Nikkor 28mm, which one?

[huddy]

I own a 28/2 AI. It is the prize jewel of my camera kit, which also includes a 180/2.8 ED AI-S and a 105/2.5 AI-S, both of which are excellent lenses. When I was looking for a 28, I almost bought a 2.8, but in the end decided to go for the faster lens due to my shooting styles. I have been pleased with the purchase. The lens is sharp wide open in the center, and sharp all the way across if I step down two stops.

Here are some pics through my 28/2 and a D90:
Sweet, beautiful, shallow DOF:

I'm sure flare control is subject to sample variation, but I never hesitate to put the sun in my frame:

With all this said, if you don't need the extra speed or depth of field afforded by the 28/2, a 2.8 with the .2m close focusing will not disappoint.

 

[monochromejrnl]

Although the 28/2.8 AIS is superb optically, I found the focus throw to be bias towards close focus - ie. the focus throw from 0.2m - 2m is about 90-95% of the total focus rotation with the remaining throw accounting for 2 - infinity. This is fine if you intend to use it stopped down at distances further than 2m, however if you want or need more precise focusing wide open at such distances than it might cause some frustration.

As with any lens, try to borrow one to decide if it suits you - optically there are few 28mm SLR lenses that are better but ergonomics and precision may be a greater priority.

 

[Vilk]

28/2 AIS hands down. i had the 28/2.8 AIS for many years, an excellent lens, but not in the same league

 

[filmfan]

What's the deal with the 28mm f/2 N AI (Nippon Kogaku) vs. the AIS version? It would be for a Nikon F2.
KEH has the N AI version for the same price as a 28mm f/2.8 AIS, so I am deciding between these.
Thanks,

-S.

 

[3rdtrick]

I like the 2.8 a is lens. Nikon still sells them new. It has 'close range correction' and does focus good close up. I even added a CPU to mine to use on my DSLR. The only 28 I would trade it for is the 28 1.4 but I am not holding my breath for that.

 

[kshapero]

Had a 28/3.5 non Ai. Oh how I loved that lens. It saw a lot of action overseas. Believe it or not, I had a camera beg stolen and the only thing in the bag was that lens. Drat,

 

[filmfan]

The 28mm f/2 N (Nippon Kogaku), even if it is AI converted, is a single coated lens.

Any Nikon AIS lens will be multi-coated.

Flare and contrast could be an issue. If you are only shooting B&W the lack of multi coating shouldn't be a problem.

I will be shooting only BW in this camera, plus shooting higher-contrast film (Tri-X / HP5+) and can always increase the contrast grade in the darkroom. I guess I will go for it-- it's like $200 or something and would match the Nippon Kogaku 50mm 1.4 I just got from a very nice individual.
I am selling off old baseball cards I found in my closet to get it.

 

[Godfrey]

The one I liked the most when I was using Nikon kit was the Nikkor 28mm f/2 AI. Superbly sharp, wonderful contrast and bokeh. A little bulky but that's about the only negative.

 

[sanmich]

I got the AIS version which, by the consensus is the superlative Nikkor wide.
I like it, although I can't really say I pushed it (using it with 400 ISO and mid distance mid aperture is not really a challenge)

One thing to be careful of: it knows how to flare!

 

[Tom hicks]

28 f2.8 is excellent , even reverse mounted .

 

[BillBingham2]

The close focus on the earlier 28/2.8 AIS is VERY handy and very sharp. I don't remember if the 28/2 stopped down to 32 or not, but I think it did. The 28/2.8 AIS is smaller and the run (number of lenses made) was shorter.

B2

 

[Lflex]

The close focus on the earlier 28/2.8 AIS is VERY handy and very sharp. I don't remember if the 28/2 stopped down to 32 or not, but I think it did. The 28/2.8 AIS is smaller and the run (number of lenses made) was shorter.

B2

??
The MF 28/2.8 AIS is still in production.