AIS 28mm F2.0

Posted by http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/28mmnikkor/28mmf2.htm on 3rd Aug 2010

This lovely Nikkor wideangle lens incorporates a rear elements focusing system or more known as "Close Range Correction system" (short for "CRC"). This has enabled the lens maintaining its superlative image quality even when working at its closest focusing range. The lens is also very well corrected for typical spherical aberration and Coma which commonly found in wideangle lenses of retrofocus design, in particular relates to high speed wideangles.

The lens has a very well illustrated depth of field scales with an infrared index provided at the metal lens mounting ring. In particularly, I like the generous 4 in-rows rectangular rubberized focusing grip which provides a firm a positive grips to adjust focusing. The high speed wideangle lens provides an unusual but useful f/22 minimum aperture which extends the usage in depth of field control. The large front lens elements of this Ai-S lens version exhibits a distinguish pinkish lens coating colour - typical of the late Nikkor Ai-S lenses in which indicates improved NIC is treated for superior faithful and natural light transmission quality and minimizes chances of internal flares in backlit situations.


The meter coupling prong stands atop at the aperture ring facilitates with use of both Ai in open aperture and Non-Ai Nikon bodies in stopped down metering. This lens f/2.0 maximum aperture ensures the photographers always has a bright, easy to view image inside the finder for precise focusing and picture composition, a feature which is very handy for low light shooting condition. Although its optical performance, lens handling and built quality presents is every inch how should a classic lens should be defined, a negative factor that hinders its widespread popularity is its high price tag that came with it (Sometimes, it is ridiculous to think how can it be priced double than another Nikkor wideangle at a same focal length huh... ?). Overall, but I like this lens very much and has been thinking about re-getting an unit to give myself a treat but when Nikon announced the ultra-fast AF-D Nikkor 28mm f/1.4 wideangle lens at later stage, I changed my mind for the better option. Well, at this stage with the availability of the faster f/1.4 around, this lens may find it difficult to position itself within the Nikkor high speed wideangle lens group and probably why Nikon has never considered giving the f/2.0 an equivalent AF rebirth for this lens. Whatever it is, if autofocus is not your priority, and if very often that you may need to work with low-available light photography, perhaps you may consider buying an used unit via used equipment outlets or through online auction sales channels as this fast speed, high performance wideangle Nikkor lens, could be the problems solver for your wideangle needs.