Together with the D750, Nikon has also announced a brand new full-frame lens, the Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED. This lens announcement is really exciting, because it is Nikon’s first 20mm f/1.8 ultra wide-angle lens with impressive specifications and optical design. Not only does the lens feature aspherical elements and Nano coating for reduced aberrations, ghosting and flare, but it also comes with two ED (Extra Dispersion) glass elements that are typically used in expensive, professional lenses for extra clarity and superior sharpness. With a gold ring and a price tag of $799, this lens seems to be of superb value for low-light wide-angle photography. Looking at its wide-open sharpness (more on that below), it seems like the lens could be a great candidate for astrophotography. Let’s take a look at the lens in more detail.
During the past few years, Nikon has been working hard on releasing great primes for both professionals and enthusiasts, with both f/1.4 and f/1.8 versions provided at different price points. For those that prefer shooting with fast professional primes, Nikon has a great selection of lenses such as Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G, 35mm f/1.4G, 50/58mm f/1.4G and 85mm f/1.4G. For those with smaller budgets, there f/1.8 lens is a little bit different: Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G, 35mm f/1.8G, 50mm f/1.8G and 85mm f/1.8G. As you can see, the shortest focal length for a “budget” wide angle is 28mm. With the addition of the 20mm f/1.8G, both lines have now been expanded to cover a wider range. If you have used a wide-angle lens before, you probably know that even 2mm represents visible change in perspective, so 20mm with a 94° angle of view would look dramatically different compared to a 24mm, let alone a 28mm lens. This opens up more opportunities for creative photography, where a wider perspective can be used to emphasize subjects even more, especially at closer distances. With the added benefit of a fast aperture of f/1.8, the lens will be a great choice for photographing in low-light environments, or when subject isolation is needed.
Lens Construction
Take a look at the lens construction of the Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED:
Now that’s impressive! Two aspherical lens elements and two ED elements with a total of 13 elements in 11 groups. In comparison, the Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G only has two aspherical elements and its optical design is simpler with 11 elements in 9 groups.
It means that the new 20mm f/1.8G should be superior optically, so let’s take a look at the Nikon-provided MTF and see if that’s the case.
Sharpness and MTF
Let’s take a look at the MTF curve of the Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G and compare it to the MTF curve of the Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G:
The chart on the left represents the 20mm f/1.8G, while the chart on the right represents the 28mm f/1.8G. As you can see, the new 20mm f/1.8G lens is significantly sharper wide open both in the center and in the corners and its contrast levels are very impressive. In addition, it suffers from less field curvature. Unfortunately, Nikon does not provide MTF charts for stopped down performance, but considering how good the sharpness is wide open, I expect the lens to perform very well in my lab tests.
For detailed specifications, see the Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G page in our lens database.
Nikon Product Information
Here is the official product information from Nikon:
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
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
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
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
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.
Supplied Accessories
- AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED
- LC-77 Snap-On Front Lens Cap 77mm
- LF-4 Rear Lens Cap
- HB-72 Bayonet Hood
- CL-1015 Soft Lens Case
Nikon 52mm Close-Up Lens
Along with the 20mm f/1.8G, Nikon has also announced the 52mm Close-Up Lens for macro photography:
Hi Nasim:
Very interesting. I would be curious if the sales of the venerable 14-24 have been steadily decreasing, and this might further decrease that. The 1.8 series of FX primes and the D750 sure seem to indicate that Nikon wants to move FX to the forefront as affordable across many groups of photographers.
Thanks much for the work you and your team do.
The 14-24 is vulnerable? How so?
Damian:
I said “venerable”, which, according to the dictionary I looked at means “accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character”. The 14-24 has a very high reputation for imaging quality (with quirks like focus shift), but is very heavy and does not take filters. I am wondering if this new 20mm lens, hitting in the middle of the 14-24 range might spur further declines in 14-24 sales (my guess). Of course there are lighter options in that zoom range too.
Clark
you can adapt filters to 14-24mm www.naturescapes.net/artic…24mm-lens/
Hello, recently (last week) I got a reply from Lee filters on my enquiry for Big Stopper & Small Stopper and the reply was that at the beginning of 2015 (early 2015) there will be available also for the SW-150 Kit especially for the 14-24mm :) So I believe the 14-24 has more to offer (for someone who already has one) and worths waiting for… I ve seen many selling their 14-24 for the 16-35 f4 for the filter incompatibility reason, although I respect this.. I still believe 14-24 is the best lens out from Nikon for these mm….
Nasim,
Thanks for posting this. I’m really excited about the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED Lens announcement. I think the price is a bit steep, but nothing I wouldn’t be willing to pay. I have the Nikon 85 1.8G lens, I was so surpirsed by how sharp that lens is, I love it. I can only hope that this new 20mm 1.8G is equally as sharp. I’l be buying this for landscapes and astrophotography.
The price point is fine, if Nasim’s discussion of seemingly very good performance according to the MTF curves is really seen in real shots too. Definitely interesting!
Nasim: As always you and the rest of your team did a great job on these announcements. Thank you all, I’m anxious to hear more about the 20mm f/1.8G like in hands on tests. I have the whole collection of 1.8 primes and was hoping at some time Nikon would introduce a really wide prime that wouldn’t break the bank. This seems like it just might fit the bill.
Greg, yes, I feel the same – the lens seems of excellent value for its performance. Will be testing as soon as I get one, hopefully at the end of September.
Could you provide more details on the 52mm lens? It looks very similar to a filter, and appears that is would be screwed onto the front of this 20mm lens.
Thanks,
WEJ
This close-up lens is not made for the new 20mm lens, the 20mm has a 77mm filter thread. This will fit lenses like the 50mm 1.8D, the 35mm 1.8G DX and possibly a few other with a 52mm filter thread. It is basically a magnifying glass that mounts to the front of the lens. It is an inexpensive way to simulate the look that a macro lens gives.
William, the 52mm lens is a close-up lens designed for macro use, for lenses with a 52mm filter thread. This 20mm lens comes with a much bigger 77mm filter thread.
I need this lens! :-))
For me, this lens sounds totally right. I had the 28mm prime but sold it – not wide enough. I’ve been using a 16-35mm VR zoom instead which I’m very happy with but this new prime sounds to me like the sweet spot.
Hello Nasim,
Thanks for the announcement. This looks and sounds like a splendid lens with a wide range of applications. In particular, the close focus of just under 8”, which is a whopping 2” closer than Nikon’s excellent 20 mm 2.8D and 20 mm 2.8 Ais, is a significant advancement. In fact, this 20 mm 1.8G is Nikon’s closest focusing 20mm lens ever.
For the film photographers out there, I would point out that this new lens is fully compatible with Nikon’s advanced AF film SLRs, such as the F6. Film shooters would sure love to try this lens, too. ;-)
l look forward to your recommendation somewhere down the road.. :-)
Great job, and Cheers!
Rick
Nasim,
Thanks for sharing the information. Very interesting announcement by Nikon, the good part is that it takes 77mm filters. I own a Carl Zeiss Distagon 21mm f/2.8 ZF.2, hence will find it very difficult to justify its purchase unless of course I would want to exploit its potential for astrophotography, which would be quiet a luxury just for that.
Nikon now have quiet a lineup in the f/1.8G category, brilliant stuff.
Cheers!
Cherag
i am a d7000 user. i watch ur landscape photography and tutorials. i have become interested. i want a ultra wide lens. but nikkors r so costly for me. the new 20 f 1.8 is not so wide with my d7000. how will the tokina 11-16 f2.8 be? plz answer if u have time.
Looks like it’s time to sell the 20mm 2.8D + 28mm 1.8G and get the 20mm 1.8G + 35mm 1.8G instead.
This looks very impressive for night photography. Sigma’s 35mm f/1.4 ART has been stealing the show with excellent coma on the stars wide open, but this would let you get wider views of the Milky Way with the same overall exposure (factoring in the slightly longer shutter speed you can use before stars trail at the wider focal length). The question is, how is vignetting and coma? Nikon’s 14-24mm f/2.8 still reigns supreme I’ll bet. ;-)
I just wonder how this lens compares with the 14-24mm G lens in contrast, sharpness, chromatic aberration etc not caring for the price difference, prime etc. Thank you, best, Prabhakar
Wow, this 20 mm lens is very appealing to me. I would even sell my 16-35 f4 in favor for this lens.
This lens would enable astrophotography for me and it has a 77 mm front diameter (filter use).
Prize wise, this is amazing; a pro lens with Nano coating at 800 Euro, not bad.
Looking forward to your lab testing, Nasim !
I want 18mm f4 VR, 14/12mm f4 VR pancake lenses. They would be fantastic for landscape. Light, small, sharp, VR.
This lens would work do canon with an adaptor right?
Hi all,
What would you do?
At the moment I’m looking at an excellent second hand Zeiss 21mm ZF.2 or do I wait for the new Nikon 20mm f1.8
Chris
I just got the Nikon 20mm f1.8g lens today which is my third f1.8g lens already having the 85mm and 35mm lenses. The two g lenses that I have are really excellent lenses and I expect the 20mm to be excellent also. I did take one shot in the camera store at an f3.3 and the shot was sharp as a tack at 100% on my d810. I have been waiting for years for Nikon to make an update for their 20mm lenses so very happy. I did have the Zeiss 21mm f2.8 lens a while back but it stayed on the shelve a lot because of its weight and size. The Nikon 20mm lens will go along with me a lot since its small and light.
Larry
Hi Larry,
I want to buy the the Nikkor 20mm f/1.8, but tm not finding where.
Can you tell me where did you bought?
i’ll be in nyc until october 22.
Thank you.
Giuliana
I bought mine at my local shutterbug store here in Eugene, Oregon. I have bought a lot of equipment from B & H Photo, their in NY.
Larry
Is it weather sealed? I often shoot in wind and sea spray. Will it take that as my 24-70 2:8 does?
Magnus
Hi,
I am in lens hell at the moment. I wonder if you could help. I was just about to purchase the 14-24mm for my Nikon D800 but in reality its more than I would like to pay at this stage.
It would be to shoot weddings and would do what my other lenses don’t so I need it to open up small rooms with poor lighting for ceremonies where I can not use flash but take in the whole space. I would also like it to get some sharp dramatic shots taking in vast amounts of scenery I do not mind a little distortion as It will add to the drama and like I say do what my other lenses don’t but I would like nice sharp images.
I am swaying more to this lens Is this going to do exactly what I need without spending the extra cash on a 14 – 24 mm lens?
Has anyone got some wedding shots using this lens? I am thinking it would be good for confetti shots to take in more of the scene.
I have a portrait lens a telescopic lens and some in between but I have nothing like this, I would like a wide angle lens as it will bring adimention to my photography I just do not have at the moment. I just want the right one.
Anyone that has used this for a wedding I would love to know your thoughts.
Thank you.
Hi Hollie,
I think the Nikon 20 f/1.8 is the best wide lens for wedding photography. He has lightweiht and you will be able to think about shooting, don’t feel tired as when you carry a heavy lens all day.
The only limitation is that it is not a zoom lens, and you may sometimes have to move or crop the photo.
My Nikon lenses 28 f/1.8 and 85 f/1.8 are very good.
Hola, saben si este lente es compatible para la Nikon D7000? Me sirve para paisajes?
Aguardo comentario.
Sdos.