Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 AI-S Review

Introduction

Nikon have a long history when it comes to 20mm wide-angle lenses. It started back in 1959 with their Nikkor-O rangefinder 2.1cm f/4. In 1967 the first update was released as a 20mm f/3.5, over the years the lens went through different upgrades. The Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 AI-S reviewed here dates back to 1984, it has a 62mm filter thread and features Nikons CRC (close range correction) which maintains image quality at near-focusing distances. The 20mm lens have been a favorite by landscape photographers for decades.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 12 elements 9 groups.

Picture Angle: 94° (35mm)

Minimum focus distance: 0.85ft. / 0.25cm

Filter Size: 62mm

Lens Hood: HK-14

Included accessories: 62mm Front Cap, LF-1 Rear Cap

Size and weight: 65mm dia. x 42.5mm long. 260g.

Diaphragm: 7 straight blades

Price from: $519.95 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• DOF/IR markings.
• Build quality.

Drawbacks

• Price $529.95 USD, $80 USD more expensive than the AF version.
• CA, the sample tested had some CA on all apertures.
• Filter size, 62mm.

Verdict

The Nikon 20mm is a ok lens, it just costs to much, and in my opinion it does not live up to it's price. Compared to the Nikon 17-35 AF-S, the 17-35 @ 20mm outperforms the 20mm AI-S by quite a bit. On the plus side, the contrast and the OOF is really nice on the Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 AI-S.

Update December 12, 2007:
On the Nikon D3 this lens does not perform up to it's price tag. Too much CA, especially for the price of this optic. There is quite a bit of softness wide open as well. As with the D200 the Nikon 17-35mm outperforms this old lens with ease. The vignetting in the pictures with the D3 turned out to be from the lens-hood.

Alternatives

Nikon AF 20mm f/2.8D From: $449.95 USD

Nikon AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF From: $1,329.95 USD

Sigma AF 20mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF RF: $409.00 USD

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD: $299.00 USD

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

Sample Pictures

Cameras:

• Nikon D200
• Nikon D3

Images converted to .Jpg in PS CS3

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