6 replies to this topic

[grandpagreg]

Hello,

 

I have a NIKON D40 camera.

 

I was given an AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G lens for Christmas.  

 

What are the benefits/advantages of this lens as opposed to the 18-55mm zoom lens that came with my camera (when set at 35mm)??

 

WHEN should I use the new lens rather than the original?

 

Also WHEN  should I use the lens hood?

 

​Many thanks,

 

​Greg

 

 

[Adam]

The lens is going to be sharper, plus with an aperture of F1.8 (rather than F4 or so), achieving a strong background blur will be much easier.  Thus the lens might be a better choice for portraits or close-ups, as well as any kind of reproductive photography.

[Jerry_]

.. and the hood, designed for keeping out stray light from the sides, may be kept on all time as a protection, if ever the lens hits inadvertently against something.

[Merco_61]

There is only one thing to look out for... Starting to use primes (lenses with a fixed focal length) is addictive, so there is a risk that you will want more of them. The wider aperture will make it *very* much easier to see what is and what isn't in focus and also what is in the frame as you compose your photograph.

[M.Beier]

I have 18-55 VR (1) and 35 1.8G

The prime is a faster lens, you won't miss a shot with it, and... Its sharp in DX context,

[Ron]

Congratulations! You've got a really nice lens!

 

What Peter said is very true. Primes can become habit forming because they are so much sharper and brighter than just about any zoom lenses. Plus, the lens you received is widely known to be one of the best DX lenses Nikon produces. Also, because the lens is so fast, you'll be able to shoot in much lower light without having to resort to flash.

 

The downside is that a prime lens is less convenient. In other words, you'll have to do any zooming with your feet. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

 

I believe that the lens shade can be mounted in reverse when not in use so there's no reason to leave it at home. I would definitely use it during the day. At night, it's a toss up but since it adds so little to the length and weight of the lens, there's really no reason not to leave it on. So, there's no downside to using it all the time. 

 

--Ron

[M.Beier]

Regardgin the shade, I never take mine off, on any lens, except when backed... 
It adds a bit of protection, while filters spoils quality (unless NIKON NC, which is ~25% of the given lens price)