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Nikon Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 AI-S Review

B&H Photo - Video - Pro Audio

Introduction

February 2007

The Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 was first introduced in 1961, and it have gone thru minor upgrades since then.The version reviewed here is from early 1980`s, and at that time it was one of three Nikkor 28mm prime lenses in their lineup. The f/3.5 was the budget version of them all, and did not feature Nikons CRC system. The 28mm prime is a standard wide angle in 35mm photography, on a DX sized Dslr it more resembles a 50mm prime.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 6 elements in 6 groups

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

Closest focusing: 0.3m/1ft.

Filter Size: 52mm

Lens Hood: HN-2

Included accessories: Lens cap, rear cap

Size and weight: 63mm dia. x 46.5mm - 54.5mm (length) 220g

Diaphragm: 7 bladed.

Price from: $ Discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

DOF/IR markings.
Center sharpness wide open.
Price. Sells cheap second hand.
CA. This lens shows virtually no CA at any aperture.
Focus ring has just the right amount of stiffness to it.

Drawbacks

Corner softness wide open.
Light fall-off at edges wide open, about -0.3 EV

Verdict

A decent performer, this is the best value for money of the old MF 28mm Nikkor primes. You will probably be better of with the AF 28mm f/2.8D then any of these old manual focus Nikkor's, unless you have a old MF Nikon camera. These old Nikkor's is also good to have if you are into macro photography which will give you close to 9x magnification when the lens is mounted in reverse on a PB-6.

Features
Performance
Build

Alternatives

Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED-IF From: $579.95 USD

Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF From: $1,629.00 USD

Nikon Nikkor 28mm f/2. Discontinued

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D. Price from: $254.95 USD

Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF. Price: $379.00 USD

Zeiss 28mm f/2 Distagon T* ZF. Price: $1,033.00 USD

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

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from July 26, 2009

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.

Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/250sec f/3.5	Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/250sec f/5.6	Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/250sec f/11
D2H, Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/80sec f/3.5 Home	D2H, Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/30sec f/5.6	D2H, Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/8sec f/11