Image courtesy of Nikon
Nikon has just released its first prime lens for the DX form factor cameras (D300, D90, D60). The new AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 will soon be available for the fairly modest price of $200 US. For those of you that may not be in the know about what a prime lens is, it’s simply a lens that has a fixed focal length, in this case it’s 35mm. Frankly I was surprised to see Nikon roll out a new prime for the DX cameras, especially since there are now 3 FX full frame models available. Nikon’s take is that they wanted to bring the benefits of a prime lens to their consumer level cameras at an affordable price. Previously, if a DX shooter wanted to use a prime lens, they had to buy the more expensive full frame lenses. This lens has been engineered for the DX format with a focal length that is equivalent in coverage to the 50mm for the FX or 35mm cameras.
So why buy a prime lens when there are so many zooms available? There’s actually a couple of reasons. The first is that at f/1.8, the lens is faster and will provide better low-light shooting. The second is that prime lenses tend to be sharper than their zooming counterparts. This is due to the fact that prime lenses have fewer lens elements. The less glass the light passes through, the less chance there is for softening of the image. Another benefit is that this lens in particular uses 7 blades for the paerture to provide a better, smoother bokeh (the “out of focus” portion of your image). I guess that makes 3 reasons for purchasing one.
There are some downsides to using a prime lens. The first thing that comes to mind is the fixed focal length. No zoom means that you will have to move your feet to compose your shot. Secondly, you will be restricted in the type of photo that you can get with the lens. A 35mm DX is a little wide for standard portrait work and not quite wide enough for landscapes. You will definitely need to find your nitch for this particular focal length.
There are photographers though that swear by their prime lenses and the best way to really appreciate using one is to shoot with one. Not to date myself, but the 50mm prime used to be the “kit” lens for most 35mm camera bodies when I began shooting and was the first lens I ever used (50mm f/1.4 on a Canon F1 body). It will definitely force you to be more creative in your composition and the faster glass and narrow depth of field will give DX shooters more options for their photographic pursuits. Nikon has even hinted that they will be producing even more prime lenses in the future for both of their form factors. Maybe some day they will offer as many options as Canon shooters have become accustomed to.
You can check out Nikon’s press release for this lens over at Imaging Insider.
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mike meyer 
Don 
I just love the way 50mm looks so “natural” on a FX sensor.
Pat 
See ya next week.
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Don’t you just love telling the youngsters about the old days. I loved my Canon F1! It was a tank that worked forever. If the battery died, you could still shoot at 1/60 – try that with today’s camera’s. I dropped it on it’s pentaprism during a fall, walking up to Neu Schwanstein in the winter. Bent the pentaprism, but it still worked like a champ. Oh, sorry, we’re talking about prime lens. I’m back now.
I see the fixed focal length as an advantage. Moving around the picture will force you to explore different views to get the right shot. Too many photographers today don’t take the time to find the right position for the best image – they just rack the zoom until it’s in focus. Two different actions entirely.
Roger