Nikon Nikkor 28mm f/2 AI / AI-S Review

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February 2007, Updated February 14, 2009

The Nikon 28 2 has gone through quite a few upgrades over the years, this model is the last version ( AI-S ), and was released in the 1980`s. At that time it was one of three 28mm prime Nikkor lenses in the lineup. The f/2 was the "PRO" version of them all, and it features Nikon's CRC system and the NIC coating. The 28mm prime is a standard wide angle in 35mm photography, on a DX sized Dslr it resembles a 50mm prime.

Specifications

Positives

• DOF/IR markings, as usual with older lenses the Depth Of Field and the InfraRed markings are provided.
  
• Focus ring. Just the right amount of stiffness.
  
• Build quality.
• Contrast, even wide open this lens shows amazingly great contrast.
• Performance wide open, although corners are a bit soft wide open on the D3 I find it more then usable.

Drawbacks

• CA. Small traces of CA can be seen wide open in less then optimal conditions.
  
• Barrel distortion, common with most of Nikon's 28mm`s

Verdict

A few samples later, I finally got one that somewhat lives up to it's rumors. Sample #3 is rather good compared to the two first ones that I tested. I also found that the AI version of this lens has a slight performance advantage compared to the AI-S version, at least on the samples I had available. Quite good results can be obtained wide open both on infinity as well as on close focus. Corners are a tad soft wide open and to f/4 on the D3, which is to be expected from a relatively fast "wide angle" lens. On IR a hot spot is detectable at f/11, but not really a big problem until f/16 though. Peak performance of the Nikon 28mm f/2 is from f/4 to f/8.

Features
Performance AI-S Version
Performance AI Version
IR Performance
Build
Value AI-S Version
Value AI Version

Alternatives

Purchasing items through these links helps me adding more content to this website. The links takes you to B&H's website, which is my recommended store to get equipment from. I've used B&H personally since 2005, and I get all my equipment from them these days(including the lenses used for these reviews). Thanks for your support, Fredrik.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D. Price from: $244.95 USD

Schneider MF 28mm f/2.8 PC Super-Angulon. Price: $2,078.95 USD

Zeiss MF 28mm f/2 Distagon T* ZF.2. Price: $1,283.00 USD

Sigma AF 28mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF. Price: $349.00 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from May 2, 2010

Sample Pictures

Note: All sample pictures where taken with the AI version!
Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.