Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20mm f/1.8 G ED Lens
The Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED is a 20mm f/1.8 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $391.72 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20mm f/1.8 G ED Lens
Used Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED
Key Features — Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED
20mm f/1.8 Prime: A fixed 20mm focal length with a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, making it one of the faster wide-angle primes available for Nikon F-mount.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed for full-frame Nikon F-mount DSLRs, delivering a true 94-degree angle of view with no vignetting concerns on bodies like the D800 or D750.
Nano Crystal Coat: Nikon's proprietary anti-reflective coating reduces ghosting and flare, which is especially useful when shooting toward strong light sources at wide angles.
ED Glass Elements: Extra-low dispersion glass elements minimize chromatic aberration for sharper, higher-contrast images across the frame.
Silent Wave Motor AF: Internal AF-S autofocus motor provides fast, quiet autofocus without relying on the camera body's drive mechanism.
Auto / Manual Focus: Full-time manual focus override allows instant switching between AF and MF without changing any settings.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Landscape, Architecture, Astrophotography, Travel |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 20mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 77mm |
Description — Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20mm f/1.8 G is a wide-angle prime lens built for full-frame Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras. With a fixed 20mm focal length and a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, it is well-suited for landscape, architecture, and environmental photography where both width of view and low-light capability matter. The lens supports autofocus and manual focus operation, allowing photographers to switch between modes depending on their subject and conditions.
At 355g, it is a lightweight option in the wide prime category, making it easy to carry on extended shoots or when traveling light. The 77mm filter thread is a practical feature for photographers who rely on front-mounted filters, as this size is broadly compatible with many filter systems. As a prime lens with no zoom functionality, it rewards photographers who are comfortable working with a fixed perspective. No image stabilization is included, so technique and the available f/1.8 aperture become important tools for managing camera shake.
Pros — Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED
- ✓Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture enables strong low-light performance and depth-of-field control at a wide 20mm focal length
- ✓Full-frame coverage (lensFormat: Full Frame) means no crop concerns when used on full-frame Nikon F-mount bodies
- ✓Supports both autofocus and manual focus (focusType: Auto, Manual), offering versatility across shooting styles
Cons — Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED
- ✗No image stabilization (imageStabilization: None), which can be a limitation during slow-shutter handheld shooting despite the wide angle
- ✗Fixed 20mm focal length offers no zoom flexibility, requiring the photographer to reframe by moving
- ✗Limited to Nikon F mount only, with no native compatibility for mirrorless or other DSLR systems without an adapter
Reviews — Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED
- Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED Review
Photography Life · unknown - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED Lens Review
ePHOTOzine · unknown - Nikon AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED review
Digital Camera World · unknown - Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Review
Imaging Resource · unknown - Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED Lens REVIEW - Best Landscape Award
Edoardo Marino - Six Months With Nikon's 20MM 1.8G My Honest Thoughts
Mitchell Mobile
Videos — Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED
Nikon 20mm f1.8G review with sample images — Matt Granger
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Nikon F mount, making it compatible with Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras. It is designed specifically for the DSLR camera system and is not a native mirrorless mount lens.
Does this lens work on full-frame cameras?+
Yes. The lens format is specified as Full Frame, meaning it is designed to cover a full-frame image circle without vignetting on compatible full-frame Nikon F-mount bodies.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications list image stabilization as None. Photographers shooting handheld in low light will need to rely on the f/1.8 aperture to allow faster shutter speeds rather than optical stabilization.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 77mm filter thread. This is a common filter diameter, so photographers with existing 77mm circular polarizers, ND filters, or UV filters can use them directly without step-up rings.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
Yes. The lens supports autofocus and can also be switched to manual focus. Both Auto and Manual are listed under focusType in the specifications.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 355g, making it relatively compact and lightweight for a full-frame wide-angle prime with an f/1.8 maximum aperture. This makes it a practical travel companion.