When it comes to classic 35mm lenses, few options generate as much discussion among vintage photography enthusiasts as the Nikon 35mm f/2 and the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave. As a professional photographer who’s spent countless hours shooting with both of these legendary lenses, I’m here to share my hands-on experience to help you understand which of these vintage gems might deserve a place in your camera bag. The Nikon 35mm f/2 represents the precision engineering of Nikon’s manual focus era, while the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave showcases Canon’s innovative optical design with its distinctive concave front element. Both lenses have their devoted followers, and for good reason – they each produce images with unique character that modern lenses often struggle to replicate.
A Brief History of These Legendary Lenses
Before diving into the comparison, it’s worth understanding the context in which these lenses were created. The Nikon 35mm f/2 was introduced in the late 1970s as part of Nikon’s AI-S series, representing the company’s commitment to optical excellence and build quality. It quickly gained a reputation among professional photographers for its sharpness and reliability.
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave, on the other hand, was produced in the early 1970s and is notable for its distinctive concave front element – an unusual design choice that was intended to improve optical performance. This lens has become something of a cult classic among vintage photography enthusiasts, prized for its unique rendering and beautiful bokeh characteristics.
I discovered these lenses about five years ago when I began exploring vintage glass to complement my modern digital cameras. I was immediately drawn to their solid build quality and the distinctive look they impart to images. Since then, both have earned permanent places in my collection, though I find myself reaching for each in different situations.
Physical Comparison: Build Quality and Design
The first time I handled both lenses, the difference in their design philosophy was immediately apparent. The Nikon 35mm f/2 features a more traditional design with a metal barrel and rubberized focus ring. It feels substantial in the hand, with smooth, well-damped focus movement that inspires confidence. The aperture ring clicks positively into half-stop increments, making it easy to adjust exposure settings without taking your eye from the viewfinder.
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave is immediately recognizable by its concave front element, which curves inward rather than outward like most lenses. This distinctive design isn’t just for show – it serves an optical purpose that we’ll explore later. The build quality is excellent, with a metal barrel and a focus ring that’s slightly stiffer than the Nikon’s but still smooth and precise.
In terms of size and weight, the Nikon is slightly larger and heavier at approximately 265g compared to the Canon’s 240g. The difference is minimal in practice, and both lenses balance well on both vintage film cameras and modern mirrorless bodies when used with appropriate adapters.
One area where the Nikon clearly outperforms the Canon is in its close focusing distance. The Nikon can focus as close as 0.3m (about 12 inches), while the Canon’s minimum focusing distance is 0.4m (about 16 inches). This difference might seem small, but it makes the Nikon more versatile for close-up photography.
Optical Performance: Sharpness and Character
This is where things get interesting, as both lenses have distinct optical characteristics that set them apart. I took both lenses on a recent trip to test them side by side on my Sony A7III using appropriate adapters, and the results were revealing.
Center Sharpness
At f/2, both lenses show some softness wide open, which is typical for vintage lenses of this era. The Nikon 35mm f/2 is slightly sharper in the center at f/2, with better contrast and micro-contrast. By f/4, both lenses sharpen up considerably, with the Nikon maintaining a slight edge in center sharpness throughout the aperture range.
Corner Sharpness
Here, the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave shows its age, with noticeable corner softness at f/2 that doesn’t fully resolve until f/8. The Nikon performs better in the corners, with acceptable sharpness by f/4 and excellent sharpness by f/5.6. This difference makes the Nikon a better choice for landscape and architectural photography where edge-to-edge sharpness is important.
Bokeh and Rendering
This is where the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave truly shines. The concave front element produces beautiful, creamy bokeh with a distinctive character that’s hard to find in modern lenses. Out-of-focus areas have a painterly quality that’s especially flattering for portrait photography. The Nikon’s bokeh is pleasant but more clinical by comparison – still good, but lacking the magical quality of the Canon.
During a portrait session last November, I used both lenses to photograph a model in a garden setting. The Canon produced images with a dreamy, ethereal quality that perfectly complemented the soft afternoon light. The Nikon’s images were technically sharper and more detailed, but they lacked the romantic quality of the Canon’s images.
Vignetting and Distortion
Both lenses show noticeable vignetting at f/2, which is typical for fast primes of this era. The Nikon shows slightly less vignetting overall, and it’s mostly corrected by f/4. The Canon’s vignetting is more pronounced and persists until f/5.6.
In terms of distortion, both lenses exhibit mild barrel distortion, which is easily correctable in post-processing. The Nikon’s distortion is slightly more pronounced, but the difference is minimal in real-world shooting.
Flare Resistance and Contrast
Flare resistance is an important consideration for any lens, and here the two lenses perform quite differently. The Nikon 35mm f/2 has Nikon’s Integrated Coating (NIC), which provides good resistance to flare and maintains contrast even when shooting into the light.
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave, with its concave front element, is more prone to flare and can lose contrast when shooting toward bright light sources. However, this tendency can also be used creatively to produce images with a soft, glowing quality that many photographers find appealing.
I tested both lenses during a sunrise shoot, positioning the sun just outside the frame. The Nikon maintained excellent contrast and color saturation, while the Canon produced a softer, more ethereal image with a subtle glow around highlights. Neither approach is inherently better – they simply offer different creative possibilities.
Color Rendition: The Signature Look
Color reproduction is another area where these lenses show their distinct personalities. The Nikon 35mm f/2 produces images with accurate, slightly cool colors that have a modern look despite the lens’s age. Skin tones are rendered naturally, and the lens maintains good color separation even in challenging lighting conditions.
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave produces warmer images with a vintage character that many photographers associate with classic film photography. Reds and yellows are particularly vibrant, while blues tend to be slightly muted. This color signature can be especially flattering for portrait and landscape photography.
During a golden hour landscape shoot, I found that the Canon’s warm rendering complemented the natural light beautifully, producing images with a rich, film-like quality. The Nikon’s more neutral rendering provided a good foundation for post-processing, allowing me to adjust the colors to my exact preference.
Adaptability to Modern Cameras
In 2025, many photographers are using vintage lenses on modern digital cameras, and adaptability is an important consideration. Both lenses can be adapted to modern mirrorless cameras, but there are some differences to consider.
The Nikon 35mm f/2 uses Nikon’s F-mount, which has a relatively short flange distance of 46.7mm. This makes it easy to adapt to most mirrorless systems, including Sony E-mount, Fujifilm X-mount, and Micro Four Thirds. High-quality adapters are readily available from manufacturers like Fotodiox and K&F Concept.
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave uses Canon’s FD mount, which has a flange distance of 42mm. While this is also relatively short, FD lenses can be more challenging to adapt to certain systems, particularly Sony E-mount, due to the need for adapters with corrective optics to achieve infinity focus. That said, good adapters are available, though they may be slightly more expensive than F-mount adapters.
I’ve used both lenses on various camera systems, including Sony A7III, Fujifilm X-T4, and Panasonic Lumix GH5. Both lenses perform well on modern cameras, though the Canon’s distinctive rendering is particularly noticeable on high-resolution full-frame sensors.
Price and Value in 2025
When considering vintage lenses, price and value are important factors. As of 2025, the Nikon 35mm f/2 typically sells for $150-250 in good condition, while the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave commands a higher price of $250-400 due to its cult status and distinctive optical characteristics.
Both lenses represent good value for money compared to modern autofocus 35mm lenses, which often cost $500-1000 or more. However, it’s important to consider the limitations of vintage lenses, including manual focus only, potential compatibility issues, and the need for adapters when using on modern cameras.
I’ve found that both lenses hold their value well in the used market, with prices remaining relatively stable over the past few years. This makes them not just creative tools but also reasonable investments for photographers who appreciate vintage glass.
Real-World Shooting Experiences
To truly understand how these lenses perform, I took them on a variety of assignments over several weeks.
For a street photography session in the city, I primarily used the Nikon 35mm f/2. Its reliable performance, good sharpness, and relatively compact size made it perfect for capturing candid moments. The manual focus was surprisingly easy to use, even for fast-moving subjects, thanks to the smooth focus ring and clear focus indicators on my camera.
For a portrait session in a park, I chose the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave. Its beautiful bokeh and flattering rendering made it ideal for environmental portraits. The slightly longer minimum focusing distance wasn’t an issue, as I was shooting at medium to close distances rather than extreme close-ups.
For a landscape photography outing at dawn, I brought both lenses and used them interchangeably. The Nikon’s better corner sharpness made it the better choice for grand landscapes with foreground elements, while the Canon’s warm rendering was perfect for capturing the golden light of sunrise.
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Who Should Buy Which Lens?
After extensive use of both lenses, I’ve developed clear recommendations for different types of photographers:
The Nikon 35mm f/2 is ideal for:
- Street photographers who value reliability and sharpness
- Landscape photographers who need good corner-to-corner performance
- Photographers who want a versatile all-purpose 35mm lens
- Those who prefer a more neutral, modern rendering
- Users of Nikon F-mount cameras who want a native lens option
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave is ideal for:
- Portrait photographers who value beautiful bokeh and rendering
- Fine art photographers who appreciate a distinctive vintage look
- Those who prioritize character over technical perfection
- Photographers who want a lens with a unique optical design
- Collectors of vintage photographic equipment
My Personal Journey with Both Lenses
I’ve been shooting with vintage lenses for about five years, and both of these lenses have been part of my collection for most of that time. I initially purchased the Nikon 35mm f/2 as a general-purpose lens for street and documentary photography, drawn to its reputation for sharpness and reliability.
A few months later, I acquired the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave after reading about its unique optical design and distinctive rendering. I was skeptical at first, but the first time I saw images from this lens, I was blown away by its character.
Today, both lenses remain important parts of my kit. I find myself reaching for the Nikon when I need technical precision and reliability, and for the Canon when I want to create images with a distinctive, artistic quality. They complement each other perfectly, covering different aspects of my photographic vision.
Pro Tips for Both Lenses
Whether you choose the Nikon 35mm f/2 or the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave, here are some tips I’ve learned that will help you get the most out of your lens:
For Nikon 35mm f/2 Users:
- Stop down to f/4 for optimal sharpness across the frame.
- Use a lens hood to improve contrast and reduce flare.
- Take advantage of the close focusing capability for environmental portraits.
- Pair with a modern high-resolution camera to get the most out of the lens’s sharpness.
- Consider using a variable ND filter for wide aperture shooting in bright conditions.
For Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave Users:
- Embrace the lens’s unique character rather than fighting it.
- Use the lens’s tendency to flare creatively for artistic effect.
- Stop down to f/5.6 for better corner sharpness when needed.
- Pair with a camera that has good focus peaking for accurate manual focus.
- Consider using a warm or vintage film simulation preset to complement the lens’s natural rendering.
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Sample Images: What to Expect
Both lenses produce excellent images, but with different characteristics:
Portrait Photography: The Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave produces portraits with beautiful, creamy bokeh and flattering skin tones. The slightly soft rendering at wide apertures adds a dreamy quality that many subjects love.
Street Photography: The Nikon 35mm f/2 excels at street photography, with good sharpness and reliable performance. Its neutral rendering provides a good foundation for both color and black and white processing.
Landscape Photography: For landscapes, the Nikon’s better corner sharpness gives it an advantage, especially when shooting at smaller apertures. The Canon’s warm rendering can be beautiful for sunrise and sunset shots.
Close-Up Photography: The Nikon’s closer minimum focusing distance makes it more versatile for close-up work, while the Canon’s beautiful bokeh can create stunning background separation even at moderate focusing distances.
FAQ: Nikon 35 f/2 vs Canon FD 35 f/2 Concave
Which lens is sharper?
The Nikon 35mm f/2 is generally sharper, especially in the corners and when shot wide open. However, the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave has excellent central sharpness when stopped down to f/4.
Which lens has better bokeh?
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave is widely regarded as having superior bokeh, with a creamy, painterly quality that’s highly sought after by vintage lens enthusiasts.
Can I use these lenses on modern digital cameras?
Yes, both lenses can be adapted to modern mirrorless cameras. The Nikon F-mount is generally easier to adapt than the Canon FD mount, but good adapters are available for both.
Which lens is better for portrait photography?
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave is generally preferred for portrait photography due to its beautiful bokeh and flattering rendering of skin tones.
Which lens is better for street photography?
The Nikon 35mm f/2 is generally better for street photography due to its sharper rendering, better corner performance, and closer minimum focusing distance.
Are these lenses weather-sealed?
No, neither lens is weather-sealed. They were designed in an era when weather sealing was not a common feature in photographic lenses.
Which lens holds its value better?
Both lenses hold their value well, but the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave has shown slightly stronger appreciation in recent years due to its cult status among vintage lens enthusiasts.
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
After extensive use of both the Nikon 35mm f/2 and the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave, I can confidently say that both are exceptional lenses with distinct personalities. The choice between them comes down to your personal aesthetic preferences and photographic needs.
If you value sharpness, reliability, and versatility, the Nikon 35mm f/2 is the clear choice. It’s a lens that you can depend on for a wide range of photographic situations, from street photography to landscapes.
If you prioritize character, beautiful bokeh, and a distinctive vintage look, the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave is the lens for you. It’s a lens that will add a unique quality to your images that’s hard to replicate with modern glass.
Ultimately, the best lens is the one that helps you realize your creative vision. Both the Nikon 35mm f/2 and the Canon FD 35mm f/2 Concave are capable of producing stunning images that will elevate your photography – the rest is just personal preference.