Thursday, May 21, 2009

On the rekindling of my love affair with the Nikkor 35mm f/2

I bought my Nikkor 35mm f/2 back in my Nikon D50 (a "DX" or crop-sensored DSLR) days and even when I upgraded to the Nikon D200 (also a DX sensor) I just never liked the quality of the images it produced. I can't explain exactly what it was, it just didn't do anything for me. I later bought a DX-sensored Sigma 30mm f/1.4, which is just the bees knees...focuses fast, is sharp and is a great all-around "normal" focal length on those APS-C sensored DX cameras.

Ever since upgrading to a Nikon D700, which is an "FX" or full-frame (35mm) sensored DSLR, the Nikor 35mm f/2 has been a star player! Again, I can't put my finger on what it is about the quality of this lens but, much like the Sigma sang on a DX camera, the 35mm f/2 is singing loud and pretty-like on an FX camera.

Plus McKenna makes it ever so easy to love this lens.

MQL

MQL

MQL

What's your favorite lens?

5 comments:

dawn said...

My favorite right now is the Tamron SP 90mm macro lens. The only thing I have up from that lens is http://darmfield.com/photos/index.php?showimage=97

That flower is about as big as my pinkie fingernail (not big at all). It's not the greatest image, but I'm still learning how to fine-tune the lens. It is sweet.

Holly said...

I still love my Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 macro best, and have ever since I got it with the D70s. Remember those days? Anyhow, it's got the best bokeh, IMO. I should use it more, but like your 35mm lens, the 50mm fixed takes wonderful portrait shots, and I just love messing with a short DOF for close ups of hair-fine details. I'll try some of Ivy, if I can get her to sit still long enough :)

Gotta say that the 18-70mm lens that came with the D70s kit is still pretty darned good, IMO. Check out the lovely close-up shot I got of our foster puppy on my family blog front page :)

Holly said...

Haha, make that my 60mm f/2.8 AF Micro-Nikkor. :)

Michael Hummel said...

Agreed about the 35mm lens. I have the Canon 35mm f/1.4, and shooting it from a full frame is key to get that perfect semi-wide shot. Perfect from portraits to landscapes.

fauxsure said...

35mm f/2 is the best. I've always wanted the Nikon Mount one (I have a 35mm f/2.5 series E that's kind of soft) but I have a the 35mm f/2 for my Leicas. It's the perfect focal length/speed in my opinion.