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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G vs Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonAF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8GNikonAF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2009June 2011
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length35 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Optical constructionEight elements in six groupsSeven elements in six groups
Special elementsOne aspherical elementOne aspherical element
CoatingsSuper Integrated CoatingSuper Integrated Coating
Aperture detailf/1.8–22; no aperture ring. Digital Camera World confirms aperture control by a mechanical lever in the host cameraf/1.8–16; no aperture ring
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewDX 44°FX 47°; DX 31°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon F mount
Image circleAPS-CFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F mount with a DX/APS-C image circle. Full-frame cameras require a DX crop; full-frame capture produces heavy corner shading according to Photography BlogNikon F mount; full-frame/FX coverage, also usable on DX cameras. Built-in autofocus motor supports Nikon DSLRs without an in-body focus motor, as Photography Blog confirms
Image circle detailPhysical 35 mm focal length; standard angle of view on DX cameras, approximately equivalent to 52.5 mm on full-frame–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.3 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.15×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor with manual override in M/A mode; works on Nikon DX DSLRs without an in-body focus motorSilent Wave Motor with manual focus override
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.3 m; Digital Camera World confirms internal focusing and a front element that does not rotateMinimum 0.45 m; Photography Blog confirms the outer barrel's length stays unchanged and the filter thread does not rotate during focusing, while noting this is not a true internal-focus lens
Magnification detailMaximum 0.16×; not a life-size macro lensMaximum 0.15×; not a life-size macro lens
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VRNo lens optical VR
Design
Filter diameter52 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter70 mm72 mm
Length52.5 mm52.5 mm
Weight200 g185 g
ControlsManual focus ring and M/A–M switch; no distance scale or depth-of-field markings, as both reviews noteManual focus ring, M/A–M switch and focus-distance window; Photography Blog notes depth-of-field markings for f/16 only and no focus limiter
Filter detail52 mm screw-in filters58 mm screw-in filters
Weather resistance–Both reviews confirm a rubber seal at the metal mount. Broader barrel sealing is not established, so no general weather-resistance rating is assigned
Dimensions detailApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 52.5 mm lengthApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 52.5 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 200 gApproximately 185 g according to Nikon; Photography Blog reports 187 g, which is not substituted for the maker figure
Lens hoodHB-46 includedHB-47 included
In the boxLC-52 front cap, LF-1 rear cap, HB-46 bayonet hood and CL-0913 pouchLC-58 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-47 bayonet hood and CL-1013 pouch
Release detailNikon USA's February 2009 announcement states March availability; earliest exact global and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained. This is the DX lens, distinct from the later full-frame 35mm f/1.8G ED; Digital Camera World's Full-frame Yes table cell contradicts its own DX description and the maker, and is not copiedNikon USA's April 2011 announcement states 16 June availability. Earliest exact global and first UK day unconfirmed, so June precision retained. Photography Blog's URL includes DX and its image captions refer to 24mm, but the actual review tests this FX 50mm f/1.8G

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