Introduction

The Nikkor AF 35mm f/2D is one of the more affordable fix-focals in the Nikon lens lineup. On classic full frame SLRs it is a moderate wide-angle lens whereas its field-of-view is equivalent to 53mm on today's APS-C DSLRs. Combined with its rather large max. aperture it can be regarded as a substitution for a classic standard lens within this scope.

The build quality of the lens is very good and in line with most moderately priced Nikkors. The outer barrel is made of polycarbonate combined with a metal mount. The small rubberized focus ring operates very smooth. Typical for lenses with a linear extension system the whole inner tube moves during focusing thus extending the lens when focusing towards closer focus distances. The lens has no internal AF motor and relies on a slotted drive screw operated by the camera. As a result AF operation will generate a moderate degree of noise. Due to the very low weight of the optical system the AF speed is very fast on the D200. The front element does not rotate so using a polarizer is no problem.