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Nikon 35mm f/2 AI-S

Nikon F (AI-S)

No photo available for this lens

Production

1981 – 2005

Country

Japan

Optical

9 elements in 7 groups

Updated

Feb 15, 2026

Overview

The Nikon 35mm f/2 AI-S is the photojournalist's classic — wide enough for context, fast enough for available light, small enough to be invisible. It was a favorite of documentary photographers who needed to tell stories in a single frame. The 35mm perspective matches human vision closely, making images feel natural and immersive.

Verdict: The 35mm for photographers who value honesty over style. It does exactly what a 35mm should do — capture life as it is. Not exciting, but excellent.

Optical Character

Bokeh

Very smooth. Better than the f/2 by a significant margin. Great subject separation.

Color

Nikon neutral with slight warmth wide open.

Sharpness wide open

Center sharp at f/1.4, corners soft. Excellent across the frame by f/2.8.

Flare resistance

Good coating control. Some warmth in backlight.

Contrast

Lower wide open (the glow), builds to high contrast by f/2.8.

Vignetting

Noticeable at f/1.4, controlled by f/2.8.

Community Insights

Summary: The community generally has a positive sentiment towards using Canon FD lenses on mirrorless cameras like Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds. They find these lenses to be a great value for money option with a good balance of character and usability, allowing them to be used for a variety of projects from corporate work to music videos. Sentiment: Positive Top Praised: - Excellent value for money compared to modern lenses - Good balance of character - not too clinical, but not too extreme either - Compatibility with a wide range of mirrorless cameras, from full-frame to Super16 sensors - Ability to use focal reducers to compensate for the lack of ultra-wide angle lenses in the Canon FD lineup Top Complaints: - Lack of true ultra-wide angle lenses in the Canon FD lineup, especially for Micro Four Thirds cameras - Some compatibility issues with certain focal reducers, like the inability to use Canon FD 17mm, 20mm, 24mm, and 28mm lenses with the Zhongyi Lens Turbo II Use Cases: - General corporate/commercial work - Shorts and music videos - Versatile use across a range of mirrorless cameras Disagreements: - None noted Confidence: 0.9 The sources provide a consistent and detailed overview of the community sentiment towards using Canon FD lenses on mirrorless cameras, with few notable disagreements.

What people love
  • Perfect documentary focal length
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Sharp and reliable
  • Classic Nikon build quality
  • f/2 speed in a small package
  • Natural perspective
What people dislike
  • Not as 'special' as some 35s (Summicron, etc.)
  • Mild barrel distortion
  • Some find 35mm awkward
  • Doesn't stand out in any particular way
Pro Tips
  • Great 'one lens' travel option
  • Zone focus at f/8 for street photography
  • Pairs well with 85mm for a two-lens kit

Sources (2)

phillip_reeve-

https://phillipreeve.net/blog/call-out-to-readers-looking-for-a-nikon-z-35mm-1-2-s/

Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary

The Nikon 35mm f/2 AI-S is the photojournalist's classic — wide enough for context, fast enough for available light, small enough to be invisible. It was a favorite of documentary photographers who needed to tell stories in a single frame. The 35mm perspective matches human vision closely, making images feel natural and immersive.