Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED lens officially unveiled

Nikon has unveiled the AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED, which has become the company’s first wide-angle prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8.

The rumor mill has already informed us that Nikon will launch a wide-angle lens with a 20mm focal length and f/1.8 maximum aperture in anticipation of Photokina 2014.

The product is now official under the name of AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED and it promises to become a photographer’s “go-to” lens when it comes to landscape, architecture, indoor, and low-light photography types.

The AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED lens has become Nikon’s first wide-angle lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8.

Nikon introduces AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED wide-angle lens

Nikon says that this optic is the fastest wide-angle lens in its line-up. This title has been claimed thanks to a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which will allow photographers to capture photos in poorly-lit environments.

The AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED has been designed for architecture and landscape shots, albeit the manufacturer promises that it will do a great job at weddings, too.

The creative possibilities are varied, as the lens could also be used for capturing beautiful time-lapse videos and star trail photos.

Sample photo demonstrating the low-light capabilities of the AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED lens.

Nikon promises that this lens delivers an amazing image quality

The Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED lens is aimed at full frame DSLR cameras and will offer a 94-degree angle-of-view. However, it can be easily mounted onto a DX-format camera, while providing a 35mm equivalent of 30mm and a 70-degree angle-of-view.

Although it is a wide-angle lens, the bright maximum aperture allows users to capture photos and videos with blurry backgrounds.

Image quality is ensured by the Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) and aspherical elements, which are working in combination with the Nano Crystal Coat in order to reduce chromatic aberration, flare, and other optical flaws.

In total, the AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED lens has 13 elements in 11 groups with two ED and two aspherical elements. The diaphragm is circular and consists of seven blades.

Although it is a wide-angle lens, the AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED is capable of delivering a shallow depth of field when used at its maximum aperture.

Availability information

The autofocus performance is ensured by a Silent Wave Motor that provides smooth and silent focus, which is also useful when recording videos.

Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED lens comes with a focus ring and a distance scale. Using these, photographers can focus accurately on subjects located at a minimum distance of 20 centimeters / 7.8 inches.

The new optic measures 82.5mm / 3.2-inches in diameter and 80.5mm / 3.1-inches in length, while weighing 355 grams / 12.6 ounces.

Its release date has been scheduled for late September and its price will stand at $799.95. Photographers who cannot wait for this lens can pre-order it at Amazon for a price under $800.