AF Nikkor 24mm f/2.8D

[dourbalistar]

In the Post Film Images Here thread, @p.giannakis asked @oldwino about the AF Nikkor 24mm f/2.8D. Rather than derail that image thread with an off-topic discussion, I thought I'd start a thread about the lens here. A quick search shows that @lynnb also has this lens, but welcome any other members' thoughts and image samples!

Personally, I haven't had the lens for very long, nor am I experienced with wide angle lenses in general. However, I've enjoyed having this lens as a complement to 50mm. Like the AI Nikkor 50mm f/1.8S that I use most frequently, the AF Nikkor 24mm f/2.8D is compact, relatively lightweight, and not outrageously expensive. It balances well on FM/FE series bodies as well as AF bodies like the N8008s. I've only used it on film bodies, so can't comment on its performance on digital. When researching this lens, I appreciated the review and image samples posted on Casual Photophile.

So far, I've used it quite a bit for rock climbing "action" shots. The wide angle view allows me to get in close while showing the background and environment.

2024.11.24 Roll #368-0014.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr

Speaking of environment, here is a landscape image sample:

2024.11.24 Roll #368-0016.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr

As for portraits, the wide angle distortion isn't too extreme. At medium distances, it looks pretty natural in my opinion:

2024.11.26 Roll #369-0013.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr

On the durability front, I once had the lens roll off my bed onto our non-carpeted hardwood floor. To my horror, the impact totally shattered the UV filter (a common 52mm thread, btw). I thought for sure the lens was damaged, but after unscrewing the filter, it seemed no worse for the wear.

 

[dourbalistar]

The color samples above were developed and scanned by a lab. Here are some home developed and digitized samples. First photo testing the lens post drop:

2025.09.01 Roll #382-09145-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr

Since this AF lens has a dedicated aperture ring, it is backwards compatible with manual focus bodies like the FM/FE series:

2025.05.25 Roll #374-09224-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr

 

[valdas]

Unfortunately, I don’t have this glass, but I remember shooting with Nikon 24mm f/2.8 AI-s which I really liked. But, I guess, they are quite different.

 

[lynnb]

It’s a great lens for street, social and landscape pictures. Here’s a grab shot from Manly Village taken in 2018. Nothing to complain about.
Nikon F80 AF24mm f/2.8D HP5+ @400 ID11
[#841]

 

[lynnb]

taken wide open. Slight (accidental) back focus using AF.
Ragdoll, December 2018. [#842]
Nikon F80 Nikkor AF24mm f/2.8D @f/2.8 HP5+ @400 ID11
Until she passed away, I used her fur as a resolution reference (measured in cat hair pairs per mm).

 

[Leon C]

Unfortunately, I don’t have this glass, but I remember shooting with Nikon 24mm f/2.8 AI-s which I really liked. But, I guess, they are quite different.

According to Roland they are optically the same IIRC.

 

[splitimageview]

The AIS and AFD are indeed the same, with the floating element. I've had both versions and currently have the AFD. The feel is quite different obviously, but one advantage of the plastic barrel is that a small drop like you described will often have little to no effect.

 

[MarkWalberg]

When I bought my first SLR 35 years ago, an N90, I bought the 24/2.8 AFD, along with 20/2.8 AFD, 35-70/2.8 AFD, and 80-200 AFD (the single ring one). The 24 has had the most use. I still have and use all of them, but I sold the N90 last year. I use them on the Zf now. When I get my B&W film developing going again next month, I'll use them on my F2 and F3 as well. I've been very happy with all of these lenses.

 

[Dogman]

I havve owned the early multi-coated model of this lens. I used it so much the markings on the barrel wore off and the floating element floated away. I replaced it with an AI-S and I've also owned the AF-D models. I never saw any significant difference in my photos between them. They were all dependable, excellent lenses.


..........................................................

 

[Bingley]

I’ve got the 24mm f2.8 AI-s version, but haven’t used it much. That will change though as I’m planning a trip to eastern Utah later this year and plan to take Nikon SLR gear.

The Nikkor 24mm was Galen Rowell’s favorite lens and he made many of his iconic mountain landscapes with it, usually with a polarizing filter. His work is worth checking out if you’re unfamiliar with it.

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

I have two versions of the 24, one a fluted barrel, the other is a later AI-S version. I like them both when using either on my Sony's. The fluted just has a certain look to it that is just a tad more appealing to my eye, I'm not quite sure why. Maybe the color rendering of the coatings used on it vs the other. Both rival my native Sony 24 when it comes to sharpness when I hit the focus just right. I like using either at car shows as you can get close without distortion and still get most of the car in the shot.

 

[dourbalistar]

As usual, MIR has a page with a lot of great historical information about the different AF 24/2.8 versions:

Verson history of Nikon AF Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 Ultra-Wideangle Lens - Index Page

 

[Disappointed_Horse]

I have the 24mm f/2.8 AI. I quite like it. 24mm is about the widest lens I care to use. Works great for car shows:

 

[p.giannakis]

Thanks everyone for your replies ☺️

 

[Steve_Pfost]

This lens lived on my cameras during college and early in my career. It still has a home on my personal equipment, though not used as much as I used it in the past, it's a wonderful lens. I wish Nikon would come out with something equivalent in size as the AF-d for Nikon Z.

 

[dourbalistar]

Thanks everyone for your replies ☺️

Do you have GAS now? 🤣

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Here. Let me help with that GAS.

 

[Freakscene]

AF-D Nikkors are terrible for GAS. They seem cheap, but then you realize that your lens swamp contains 20 of them 🤦🏻‍♂️



I really like the ones with a crinkle finish.

 

[Timmyjoe]

That AF Nikkor 28mm f1.4 D was one hell of a photojournalist lens. Never had the privilege of owning one.

Best,
-Tim