Nikon AF-S 18-35mm F3.5-4.5 G ED Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2013.
The lens belongs to the category wide angle zoom lenses, a wide angle lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Nikon

At launch 2013 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon AF-S 18-35mm F3.5-4.5 G ED:

"Get closer to your subject and still fit everything in the frame with this NIKKOR wide-angle zoom lens.

The lens has a minimum focal length of 18 mm with a 100º angle of view, making it ideal for capturing beautiful architectural compositions, detailed cityscapes, and vibrant travel photographs.

With exceptionally high optical performance and Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor for fast, precise, super-quiet autofocus operation, this affordable, carry-anywhere lens is a great option for advanced amateur photographers.


Key features

FX-format compatible, wide-angle zoom lens with a focal-length range of 18–35mm and f/3.5–4.5 aperture. It’s ideal for capturing sweeping landscapes, taking detailed shots of interiors, and shooting impromptu photographs on the street.

Exceptionally high optical performance: optimized for use with high-pixel count Nikon digital SLR sensors.

High resolution and superior contrast: the optical system incorporates three aspherical lenses and two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements for superior resolution and correction of unwanted aberrations and distortions.

Nikon Super Integrated Coating: effectively reduces ghosting and flare even in backlit situations.

SWM (Silent Wave Motor): for fast, precise, and super-quiet autofocus operation. Works with all Nikon DSLRs.

Two focus modes: M/A (autofocus with manual override, manual priority) and M (manual focus).

High-quality construction: featuring metal mount with rubber weather sealing.

Compact, lightweight design: weighing just 385 g (13.6 oz), this is a lens you’ll want to take with you everywhere.

Lens hood and lens pouch: included.


A versatile, affordable wide-angle to standard view FX-format zoom lens. Now you can cover the highly useful zoom range of 18mm to 35mm (27–52.5mm on DX-format cameras) with a great performing full-frame NIKKOR lens that doesn´t carry a professional´s price tag. Shoot beautiful wide-angle architectural shots, landscapes, group portraits and more; then zoom in for a natural field of view that is slightly wider than what we see with our eyes. You can even get as close as 0.92-feet from your subject! And since the AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is powered by Nikon´s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocusing, it´s an ideal choice for video applications.

Use it everywhere
Wide-angle to standard zoom versatility
The AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is an excellent travel and all-purpose lens. Its 18mm wide-angle perspective brings more of what you see into the frame, ideal for shooting indoors or in close quarters, capturing architecture and landscapes as well as group portraits. But zoom all the way in, and you get a natural 35mm perspective that mimics the field of view of our eyes, ideal for just about any photo or video application.

Excellent for video
Ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocusing
The AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is powered by Nikon´s innovative Silent Wave Motor (SWM). This extraordinary focusing motor uses ultrasonic vibrations—rather than a gear system—to spin the lens barrel, resulting in nearly silent and ultra-fast autofocusing. If you want to override the AF system, simply take control of the focusing ring—M/A mode enables a seamless transition between auto and manual focusing.

A lifetime of great performance
Nikon lens technologies for consistently stunning images
Nikon´s innovations in optical design and lens technology have paved the way for more affordable high-performance lenses like the AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED. Two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements produce superior sharpness and color correction, and three Aspherical Lens (AS) elements virtually eliminate certain types of aberration. A rounded 7-blade diaphragm produces softer, more natural backgrounds, and Internal Focusing (IF) keeps the lens compact and lightweight."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 18-35 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-4,5.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 18 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 35 mm the brightness is f/4,5. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. 

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "HB-66".

Images of Nikon AF-S 18-35mm F3.5-4.5 G ED

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • Works on all sensor types
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • Light weight (385 gr)
  • Poor aperture value with its f/4,5
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Nikon AF-S 18-35mm F3.5-4.5 G ED.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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