Which Nikon 35mm Lens is Right for You?

The Nikon 35mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/1.8 lenses are both excellent, offering different advantages depending on your needs. Here's which one to pick for your bag.

Coming to you from Matt Irwin Photography, this detailed video compares the two lenses in real-world conditions. The key is understanding your priorities. Do you value low-light performance more, or is image fidelity your main concern? The f/1.4 lens gathers more light, which is crucial in low light situations. On the other hand, the f/1.8 lens offers slightly better image fidelity with a minor compromise on light gathering and depth of field.

Irwin emphasizes that the differences between these lenses become apparent when viewing images on large screens or prints. However, in most everyday scenarios, such as viewing images on social media or smaller prints, the differences are less noticeable. This makes both lenses viable options depending on your specific use case. He highlights that pixel-peeping isn't how most people view images. Instead, consider how the photos look in typical settings, like on a screen or a photo album.

The video also explores the performance of these lenses under various conditions. Both lenses perform well in typical shooting scenarios, but the f/1.8 lens shines when used wide open, even in the corners of the frame. This performance is attributed to the advanced optical formulas and coatings in the Nikon Z mount system. Irwin shows that the f/1.8 lens provides excellent sharpness and contrast wide open, which is impressive given its price point.

Irwin conducts a detailed side-by-side comparison of the two lenses, looking at center sharpness, light gathering, and corner performance. He notes that the f/1.4 lens offers more light gathering, evident in brighter images at the same settings. However, the f/1.8 lens is slightly sharper and has better contrast in the corners when used wide open. This makes the f/1.8 lens an excellent choice for those who need sharpness across the frame without stopping down.

In terms of field of view, Irwin points out that the lenses have minor differences. The f/1.8 lens appears to be slightly wider than the f/1.4, though this difference is small and likely won't impact most users. He stresses that these lenses are designed for different budgets and use cases, and neither is inherently better than the other. It’s about what works best for your style and needs.

The video wraps up with practical advice on choosing the right lens. If you prioritize the highest image fidelity and are willing to sacrifice a bit of light gathering, the f/1.8 lens is a great option. If you need the best low-light performance and are okay with slightly softer corners wide open, the f/1.4 lens is the way to go. Ultimately, both lenses deliver excellent results, and your choice should align with your shooting style and budget. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Irwin.