Got lucky on Ebay uk re. the 20mm f3.5 and completely agree with your observations. I have the 20mm f1.8 g too and also find the differences in sharpness are fairly subtle although I find that the sharpness of the 3.5 is best between f5.6 - f8 and the differences with the f1.8 becomes greater at all other aperture settings (as one would reasonably expect). The f3.5 spends more time on my cameras than the f1.8, in my opinion it also outperforms the XF18mm Fujinon when fitted to an X-E2 (provided you can live with fractionally slower speed and manual focus - which as you state is pretty easy to manage at this focal length)
I managed to grab one of the f/3.5 lenses on Ebay for $280 and I have to say it is one fabulous lens. Very beautiful color rendition, sharp, and super lightweight. Thanks!
Just grabbed a 20mm f3.5 for $220 (Excellent Condition). Will be used on D3, D600, D2Xs, D7100. I got stuff - now I need to develop my skills. Thanks for the review.
That f/3.5 sounds intriguing. Though 3.5 limits you in terms of shooting in low light conditions. What settings could you go with inside a church or magic hour? F/3.5, 1/20 shutter, ISO 2000?
I have my trusty f4 ai and the f1.8G. I find that on the D810 the difference in most of my tests is fairly slight and the f4 is so easy to carry that the 1.8 tends to be left behind unless I am certain I will be using it. I just can't get to love the 1.8G in the same way. It's like getting a new sexy young wife and realising that the old one was more fun.
+Steve James I guess the f4 you have is the Ai version? I would really go for the F4 but many of them were made non AI before 1977, so I am afraid what order might not fit my D750
Well... I just got lucky. Two days after finally finding a 180mm 2.8 ED (175$) i found it second hand at the neat price of 356 bucks. What are the odds? 🤔
Here in 2022 i got a 1.8g for reasonble price :) And yes its a great lens. Right now its my favorite "extra" lens, as i mostly use 85mm and 180mm, but with this one in the bag i feel like i can try something completly different then the normal portrait tele lenses offer and that is great out on photoshoots to just shake things up and do some "fun" photos.
Don't forget plastic lens elements as well on these or many newer G & E. As well is not so useful on Ai / non Ai F bodies. What is your view on use of plastic lens elements after many years? As well is failure rates on some of the new built in focus motor systems? Do you think they will be the hand me down lenses of tomorrow? I guess it is the future.
Just sold my nikon d5000 and got a very good condition d700 with two battery grips. I took your advice and got myself a nikkor 20mm f3.5 ai version. And you are very right about this lens ease of focus and fun of use. I have never owned a manual lens and was skeptic how it easy it would be to zoom. It is no problem and this lens is now my favorite lens along with the Tokina 100mm at-x pro d which I also got on your recommendation.
I just got a nikon d750 and deciding what lenses to get, for my budget I was thinking of a 20 mm 1.8 for landscapes etc plus a 24-85 3.5-4.5 for a walk about lens or just get the 24-70 2.8 and save up for a few primes later on. which do you think would be best?
Kyle Hemsley since you asked me personally, the best option would be the 24-85 VR G and a few primes.... much more useful for you would be those 4-5 lenses....... instead of the one 24-70 2.8 (which by the way is a FRAGILE lens). and of course as you first mentioned the 20mm 1.8 G
Theoria Apophasis Thanks for getting back and the advice, much appreciated! Learning a lot from your channel its good to hear someone get straight to the point without the bs!
+Theoria Apophasis Hi Ken. You said the 24 70 2.8 is for keeps. Should I sell it off and get 3-4 other lenses like Tokina 11 16 or nikon 12 24 and 35 1.8dx. I still have the 35 70 2.8
+Steve Ruttle thats the ONE (and only that i know of), that everyone agrees outclasses its "Zeiss counterpart" in sharpness etc etc. For astro and tack-ass shots, its the top 20mm (my fave wide focal) but you cant find them used (mostly) and they arent cheap.
Why have you told people to avoid this lens in other videos but not in this one? I think it is fantastic, especially as coma completely tails away before f/2.8 making it an excellent astrophotography lens in particular. For whacky wide stuff out on the streets it is great too, contrasty, and a wicked close focus range too for brilliant bokeh effects. So is it just the price that you exclude recommendation for it?
Thank you for you honest review I'm looking for a super wide for night photography. I prefer 1.8 what do u recommend? I use a Nikon D4s if that matters.
the 20mm 3.5 is quite expensive now, on par with a used 2.8. The 3.5 is fetching an average price of 350-400USD. I picked a beater f3.5 for $100USD, it's a rather messed up cosmetically but looks perfect optically.
Theoria Apophasis i'm hoping to only shell out only sub $1000USD for it. Seen photos taken on the 400mm f3.5 on flickr, looks pretty damn good. It's current at $400 with 2 days to go.
Hi, Need your help in deciding a wide angle lens. I use nikon d7100 (crop sensor). I almost bought tokina 11-16 but missed a good deal. I do not mind a little extra $ for a very good nikkor compared to tokina. Whats your suggestion. Nikkor 20mm f1.8G ( Twice the price of tokina, is it worth?) Nikkor 12-24 f4 Tokina 11-16 f2.8 Thank you in advance.
+Naveen Mc 20mm 1.8G blows everything else always including the zeiss 21mm (most agree on this as wel). however its a prime not a zoom 2nd most useful lens generally is a wide zoom. STILL would be the Tokina 11 16 for the D7100
Hey Angry Photographer, I have a wish - don't talk about results, show it! And about the difference for 20mm old Nikon Lens - their are a lot of Photographer Blogs, they say - the Nikon Telling, the old Japan Version AIS of the 20mm is optically the same, like the newer one is wrong. And don't forget, the newer Lenses seem a little bit better, because they have new software possibilities - it is not the same, like more positiv physically options.
Theoria Apophasis i've been Nikon for 15 years but am thinking of defecting to Olympus Mirrorless. I'll keep my Nikon film camera but I like the selection of Olympus lenses.
Richard Stevens Yes, many trolls are coming from the other guy's video channel. There was no point in your first commentary apart from trolling people, wasn't?
For Milky Way photography which one of the 2 from the sides? I can never afford the f1.8G. I could pick up the 2.8D for around $280-$380 in my country. Not from the ebay
Dont listen to others. I really appreciate you being yourself repeating yourself comes on what needs to be repeated. Youre a great teacher trust yourself SONY BOY
is the 20mm 3.5 Ai identical to the Ais version ? I heard that the 20mm 3.5 Ai has longer focus ring distance than the Ais so the Ai give sharper image when focus to infinity, didn't it ? And can i use 20mm on DX body ?
28mm lens is the only lens that the optics changed between ai and ais So all the lens same optics Except 28mm . The focus throw is shorter on the ais version. One could argue critical focus would be a little easier on the ai version. Ais version would probably focus faster. There's a slight difference with some cameras reguarding the program mode and the shutter speed the camera would prioritize due to focal length.
I have an opportunity to buy a minty 20mm f/4 for $300. Im looking for a wide lens for landscape thats easy to hike with. Is it as good as the f3.5? would it be better to save for the voigtlander or is the difference negligible? thanks for you advice and informative videos.
I don't remember if you said it or not in another video, but is the Nikon 20mm 1.8G sharper than the Zeiss 21mm? I just got a Nikon D800 ( a smoking deal for $799 in like new condition) and now I need a killer lens for landscape. I'm also thinking about the Voitlander 20mm as well....I just want the best.... help!!
+ManyDoors777 much sharper, yes. $800 for a D800??? steal :) ohhhh the 20mm 1.8G is far far far far away the best landscape lens, nothing comes CLOSE to it
Theoria Apophasis Alright, thank you! Yeah, I am dead serious about the D800. It doesn't even have 1 scratch on it. I bought it without much hesitation =). It's my upgrade from my D3200!!
Would you recommend a Nikon 20mm f3.5 or a 18mm f4 or f3.5. It is quite difficult to come by the lenses here in Cape Town, South Africa. I have availability to both 18mm at decent prices, but im wondering if I should wait for a decent 20mm f3.5. I love you videos they have taught me a bunch, keep it up.
I recently purchased a Sony A7 MK2 with the 28-70 kit lens, I’m interested in the 28mm f/2 prime lens by Sony, can you please tell me if by doing so I’ll be duplicating my lens because I already have a 28mm in the kit lens or will I notice a difference in image quality. Thank you. Rick.
Theoria Apophasis Ok, first, thank you for the prompt reply, and secondly, I’m not sure I understand your answer about “their lens product”, but what about any make lens 28-70 and a prime 28, am I duplicating lenses?
Oh man...So torn. I've been mauling these primes over for months, and just can't decide. I'll be working in close proximity for portraits as I'm restricted on space from camera to subject. I am not planning on using it for landscape at all. I was leaning towards the 24 1.4...but looks like the 1.8 is where its at. Till I saw this video, lol. Now I'm thinking of hunting down that elusive 20mm 3.5 AIS if I'm not mistaken. I would prefer a prime, but a little zoomage would be nice. I have the D750. Thoughts?
Rizvi Rahman 2nd most important lens really is a quality wide zoom, given what youve said, get the 18-35 G its also a VERY lightweight lens. I have same. is the 20mm 1.8 BETTER / SHARPER at 20mm than the 18-35? Yes, but its a prime, and its designed to be PERFECT at 20mm nobody has a peep to say against the 18 35, great stuff, too bad you CANNOT find a used one anyone or a deal
Theoria Apophasis Should someone who shoots in low light situations most of the time for landscapes and astrophotography still get the 18-35 over the 20mm 1.8? Of course the 16-35 and 14-24mm not being an option due to the price.
I bought a used 20mm f1.8 g used which was very very hard to find, however the focus ring is a bit lose because of excessive use . The problem that i am facing with this lens is that in LIVE VIEW the focus is 10/10 where as without live view it seems a bit off , i have tried the microfocus adjustment but it still seems off as compared to live view. Any advice with respect to the problem i am facing. Kind regards Nabeel
I bought it from a friend who was leaving photography i paid only US$ 350 for it. We do have a Nikon center in Pakistan would you recommend a repair or should i just use it as it is in Live view. I bought a Nikor 24-70 GED NON VR from him yesterday as well in 10/10++ condition for US$ 700 which i a great lens.
+Theoria Apophasis i want to start my business i have got Nikon d750 with nikkor 24-70 2.8 and 50 1.8G so bit confused should i buy 70-200 or prime 85 or 105 or 135 f2 DC. :-( can you please guide me where should i invest money. thanks for your quick reply .
After seeing this video last year, I've had 2 opportunities to pick up the Nikkor 20mm f/3.5 but wasn't quick enough, today I picked up one (with a bit of fungus but still ok) for $100. FINALLY
Spent 24 hours with the 20mm f4. It was a letdown. Sharp in mid-field focus, soft at infinity. No decent performance until f8, and was already losing contrast at f16. Color was abysmal. Only thing it had going for it was low distortion.
There are so many positive reviews out there about it, including a certain Kenray Rockwellkray. Fortunately the store is friendly and let me return it. The f4 is a ten element design and the f3.5 is 11. So a totally different lens. I'll have to track down the f3.5. The small jewel size is really appealing, especially when doing double duty adapted to a small mirrorless body.
I am somewhat of a beginner photographer looking for a good all-around wide angle lens for travel and landscape as well as night photography. Budget is $300-450 and not afraid to go used. What would you recommend? Currently using a Nikon D5200. Thank you.
Thanks for the reply. Going with what I can find readily for sale: AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED AF NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8D NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8 Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UMC.
Dimitris from Greece. thanks for the awesome review. Question : if you have to buy only one lens and have to choose between the 20mm1.8G and the 24mm1.8 G , what would you choose? I'm asking because the 24 focal is closest to street photography and more "everyday use" lens than the 20mm which is more specific for landscape photography... (keep in mind that I want to get rid of my Samyang 14/2.8 and Nikkor 24-85mm and get one lens instead ) Thanks in advance man :)
Ken thank you again for an excellant video on the delicate nuances of Nikon lenses that this Nikon purist elitists appreciates. 20mm is an excellent format for people who like to do long exposure landscape photography. Which is where I am in order to avoid purchasing the exspensive & fussy Lee system.
For me it is among the best of the latest releases from Nikon, and very versatile.. It sits on my D800 a lot, and gets a lot of use. A lot of fun, great for astro landscapes, and for some whacky stuff in the streets, and even product/ still life shots. Needless to say it also makes a great landscape/ cityscape lens and for interiors in low light
Good stuff! I actually ordered the 20mm 1.8g the other day and am awaiting patiently! Will become an essential piece of my wedding kit and my astro-photography gear. Will pair it with my d750 (which I bought and love on your recommendation) and my d7100 which I already had. Great videos! Thanks for the info.
***** heeeey!!! anything to help!! the 20mm 1.8 is a big honker :) the great part is that its THROW (infinity to closest) is so short well, one of the great parts
The two best performers for '20mm' that I've ever owned were actually the nikkor 20mm f4 which is tremendously sharp with very little distortion, a true rectilinear lens. The other was 20mm on the Nikkor 14-24mm 2.8. Clearly not a prime, but it's the only other lens I felt was as nice optically at 20mm as my manual f4. :)
trevorpinnocky yes indeedy, the 14 24 is a dreamboat :) retesting the Tamron 15-30 once again, ive found it to even beat the 14 24 my next lens purchase is that one for sure.
Of course I sold them both for my 24mm 3.5 PC-E since I photograph a lot of architecture. I would have to say it's probably the sharpest lens I've ever had the pleasure to own. It carries a price to match unfortunately. but worth it if you can compromise on speed and need tilt features. If the 15-30 weren't the size of a grown man's arm, I'd be very interested.. :)
okay, thanks! almost bought a 2.8 D, phew. Probably have to save up for a 18-35 3.5-4.5G then. How about the old Tokina 20-35 3.5-4.5 AF? thanks for the speedy response
looks like this www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/82088d1296338143-my-poor-smc-pentax-m-50mm-f1-7-aperture-blade-problem-smcm50mm17_1.jpg
trent spies yes, its absolute crap, it fuzzy as hell nasty vignetting until F8.......it looks awesome as a lens and made well, but its pure awful crap i wish it wasnt.
damn, the ascetics alone almost got me to buy one. Its a shame, I would love to have a good wide angle pancake lens. I currently own a d3100 and the first lens I bought was a 17-50 2.8 sigma, regret the f out if it now a few years later, I've made plenty of money with it but after using all these ai/ai-s lenses this lens looks like shit haha, I've got a 50mm 1.4 ai,105 2.5,55mm 3.5 non-ai macro(fav) and a 200mm f4 ai-s ( second fav and stole it from my local pawn shop for 100$ hahaha dumb asses) I want to sell the 17-50 and get a wide,normal,short tele in a super compact form wish the voigtlanders didn't suck they would have been perfect 20mm,40mm,58mm
+Theoria Apophasis hold on, I watched your Voigtlander 20mm review a minute ago and you were praising it but now I read that you say it is pure awful crap?
i never said the 20mm voigt is crap, it DOES however have some decent vignetting but thats cause its a pancake 20mm no, ive got 2 of em, its NOT awful crap
but, i was wondering how do you think it performs? i understand that it's prolly not worth 400 usd in your oppinion, but how'd you compare it to lets say 18-35 3.5-4.5 g at 18mm?
oh hell that 18mm prime is superior at 18mm for SURE, ....ive used same, its a great damn lens. worth it hell yes........id BUY 10 of them at $180 each!!!!!!
i got the 20 1.8G and i love it ! amazing lens ! however focusing on the edge corners left and right is rather not accurate. maybe its in all the 20MM or maybe its just my copy. center and serrounding focus points all tack sharp !
+Oded Bengigi compared to the VERY expensive Zeiss 21mm however its MUCH better, all agree on that fact to. its just the 20mm , they all have fuzzy corners. ONLY one side would indicate a decentered lens, but you said BOTH left and right. :)
Having the 20mm AIS & 24mm AIS and the Legend 135mm AIS, using them with my D850.... I get the ultimate quality, and i laugh like hell when I put my images in comparison with new lenses quality... Thank you ken, ...
Ken, please correct me if i am mistaken....is there a contradiction in this video relating to the 20mm g and the video of going down the list of fx lenses where you say the g 20mm is "total shit".....just asking and await to be corrected....cheers
+Steve Ruttle not contradiction, but certainly a brain fart. as to its quality of construction, the plastic G's are a well known entity as to the image, it even beats out the 21mm Zeiss.
Perché spesso lei dice cose non vere, stupidaggini, ho tutti i 20mm, quelli che sono nati con la pellicola, purtroppo fanno schifo, hanno una distorsione ondulare che rende alcune zone impastate e i bordi sono inguardabili, purtroppo non riescono a coprire i sensori, ripeto sono belli da guardare e mettere su fotocamere a pellicola, ma metterli su DSRL, è un eresia, fanno schifo ripeto
Can u imagine someone from other side of the world who is still unestablishd and no permenent job has bought 17 lenses based entirely on your recommodations within last 3 years...!? Im from Sri Lanka probably you wont hear the name of the country lol, bought the 20mm AF one yesterday after looking around for years. (Its very hard to find these old stuff in here) My wife will probably dump me soon for collecting these old junk from all the money i get my hands on and its probably your fault...! Keep that in your mind when u go to sleep you hyperactive stupid hupty dumpty, 🤣 (you are one of the best and the most unique lens reviewer in youtube, period. thanks a lot and cheers mate 🍻🍻)
Skip this video, he sounds like a clown, spending all his basically laughing thru the video as opposed to giving constructive opinions and analysis of how the lens performs. I watched maybe 3 minutes of this video before I was to disgusted with the review. There atr better clips out there.