I have a nikon D7000 with 18-105mm and a 85mm 1.4.
I do most of my portrait work with the 85mm and use the 18-105mm as an all purpose lens. I got a 35mm 1.8 recently for indoor photos of family and friends, etc. And possibly outdoor at night.
So far I am quite disappointed with this. For example, comparing an indoor photo at f/1.8, ISO400, 1/20 to a photo from the 18-105mm at 35mm, f/3.5, ISO1000, 1/20 (with VR); I found the 18-105mm did a better job. With noise reduction in post, you can hardly tell the difference.
When taken outdoor, the 35mm shoots faster for sure, but the bokeh it produces is quite disappointing. The christmas tree behind the group is neither in focus nor out of focus. I had to stop down to f/3.5 (and higher ISO) to get a decent shot. I honestly thought the DOF would be much deeper at 35mm 1.8.
In other shots, the bokeh seems distracting rather than complimenting. (And if I have to shoot outside, the 85mm is pretty nice, even though I have to step back quite a bit to get it.)
If i want good bokeh, I use the 85mm (35mm has some bokeh, but not sure if it is worth it). If I want a group shot I prefer a greater DOF, which means the 18-105 fills the need. I really want to like the 35mm, but I don't seem to have a use for it. Should I return it?
>>> Should I keep the nikon 35mm f/1.8?