Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D review

Many thanks to Alexander Logachev for the opportunity to review the Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D lens. sent me a lens.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D review

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D review

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D is a tiny wide-angle full-frame prime for Nikon cameras. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D - one of the most affordable high-aperture Nikon fixtures, used. Nikon AF-D 2.8 / 28 can be purchased for just $ 150.

There are 3 versions of the Nikon 28mm F / 2.8 autofocus lens:

  1. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 MKI - the first version, with a plastic focusing ring and a push-button aperture lock. Has 5 elements in 5 groups, the same as Nikon Lens Series E 28mm 1: 2.8. MDF 30 cm. Produced since 1986.
  2. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 MKII - the second version, optically the same as the MKI, but with a rubberized focus ring and aperture lock slider. Produced from 1991 to 1995.
  3. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D MKIII - the third version, D type, differs optically from MKI and II. Has 6 elements in 6 groups. MDF 25 cm. Available from 1994 to the present.
Three versions of Nikon AF Nikkor 28 2.8

Three versions of Nikon AF Nikkor 28 2.8

The first two versions are optically worse 'D' version the lens. Usually 'Non-D' and updated 'D' Nikon lens versions have the same optical design and image quality, so when choosing 28 / 2.8 do not fall for MKI and MKII versions.

Main technical characteristics of Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D:

Review Instance Name Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D
Basic properties
  • FX (for Nikon FX) - lens designed for Nikon FX full-frame cameras
  • AF (Auto Focus) - support for autofocus via the camera motor
  • D (Distance) - transfer of focusing distance to the camera
  • Non-g (Non gelded) - the presence of the aperture control ring
  • NIC / SIC (Nikon Super Integrated Coating) - special integrated enlightenment of optics
  • CRC (Close Range Correction) - image correction at short focusing distances
  • compact size, light weight
Front Filter Diameter 52 mm, front plastic filter thread
Focal length 28 mm, EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 42 mm
Zoom ratio 1 X (this is a fixed lens without the ability to change the focal length)
Designed by for film cameras Nikon FX
Number of aperture blades 7 straight petals
Tags window with focusing distance in meters and feet, depth of field scale for F / 11, F / 16 and F / 22. Label (white dot) for infrared operation. Aperture scale for F / 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22 (switches only with full stops). Some instances have a black bayonet mount screw for quick installation of the lens on the camera. There is a hard stop for infinity.
Diaphragm from f / 2.8 to f / 22. The lens has an aperture ring (Non-G - lens type)
MDF (minimum focusing distance) 0.25 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 5.6
The weight 205 g
Optical design 6 elements in 6 groups. The lens does not use special optical elements.

Optical design Nikon 28 2.8D

Around the year 2000, the lens enlightenment was updated to SIC (the front lens shimmers with a green tint, in versions with NIC the front lens shimmers with a violet tint)

Lens hood metal hood HN-2, the hood is not included in the scope of delivery, screwed into the thread under the filters
Period from October 1994 to the present day (at least until the fall of 2016). In April 2012 augmented by a lens Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 28mm 1: 1.8G Nano Crystal Coat SWM RF Aspherical
Manufacturer country Made in Japan (Lens made in Japan)
Instructions See
Price

It is important: the lens does not focus motortherefore autofocus with Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D is only available on Nikon cameras with built-in focus motor. The list of cameras that support auto focus with AF lenses can be found here. Also the lens has aperture control ring... For the lens to work properly on modern Nikon cameras, you need to set the F / 22 value using the aperture control ring on the lens itself. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D is Non-g lens.

The lens is very well assembled (Made in Japan), with a metal mount. It weighs only 205 grams. The diaphragm consists of 7 blades. At the lens fast auto focus. In manual mode, the focus ring rotates 120 degrees. In this case, the front lens does not rotate, but the trunk of the lens lengthens slightly. MDF is only 25 cm. Important: the lens does not have a focus mode switch, and in order to turn off auto focus on this lens, you need to use the focus mode switch on the camera itself. This is sometimes quite inconvenient. The lens has a focus distance scale, DOF scale and aperture control ring. On the site nikon.com the diameter of the front filter is incorrectly indicated, in reality it is 52mm.

Sample Photos

On Nikon FX cameras, the lens has noticeable barrel distortion and strong vignetting at F / 2.8. On Nikon DX cameras, distortion and vignetting are virtually invisible. On a full-format camera, the image angles on open apertures are not very sharp, and the image also loses sharpness at the edges. In general, at F / 11, sharpness throughout the field is normal. The lens is sharp in the center already with F / 2.8, the sharpness in the center on closed apertures is just great. Everything is filmed on Nikon D700 and Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro, on-camera JPEG.

Personal experience

This little baby Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D is not very popular. It is often replaced with the simplest zoom lenses, such as 24-XXM or 28-XXM. Aperture F / 2.8 gives a slight advantage over F / 3.5 in regular zoom lenses. For example, my Nikon 28-105 on closed diaphragms and 28 mm only slightly worse than Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D. Ultimately, the tiny Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D is only interesting for its size and low price.

Prices for Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D in popular online stores can be viewed here, or in the price block below:

Nikon now has the following 28 mm autofocus fixes:

  1. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)
  2. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKII)
  3. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D (MKIII)
  4. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 28mm 1: 1.8G
  5. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 1.4D
  6. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 28mm 1: 1.4E ED

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.


Conclusions:

The Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D is a lightweight and affordable fast focusing wide-angle. The disadvantages are strong vignetting and drop in sharpness at the edges when used on FX cameras and open apertures.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 41, on the topic: Review Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D

  • Lynx

    I can also note that it is possible that the “screwdriver” slot in the MK1 version can be “recessed” by about 2,5 mm from the bayonet surface (for some of the film cameras). I had a similar version 24 / 2,8 and there the “screwdriver” was made in just such a construct.
    Therefore, modern central control valves could not directly turn the focus drive. Had to cut a tiny steel adapter-extension slot / groove.
    So be careful when buying the "very first" versions of Nikon's lenses. Externally, they can be distinguished by a small notch on the focusing ring. See photo MK1.
    By the way, that lens was washed quite noticeably, apparently this is a common feature of early lenses.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Thanks for the addition :)

  • Alexander

    Apparently, Arkady is preparing a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro, interestingly, I heard and read a lot about this camera, I would like to know what Arkady thinks about it;)

  • J-fx

    thanks! and debriefing with the mentioned 28 1.8G is planned?

    • Denis

      Yes, I would like Nikkor 28 mm 1,8G “on the shelves” ... The combination of the letter “N” on the body of this lens and its pleasant price is somehow tempting. So technology “N” isn't that expensive? Or is it better to save some money on the Nikkor 24 mm f / 1,4G? Although, as practice shows, wide-angle fixes with f / 1,4 are not easy to work with, in particular, in adjusting the autofocus and focus "walking" (depth of field relative to the focus point) when changing the aperture. It is difficult to adjust the lens (in the autofocus corrections on the camera) in order to accurately get into focus at different apertures and get excellent sharpness, which is what you expect from a fix (after all, not a zoom :)).

      • Arkady Shapoval

        Hardly anyone will share their 28 1.8 for review anytime soon. And N is just a nanocrystalline coating, now it is used more and more often, for example, the same 105 2.8 VR is inexpensive. Many people think that the letter N is synonymous with Canon's L - but it is not.

  • Kostya

    Do not look at the Nikon D90 with a wide frame. I will take a photo and video.

  • Kolya

    Arkady hello!
    Tell me please, if you put this lens on a Nikon D90, then on the crop it will be almost 45mm, will bokeh be more pronounced and will it replace the 50mm lens?

    • Lynx

      no.
      no.

  • Vadim

    Arkady, thank you very much for your “live” reviews. It's always a pleasure to read.
    Friends, I’m looking for a wide-angle, I can not decide. Help advice.
    Looked at Nikon 24mm F2.8D AF. Who knows how sharp it is? What aperture does acceptable sharpness begin across the entire field?

    • Lynx

      IMHO - 24 is the best of this series, although someone prefers 35 / 2,8. 28 is the worst, 20 knows.
      But their quality varied from series to series, so you still need to look at a specific lens, best of all, issue III, with the obligatory D (there are versions without D and everything is not so rosy there).
      I calmly filmed in the open, but more often I covered up to 4 in order to “leave myself room for maneuver”

      • Do_Oraemon

        Tochnik. I support. 24mm is the topic. 35 is also needed, but purely in order to fill the gap between 24 and 50mm. Type 35-ku can be bought later, and even then, if there is a desire. 24, 50, 85, 135 should be stopudovo at each photographer. Regardless of whether he is an amateur or a professional. Fixes are fixes. No zoom from a similar price category was lying around in the quality of the picture. Someone is worn out with 3-4 lenses, but have mercy, people - in fact, compared to old glass made entirely of glass and metal, modern fixes weigh almost nothing. Especially non-motorized versions. However, who cares about comfort, not quality, is what they need. Or let them pay decent money for prof. optics, or "enjoy the quality" of budget darkening zooms.

  • Go_shi

    Arkady, please write something about Nikon 24mm f / 2.8D.

    • Lynx

      Yes, everything is EXACTLY the same, only 24 more pleasant and cut.
      The main thing is not to take the first issues

      • Do_Oraemon

        Looking at what price. Sometimes the first issues can be found just for a penny from drunken photographers. And then, if you scrape a little money, then such glasses can be driven up at auction or from your own hands for a more adequate price, it’s more interesting to report and buy glass. But just like that. Buying at full price is a waste of money.

        • Lynx

          yes for any price. it makes sense to buy a soap lens, and then still try to sell it, even at half price?

  • Dmitriy

    please tell me, I want to find a lens on my dx (d5100), but as I understand it, this unit will work without autofocus, focus on the norms? who has experience?

  • Dmitriy

    maybe you can recommend an autofocus lens with a good viewing angle (24-28mm) and a similar aperture (<2.8)

  • Anton

    Hello
    Autofocus will work on the Nikon D5200.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      No, it will not. In the review there is also a link to the exact and complete list of cameras that will work with :)

  • Jury

    There is Nikkor 35 1,8 but I want a wider angle. Is it worth changing to this lens?

  • anonym

    A review on the Nikon 24mm F / 2.8D is in sight?

    • Lynx

      send it for review - it will be.

  • Nicholas

    Nikon D610
    I choose a landscape lens between Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 2.8D and Nikon AF Nikkor 24mm 2.8D
    what do you advise?

    • Lynx

      Nikon 20mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor

  • Simon

    Odd affairs, my God, from the scanned pictures of Arkady I can only say one thing, no matter how we chase after the aperture, but an objective assessment is clearly visible, this lens is sharp and beautiful in design. And who would not say that. Whale 18-55 is not sitting nearby. In this case, with S5pro this is about 42 mm of focus we see. I watched a lot of Arkady’s tests of different lenses and this baby is NOT WRONG.

    • anonym

      with him the Power comes, but not so much ... (c)

  • Vladislav

    Have you tested the Nikon 28mm F / 1.8G?
    I tested, and was surprised that he does not shine with sharpness ...
    They are needed when you need to blur the background more or less tolerably at a wide angle ...

  • Sergey

    I had such a lens. Sold, which sometimes regret. There was a time when I actively used this Nikkor in my work, and well, it came in handy for work. I bought it in the early 2000s with hands, for $ 150. I had just the latest version of Nikkor AF 28 / 2.8 D, with a green tint of enlightenment. On the whole, the impressions remained very positive, with the exception of shooting at the fully open aperture.

  • First name

    I had such a lens. Shit pissing! Now I want to try 24mm 2,8, judging by the description a cut above !?

    • Pokemon

      I remember when in Tokyo, on Akihabara, I was and asked the price of 28 / 1.8G in one of the local stores and realized that there was no cache at all, I decided to ask the price of 28 / 2.8D. The Japanese seller exhaled and somehow even made a face and advised to think, and if there is not enough money, look at 35 / 2D from inexpensive ones. Hmm. So still have not bought 28 / 1.8G. I use Sigma 28 / 1.8 EX DG from the latest series. By the way, a very nice lens, which is much better than his grandfather 28 / 1.8 High speed wide. And many photographers scold the 28 / 2.8D.

  • Jury

    Nikon D200 + 28mm f / 2.8D

    • Jury

      +

      • Ivan

        Balaclava?

        • Jury

          Yes.

  • Jury

    For some reason, when shooting growth portraits on the f / 2.8 aperture (I focus on the face), the face is guaranteed to be soapy. If it occupies a significant part of the frame (waist or chest portrait), then the hit is excellent in most cases. I noticed that this applies to other wide-angle AF-D lenses, for example, 20mm f / 2.8D, 24mm f / 2.8D, 35mm f / 2D.

    • Michael

      Most likely because the face is not in the center of the frame. Sharpness with this lens drops to the edge, plus field curvature is possible (focusing distances for the center and edges are different) - this is often manifested in wide-angle lenses.

      • Jury

        Clearly, I will know.

  • Novel

    You write “the lens does not have a focus mode switch”, if I install this lens with an adapter on a Sony E camera, can I manually focus this lens on Sony cameras?
    Thanks for the review.

    • B. R. P.

      There is no switch, because there is no focus motor. If a similar lens is installed on a Nikon film mechanical camera or a younger czk without a motor, it will only focus manually. On Sony too.

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