Nikon announces DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G lens

Due out early March

9 February 2009 15:42 GMT / By Verity Burns

Nikon has announced a new wide aperture DX Nikkor lens, the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G.

The lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 which promises a bright viewfinder experience, and incorporates Nikkor's compact ring type Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for quiet focus operation, even with cameras like the Nikon D40 and D60 which don't have built-in motors.

The lens also features an optical design that gives a different look and feel to images taken with a zoom lens, and features a picture angle that is similar to the human eye.

It has a rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening, which makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural, and can focus down to 0.3 metres. 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), where the M/A mode allows for instant manual switching during AF operation.

The lens will be available from 6 March for £199.99. It comes supplied with 52mm snap-on front and rear lens cap, bayonet hood HB-46 and a flexible lens pouch.