Very nice review, simple and straightforwardand. Thanks for sharing How do you compare this to the 28 1.8G? I know you mentioned AF speed but how about sharpness and color rendition? I was thinking of upgrading from my 28 1.8G but if the extra half stop is the only difference then I don't think it's worth the extra $1000.

Thank you!! I just got my 28 1.8G a few weeks ago, so it hasn't been in the field long enough for me to review it yet. However, with my experience so far, I feel the 28G and 35G are intended for different purposes (dedicated wide angle VS general purpose), which is why I have both.

How do you feel the 35mm f/1.4 and 28mm f/1.8 compare w/ the 24mm f/1.4?

I rented the 24mm 1.4 but didn't like it...AF wasn't as accurate as I had expected (probably bad copy), and it was a bit too wide for me, as a prime. From what I've seen from other shooters online, it's a phenomenal lens, it's just not a good fit for me.

Nice review, but I think you'll find that the 35G DOES have Nikon's "magic" Nano Coating - hence the big gold "N" on the nameplate.

Been thinking of picking up one of these myself.

C

The NikonUSA review would seem to agree with you, Chris:

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/2198/AF-S-NIKKOR-35mm-f%252F1.4G.html#tab-ProductDetail-ProductTabs-TechSpecs



Chris Court wrote:
I think you'll find that the 35G DOES have Nikon's "magic" Nano Coating.

Aww crap. . I have no idea what I was thinking when I wrote that part! And of course, I posted the photos with the big 'N" on my review too hahaha. Fixed on the blog...thank you for the correction!!

Thanks for the review. I also love this lens and the 85 f1.4G.

maljo

Nice review! For the $$ it should have ED elements like the 24 f1.4G, just sayin'

As an amateur, I surely didn't "need" this lens, but I bought it as an indulgence. And, there has never been a single regret. The images really pop at f1.4, and it's my go-to lens for low light, people, and indoor shooting. Love it, love it, love it.

Thank you for the review. When I was shooting weddings with Nikon F3 film bodies, my kit always consisted of 35mm F1.4Ais, 50mm F1.2Ais, and 85 F2Ais. My 35mm F1.4Ais was superior to the 50mm F1.2Ais in reduced flare. I never liked 28mm but I see that you do and you have it in your kit. Now, I use a 24mm F2.8AFD as my wide. I just step up a bit and try to keep it straight, especially on verticles. Also, I use a 50mm F1.8G and 85mm F1.8G. Some things never change as far as favorite focal length lenses. Always fun to discuss lenses and "working combinations" that form an intelligent kit. The 35mm F1.4G takes major criticism at Photozone, however, especially in the vignetting department.

Gittin one SSSssoooonnnnnn.....

Nice review! I had a love/hate relationship w/ this lens when I owned it. I used it almost exclusively for a year on my D700 in conjunction with the 85G. It was a great lens, no doubt, and you hit the nail on the head with it being a great story-telling lens. It was my sole lens on a trip to Maui and it was all I needed. Portraits, landscape, travel, the 35mm focal length is very versatile despite being a "normal" field of view. But that's where the f/1.4 comes in...

Despite how much I enjoyed the images I made with the lens, it's the speed of the autofocus that led me to selling it. I needed something faster and even more versatile, so I ended up with the 24-70mm f/2.8G instead. Honesty, while I miss the shallow DOF, I don't regret my decision one bit.

I'm curious to see how the autofocus speed of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 compares. The bokeh doesn't look as pleasing but if it can focus faster (and just as reliably), I'm sold.

Rooster L200 wrote:
Gittin one SSSssoooonnnnnn.....

Might want to take a look at this first.....
http://www.lenstip.com/359.1-Lens_review-Sigma_A_35_mm_f_1.4_DG_HSM_Introduction.html

Yup! We may very well be seeing lots of these on the B&S FS over the next few weeks...
kinda like Peppermint Patties they're everywhere!!

Well, I've been lured by the siren's call of pro-grade Sigma lenses in the past. I always got burned and sold them a few months later at a big loss.

The 18-50/2.8 and 50-150/2.8 come to mind as big disappointments.

Danner wrote:
Well, I've been lured by the siren's call of pro-grade Sigma lenses in the past. I always got burned and sold them a few months later at a big loss.

The 18-50/2.8 and 50-150/2.8 come to mind as big disappointments.

So have I, big time. but I really do think they are changing. The recent passing of the founder has opened the way for some young blood to kick butt and products like this 35mm lens and the little DP Merills are remarkable.

@maljo & williamkazak: yup this lens paired with the 85mm 1.4G is one of my favorite combos for wedding work
@RoosterL200: congrats!!
@Jpopovich: I hear ya on the AF speed, but for me, it's accurate, so I dont mind it I have the 24-70 too, and I prefer it when shallow DOF isn't a huge priority to me for shoots.
@Danner: Yup, same here. I didn't trust the AF in my Sigma lenses, because they were never consistent.

In the early 90s (90-94 or so) I used an FM2 and 35/1.4AIS and 85/1.4AIS lenses. They were excellent for their time, but the 35/1.4G and either AF-S 85 really are in a different ballpark altogether. I love the D800E and 35/1.4G (though I'd actually be even happier with a 35/2G since rarely shoot even at f/2) and 85/1.8G. It's definitely funny how a body and two pocketable (barely) lenses work out so well. On Leica M9 my preference is 35/2 (Asph) and 75/2. I never could figure out why I prefer 75 over 90 on the rangefinder. Maybe it's finder magnification, ease of focus, lens size... just not sure. But to me the 35/1.4G matches the Leica 35/2A from f/2 onwards quite well, and the 85/1.8G isn't far behind the 75/2A. That's a pretty remarkable feat given the pricepoint of either lens. They're just leaps and bounds ahead of the old AI-S glass... as much as I liked it I just like the new stuff so much more. (My Leica M9 and lenses are going on the block soon. It needs to find a home with someone who will actually use it.)