Review Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

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Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI). The view is shown on the Central Control Commission Nikon D90.

In short

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) is an autofocus wide-angle prime lens for Nikon film SLR cameras. One of the cheapest auto focus lenses for Nikon FX full frame cameras. Anyway, in the secondary market Nikon AF 28 / 2.8 is one of the cheapest autofocus fixes from Nikon.

On Nikon DX cameras (on crop), the Nikon AF 28 / 2.8 can serve as a standard lens for every day. The compact size and good image quality allows this lens to serve for more than a dozen years.

For use on full-size cameras, I would replace this Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) with good, similar crumb lenses 24/2.8 or 35/2.0. Nowadays, the Nikon AF 28 / 2.8 can also be easily replaced with any inexpensive light zoom from a third-party type Tokina AT-X PRO 280AF or Tamron 28-75 / 2.8which are pretty good at the wide end (at 28 mm).

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

History

Nikon has been making and selling 28 mm fixings for SLR cameras since 1960. On Radozhiv already have a review of one of the first PRE AI modifications - NIKON NIKKOR-H Auto 1: 3.5 f = 28mm. The autofocus era for 28 mm fixes came in September 1986 with the release of the model shown in this review.

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

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) refers to the very first iteration of Nikon Nikkor autofocus fixes, it includes:

  • Nikon AF Nikkor 24mm 1: 2.8 MKI
  • Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 MKI (from this review)
  • Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 MKI
  • Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.4 MKI
  • Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8
  • Nikon AF Nikkor 180mm 1: 2.8 ED MKI
  • Nikon AF Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8 ED MKI

These lenses are characterized by the absence of a 'D' in the name and a narrow plastic focusing ring. All of these lenses were introduced in September 1986, during Nikon's transition to autofocus.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

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

Review Instance Name Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 270909
Basic properties
  • FX (for Nikon FX) - lens designed for Nikon FX full-frame cameras
  • AF (Auto Focus) - support for autofocus via the camera motor
  • Non-d (Non distance) - without transferring the focusing distance to the camera
  • Non-g (Non gelded) - the presence of the aperture control ring
  • NIC (Nikon 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
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 (wonderful star effect)
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
Diaphragm from f / 2.8 to f / 22. The lens has an aperture ring (Non-G - lens type)
MDF (minimum focusing distance) 0.3 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 5.6
The weight 195 g
Optical design 5 elements in 5 groups. The lens does not use special optical elements.

Optical design Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 MKI, Nikon 28 2.8 optical design

The optical design is the same as for lenses:

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 September 1986 to June 1991, later replaced by Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKII)
Manufacturer country Made in Japan (Lens made in Japan)
Price It is no longer produced, on the secondary market it costs approximately 100-200 USD. You can buy a new very similar lens - Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D (MKII). Nikon prices for modern wide-angle lenses can be found here.

On Radozhiv there is a version overview Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D (MKIII). Due to the fact that the MKI and MKII versions are optically different from MKIII, I prepared a separate review on the MKI version.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

Assembly

The lens has a good Japanese build. Seriously, you can only find fault with the inconvenient focusing ring - very narrow, made of plastic and not covered with rubber. This ring is common to all first Nikon Nikkor autofocus lenses. I did not find any other obvious defects in the assembly.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) is very compact and lightweight with a small standard size of 52 mm filter. The lens can use a small hood that is screwed into the thread of the front filter.

 

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

Focusing

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) focuses very fast. While working on cameras Nikon D90, D70, D700Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro I had no complaints about the accuracy, tenacity and speed of auto focus.

During focusing, the front lens moves back and forth, but does not rotate. During focusing, the frame of the body (the trunk of the lens, together with the front lens) extends about half a centimeter. The rear lens, while focusing, also moves back and forth.

The focus ring rotates 135 degrees. Manual focusing is very smooth, without any friction or backlash. The main reason for replacing the Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) lens with the Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKII) was complaints about a very narrow plastic focus ring.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) has focus distance scale in meters and feet. There are also depth of field scale for F / 11, F / 16 and F / 22. Near the focus distance window, you can also find a small white dot, which is responsible for accurate focusing during photography in the infrared spectrum.

The minimum focusing distance is 0.3 meters and the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 5.6. For wide-angle lenses, MDF is very important, with it you can shoot funny pictures with an unusual transfer of perspective. The lens uses an exclusive system Nikon CRC (Close Range Correction - image correction at small focusing distances), which allows you to maintain good image quality at any focusing distance. Nikon CRC It works on the principle of floating elements - during focusing, not only the entire lens unit moves, but individual optical elements move relative to each other ..

Feature 1: lens does not have a focus mode switch. To translate the lens into manual focus on cameras with motor For focusing, use the focus mode switching lever located near the camera mount. For cameras without motor Only manual focus mode will always be available for focusing.

Feature 2: there is the effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changes in viewing angle during focusing)

Feature 3: Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) does not transmit the focus distance to the subject in the camera and is a lens Nikon NON-D.

Feature 4: during focusing, the lens and camera are quite noisy

Feature 5: During focusing, the focus ring rotates and must not be touched

Feature 6: the lens has a manual aperture ring. To be able to control the value aperture from camera or for automatic installation aperture on modern central control valves, you need to turn the control ring to the value F / 22, after which it will be fixed by the latch button with the orange mark, which is located to the right of the marks aperture. The F / 22 value and the latch mark are highlighted in orange to align them. If this is not done, then on a number of cameras, the display will display an error - 'fEE' (ring is not installed aperture) Some cameras having diaphragm rheostatallow you to control the aperture using the ring aperturebut only in metering modes exposure 'M' and 'A'. You can read more about this issue in the section on Non-G Lenses. Ring aperture rotates with clicks, the values ​​F / 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22 (full stops) are plotted on it; set an intermediate value between pairs of numbers using the ring aperture impossible. Intermediate values ​​can only be set using the camera menu.

Feature 7: Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) has hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens at infinity under any external conditions.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI). The view is shown in film camera.

Image quality and sample photos

If a simple optical scheme in the lens Nikon Lens Series E 28mm 1: 2.8, which was not even sold in Japan and is not part of the Nikkor family of lenses, you can still forgive, then in a more modern lens, and even with auto focus, I would like to see something more worthwhile. Due to this optical design, the Nikon AF 28 / 2.8 does not catch stars from the sky, however, it remains a workhorse.

In Nikon AF 28 / 2.8, I find an excellent balance between sharpness, contrast, vignetting, aberration, color and price. In the central part, the image is obtained with good sharpness already at F / 2.8, only the corners and edges of the frame are pumped up. On F / 2.8, there is noticeably strong vignetting on full-format cameras. The level of distortion of the eyes does not hurt, however, for a fixed lens, it is still great. Unfortunately, a backlit lens can create a lot of glare.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) is slightly worse than Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKIII) and significantly worse than nanocrystalline Nikon N 28 / 1.8G.

Download original photos in RAW format (‘.NEF’) can be at this link. Pictures in the gallery are shown without processing.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) and Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKII)

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) and Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKII)

On sale Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) is not new to find. I recommend a newer model for use Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D, prices for which you can see hereor in the price block located below:

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

Results

The Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) is the pioneer among the Nikon Nikkor autofocus wide-angle lenses. Along with the Nikon AF Nikkor 24mm 1: 2.8 (MKI), it is the first of its kind. Nikon released a truly legendary set of wide-range fixes for the first mass-produced autofocus cameras. The Nikon AF 28 / 2.8 is a fairly efficient and balanced lens. The sharpness in the center of the frame, good assembly, fast focusing and small dimensions are good news. Among the disadvantages are strong vignetting, fear of highlights and poor sharpness in the corners of the frame.

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

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Comments: 20, on the topic: Review of Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

  • Eugene

    Version for Canon?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Fixed

  • Dmitriy

    Thanks for the review. Was this lens really manufactured for the Canon system?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Of course not :)

  • Ivan ...

    Thanks for the review, Arkady! I have been interested in this lens for a long time. Everything seems to be well described about him, but…. I would like to see pictures from him, where he would really show himself as a shirik. I would like to see architecture from it, and at least a couple of landscapes. As the close-up shots from it are not indicative. Well, you must agree ...

  • Onotole

    Arkady, what do you think of the image quality from old inexpensive fixes like 24 / 2,8, 28 / 2,8 compared to the expensive, but also old zoom 20-35 / 2,8?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      At the same focal point, these fixes will be slightly better.

  • varezhkin

    there is a charm in these film nikkors ...

  • anonym

    Hello! Arkady, I'm sorry, the question is not the topic: did you finish any courses in photography, that is, did you study this before it became a profession? Or did they learn the intricacies of the craft? Thank you in advance.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      And he studied, and he studied. Practice and desire, no more.

  • Eugene

    I used this lens for a couple of weeks (it didn't last for me anymore), I didn't like it and was sold, and Nikon 24 2.8 was taken as a replacement. Later I caught myself thinking that I often use manual focus for shooting and then 24 2.8 was also sold. and it was replaced by Nikon mf28 2.8 ais, which I use to this day. Please do not confuse Nikon af 28 2.8 with Nikon mf 28 2.8 ais - these are different optical lenses despite the same focal length ... the ais version is a cut above, I am would recommend.

  • Kirill

    Good day. But is it planned to review Ai-s 28 / 2.8?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Why not

  • Ivan

    Used this lens.
    I sold it. The picture from my copy did not catch.
    Professional zoom with aperture 2.8 made the picture better.
    Thanks for the review.

  • Alexey

    AF 28 / 2.8 does not have CRC. only for AI-S 28 / 2,8

    • Paul

      Accidentally got a "legendary" as a gift (so I read about him :)) 28 2.8 ai-s. I shoot in manual mode on d5000. Not a pro. Itself already got used, but when I ask someone to take a picture of me - problems)) Thought to sell, buy 35 1.8. Your opinion? I won't regret it? Will I lose in quality: sharpness, colors, distortions, etc.? Thanks!

  • Anton

    Arkady, please tell me whether it can be used as an analogue of 35 1.8 on the d5100?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      It is possible, but there will be no autofocus on the d5100

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