Nikon 28mm f/2 ais

[Roughcollie]

I would like a opinion on a Nikon 28mm f/2 ais lens which I have, I have an Nikon F5 and a Nikon D700 which I have various AF lens which I use with these 2 cameras,and I have got a Nikon 28mm f/2 ais lens which I am not sure whether to sell it and buy a 28mm prime AF lens to replace it or keep it,the only problem being really is the fact that on the F5 the 3D colour matrix system doesn't work.The manual focusing not a problem.
I had a couple of camera's a while ago F3 & FM3a that I used it on and the photos where really sharp with this Lens.
Any thoughts?

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Try it on the D700 before you make a decision.

 

[p.giannakis]

I've heard that the AF 28 f/2,8 is nothing special. Would investing on an F4 be an option? It oferrers matrix metering with the f/2 version.
Another option would be to go to the F5 and customise the centre weighed metering to the one that suits your needs.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

As was mentioned, you could get an F4.
The new 28mm is good but not stellar like the old AIS 28mm versions. Both f/2 and f/2.8 have CRC which makes them killer at close ranges and they were already great past a few meters.
You could always chip the lens too. Then you'll have matrix on the F5.

Phil Forrest

 

[bayernfan]

The 28/2 AIS is a special lens. I'd find a way to make it work.

 

[Roninman]

Nikon F100, AIS Nikkor 28mm f2.0, XP2
I absolutely love this lens..This is a low res scan but the high resolution print is tack sharp. Good flare resistance too. I'd take some pictures with the d700 with it and see.

 

[Flat Twin]

I love my 28mm f2.0, mine is a 1971 Ai converted Nikkor-N (same optics as Ais) and as a street shooting lens it just works for me. I know what you mean about it not working with the matrix meter on the F5 but if you can get past this then they are a super lens. Try it on the D700 and see! This is a shot that I "grabbed" on the street using the D750, about 1000sec @ f8.0 if memory serves with focus set to about 3 metres, manual mode with auto ISO set.

Glasgow, June 2016. by Flat Twin, on Flickr

 

[Flat Twin]

Here's another, same set up...

Glasgow, June 2016. by Flat Twin, on Flickr

 

[sepiareverb]

Keep it. Few better 28mm lenses exist, and the 2.8 is nowhere near an equal. I've heard some complain about some color fringing on sensor, and some darkening of corners wide open, but from what I've seen from this lens on sensor nothing one can't correct in RAW conversion.

As to the Color Matrix metering, I wouldn't sacrifice what the 2.0 can do for that.

 

[kipkeston]

Most consider the 28/2.8 ai-s the best 28 nikkor. Those who've used both tend to consider the 28/2 ai-s the best 28 nikkor.