Nikon AF 28mm f/2.8D Review

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Introduction

January 2007

Released back in 1994 the Nikkor AF 28mm f/2.8D is one of the older AF lenses in Nikon's lens lineup. I originally purchased this lens to get a DX equivalent to a 50mm prime, unfortunately the performance on this lens did not meet my expectations. 28mm lenses have been in Nikons lens lineup since 1959, and you would think by now that they know how to make them. Unfortunately it seem that they still struggle with the 28mm primes, apart from the AF 28mm f/1.4 that is.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 6 Elements in 6 groups

Picture Angle: 74 degrees (35mm), 53 degrees (DX)

Filter Size: 52mm

Nikon Lens Hood: HN-2

Included Accessories: 52mm lens cap, rear cap

Size and weight: 2.6 x 1.8 inches(65x45mm), 7.4 oz(205g).

Diaphragm: 7 bladed

Price from: $ 224.95 USD

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from August 10, 2008

Positives

• Cheap. still its not worth the money in my opinion
• Light weight. @ 205 grams this is a really lightweight lens

Drawbacks

• Distortion. This lens shows quite a bit of barrel distortion
• Softness. This lens is quite a bit softer then the 17-35mm f/2.8 @ 28, to soft for my liking.
• Vignetting, This lens vignettes on a DX sized camera, performance on the D3 is of course even worse.

Verdict

One of the cheapest primes nikon makes,and one of the oldest AF primes. It`s long over due that Nikon upgrades this lens, even better bring back the AF 28mm f/1.4. The performance of this lens is not of a Pro grade. You will be better of with the AF 35mm then the 28mm if you want a equivalent of a 50mm prime on a DX Dslr. If you insist on using this lens, the best performance is between f/5.6 and f/11. Peak performance is @ f/8.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Price from: $ 224.95 USD

Alternatives

Nikkor AF 28mm f/1.4D. Discontinued

Nikon AF 35mm f/2.0D. From: $ 299.95 USD

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Price: $ 429.00 USD

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from August 10, 2008

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.