Preorder through Nikon

[Anteaus]

Does anyone have any experience preordering things through Nikon directly? The new 35mm f/1.8 FX Prime is getting released on February 20 and Nikon has it available for preorder. Does this guarantee shipment from the first batch or do they fill retail orders first? I know that sometimes new tech is scarce at first so I'm thinking of getting ahead of it.

Thanks for any responses.

 

[Syborg1211]

I've never ordered directly from Nikon before. Wouldn't you rather get the rebate back from a place like Adorama or BH Photo? If you preorder now, it's pretty likely you'll get the first batch anyways.

On a side note, you're really ready to preorder the thing without seeing a single sample photo or review of it? I'm a huge Nikon fanboy (I own basically every desirable FX lens under $2500), but even I don't have enough confidence in Nikon preorder a lens without seeing any samples, especially when the Sigma f/1.4 sets such a high bar.

 

[iGas]

Per order would be a good choice if you have the photobug. However, most things come with growing pain so it make sense to wait a year or 2 for the manufacture to iron all the kinks out

 

[Anteaus]

I've been drooling over getting a 35mm prime for my FX for awhile now, but didn't want to drop the 1400-1600 for the 35mm f/1.4. DPReview had some images and specs for the lens, but it hasn't been reviewed yet. What really caught my eye was the $600 price tag.

I have the 50mm f/1.4 and I love it but it's a bit long for a walk around, vacation lens. I have some trips planned later this year so I hope to have a 35mm prime by then.

Thanks for the advice though I'll take a look at the Sigma. I won't deny that I have bias for first party gear though, but I'll give it a serious look if the price is comparable to the new Nikon 35mm.

Update: Went ahead and preordered the new Nikon lens through B&H. The Sigma f/1.4 was $300 more so it was an easy decision. I realize there is a risk to getting brand new gear right out of the gate but I'm willing to risk it.

 

[Syborg1211]

Ah cool. Where did you see sample images on dpreview? Just curious since I've been keeping an eye out for some.

 

[Anteaus]

Ah cool. Where did you see sample images on dpreview? Just curious since I've been keeping an eye out for some.

I might have misrepresented myself. I meant images of the lens itself lol. I'm sorry about that.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/01/07/nikon-launches-af-s-nikkor-35mm-f1-8g-for-fx-format-slrs

Nikon had some on their site but I don't usually trust those as they have been professionally processed and won't show potential flaws.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/2215/AF-S-NIKKOR-35mm-f%252F1.8G-ED.html

Nikon claims that this new lens is optimized for the latest high megapixel sensors so hopefully that translates into good IQ. In any case I try to stay between f/8 and f/12 in most situations as long as light conditions allow so it should perform well. I expect it to be a little soft at f/1.8.

I'm looking forward to an extensive review. Even a decent preview should offer good insight.

 

[iGas]

Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

It make sense if you have an FX body or want to upgrade to and FX camera, other wise it is throwing good money away just to say that you have the newest thing. The MTF chart shown that both Nikkor 35mm DX & FX lens are equivalent to each others on a crop body (the DX version is a smidgen better than the FX), and the DX lens is less than 1/2 the price of the FX lens.

Sigma 35mm f1.4 MTF @ f1.4 shown that it is superior to the Nikkors at f1.8. IMHO, it is highly likely that the Sigma will be a clear superior to the Nikkors when close down to f1.8 to match with Nikkors wide open at f1.8

 

[AViking]

I would never pre-order something from Nikon or be a first adopter period. I bought the D600 and am incredibly disgusted by their D610 shenanigans.

My 2 cents.

 

[Anteaus]

It make sense if you have an FX body or want to upgrade to and FX camera, other wise it is throwing good money away just to say that you have the newest thing. The MTF chart shown that both Nikkor 35mm DX & FX lens are equivalent to each others on a crop body (the DX version is a smidgen better than the FX), and the DX lens is less than 1/2 the price of the FX lens.

Sigma 35mm f1.4 MTF @ f1.4 shown that it is superior to the Nikkors at f1.8. IMHO, it is highly likely that the Sigma will be a clear superior to the Nikkors when close down to f1.8 to match with Nikkors wide open at f1.8

I concur with your assessment, though how much it impacts the photographer depends on how often they shoot wide open. The catch is that you are comparing lenses that aren't really equivalent marketwise in the first place. The Sigma is an f-stop faster and costs approximately 33% more. Now, if we are saying cost shouldn't be a consideration then we should just all buy the Nikon 35mm f/1.4 for ~$1600 and call it a day. Of course you would then say the Sigma is more value for the money compared to the Nikon f/1.4 and you would be correct, but at f/1.8 the new Nikon is actually priced fairly. As focal lengths get smaller it gets progressively more expensive to make them fast and have good IQ.

In general though, based on the charts the new 35mm should be a solid performer edge to edge once you close down a little bit. Many FX lenses tend to be sharpest around f/8-f/10 so there is nothing new here.

The Sigma appears to be a really good option though for those that want to kick in the extra cash. I guess in the end you get what you pay for. The new 35mm is obviously targeted at prosumer photographers that have moved to FX but aren't looking for pro level gear and is priced accordingly.

AViking: I understand where you are coming from. You have a point. I purchased a D600 myself. Fortunately, my experience has been good overall. As for the first adopter mentality, I not as worried about Nikon's glass as I would be with their bodies. Guess I'll just have to see how it goes.

 

[Anteaus]

Ken Rockwell posted a review on the new lens if anyone is interested.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/35mm-f18-fx.htm

I realize that Rockwell is very polarizing sometimes and not everyone agrees with him, so consider that a disclaimer.

 

[bigi]

Ken Rockwell posted a review...

Rockwell, LOL.

Don't, just don't go there.

 

[Syborg1211]

Rockwell, LOL.

Don't, just don't go there.

Lol, fully agree. That's why I declined to comment initially. That isn't even a "review" it's just a copy paste of another lens review with the pictures removed and some text changed. As far as I know, nobody in the states has released an actual review. It's not a review without sample images.

 

[Anteaus]

Lol, fully agree. That's why I declined to comment initially. That isn't even a "review" it's just a copy paste of another lens review with the pictures removed and some text changed. As far as I know, nobody in the states has released an actual review. It's not a review without sample images.

I concur. I linked it more as a place to get information. If you take his opinions with a grain of salt he actually does a pretty good job pulling all the tech into one place. It's possible he recieved the lens early, but no where does it specific that.

 

[Syborg1211]

Would love some samples images and your thoughts on the lens when you get it. Did you preorder it? When's the eta? I just saw they started shipping.

 

[Anteaus]

Would love some samples images and your thoughts on the lens when you get it. Did you preorder it? When's the eta? I just saw they started shipping.

Mine shipped from B&H yesterday with ETA at some point next week. Not sure how fast I can post some proper samples up because of work right now, but I'll definitely offer some early opinions after I get it.