Nikon Nikkor-O 35mm f/2 Pre-AI Review

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August 2007

The Nikon Nikkor-O 35mm f/2 is another old Pre-AI lens for the Nikon F-Mount. These lenses need to be converted to work with Nikon's Dslr's (Pre-AI lenses will mount fine on the D40, D60). The conversion of these lenses is fairly easy to do (if you have the tools needed) The question is, is it worth it to convert this lens to fit today's cameras?

Specifications

Positives

• Contrast.
  
• DOF/IR markings
  
• Close focus performance.

Drawbacks

• Infinity, this lens is way soft at infinity wide open.
  
• CA wide open, by f/4 it's gone.
• Pre-AI needs to be modified to fit safely on most of Nikon's Dslr's

Verdict

Sweet spot of the lens is between f/4 and f/16.Close focus performance of this lens is outstanding. In my opinion it's not worth converting this lens. The Nikkor-O 35mm f/2 Pre-AI is pretty expensive still. The price difference between a Pre-AI and a AI lens is minimal.

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

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 35mm f/2.0D From: $319.95 USD

Nikon 35mm f/1.4 AI-S From: $999.95 USD

Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZF Distagon T* From: $826.00 USD

Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED-IF From: $569.95 USD

Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF From: $1,599.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from May 6, 2010

Sample Pictures

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.