Nikon's budget compact wide — the manual-focus Series E 35mm f/2.5 for the F mount, light and sharp.
The Nikon Series E 35mm f/2.5 is a compact wide prime from Nikon's budget Series E line, introduced at the end of the 1970s to accompany the smaller EM and later affordable bodies. Series E lenses were made to a lower price than the Nikkor line but shared the F mount and Ai-compatible coupling, giving buyers a lighter, cheaper wide option.
This is a manual-focus Nikon F lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.5 and a fixed 35mm focal length, built with Ai-compatible aperture coupling so it meters at full aperture on the appropriate bodies. It is a compact retrofocus wide operating with normal reflex viewing. Only verified figures are stated; construction details are omitted to avoid error.
Despite the budget positioning, the Series E 35mm has a good reputation for sharpness once stopped down, with a natural wide field and modest distortion. It suits street, travel and everyday photography where a small, light and inexpensive wide is wanted. Its plastic-trimmed build keeps weight and cost down.
On the used market this Series E lens is common and cheap, one of the most affordable ways into manual Nikon wides. Check the elements for haze and fungus, inspect the coatings, confirm the aperture blades are dry, and test focus damping, as the lighter Series E barrels can loosen with age. It adapts well to mirrorless and is a bargain compact wide.