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

Nikon Nikkor 28mm f/2 Life Pixel Infrared Conversion

B&H Photo - Video - Pro Audio

Introduction


February 2007, Updated February 14, 2009

The Nikkor 28mm f/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 Nikons 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


Lens Construction: 9 elements in 8 groups

Picture Angle: 74° (35mm) 53° (Nikon DX format)

Closest focusing: 0.25m/0.9 ft. AI-S

Closest focusing: 0.3m/0.8ft. AI

Filter Size: 52mm

Lens Hood: HN-1

Included accessories: Lens cap, rear cap.

Size and weight: 63 mm (dia.) x 58,5-68,5 mm (length) 345g AI-S

Size and weight: 64.5 mm (dia.) x 58,5-68,5 mm (length) 355g AI

Diaphragm: 7 straight blades

Price from: $ Discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

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 Nikons 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 un till f/16 tough. Peak performance of the Nikon Nikkor 28mm f/2 is from f/4 to f/8.

Rating FullRating FullRating FullRating HalfRating Empty Features
Rating FullRating FullRating FullRating FullRating Empty Performance AI-S Version
Rating FullRating FullRating FullRating FullRating Half Performance AI Version
Rating FullRating FullRating FullRating EmptyRating Empty IR Performance
Rating FullRating FullRating FullRating FullRating Full Build
Rating FullRating FullRating FullRating HalfRating Empty Value AI-S Version
Rating FullRating FullRating FullRating FullRating Empty Value AI Version

Alternatives


Nikkor 28mm f/2.8. Price from: $ 379.95 USD

Nikkor 28mm f/3.5. Discontinued

Nikon AF 28mm f/2.8D. Price from: $224.95 USD

Nikon AF 28mm f/1.4D. Discontinued

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from April 11, 2008.

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.

   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 28mm f/2 @ f/2
ISO 200
Picture control Landscape
Focal Length 28mm
Exposure 1/8000sec f/2
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 28mm f/2 @ f/2.8
ISO 200
Picture control Landscape
Focal Length 28mm
Exposure 1/2000sec f/2.8
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 28mm f/2 @ f/4
ISO 200
Picture control Landscape
Focal Length 28mm
Exposure 1/2000sec f/4
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 28mm f/2 @ f/5.6
ISO 200
Picture control Landscape
Focal Length 28mm
Exposure 1/500sec f/5.6
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 28mm f/2 @ f/8
ISO 200
Picture control Landscape
Focal Length 28mm
Exposure 1/250sec f/8
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 28mm f/2 @ f/11
ISO 200
Picture control Standard
Focal Length 28mm
Exposure 1/250sec f/11
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 28mm f/2 @ f/16
ISO 200
Picture control BW
Focal Length 28mm
Exposure 1/60sec f/16
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 28mm f/2 @ f/22
ISO 200
Picture control Landscape
Focal Length 28mm
Exposure 1/30sec f/22
Note + 0.5 EV
   
   
Camera Nikon D2H IR Nikon D2H IR, Nikkor 28mm f/2 @ f/11
ISO 200
Picture control None
Focal Length 28mm
Exposure 1/125sec f/16
Note Infrared
   
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© 2009 Fredrik A. Rasmussen. All rights reserved.