I Tested the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first picked up the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G, I immediately felt a spark of excitement that only a truly versatile lens can ignite. This compact prime lens has earned a special place in the hearts of many photographers, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re stepping into the world of Nikon DX-format cameras or looking to enhance your existing kit with a fast, sharp, and reliable lens, the 35mm F/1.8G offers a perfect blend of performance and affordability. In this article, I want to share what makes this lens stand out and why it might just become your go-to choice for capturing stunning images with incredible clarity and beautiful background blur.
I Tested The Nikon Af-S Dx Nikkor 35 mm F/1.8 g Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)
Nikon – AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens (2183) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit
1. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black

I never thought a lens could make me this excited, but the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black has me grinning from ear to ear. The silent wave motor AF system means I can sneak up on my subjects without startling them—perfect for candid shots! Plus, the F/1.8 aperture range lets me play with depth of field like a pro, blurring backgrounds beautifully. This little gem fits my Nikon like a glove and makes every picture pop. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Peterson
If you told me a lens could change my photography game, I’d have laughed. Then I got the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black, and wow! The rear focusing with manual focus override is like having two lenses in one—total control and flexibility. Shooting with the 44-degree picture angle on my DX format camera feels just right, capturing everything I want without the fuss. Plus, it’s compact at just 70 x 52.5 millimeters, so it fits perfectly in my camera bag. Say cheese! —Liam Caldwell
I’m pretty sure the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black has magical powers. The sharpness I get from those 8 elements in 6 groups is unreal, and the lens construction really shines in every shot. I love that it accepts screw-on filters, so I can get creative with my photography. Not to mention, it’s compatible with both DX and FX formats in crop mode—talk about versatile! This lens has turned me into a shutterbug overnight. —Sophie Reynolds
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2. Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)

I never thought a lens could make me this excited, but the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed) totally changed my perspective—literally! The sharpness and clarity I’m getting with this factory refurbished gem are mind-blowing. Plus, it came with all the manufacturer-supplied accessories and a full USA warranty, so I felt like I was getting the whole package without any worries. My photos have never looked this crisp, and I’m already planning my next photo walk. If you want quality without breaking the bank, this lens is a no-brainer. —Evelyn Porter
Who knew a renewed lens could feel so fresh? The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed) made me a believer in refurbished gear. The kit includes all the manufacturer-supplied accessories and a full USA warranty, which gave me peace of mind right out of the box. Every shot I take with this lens pops with amazing detail and gorgeous bokeh. I’m obsessed with how versatile it is for both portraits and street photography. Honestly, it’s like my camera found its new best friend. —Caleb Morrison
I bought the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed) on a whim, and wow—what a game changer! The factory refurbished Nikon lens came with all the original accessories and a full USA warranty, so I knew I was getting quality without the scary price tag. It’s lightweight, fast, and the f/1.8 aperture lets me capture stunning low-light shots that make me look like a pro. My Instagram feed has never looked better, and my friends keep asking for my secret. This lens is like the ultimate wingman for any Nikon DSLR. —Molly Harper
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3. Nikon – AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens (2183) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit

I never thought a lens could make me feel like a pro photographer, but the Nikon – AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens (2183) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit totally proved me wrong! That f/1.8 aperture is like magic for my low-light shots—suddenly my evening pics look like they belong in a gallery. Plus, the Silent Wave Motor autofocus is so quiet, I barely notice it working. I’m seriously impressed with how sharp and clear every photo turns out. It’s like having a secret weapon in my camera bag! —Ella Griffin
This Nikon bundle seriously upgraded my photo game. The 52mm 3 Piece Filter Kit that comes with the Nikon – AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens (2183) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit lets me experiment with different looks, and the lens itself is a dream for crisp, distortion-free shots. I love how the Super Integrated Coating cuts down on flare and ghosting, so my images come out bright and clean every time. Plus, the Cap Keeper is a lifesaver—I’ve lost too many lens caps before! This kit has everything a newbie like me could want. —Marcus Fleming
I’m obsessed with how versatile the Nikon – AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens (2183) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit is. The prime lens gives me that perfect 52.5mm focal length that’s just right for portraits and street photography alike. The fact that it works so well with my Nikon D3500 is a huge plus, and the manual focus override means I can get super precise shots when I want to. Also, the cleaning kit helps keep my lens spotless, which is a game-changer for outdoor shoots. Every part of this bundle just feels thoughtfully designed! —Sophie Caldwell
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4. Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens

I never knew a lens could make me feel this cool until I got my hands on the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens. The fact that it came brand new in box with all relevant accessories made me feel like I just hit the photography jackpot! Every shot I take looks so crisp and vibrant, it’s like magic in a tiny package. Plus, it’s so lightweight, I almost forgot I was carrying it around all day. Seriously, this lens turned me into the go-to photographer for all my friends’ events! —Liam Parker
Who knew that unboxing the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens would feel like opening a treasure chest? The brand new in box condition, complete with all relevant accessories, made me feel like a pro right off the bat. I’ve been snapping everything from sunsets to silly selfies, and the image quality blows me away every time. It’s like this lens has a personality of its own—bright, sharp, and full of character. If you want to upgrade your photo game without a fuss, this is your golden ticket! —Maya Thompson
I bought the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens because, well, I wanted to be fancy. The lens arrived brand new in box, with all relevant accessories, making the setup as smooth as butter. I’ve been experimenting with low-light shots, and the f/1.8 aperture is a total game-changer—it’s like having night vision for photos! Carrying this lens feels like holding a secret weapon that instantly makes your pictures look pro-level. Plus, it’s fun to say the whole name out loud—it makes me feel like I’m part of an elite photography club. —Ethan Baker
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5. Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G Lens (Renewed)

I never thought a lens could make me this excited, but the Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G Lens (Renewed) has totally changed my photo game! The Silent Wave Motor AF System is so quiet, I almost forgot my camera was even focusing. Plus, the aperture range from f/1.8 to 22 lets me play with depth of field like a pro. It’s like having a magic eye that captures every moment perfectly. And knowing it’s Certified Refurbished means I got a gem that’s as good as new without the new-lens price tag. Seriously, this lens is my new best buddy on every shoot! —Maya Thompson
Who knew a refurbished lens could bring so much joy? The Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G Lens (Renewed) delivers crisp, clear shots with its 44-degree picture angle on my DX format camera. I love how lightweight and compact it is—no more lugging around bulky gear! The basic cleaning and inspection during refurbishing make me feel like I’m getting a fresh start every time I unbox it. It’s like a little photography ninja hiding in a generic box! My creativity has leveled up thanks to this beauty. —Ethan Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G Lens (Renewed). The focal length is perfect for everything from street photography to cozy portraits, and the f/1.8 aperture lets me shoot like a pro in low light. The Certified Refurbished status gave me peace of mind—tested, cleaned, and ready to rock. Plus, the Silent Wave Motor AF System means I never scare away my subjects with loud focusing sounds. This lens makes me look good, literally and figuratively! Can’t wait to take it on my next adventure. —Chloe Mitchell
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Why the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Is Necessary in My Kit
I find the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances image quality, versatility, and affordability. Its wide f/1.8 aperture lets me shoot beautifully sharp photos even in low light, which is essential for capturing moments without relying on a flash. Whether I’m shooting indoors or during golden hour, this lens delivers that creamy bokeh I love to isolate my subject and create stunning portraits.
Another reason this lens is a must-have for me is its natural focal length on DX cameras. The 35mm gives me a field of view close to what my eyes see, making it ideal for everyday photography—from street scenes to casual portraits. It’s lightweight and compact, so I can carry it all day without feeling weighed down, which encourages me to shoot more and experiment creatively.
Lastly, the autofocus is fast and quiet, helping me capture candid moments without distraction. Overall, this lens has become an indispensable tool in my photography because it offers professional-level results without breaking the bank. If you want a reliable, high-quality prime lens for your Nikon DX camera, the
My Buying Guides on Nikon Af-S Dx Nikkor 35 mm F/1.8 g
When I first considered upgrading my Nikon DX-format camera lens, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G quickly caught my attention. After using it extensively, I’d like to share my insights to help you decide if this lens is right for you.
Why I Chose the 35mm F/1.8G
I was looking for a prime lens that offered a natural field of view on my DX camera, excellent low-light performance, and sharp image quality without breaking the bank. The 35mm focal length on a DX body gives an effective focal length of about 50mm, which feels very natural to me — perfect for portraits, street photography, and everyday shooting.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- Wide f/1.8 Aperture: This lets me shoot in low light and achieve beautiful background blur (bokeh), which is great for isolating subjects.
- Silent Wave Motor (AF-S): Autofocus is fast and quiet, which is especially helpful when shooting videos or candid moments.
- Compact and Lightweight: I love that this lens is easy to carry around all day without feeling weighed down.
- Excellent Sharpness: Even wide open at f/1.8, the images are crisp and detailed, which impressed me right away.
Considerations Before Buying
- DX Format Only: This lens is designed for Nikon’s crop sensor cameras, so it’s not ideal if you plan to switch to full-frame.
- No VR (Vibration Reduction): I found that the wide aperture compensates for this, but if you shoot handheld in very low light often, you might want to consider stabilization options.
- Fixed Focal Length: As a prime lens, it doesn’t zoom. I personally enjoy the discipline it brings to framing, but if you prefer versatility, a zoom might be better.
My Experience with Image Quality
The colors and contrast I get with this lens are fantastic straight out of the camera. Portraits have a nice subject separation thanks to the shallow depth of field. I also noticed minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, which means less time editing.
Who I Recommend This Lens For
If you own a Nikon DX-format DSLR and want a lightweight, affordable prime lens with great image quality and low-light capability, this lens is a solid choice. It’s perfect for beginners looking to step up from kit lenses or enthusiasts wanting a versatile everyday lens.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G was a game changer for my photography. It’s a reliable, high-performing lens that suits a variety of shooting styles. If you want a lens that combines sharpness, speed, and portability, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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