Pre-PMA 2009: Nikon has announced the launch of a 35mm F1.8 prime lens with autofocus compatible with the D40, D40X and D60. The AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8 G is a completely new design for Nikon-mount DSLRs with APS-C sized sensors (or the ability to work in crop mode). The manufacturer suggested retail price is just €199/£199/$199, making it a modern alternative to the traditional 50mm lenses as used on 35mm film bodies.

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Press Release:

All new fast aperture, DX format prime lens

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 9 February 2009 – Nikon Europe is pleased to announce a brand new wide aperture DX NIKKOR lens, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G. The lens has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 for a bright viewfinder experience, and beautiful background blur with shallow depth of field. It also incorporates NIKKOR’s ultra-compact ring type Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for quiet accurate focus operation even with cameras without built-in motors such as the Nikon D40 and Nikon D60.

"This lens is an excellent creative option in addition to the kit lenses many customers purchase with their cameras.” said Ludovic Drean, Product Manager at Nikon Europe. He added: “We expect that many customers; particularly photography students will find this lens an affordable choice for expanding their photographic system.
 
AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
With a compact, lightweight design, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G provides the high reproduction capability and picture quality for which NIKKOR lenses are renowned at an affordable price. The ring type SWM offers quiet AF operation. Although all lens groups shift during focusing, the front element and filter mount do not rotate and the barrel length does not change, which is useful when using filter mounted SB-R200 Wireless Remote Speedlight units.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G optical design allows a different look and feel to images taken with zoom lenses, and its dimensions are ideal for discrete snapshots and landscape shooting with a picture angle that approximates that of the human eye. With its rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening, out-of-focus elements appear more natural. When mounted on a DX-format SLR, the picture angle is the 35mm equivalent focal length of 50mm. 

The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G has two focus modes, M/A (manual override autofocus) and M (manual focus). The M/A mode enables instant manual switching during AF operation. The lens also features a rubber seal to minimize moisture ingression around the mount and can focus down to 0.3 meters (0.98 ft).

Nikkor 35mm F1.8 lens specifications

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is supplied with 52 mm snap-on front lens cap LC-52, rear lens cap LF-1, bayonet hood HB-46 and flexible lens pouch CL-0913. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G will be available as of the middle of March 2009 and retail at a MSRP €199/£199.