Sample Shots

I apologize for not including really usable f/1.8 shots in the gallery. There are two images shot at that aperture, but in both not really much is in focus, so they do not allow to judge the lens' sharpness across the frame at such a large aperture setting. However, the first f/1.8 shot in the second row illustrates the amount of flare the lens can produce in backlight conditions. In the image in the penultimate row the focus is unfortunately ended slightly behind the sign, but the shot illustrates the large amount of vignetting instead.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 160 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/250s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 160 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 160 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/1.8 Exposure 1/8000s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 160 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/200s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/640s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/4.5 Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/400s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 160 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/9.0 Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/640s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/6.3 Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/5.0 Exposure 1/800s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/6.3 Exposure 1/500s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/320s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/3.5 Exposure 1/2000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/1.8 Exposure 1/8000s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/4.5 Exposure 1/2000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/1250s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/4.5 Exposure 1/640s

Verdict

The bokeh is somewhat nervous at large apertures, but improves considerably when stopped down a little.

Unlike its sister lenses, the EX does not feature a moving inner lens tube and consequently doesn't suffer from wobbling. In fact, the lens is very solid and the build quality leaves nothing to complain about.

In summary, the verdict remains the same for all three lenses: not an attractive choice for landscape shooters, but because of the very short minimum focus distance it's an interesting lens to shoot close-ups with wide perspectives. The maximum magnification is lower than with the two longer lenses of the trio, but due to the short focal length the perspective can be more dramatic.

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings