AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

I'm really pumped about this one; Nikon introduces the AFS-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G!!! I've been belly aching lately about the fact that the "fast fifty" (50/1.8) doesn't AF on my D40. Nikon has a AF-S 50/1.4, but it's too pricey for me (B&H has it for $499). The new Nikon 35/1.8 is rumored to retail for about $199US. That's the real reason that I'm excited!

The"DX" in the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G nomenclature means the lens is made for the DX format which is smaller than a full frame(FX) sensor. The Nikon DX format sensor is approximately 24x16 mm. Its dimensions are about 2/3 that of the FX (35mm), or 29x43mm. With the correction factor the 35/1.8 DX, is equivalent to a 50/1.8 FX.

Key features include:

• Fast f/1.8 prime NIKKOR lens
  Perfect for low-light conditions, travel, environmental portrait and general photography

• Engineered for Nikon DX-format digital SLRs
  Optical formula optimized for use with Nikon DX-format digital SLRs, rendering a picture angle approximating the classic normal angle of view of a 50mm lens on a Nikon FX-format digital SLR or a 35mm film camera

• Aspherical lens element
  Minimizes coma and other types of lens aberrations, further improving image integrity

• Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
  Enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare

• Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
  Enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus

• Close focusing to one foot
  For creative perspectives and versatility

• Rounded 7-blade diaphragm
  Renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements

I hope the rumors are true, because I don't feel too bad about spending two-hundred bucks on a low light lens with a shallow depth of field. I'll just have to wait and see if the price really will be that low.