A 1.8 35mm Lens Changed My Life

For many years I used an 18-200mm Nikon zoom lens on my Nikon DX DSLR. While the results were acceptable I received more refusals from Photo Stock Libraries than I expected due to lack of sharp focus. I just assumed this DX lens was sharp but then I read an article saying it was not.

So I purchased a Nikon DX 1.8 35mm fixed lens for just a few hundred dollars and what a difference! All my shots are super sharp and my refusals have reduced to almost zero.

It does mean I have had to change my methodology completely - I now have to position myself correctly for each shot and for all panoramic shots (vertical and horizontal) I have to take several shots and stitch them together in Photoshop. But that only takes a few minutes and I'm delighted with the results.

Panoramic view of Wellington Harbour, Oriental Bay and Clyde Qua

Massive Cracks in The Hunderlee Hills after Kaikoura Earthquake

Photo credits: , Nigel Spiers.
Nigel Spiers
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  • Nigelspiers
  • Christchurch, New Zealand
I got the photography bug in 2002 when I purchased my first digital camera - a Casio point & shoot.
However I really became keen when in 2006 I bought my first DSLR - a second hand Nikon D70.
More recently I have added images of musical instruments, recording equipment and Christmas themes isolated on white backgrounds.
In the last few years I have also taken photographs of my home town Christchurch, New Zealand, the damage caused by three devastating earthquakes and the rebuild of the city.

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Teriztdh

December 07, 2016

Thank you very much for sharing Nigel! Appreciate it!

Heidifotomaniac

December 06, 2016

I agree with you. I use zoom lens when there is good light, and move to 50 mm in low light conditions. My next buy would be 35 mm.

Nigelspiers

December 05, 2016

Hi Babar,

Yes I agree with your comments.
When I used the 18-200 DX lens my default settings in M mode were F9 and 125th of a second. However now my default settings in M mode are F9 and a 400th of a second. This now means I can hand hold almost every shot plus I don't have to worry about e.g. photographing scenery on a windy day. May I suggest you test a fast fixed lens lens and see what the differences are.

Photostock2015

December 05, 2016

beautiful images :)

Julicos

December 05, 2016

Yes, it's a very good lens. I shot some great images at different sport events with it and I was very pleased with the results. Good luck with your uploads.

Celiaak

December 05, 2016

I also bought a Nikon DX 1.8 35mm fixed lens, and believe me, I shoot everything I can with those, what a quality! I know how you feel :)
Never had a rejection with those lens. Many of them are online out of the gamera, they dont need correction.

Babar760

December 05, 2016

Hello Nigel,
I also shoot with the 18-200 Nikon lens on my D200. Proper technique is needed to get the best out of it. I shoot at f/6.7 at wide angle and f/8 at the upper end. Also, careful focus ( central focus point only! ) and good stability ( tripod in lower light ). Most of my photos get accepted.
On another topic. Will be going to NZ late January for 3 weeks. Hope the road will be repaired from Christchurch to Kaikura because I have hotel reservations in both towns! Also, hope to get some good photos and will probably submit a few to Dreamstime amongst the thousands that are already there!
Take care, Babar760