Great Landscape lens at f/8 and be there.

I purchased my 35 f/2 a number of years ago when I'd just moved to digital and to mount on my D80 as a normal lens. It was a great walkaround lens for a number of years even after upgrading to my D300. I often carried as well as my 85 f/1.4 AFD around towns on vacation. I used it as a true tourist lens.

Later I upgraded to my D700 and much more expensive pro-grade glass, covering 35mm several ways. Moreover, I found myself preferring 24mm more often. In reading the reviews, you notice the 35 f/2 is not the best rated lens in the world. Mine started to collect dust.

Then one day, I was going over some images from the Grand Tetons and noticed some of the prettiest shots were made with that 35 f/2 shot at f/8 or f/11. Digging deeper and further back, some of my best keepers over several years was that lens at f/8 or f/11. Going back to the reviews to see what was going on, I realized that at f/8 this little often maligned lens actually beats glass like Nikon's famous 24-70 f/2.8 at f/8 or f/11. In fact, it almost ties with the much more expensive Nikon 35 f/1.4 or Zeiss 35 f/2 when they are at f/8. For me, this was an amazing revelation.

That little light weight Nikon 35 f/2 is off the shelf, shined up and back in the general kit bag along with it's dedicated B+W polarizing filter and metal screw on hood. This lens is a true sleeper for FX landscape. Give it a try at f/8 and be there. You also might be amazed.

Problems:

The 35 f/2 is not pro-grade build quality. This lens is also AFD so won't focus on the entry level models. Other than this, there have been no problems when used within it's limitations.