Popular Photography Magazine has published their review of the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens:

The first DX Nikkor with the classic advantages of a high-speed “normal” lens…

…Fast for shooting in low light and able to produce attractively defocused backgrounds, this utility player is compact and light for travel, inconspicuous for street shooting, and about as affordable and useful a lens as you’re likely to find.

You can read the entire review at Pop Photo. You can find more dSLR Dad articles on the Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G Lens here.

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Photozone has published their review of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G dSLR lens:

Normal primes have a long standing reputation of high quality for an affordable price and the Nikkor AF-S 50 makes no exception in this regard. The lens is able to deliver ver sharp images, at least slightly stopped down.
However it’s not without flaws. Wide open, it lacks a bit sharpness and most of all contrast, vignetting is very high wide open, but that is to be expected on a full frame camera with a moderately priced fast prime. The bokeh is smooth from f/2 to f/2.8 onwards, but a bit nervous wide open, where the lens also shows considerable amount of LoCAs

However, on a full frame camera depth of field with this lens wide open is so thin that it’s hard to find a suitable subject to shoot at its fastest setting. So, usually you’ll likely use the lens slightly stopped down anyway, where it performs excellently.

For most applications the silent wave AF drive is fast enough. Combined with the high build quality this results in an attractive package that might not necessarily tempt those who already own an older Nikkor 50 mm AF lens, but probably all others looking for a fast standard prime.

You can read the entire review at Photozone.

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Popular Photography Magazine has published their lens test report of the Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM:

Rest on its laurels? Not Sigma. Just look at the updated version of its bright 50–150mm f/2.8 digital-only (DC) zoom ($675, street), part of the company’s top-drawer EX family of glass. Its predecessor performed admirably in the Pop Photo Lab just two years ago (January 2007). Since then, the company’s engineers have twisted, squeezed, and tweaked its design in an attempt (we’re guessing) to catch up to the optical superiority of Tokina’s remarkable 50–135mm f/2.8.

Reaching out to the full-frame equivalent of approximately 77.5– 232.5mm, the Sigma’s zoom range is just slightly longer than the film-era 70–210mm moderate tele zoom standard. Its APO designation comes by way of its four elements of SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass—more than any other DC lens. Other noteworthy attributes: A new lens design claimed to maximize image quality at the closest focusing distances, plus compatibility with Sigma teleconverters, which can extend focal length out to a 465mm equivalent. Throw in the HSM motor—delivering fast, silent, and sure autofocus—and you’ve got quite a lens.

You can read the entire lens test at Pop Photo.  dSLR Dads take note: there are certain advantages in size and weight of this lens compared with an equivalent 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto.  So much so that I made this exact swap. I’ll report on my findings after I have had enough time to complete a proper review.

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Popular Photography Magazine has published their review of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G dSLR lens:

The newest version of Nikon’s storied 50mm f/1.4 boasts a redesigned optical formula for more effective flare prevention. A 75mm equivalent on Nikon smaller-sensor DX bodies, this $500 (street) full-framer also has a circular-bladed aperture for smoother defocusing…

…Great for low-light and action shots, as well as scenes with strongly defocused areas, this 50mm makes a nice half-length portrait lens on DX Nikons. Its compact size suits it both to travel and everyday use, and its bright finder image is a pleasure. Is it worth $220 more than its predecessor? Depends on how much its ruggedness, silent AF, higher magnification, and other improvements mean to you.

You can read the entire Nikon 50mm f/1.4G lens test at Pop Photo.

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Digital Photography Review has published their review of the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens:

The AF-S Nikkor 35mm F1.8G DX is a lens which certainly caused a degree of dismay on its release, with many Nikon fans disappointed by the decision to make it compatible with the DX format only. However the main benefit of that decision is plain for all to see – even at its introductory price the lens costs rather less than the venerable AF-Nikkor 35mm F2.0D, despite the addition of an AF-S motor to allow autofocusing on Nikon’s entry-level D40 / D40X / D60 bodies. It’s also less than half the price of the few other DX format standard primes currently on the market (such as the Pentax 35mm F2.8 Macro, Tokina 35mm F2.8 Macro and Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM), so Nikon has managed with this lens to produce the first genuinely inexpensive (sub-$200) fast standard prime designed specifically for digital SLRs.

Within this context, the lens’s performance is very impressive. It produces finely detailed images at all apertures (although with somewhat low contrast wide open), focuses quickly and accurately, and handles well in a small, light package…

You ca read the complete review at dPreview.  As always, you can find more news and reviews at the dSLR Dad Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens Resource Guide.

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Photozone has finished their review of the Nikon’s latest fast-prime lens, the Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 G:

The Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 G is able to deliver very sharp pictures wide open already. The bokeh, one of the primary aspects for a fast prime, is well developed and generally pleasing (at least slightly stopped down). There are some drawbacks, though, especially rather high distortions and CAs, both lateral and longitudinal. And although it’s sonic wave driven, the AF is not really a speed demon.

Nonetheless, given its affordable price, the lens performs on a very high level and is a welcome addition the limited range of lenses that can be used as normal primes on DX cameras.

You can read the entire lens review at Photozone.  The Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G lens is not yet shipping, but it can be ordered at both Amazon.com and B&H Photo. As always, you can find more information in the dSLR Dad Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G Lens Resource Guide.

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The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G prime lens brings a Silent Wave Motor to Nikon’s standard prime lenses.  With an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture, this lens will allow you to photograph in extremely low light.  The other benefit of a big aperture is it’s very small depth-of-field when wide open.  This gives you those nice out-of-focus backgrounds, helping your subject really stand out.  To get a better sense of this, This Week In Photography has an excellent video which gives a visual presentation of how changing your aperture affects your photos.   Other notable features include:

• AF-S Silent Wave Motor enables autofocus for Nikon D40, D40x, and D60 dSLR Dads.
• Rounded 9-blade aperture diaphragm should help out-of-focus elements blur more natural and not seem blotchy.
• Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare. Nikon’s value alternative to ED glass in a standard lens.
• Full-frame design will work with FX and DX formats.
• Minimum focus distance of 1.5 feet.
• At 2.9 by 2.1 inches (Diameter x Length) and 9 ounces, it’s a bit bigger than the 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens. However, it is much more compact and lighter than Sigma’s own 50mm F1.4 EX DC HSM Lens.

With an estimated selling price of $440 it is more expensive than the 50mm f/1.4D, but lower than Sigma’s excellent 50mm F1.4 EX DC HSM Lens. But then again, the Sigma and f/1.4D are available now, whereas Nikon’s 50mm f/1.4G doesn’t ship until this December.

Nikon 50mm f/1.4G Resources

Product page (Nikon USA)

Tech Support (Nikon USA)

To learn more about how to get the most out of a fast prime lens, check out the first two books I tell everyone to buy.

Press Release

NIKON CELEBRATES THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF NIKKOR OPTICAL EXCELLENCE WITH AN ALL-NEW 50mm f/1.4 PRIME LENS

75 Years Later and 45 Million Lenses Produced, the NIKKOR Pedigree Continues to Thrive with the Introduction of the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Sept. 22, 2008) – Nikon Inc. celebrates 75 years of defining optical excellence with the release of the newly engineered AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 prime lens that is considered by many photographers to be an essential tool with a focal length that closely replicates the visual perspective of the human eye when used with an FX-format D-SLR. Nikon’s optical expertise and modern technological advances, such as the Silent Wave Motor, help to deliver outstanding operation that is critical for Nikon FX and DX-format photographers who demand the pinnacle of photographic performance.

Ideal for travel, event, environmental and general photography in a wide variety of conditions, the new AF-S 50mm f/1.4 lens combines a superb optical formula with an ultra-fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, making it destined to become an instant classic in this digital age. This compact lens continues the tradition of NIKKOR precision optics to provide photographers with sharp, high-resolution images and the ability to focus as close as 1.5 feet for added versatility. The integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, whisper-quiet operation.

“The traditional 50mm lens has been a mainstay of photography for generations and deserves a place in every enthusiast and professional’s camera system. Experienced photographers have always appreciated the incredible image fidelity and low-light ability that a precisely engineered 50mm lens can deliver,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “In addition, seasoned shooters often prefer the photographic discipline imposed by the use of prime lenses. Now, a new generation of photographers is discovering the freedom of capturing images that would be impossible with anything but an ultra-fast-aperture lens. Our 75 years of high-performance optical experience and stringent quality standards have won the hearts of photographers around the world, as Nikon is also celebrating 45 million NIKKOR lenses produced. In fact, five million of these lenses were produced in the last year alone, further reinforcing our contemporary leadership in the digital SLR market.”

Thanks to the maximum aperture of f/1.4 and newly refined optical performance, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G teams perfectly with the low noise at high ISO sensitivity performance of Nikon D-SLRs such as the D3 and new D700 cameras. When used on a Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera, the new AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G provides an ideal portrait picture angle, approximating that of a 75mm lens in use on a FX-format D-SLR or 35mm SLR camera.

A newly developed optical formula effectively corrects sagittal coma flare and coma aberration, delivering astonishing image quality and allowing more users to realize their creative vision with vivid clarity. Instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are further suppressed through the use of Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate color balance. The rounded diaphragm opening combined with the nine-blade aperture contributes to a substantially more natural appearance of out-of-focus background elements.

The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning December 2008 at an estimated selling price of $439.95.*

*Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

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This is one magnificent lens! It is undoubtedly one of the sharpest lenses I have ever used. The excellent color rendition and saturation instantly improves your images without further processing. The bokeh is incredibly smooth and the shallow depth of field allows for some amazing isolation of your subject. As one reviewer on the B&H site noted, “objects transition from in-focus to out-of-focus in such a smooth and natural manner that it is almost imperceptible and makes viewing the images effortless.”

You can read more about it here.

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