I recently ventured to the other side of the world to visit some friends and help with some work in the beautiful country of Turkey. Our travels would take us to Antalya and Olimpos (Olympos) on the Mediterranean Sea and Istanbul to the north. Because the nature of my work there was not photographic, I decided it best not to carry tons of expensive gear with me. I would normally pack my D700, at least four fast lenses, multiple flashes with off-camera triggering equipment and a tripod as a minimum. This time around I was rock'n a Nikon D40 with a 16GB Kingston SD card ($34 via B&H) - no laptop to dump to (crazy I know), an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, my trusty SB-800 and an Alien Bees wireless transmitter and receiver set just in case. I decided to preorder the new 35mm f/1.8 DX lens (for a very reasonable $199 I might add) for it's speed in low light and its relatively wide focal length, especially for a DX prime. I figured this would be the best bang-for-buck lens for interior pictures, especially those in museums, etc.
Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 DX lens - photo from Nikonusa.com - click on the image to link to that page
The first thing one will notice about this lens is its size. Its short, well constructed and very light. It comes with a securely locking lens hood and couples perfectly with the D40. The AF is quick and quiet thanks to the AF-S motor and under all but the absolute worst lighting situations its spot on.
Inside a Mosque in Antalya - shot at f/2 in available light.
I did notice some chromatic aberrations (purple fringing) in some images with extreme contrast. This is particularly noticeable inside buildings with brightly lit windows. Lens flare is also common in similar situations, but nothing particularly damaging, especially for a $200 lens shot wide open.
Tablet in the Istanbul Archeology Museum - shot at f/2 in available light
Jesus from the The Deësis Mosaic in the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul - shot at f/2 in available light
The lens is well suited for standard focal length shooting. The crop factor produces results very close to those from a 50mm on a full frame camera. The lens is so small and light weight that it is superbly convenient to leave mounted on your camera. However, the lens really shines in low light photography. Given that most shooters will be accustomed to their 18-55mm with a maximum aperture of f/3.5, the added stops capable with the f/1.8 aperture are truly stunning. The faster glass will allow users to shoot at lower ISOs and faster shutter speeds, both of which can dramatically improve image quality and shooting time.
My very good friend Andrew in front of the tear-drop style column in the Basilica Cistern (532 AD) in Istanbul - shot at f/1.8 in available light.
This lens is not perfect, but given the new arena now available to DX shooters it can easily be considered a must-have. The few minor issues I experienced (fringing and flare under harsh contrast) in no way deter from the exceptional speed and performance of this stunning little lens. It wont give you the widest focal length, but for the speed, it is virtually unmatched and at $200 it's a steal. I would highly recommend this lens to anyone how travels or often finds themselves looking for shallower depth of field or in low light situations. It may be out of stock when you look for it, but it's definitely worth the wait.
Istanbul's Basilica Cistern - shot at f/1.8 in available light (camera steadied on railing)
