Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S Review

An exceptional wide-angle lens for Nikon DSLR cameras is the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens. This lens was created by Nikon. This lens provides photographers with a flexible tool for producing outstanding photographs with remarkable clarity and detail. Its wide aperture and superior optics contribute to the lens’s overall versatility.

The Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens provides great performance and picture quality regardless of the subject matter you’re photographing—landscapes, architecture, or environmental portraiture, for example. Let’s go further into the many facets of this lens in order to have a better understanding of its potential as well as its limits.

Key Specs

• Focal Length: 20mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Format: FX/35mm
• Maximum Angle of View (DX-format): 70°
• Maximum Angle of View (FX-format): 94°
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.23x
• Lens Elements: 13
• Lens Groups: 11
• Diaphragm Blades: 7
• Nano Crystal Coat: Yes
• ED Glass Elements: 2
• Aspherical Elements: 2
• Super Integrated Coating: Yes
• Autofocus: Yes
• AF-S (Silent Wave Motor): Yes
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.66 ft. (0.2m)
• Focus Mode: Auto, Manual
• Filter Size: 77mm
• Accepts Filter Type: Screw-on
• Approx. Dimensions: 3.2 in. (82.5 mm) x 3.1 in. (80.5 mm)
• Approx. Weight: 12.6 oz. (355 g)

Performance

When it comes to functionality, the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens distinguishes out from the rest of the competition. You are able to photograph in difficult lighting settings without having to sacrifice image quality because to the camera’s large aperture of f/1.8, which enables great performance in low light.

Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass components are incorporated into the lens, and their presence successfully helps to reduce chromatic aberrations while also ensuring that the whole frame is both crisp and clear. In addition, Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat has been included in the lens. This coating helps to eliminate ghosting and flare, which ultimately results in photos that have exceptional contrast and color accuracy.

Autofocus System

The autofocus technology of the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens is lightning quick, pinpoint accurate, and completely dependable. The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) offers a speedy and silent autofocus operation, which is particularly advantageous while shooting in calm surroundings or during video recording. This is because it allows the camera to concentrate on focusing without disturbing those around it.

Even while using the autofocus mode, you are able to manually adjust the focus of the lens so that it is more precise. This feature is known as manual focus override. This function comes in useful when you require fine control over the focus point or while shooting in conditions where autofocus may fail, such as in scenes with low contrast. For example, when you need precise control over the focus point, you may use this option.

Vibration Reduction

Vibration Reduction (VR) technology is not included in the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens in any way. The larger focal length of this lens helps to lessen the requirement for VR to some degree, which is helpful because there are specific circumstances in which it might be beneficial to use VR, such as when shooting handheld in low light.

However, it is important to keep in mind that if you take a lot of photos in unstable environments, you should either invest in a tripod or learn to shoot at quicker shutter speeds in order to get the sharpest possible pictures.

Build Quality

The Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens was designed to meet the rigorous requirements of use in a professional setting. It has a sturdy construction with a lens barrel made of metal, which gives it a premium feel and ensures that it will last for a long time.

Because the lens is also weather-sealed, it provides protection against dust and moisture, making it appropriate for use when photographing in a variety of environments that are outside. The ring controls the focus and aperture function smoothly, which enables accurate adjustments, and the entire design guarantees a pleasant and tight grasp on the device.

Handling and Ergonomics

Because of its small size and low weight, the lens is very convenient to take around and work with. It has a good balance on Nikon DSLR cameras, which ensures a comfortable experience while shooting, particularly for longer periods of time when shooting.

The manual focusing control provided by the large focusing ring is both accurate and well-damped, making it possible to make smooth changes. You are able to perform accurate calculations and exercise control over the plane of focus thanks to the lens’s inclusion of a depth-of-field scale as well as a distance scale for your convenience.

Image Stabilization

As was said previously, the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens does not come equipped with an internal image stabilization mechanism. On the other hand, many of the more recent models of Nikon DSLR cameras are equipped with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) technologies that can counteract the effects of camera wobble.

Even while using this lens, you may reap the benefits of image stabilization if you couple it with a camera that has in-body image stabilization (IBIS). It is essential to keep in mind that the performance of IBIS can be affected by both the camera type and the lighting conditions of the shot being taken.

Shooting Experience

As a result of its wide-angle view and quick aperture, the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens makes for a pleasurable experience when it comes to taking photographs. Your photographs will have greater depth and context as a result of their wide field of view, which enables you to take pictures of huge vistas or incorporate more objects in your compositions.

The quick aperture of f/1.8 not only makes it possible to take pictures in low light but also gives you superb control over the depth of focus, which enables you to isolate subjects while leaving the backdrop pleasingly blurry. Even when using larger apertures, the lens produces images that are clear and distinct, which contributes to the good overall image quality.

Image Quality

The Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens has an outstanding capacity for producing high-quality photographs. The lens has a low level of distortion and is crisp from edge to edge; as a consequence, the produced photos have an exceptional level of detail and clarity.

Chromatic aberrations may be significantly cut down by utilizing components made of Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass, which also contributes to an overall improvement in picture quality. The lens generates images that are correct in terms of color rendering and have vivid saturation and contrast. When shooting with a small depth of field, the wide aperture also contributes to attractive bokeh, which adds a nice aesthetic to your photographs.

Teleconverter Compatibility

Officially speaking, the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens is not compatible with teleconverters of any kind. Teleconverters are optical devices that lengthen the focal length of a lens, hence giving telephoto photography a greater reach. The lens was developed particularly for taking wide-angle photographs due to the fact that it has a focal length of 20 millimeters, which corresponds to a wide-angle focal length.

If a teleconverter is used in conjunction with this lens, there is a possibility that the image quality may suffer and the lens’s ability to autofocus will be rendered inoperable. If you want the best possible performance and picture quality from your lens, you should avoid using teleconverters and instead use them in their native format.

Comparison with Competitors

Other manufacturers provide lenses with focal lengths and maximum apertures that are comparable to those of the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens. This competition makes it difficult for Nikon to maintain its market share in the wide-angle lens category. The Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM lens is an example of a noteworthy alternative. Although both lenses have their advantages, the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens has a wider maximum aperture than the other lens, which results in improved performance in low-light conditions and increased control over the depth of field.

Additionally, the Nikon lens features an edge-to-edge sharpness that is greater, and it boasts a weather-sealed design, both of which give it an advantage while shooting in adverse settings. The Canon lens, on the other hand, is more diminutive and lighter in weight, making it a more convenient alternative for traveling and taking casual photographs. In the end, the choice between the two lenses comes down to the photographer’s own tastes as well as the unique requirements of the shooting situation.

Specifications

Mount Type	Nikon F-Bayonet
Focal Length	20mm
Maximum Aperture	f/1.8
Minimum Aperture	f/16
Format	FX/35mm
Maximum Angle of View (DX-format)	70°
Maximum Angle of View (FX-format)	94°
Maximum Reproduction Ratio	0.23x
Lens Elements	13
Lens Groups	11
Diaphragm Blades	7
Nano Crystal Coat	Yes
ED Glass Elements	2
Aspherical Elements	2
Super Integrated Coating	Yes
Autofocus	Yes
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor)	Yes
Minimum Focus Distance	0.66 ft. (0.2m)
Focus Mode	Auto, Manual
Filter Size	77mm
Accepts Filter Type	Screw-on
Approx. Dimensions	3.2 in. (82.5 mm) x 3.1 in. (80.5 mm)
Approx. Weight	12.6 oz. (355 g)

Pros and Cons

The Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens provides photographers with a number of benefits and advantages. Its large maximum aperture offers remarkable performance in low light and precise control over shallow depth of focus, which in turn enables a broad range of creative possibilities. The lens produces an image of exceptional quality, with very little distortion, a high degree of sharpness, and accurate color reproduction.

It is excellent for a variety of shooting settings, including those encountered while traveling and shooting in the great outdoors, because of its sturdy build quality and weather-sealed design. On the other hand, the lens is not compatible with teleconverters and does not have built-in image stabilization, which are both things that might be deal breakers for certain photographers. In addition, the wide-angle focal length may not be appropriate for all shooting situations, as it is primarily designed to capture broad landscapes and architectural images. This may limit its use in some shooting situations.

Price and Availability

When its functionality and picture-taking capabilities are taken into account, the price of the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens is found to be rather reasonable. You may get it from vendors that are authorized to sell Nikon products, such as those found in camera stores and online. There is a possibility that the price will change based on the location as well as any active specials or discounts.

It is important to shop around and get many price quotes before making a purchase to guarantee you are getting the greatest bargain possible. Additionally, it is vital to examine the availability of the lens since popular models may have periodic supply shortages. This is one reason why it is important to check the availability of the lens.

Conclusion

For Nikon DSLR photographers who need a high-performance lens with superb image quality, the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens is an excellent wide-angle solution. It has a maximum aperture of 1.8 millimeters and an extra-low dispersion element. Because of its large aperture, sophisticated optics, and sturdy build quality, it is an instrument that can be relied upon to capture breathtaking vistas, architectural details, and environmental portraiture.

The lens is lacking in certain capabilities, such as image stabilization and compatibility with teleconverters; however, it makes up for this by having excellent clarity, true colors, and a remarkable performance in low light. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or an amateur photographer; the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens provides a shooting experience that will satiate your needs and produces photographs that will leave even the most critical viewers in awe.

Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S FAQs

Q. Is the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens suitable for low-light photography?
A. Yes, the lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which allows for excellent low-light performance. It enables you to capture sharp and well-exposed images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Q. Does the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens have image stabilization?
A. No, the lens does not have built-in image stabilization. However, if your Nikon DSLR camera has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), you can still benefit from image stabilization when using this lens.
Q. Is the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens weather-sealed?
A. Yes, the lens features a weather-sealed construction, offering protection against dust and moisture. It makes the lens suitable for shooting in various outdoor conditions.
Q. Can I use filters with the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens?
A. Yes, the lens has a filter thread size of 77mm, allowing you to attach screw-on filters such as polarizers, neutral density filters, or protective UV filters to enhance your photography.
Q. What are the main advantages of the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens?
A. The lens offers several advantages, including its wide maximum aperture for low-light performance and depth of field control. It delivers excellent image quality with minimal distortion and high sharpness. The lens also features a robust build quality and a silent autofocus system for a comfortable shooting experience.