Nikon 35mm f/1.8 for DX cameras- any working knowledge?

Does anyone have firsthand experience with Nikon's 35mm f/1.8 DX lens
for the APS-C DSLRs (specifically I have a D5000). The price is very
good and I've read some good reviews, I would really like a "standard"
prime lens with some speed. 1.8 on a 35mm will give me some reasonable
selective focus (though not what I get with the 50mm f/1.4 on my film
Nikon F - for the same field of view). When I got my Nikon F in 1968 it
was the top of the line pro SLR and the 50mm f/1.4 was the standard
lens that it was packaged with. Now cameras all come with "kit" zooms
which are not top of the line lenses. So I'd like to have for my DSLR
what I had (have) for my film SLR. How does this lens perform? Pros and
cons? Again, price at about $200 seems more than reasonable.

 

Michael,

I have one of the 35mm f/1.8 for my D5000 and I've been very pleased with
it. I don't use it a lot, as it was bought specifically to help
photograph the Northern Lights on a winter trip:

http://www.satsignal.eu/Hols/2010/NorthernNorway/index.html

I have not done any resolution tests, nor any pixel peeping, but you will
find a test review here:

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/nikon_35_1p8g_n15/

For the price, I have been delighted with the lens - it's light and easy
to fit into the bag, works well, and is quick in operation. I do miss the
zoom ring, though <G>!

Cheers,
David

 

I've got the 35/1.8 DX and it's fine, though I honestly can't say I've used
it a great deal since I bought it.

 

I am not personally familiar with the 35mm. I have a 50mm f1.4 for many
years. If I had to go through life with only one non-zoom lens, it would
be the 50mm 1.4. Mine is a really old Ai converted. I understand the 35
will give you a wider angle and is the equivalent of the 50mm on a ff
film camera. So the ultimate answer will be your own photographic needs.

HTH

 

The lens is very good, especially for $200.00. Even wide open, it's
very good and more standard on a DX than a 50mm. It's not as flexible
a the kit lens, but it is usable at a fast f1.8.

 

I use it a lot on a D5000 and it complements the camera very well
especially if needing a light set up. Very good image quality, superb
performance at F4 and a solid build. AF is good but fast targets like
children etc can be a challenge.