pre ai nikkor 28mm f2

I thought they were all the same optics. The only difference might be in the coatings and ergonomics (focus throw, etc.). I had an AI version and it was lovely.
 
It's the 28mm f/2.8 AIS that has the full bore Nikon goodness added to it: 9 elements, CRC, very close focusing, no distortion. I don't know anything about the f/2 lens though.

If you do look for the 2.8 AIS, then check the rear lens element. It protrudes beyond the metal mount, and people who plop their lenses down without a rear cap on WILL scratch the center of the rear element. It's happened on so many used 28mm f/2.8 AIS lenses that I've looked at and returned, that I finally just bought a brand new one from B&H.
 
I have the pre-AI 28/2 (it was factory AI'ed but that's not relevant). Really fine lens, one of Nikon's less well known stars. The previous poster is right; it was the 2.8 that was redesigned for the AIS version and it's better than the earlier versions. But I think the 28/2 was not redesigned during its lifespan, other than perhaps improved coatings.
 
I have a pre AI one that has been converted too.

Looking at the versions on Roland Vink's site (http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html#28) they appear to be much the same. All have 9 elements in 8 groups, 7 blades, 120 deg focus throw, and some form of coating (though this may vary). It looks as though the AIS version focuses a little closer than the earlier models.
 
The very first 28/2 Nikkors had the metal focusing grip. They also had a distinctly greenish-yellow color transmission compared to the later rubber-gripped K, Ai, and AiS versions.
The optics may have been subtly changed, beyond just the coatings, after the first version, but in any case the image rendering was kept the same, or at least extremely similar.
 
for those that have tried both the 28mm f2.0 and the 28mm f2.8 AIS.

Is the 28mm f2.8 AIS THAT much better at close distances to warrant having both? And what is close distnaces? less than one meter?
 
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