Can I get this kind of DOF out of the 35mm 1.8 DX???

brightcolours wrote:

It is not about it being a wider lens. It is about that it has a smaller aperture. DOF is a function of the aperture.

Lets examine the aperture:

50mm f1.4: 50 / 1.4 = 35.7mm aperture.

35mm f1.8: 35 / 1.8 = 19.5mm aperture.

While the lenses will give a quite similar field of view on FF and APS-C respectively, the apertures are a lot different.

To get a similar DOF, you need a similar aperture. For 35mm that would mean 35mm focal length / 35mm aperture = f1

Another thing to consider is the relatively nice/smooth bokeh we see in this image. That is NOT possible with the Nikon AF-S 35mm f1.8 DX, because that lens has one of the worst bokeh characters I know.

A much better option for you will be the Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC. 30mm x 1.5 = 45mm, close enough to 50mm FF field of view wise

And aperture? 30 / 1.4 = 21.4mm aperture, a slight advantage over the Nikon 35mm f1.8. but with a MUCH nicer bokeh character, which is very important for such images.