The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED ($799.95) is just one of many in the company's series of f/1.8 prime lenses. It's the widest of the bunch, but even when shot at its maximum aperture it is quite sharp in the center.

Ultra-wide field of view; Wide aperture; 7.8-inch close focus

Some edge softness unless stopped down; Modest barrel distortion; Lacks optical stabilization

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED ($799.95) is just one of many in the company's series of f/1.8 prime lenses. It's the widest of the bunch, but even when shot at its maximum aperture it is quite sharp in the center. Landscape shooters will want to stop down for edge-to-edge crispness, and the lack of image stabilization is really only a concern when recording handheld video. The lens is a solid performer, and a good choice for any Nikon shooter that wants an ultra-wide-angle prime lens. It can be used with both full-frame and APS-C Nikon cameras. The 20mm ($796.95 at Amazon)  measures in at 3.1 by 3.2 inches (HD), weighs just 12.6 ounces, and uses large 77mm front filters. It can focus as close as 7.8 inches, which certainly doesn't qualify it as a macro lens, but does let you get up close and personal with subjects. When combined with the wide aperture, that allows for a very shallow depth of field. The only control switch on the lens toggles between manual and autofocus cont...

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED is an affordable lens for wide-angle lovers, but you'll want to stop it down for the best image quality.

Ultra-wide field of view; Wide aperture; 7.8-inch close focus

Some edge softness unless stopped down; Modest barrel distortion; Lacks optical stabilization

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED is a high-quality, compact and relatively affordable wide-angle lens for full-frame Nikon DSLR users, although it lacks any form of weather-sealing and optical image stabilisation.

This compact ultra wide angle lens from Nikon costs around ￡680 and sports a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture, silent, internal focusing with full time manual focus override and Nikon's Nano Crystal optical coating, to improve contrast while suppressing ghosting and flare.

Very sharp when stopped down; Relatively compact and lightweight; Silent focusing; Low distortion for an ultra-wide angle lens; Good value; Nano-Crystal optical coatings

Falloff of illumination is quite severe at max aperture; Could be sharper at maximum aperture

The Nikon 20mm ƒ/2.8 AF-D has been waiting 20 years for a refresh; it's nice to see Nikon completing its prime lineup in the ƒ/1.8 configuration. The lens isn't exorbitantly expensive, and performs extremely well.

This compact ultra wide angle lens from Nikon costs around ￡680 and sports a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture, silent, internal focusing with full time manual focus override and Nikon's Nano Crystal optical coating, to improve contrast while suppressing ghosting and flare.

I love the 20mm f1.8 lens. It's sharp. The ultra-wide lens is perfect! I shot low light desert scenery as well as rows of brown-stones and city buildings in Chicago at night. The lens performed perfectly. The bokeh is perfect. I highly recommend this lens.

Sharp at all apertures; lightweight; low distortion for the Focal Length

None

optically excellent, light weight for its size, easy to travel with, and well suited for hand held low light situations. The two attached photos were taken hand held at night with an aperture of f/1.8, shutter speeds of 1/100 and 1/125, and ISO levels of 1250 and 3200 pic 1 & pic 2 or here

Bright; light weight and wide aperture

none for video

As optical design and construction improved, Nikon was able to introduce a more conventional Nikkor 20mm f/3.5 lens in 1967, and in 1989 the first Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 autofocus lens appeared.