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Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 AI-S Review

   
Nikkor 28mm f/3.5


Thanks to Antonio Stasi for borrowing me this lens.

  
Evaluation (maximum rating is 5)
features
performance
build
value
 
Positives
Drawbacks
Verdict
Alternatives
Sample Pictures

Introduction

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.

 




Alternatives

Nikkor-H 28mm f/3.5. Discontinued

Nikkor 28mm f/2. Discontinued

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

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

Nikon AF 28mm f/1.4D. Discontinued

Thanks to Roland Vink, for info about the availability of the Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 AIS, which i first listed as discontinued.

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

Sample Pictures

 

 

Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 3.5
Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/250sec f/3.5 		Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 5.6
Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/250sec f/5.6 		Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ f/11
Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/250sec f/11

28mm f/3.5 @ f/3.5
D2H, Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/80sec f/3.5
Home

28mm f/3.5 @ 5.6
D2H, Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/30sec f/5.6

28mm f/3.5 @ f11
D2H, Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 @ 1/8sec f/11
© 2007 Fredrik A. Rasmussen. All rights reserved.