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Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 Pre-AI Review

    
Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 Pre-AI  
Evaluation (maximum rating is 5)
features
performance
IR performance
build
value
 
Introduction
Positives
Drawbacks
Verdict
Alternatives
Sample Pictures

Introduction

From the serial number this lens was made in the mid to late 70's. It is a Pre-AI Nikkor lens, and has been modified to work with newer cameras, I.e. it has been AI'D. So the question is; is it worth it to convert this lense to fit today's Nikon cameras?

Specifications

Lens Construction: 6 elements in 6 groups

Picture Angle: °62(35mm)

Minimum focus distance: 0.3m

Filter Size: 52mm

Lens Hood: HN-3

Included accessories: front cap, rear cap.

Size: dia 63.5mm, length 44.5mm

Weight: 240g

Diaphragm: 7 straight blades

Price from: $ Discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

  • Build quality
  • IR/DOF markings

Drawbacks

  • Soft wide open, gets sharper @ f/4, good sharpness @ f/5.6
  • Hot-spot @ f8 with IR

Verdict

In my opinion it's not worth it to convert this lens to today's cameras. Especially since you can get the AI version for less then $100 USD second hand. The lens is soft @ f/2.8, it gets pretty sharp @ f/4, and it's excellent from f/5.6 to f/11. Note that the lens performs better at close range then infinity.

Alternatives

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

Nikkor MF 35mm f/1.4 AIS From: $699.95 USD

Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZF Distagon T* From: $ 826.00 USD

Nikkor MF 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

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

Sample Pictures

Sample pictures taken with Nikon D200
IR picture is taken with the Nikon D1X IR
Pictures converted to .Jpg in PS CS3

  


Nikkor 35mm @ f/2.8
Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 @ f/2.8 1/2000sec		 Nikkor 35mm @ f/4
Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 @ f/4 1/1250sec		 Nikkor 35mm @ f/5.6
Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 @ f/5.6 1/640sec
Nikkor 35mm @ f/8
Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 @ f/8 1/320sec		 Nikkor 35mm @ f/8
Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 @ f/11 1/160sec		 Nikkor 35mm @ f/16
Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 @ f/16 1/80sec
Nikkor 35mm @ f/2.8
Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 @ f/2.8 1/1250sec		 IR Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 @ f/11
D1X IR, Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 @ f/8 1/80sec
Nikkor 35mm f2.8 @ f/5.6 1/1500sec

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© 2007 Fredrik A. Rasmussen. All rights reserved.