Quick answer
The Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm f/3.5 AI is a standard to short telephoto zoom lens covering 43-86mm at f/3.5 for the Nikon F mount. Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
About this lens
This 43-86mm f/3.5 standard zoom lens from Nikon fits Nikon F mount cameras. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-purpose lens.
Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm f/3.5 AI specifications
- Brand
- Nikon
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Focal length
- 43-86mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/3.5
- Lens type
- Zoom
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Optical construction
- 9 elements in 7 groups
- Autofocus motor
- none
- Minimum focus distance
- 1.2 m
- Filter thread
- 52 mm
- Weight
- 450 g
- Length
- 81.5 mm
- Diameter
- 66.5 mm
Specification source: en.wikipedia.org
What can you shoot with the Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm f/3.5 AI?
At 43-86mm this is a standard to short telephoto zoom, which typically suits:
- Everyday and street photography
- Natural-perspective portraits
- Documentary and travel work
- Portraits with a flattering perspective
- Events and weddings
Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 43–86mm | 23.6–45.4° | 28.2–53.4° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 65–129mm | 15.9–31.2° | 19–37.1° |
Frequently asked questions
What mount does the Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm f/3.5 AI use?
It uses the Nikon F mount, so it fits Nikon F cameras directly.
What is the focal length of the Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm f/3.5 AI?
It zooms across 43-86mm with a maximum aperture of f/3.5. That makes it a standard to short telephoto lens.
Is the Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm f/3.5 AI a prime or a zoom lens?
It is a zoom lens covering 43-86mm, so you can reframe without moving. Its maximum aperture is f/3.5.
What is the Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm f/3.5 AI equivalent on a crop sensor?
On APS-C (1.5x crop) it frames like 65–129mm on full frame, with a 15.9–31.2° horizontal and 19–37.1° diagonal field of view. These figures are calculated from the focal length and crop factor.
Which cameras does the Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm f/3.5 AI fit?
Any Nikon F-mount camera, including Nikon D3, Nikon D300, Nikon D3000, Nikon D300S, and Nikon D3100 and 35 more.
Alternatives for Nikon F from other brands
All Nikon F lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
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All Nikon lenses
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