52mm lens diameter, same as the 18-55mm;
Comes with shallow hood (reversible).
Attributes
IF
DX
SWM
G
Aperture Variation
Fixed focal length, so the aperture variation with focal length is pointless. Max aperture is f/1.8; minimum aperture is f/22.
Autofocus
On par with the 18-55mm kit lens. Not a speed demon, but then it’s a wide prime. Generally accurate, but again when the light gets low, AF is degraded.
Buttons and Switches
One switch controlling autofocus, manual and auto.
Build and Action
Consumer lens build, so the majority is plastic.
Focus ring is barely smooth, it’s possible to feel each of the teeth in the gears. This does not get in the way of focussing, and it is still possible to get very fine control in focus.
Other Features
None really – this is quite an austere lens. A focus scale would have been REALLY handy, but at a shade over £150, I guess you get what you pay for. The upcoming Nikon 35mm f/1.4 wil
Optical Qualities
Wide open, this lens is quite commendable. It’s a little on the soft side, but not overly so. If forced to shoot at f/1.8 (e.g. due to low light), the lower sharpness will probably be the least of your worries. [Corner sharpness?]
Stopping down makes it better quite quickly; by f/2.8 the frame is as sharp as it will ever get. Test-charts suggest that this occurs even by f/2.5.
The biggest downside of this lens is optical distortion, which is always visible if there is any off-centre straight line. If shooting architecture or scenery with a clear horizon, this can be problematic.
