seeking advice on (relatively) lightweight 35mm lens for travel

[PeterN]

any thoughts on the 35mm 2.0 AF-D that is still sold new?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Too plasticky for my taste. Not totally convinced about its optical performance either.

[David H. Hartman]

The 35/2.8 K is superb with the Df, so probably would to good service on a D750 too. It has very low geometric distortion as far as wide angles go, another trait in its favour.

Be warned you will need to get hold of an AI-modified (by factory kit preferably) lens.

Does the K model have the same optics as the AI?

I found the 35/2.0 AI made a superb normal lens for my D300s and I like it on my D800 though I've used AF-D and AF-S lenses more than AI and AIS lens on my D800.

Dave Hartman

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Somewhere along the road the superb 'K' optics (6/6)  of the 35/2.8 was replaced by a more mundane design (5/5). Probably shaved off a few $$ in the production costs to please the ever busy bean counters, but th magic was lost.

[Roland Vink]

There are two AI 35/2.8 models:

The first is the same as the K model with 6-elements, serial nos 851001 - 870063

In late 1977 or early 1978 it was replaced with the 5-element version, serial nos 350001 - 459942. The same optics were used with the AIS version.

Use this as a reference: http://photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html#35

[rosko]

For travels, I now use a really good little lens : the 36-72mm f/3,5 serie E.(AIS) It is slightly bigger than a 35mm prime but you get more range of focals. It weights 375gr (a manual 35mm nikkor weight about 225gr) and is very sharp.

But perhaps you want only primes ?

Below, an image taken yesteday with DF and this little zoom @36mm.

[rosko]

The picture didn't like the compression hence these moiré effect.

[BW]

I can vouch for the 36-72 as well. An exellent little zoom on the Df.

[PeterN]

I will definitely look into these.

Thanks for sharing your views and experiences! I now have multiple options to look into.

So far I have: 45P, ultron 40, 35 1.4 ais, 35 2.0 ais, 35 2.8 K (851001-870063), 36-72 3.5 E.

It is also helpful to know that the 35/2 AF-D is too soft on the newer dslrs/

[Bjørn Rørslett]

 The 35/1.4 any version does well on all cameras. This behaviour extends to the newest AFS model, however, it is no longer conveniently small.

[David H. Hartman]

The 35/2.0 K or AI have a longer throw on the focus ring than the AIS version which may help with manual focus on a DSLR.

I'd be inclined to go with an AF-S 35/1.8G on a D750.

Dave

[Erik Lund]

The 35mm 1.4 Ais fits the bill, small lightweight, does fine wide open with slim dof as well as stopped down. No need to look any further.

[PeterN]

just wanted to let you know I ended up buying the 35mm 2.8 AI (same optics as K) with serial number 851965.

It came with a working Nikon FE, which I planned to use as a prop for my watch photography. But now I am thinking about buying a few rolls and shoot with it. Just for fun.

Thanks for your help!

[Bjørn Rørslett]

I'm sure the community would love to see some results with that lens in due time ...

[PeterN]

I'm sure the community would love to see some results with that lens in due time ...

I will sharesome results