Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G review

The Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G is wide, fast and pricey to buy

Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
(Image: © Nikon)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Stepping up from an f/1.8 prime lens to an f/1.4 model typically comes at a high cost, both in terms of size and weight as well as purchase price. Sure enough, this Nikkor is about twice the weight and three times the price of the Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED. It’s a lovely lens that delivers excellent image quality but you have to ask yourself how much you really need that extra two-thirds of an f/stop. Either way, it doesn’t do anything that the much less expensive Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art and Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD don’t do, and the Sigma only costs half the price.

Pros

  • +

    Fast f/1.4 aperture

  • +

    Excellent image quality

  • +

    Tough magnesium barrel

Cons

  • -

    Fairly chunky and weighty

  • -

    Expensive to buy

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Released back in 2010, the Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G finally replaced the antiquated 35mm f/1.4 Ai-S that dated all the way back to 1970. The new lens is rather larger and just over 50 per cent heavier, weighing in at 600g. By way of comparison, it’s a similar size and weight to the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art and noticeably smaller and lighter than the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD.

Specifications

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.