Comparison
Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) vs Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) is a 35mm f/2 Canon FD lens made 1971-1979, valued at $150 to $500 used. The Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S is a 35mm f/1.4 Nikon F (AI-S) lens made 1976-2020s, valued at $350 to $900 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) | Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/1.4 |
| Native mount | Canon FD | Nikon F (AI-S) |
| Production years | 1971-1979 | 1976-2020s |
| Optical design | 9 elements / 8 groups, retrofocus wide angle | 9 elements / 7 groups, retrofocus wide angle |
| Typical used value | $280 | $550 |
| Value range | $150 to $500 | $350 to $900 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFT |
What actually differs
- The Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S is 1 stop faster: f/1.4 against f/2.
- The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) is cheaper. Typical used value is $280 against $550, a gap of $270 (roughly 2x). Ranges: $150 to $500 versus $350 to $900.
- Both are 35mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) is the older design; production began around 1971 against 1976 for the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S (1971-1979 versus 1976-2020s).
- They use different mounts, Canon FD and Nikon F (AI-S), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 9 elements in 8 groups for the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave), 9 elements in 7 groups for the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S.
Which one to buy
Choose the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) for the $270 lower typical price. Choose the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S for the 1 stop of extra speed. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.