Vintage Lens Review: Nikon 35mm f2 AIs on Nikon Z6 ProRes Raw

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Key Features of the Nikon 35mm F2 AIS Prime Lens
   1. Maximum Aperture
   2. Aperture Blades and Bokeh
   3. Minimum Focus Distance
   4. Optical Formula
   5. Build Quality and Handling
   6. Auto Indexing Feature
   7. Compatibility with DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras
3. Image Quality
   1. Sharpness
   2. Distortion
   3. Vignetting
   4. Lens Flare
   5. Bokeh
4. Video Performance
   1. Vintage Look
   2. Dynamic Range
   3. Comparison with Modern Lenses
5. Versatility and Options
   1. Super 35 Mode
   2. Other Nikon Options in the 35mm Range
6. Conclusion

A Comprehensive Review of the Vintage Nikon 35mm F2 AIS Prime Lens

The Nikon 35mm F2 AIS prime lens is often referred to as the "Swiss army knife of focal ranges" due to its versatility. In this review, we will explore the key features, image quality, video performance, and versatility of this vintage lens. Whether You are a photography enthusiast or a content creator, this lens has the potential to bring something unique to your work.

Key Features of the Nikon 35mm F2 AIS Prime Lens

Maximum Aperture

With a maximum aperture of F2, the Nikon 35mm F2 AIS lens allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field. Its wide aperture also makes it suitable for various photography genres, from portraits to street photography.

Aperture Blades and Bokeh

The lens features 7 aperture blades, resulting in seven-sided bokeh when stopped down. Additionally, it produces beautiful 14-pointed sunstars when capturing bright points of light, adding a visually pleasing element to your images.

Minimum Focus Distance

The lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 meters or 1 foot, allowing you to get up close to your subjects and capture intricate details.

Optical Formula

The Nikon 35mm F2 AIS lens boasts a time-tested optical formula consisting of eight elements in six groups. This design has been retained by Nikon for five generations, ensuring consistently high image quality.

Build Quality and Handling

Weighing in at 283 grams or 0.6 pounds, the lens is lightweight and easy to handle. Its smooth operation and tactile feel make it a pleasure to use. The design matches other Nikor primes of the AIS line, maintaining a consistent aesthetic.

Auto Indexing Feature

One notable feature of this vintage lens is its auto indexing feature. While it may not be compatible with all modern DSLRs, it can still send information to Nikon DSLRs for metering and EXIF data. For older film SLRs, the rabbit ear is available for metering.

Compatibility with DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras

To achieve the correct flange distance when using this lens on a mirrorless camera, a photic adapter can be used. If you own a Nikon Z camera, mounting the lens on the FTZ adapter is straightforward. It's important to note that there won't be any EXIF data when using the FTZ adapter, but the exposure can be seen in the EVF as you manually adjust the aperture.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the Nikon 35mm F2 AIS lens impresses in various aspects.

Sharpness

Wide open at F2, the lens exhibits no noticeable glow or aberrations. It delivers sharp images in the center, with a slightly softer rendering at the edges. As you stop down to smaller apertures, the sharpness improves incrementally.

Distortion

Distortion is minimal, allowing for accurate representation of scenes without any noticeable distortion effects.

Vignetting

Wide open at F2, some vignetting is present, as is typical with lenses of this focal length. However, stopping down to F2.8 significantly reduces the vignetting, and at F4, it clears up completely, resulting in edge-to-edge sharpness.

Lens Flare

Nikon made efforts to suppress lens flare with this lens. While some flare may still be present in certain situations, it is not excessive, thus maintaining the lens's overall performance and avoiding distracting lens flare effects.

Bokeh

While bokeh is not typically emphasized in wide-angle lenses, the Nikon 35mm F2 AIS prime lens still produces pleasing bokeh, especially at close distances. This feature allows for effective subject isolation in street photography and adds a distinct look to your images and videos.

Video Performance

The Nikon 35mm F2 AIS lens is not only suitable for photography but also offers advantages for video content Creators.

Vintage Look

Filmmakers and content creators often Seek vintage lenses for their less contrasty rendering compared to modern lenses. This characteristic helps in preserving more dynamic range in the shadows. The lifted shadows provide additional Latitude during post-processing and contribute to a cinematic look.

Dynamic Range

Softness or a lack of contrast, particularly on skin tones, can be desirable in video content. It allows for better control over dynamic range, leading to more latitude and flexibility in post-production.

Comparison with Modern Lenses

In a side-by-side comparison with a modern lens, such as the Nikkor 24-70mm F2.8 ED lens, the Nikon 35mm F2 AIS lens exhibits a slightly softer rendering and lower contrast. However, this softness can be advantageous in video and content creation, where maintaining Detail in shadows is often prioritized over high contrast.

Versatility and Options

The Nikon 35mm F2 AIS lens offers versatility and compatibility with various camera systems.

Super 35 Mode

When switching your camera from full frame to Super 35 mode (or DX mode), the 35mm lens effectively becomes a 50mm lens, expanding its versatility and adaptability to different shooting situations.

Other Nikon Options in the 35mm Range

While the Nikon 35mm F2 AIS lens is a standout performer, there are other options available for Nikon enthusiasts. The 35mm F2.8 lens offers a more affordable alternative, and many photographers have praised its performance. There is also a more expensive 35mm F1.4 AIS version, but Nikon's own comparison on their Website demonstrates that the smaller and lighter F2 version often outperforms its pricier counterpart, even when both lenses are stopped down to F2.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Vintage Nikon 35mm F2 AIS prime lens is a remarkable piece of equipment. Its combination of excellent image quality, handling, and compatibility with various camera systems makes it a highly desirable lens for both photography and video content creation. Whether you are an avid photographer or a filmmaker, this lens offers unique rendering and a vintage aesthetic that sets it apart from modern counterparts. If you come across this lens, it is definitely worth checking out.