Nikon's compact screw-drive ultra-wide zoom for full-frame, one of the earliest AF wide-angles.
The Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D IF-ED was released in 1999 as Nikon's professional wide-zoom for FX full-frame F-mount bodies, covering a 27-52mm full-frame equivalent range on APS-C DX bodies. Internal Focus (IF) maintains a constant barrel length during focus changes. ED glass controls chromatic aberration at the wide-angle end. The 'D' designation communicates distance information for improved flash metering. Screwdrive AF requires a Nikon body with an internal AF drive motor.
The optical design uses 11 elements in 8 groups, including ED elements. Seven aperture blades. The 77mm filter thread is the Nikon professional standard. At 370g the lens is compact for a full-frame wide zoom. Minimum focus distance of 0.33m. IF maintains constant barrel length — the front element does not rotate or extend during focus, enabling circular polariser use. Screwdrive AF requires a Nikon body with an internal AF motor — D40/D40x/D60 and D3xxx/D5xxx bodies will not autofocus this lens. Variable aperture from f/3.5 at 18mm to f/4.5 at 35mm.
The 18-35mm covers the professional wide-angle range for interior architecture, environmental portraiture, and travel photography on FX bodies. The IF design and 77mm filter thread make it practical for graduated ND and circular polariser use — important for landscape and interior photography. At 370g it is lighter than many comparable wide zooms, making it a practical travel companion. On DX bodies the 27-52mm equivalent is a moderate wide-to-normal range.
On the used market the AF 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D is affordable for a full-frame wide zoom. Condition checks: screwdrive AF coupling smoothness on a compatible body, IF mechanism, 77mm front element for marks, and aperture blades. Confirm body compatibility — requires built-in AF motor. The Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G and AF-S 16-35mm f/4G VR provide more recent options with AF-S motors. Compatible with all Nikon F-mount FX and DX bodies that include an internal AF drive motor.