prime35mmdiscontinued
Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S
Nikon · 1981-2005
The Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S is a legendary lens prized for its character. Wide open it has a dreamy quality with beautiful bokeh and slight softness that many photographers love. Stop down to f/2.8 and it becomes critically sharp. The floating rear element helps maintain quality at close distances.
Known for
- Street photography
- Environmental portraits
- Low light
- Documentary
Considerations
- Soft corners wide open
- Visible vignetting at f/1.4
- Chromatic aberration in high contrast
Optical Characteristics
Sharpness (wide)3/5
Sharpness (stopped)5/5
Contrast4/5
Flare Resistance3/5
CA Control3/5
Vignetting Control3/5
Distortion Control4/5
Bokeh: Dreamy, swirly at f/1.4
Rendering: Classic character wide open, sharp stopped down
Color: Warm with Nikkor signature
Common Issues
- Oil on aperture blades
- Fungus in humid climates
Buying Guide
Check aperture movement and look for haze. The AI-S version has improved coatings over the earlier AI.
Specifications
MountNikon F
Focal Length35mm
Max Aperturef/1.4
Min Aperturef/16
Aperture Blades9
Min Focus0.3m
Filter Size52mm
Weight400g
Optical Design
FormulaRetrofocus
Elements9
Groups7
CoatingNIC (Nikon)
SpecialFloating rear element
Pricing
£400 - £700
Typical used price
Mint: ~£800
Cult following keeps prices elevated
Adapts To
sony-ecanon-rfnikon-zfujifilm-xmicro-four-thirds
Last verified: Jan 2025Report an error