Nikon AF-S 20mm F1.8 G ED Review

"Nikon´s fastest ultra-wide-angle lens yet.
With the ultra-wide view of a 20mm lens, you´re free to capture expansive landscapes and architecture, wedding parties, an entire band on stage, crowd shots and much more. Add low-light capabilities to that view, and the shooting possibilities are nearly endless. Introducing the AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED, a compact, lightweight FX-format lens that combines the ultra-wide perspective of a 20mm focal length, the low-light capabilities and shallow depth of field of an f/1.8 maximum aperture and the superb optical characteristics of an advanced NIKKOR prime lens. Whether you shoot stills, HD video, time lapse sequences or star trail images on an FX- or DX-format D-SLR, the AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED will widen your creative potential.

Capture epic views
Dramatic ultra-wide-angle perspective
The AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED delivers a 20mm, 94° angle of view (30mm, 70° equivalent on DX-format cameras) that´s ideal for stills or motion capture. With its 7.8-inch close focus capability, you can work in tight spaces or get close to your subject to accentuate your focal point. From a distance, the AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED lets you get wide, expansive vistas into the frame. Videographers will love using their Nikon D-SLR and this compact, lightweight lens for establishing shots, first-person point-of-view sequences and B-Roll footage.

Increase your shooting options
Brilliant low-light performance and beautifully blurred backgrounds
At its maximum aperture setting of f/1.8, the AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED produces beautifully blurred backgrounds in your photos and HD videos and lets you shoot at lower ISO settings to retain high image quality. In low light situations, opening the aperture to f/1.8 will also increase shutter speed to prevent camera shake and motion blur.

Expand your creativity
Versatile, exceptional performance
The AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED is designed to draw peak performance from high-resolution Nikon D-SLRs in both still and HD video applications. Aspherical (AS) lens elements and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements with Nano Crystal Coat (N) combat sagittal flare and chromatic aberration for superb, sharp rendering across the entire frame. Nikon´s innovative Silent Wave Motor (SWM) uses ultrasonic waves for fast, accurate near quiet autofocusing as close as 7.8-inches (0.2 meters) from your subject.

A superb prime lens system
The wide-angle addition to Nikon´s f/1.8 FX-format prime lens collection
Nikon´s family of fast FX-format prime lenses now covers just about any shooting situation or creative need. The AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED joins the 28mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm versions, giving photographers and videographers a versatile collection of focal lengths with remarkably consistent optical performance and exposure control. Switch between lenses without missing a beat.


Fast FX-format prime lens with ultra-wide 20 mm focal length and bright f/1.8 maximum aperture. Makes an exciting choice for creative photographers who want to exaggerate perspectives.

With high-performance optics and compact, lightweight design, this is a versatile lens, well suited to interiors, street reportage, broad landscapes, and underwater photography, or for shooting immersive movie scenes.

The fast f/1.8 maximum aperture delivers shallow depth of field, plus smooth bokeh and clear low-light shots. High-performance optics deliver edge-to-edge sharpness with minimal distortion.

Fast 20 mm FX-format prime lens (30 mm when used with a Nikon DX-format SLR).

Ultra wide-angle: exaggerate perspectives, expand space, and capture immersive images. Ideal for interiors, street reportage, broad landscapes, and underwater photography, as well as for shooting movie footage.

Bright f/1.8 aperture: allows for distinctive images with shallow depth of field and beautifully smooth bokeh. Benefit from the flexibility to shoot with faster shutter speeds and attain clear shots in low light, plus a bright viewfinder image.

High-resolution images: designed to accommodate high-megapixel sensors, this lens enables stunning photos and HD videos. The modern optical construction ensures high resolution and contrast, and point light sources are reproduced with minimal sagittal coma flare.

Superb optical performance: two ED glass elements and two aspherical lens elements ensure crisp, brilliant images. Distortion is exceptionally well controlled for such a wide focal length, and most forms of aberration and colour dispersion are effectively minimised.

Nano Crystal Coat: reduces ghosting and flare for greater image clarity, even in backlit situations.

Minimum focus distance: 0.2 m. Easily get in close and have subjects fill the frame.

Compact and lightweight design: ensures stress-free portability.
Material code
AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED - JAA138DA"