 35mm here (with some nice pictures) : (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

BMbikerider · May 16, 2017

The 35mm F2 or F2.8 AI or AIs are both very very good. I have had both in the F2 version and they were just as good as each other.

Sirius Glass · May 16, 2017

I have found that the 35mm lens is too close to the 50mm lens, therefore I use the 28mm lens instead. I recommend the 28mm lens. Just as I prefer the 50mm and 80mm lens pairing for 6x6 photographs over the 60mm and 80mm pairing.

bdial · May 16, 2017

If price is a major factor, you may want to consider one of the short zooms. You will lose a little in ultimate sharpness, and one or two stops for light, but they don't cost much more than lens caps these days.

locutus · May 16, 2017

Best?... big question. For a proper MF lens the Zeiss ZF 35/2 is awesome.

BrianShaw · May 16, 2017

Define "best". So far all I've figured out is:

1) 35mm focal length
2) cheaper than a Nikon FE body

RalphLambrecht · May 16, 2017

Odot said:
Whats the best 35mm lens for the Nikon FE? Can you guys recommend me something? Thanks in advance!

TheNikkor35mm/f/2 isexcellent and the prepaid version is dirt cheap.

darkroommike · May 16, 2017

For me the 35mm focal length is the Goldilocks, "just right!" When I shoot with a 50mm lens I often have to back up after I mentally compose my image, when I shoot with a 28mm I step forward, but when I shoot with a 35mm focal length I walk about, find the image, and then raise the camera to eye and shoot without moving. So for me, the 35mm focal length is just right. I have 35mm f/2 lenses for both my Nikon 35/2.0 O with an AI conversion, for Canon I have one of the 35/2.0 FD lenses. If you are looking for cheaper I can recommend the 35mm/2.5 Series E, I had one and passed it on when I got the f/2.0 version.

RichardJack · May 16, 2017

my two cents...
If you search hard enough and don't care for cosmetics you should be able to find a 35mm f2 AI at a reasonable price. The optics are the same as the AIs. I prefer the MF version better than AF & AF-D, which contradicts most reviews. I get better images with my MF version and it is much better built. But...you probably can get a 35mm f2 AF (not D) for cheap, but make sure the aperture blades are free of oil. This was a problem for this version.

wastelanded · May 16, 2017

With an FE, you can also use earlier non-AI Nikkors: the AI tab flips up and out of the way.

Odot · May 17, 2017

Ive looked at a few 35mm and wonder: is the 35mm f2 lens (the AF-D version) the best one in terms of image quality?

George Mann · May 17, 2017

Odot said:
Ive looked at a few 35mm and wonder: is the 35mm f2 lens (the AF-D version) the best one in terms of image quality?

Either you like the classic Nikkor look, or you don't!

Odot · May 17, 2017

George Mann said:
Either you like the classic Nikkor look, or you don't!

yawn

George Mann · May 17, 2017

I happen to prefer it.

cooltouch · May 20, 2017

Sorta late to respond to this thread, but I thought I'd pipe up. Years ago -- like over 25 years ago, I bought for quite cheap a pre-AI 34mm f/2 OC Nikkor that had been AI'd by Nikon. This lens has served me well over the years.

I just checked on eBay and I found three examples with prices ranging from $115 to $130 for the 35-O C. None of them have been AI'd however. But if you're patient, an AI'd example may show up and will have only a minimal up-charge for the AI mount.

Nikon FE: 35mm lens needed

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency