Photo: Bubba73 (Jud McCranie) (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Quick answer
A small manual-focus 28mm f/2.8 introduced in 1981, with an 8-element design and a 52mm filter thread. It weighs about 250g and focuses down to 0.2m.
Pros
- Small and light at about 250g
- Close focus of 0.2m
- 52mm filter thread
Cons
- Manual focus only
- Soft corners
- Basic coatings
Verdict
A compact classic 28mm.
About this lens
A 28mm f/2.8 wide-angle prime lens, the Nikon AI-S Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 is designed for Nikon F mount bodies. The wide view suits landscapes, architecture and environmental shots.
Nikon AI-S Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 specifications
- Brand
- Nikon
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Focal length
- 28mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.8
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1981
- Optical construction
- 8 elements in 8 groups
- Autofocus motor
- none
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.2 m
- Filter thread
- 52 mm
- Weight
- 250 g
- Length
- 53 mm
- Diameter
- 63 mm
Specification source: en.wikipedia.org
What can you shoot with the Nikon AI-S Nikkor 28mm f/2.8?
- Street photography
- Travel
- Adapted use on Z
Its bright maximum aperture handles indoor and evening light reasonably well.
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 | 28mm | 65.5° | 75.4° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 42mm | 46.4° | 54.5° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon 28mm f/2.8 AI-S sharp?
It is sharp when stopped down to around f/5.6, with softer corners wide open.
Can I use the 28mm f/2.8 AI-S on Z cameras?
Yes, using the FTZ or FTZ II adapter. It is manual focus only; setting the lens data in the menu allows exposure metering and in-body stabilization.
Does the 28mm f/2.8 AI-S work on DX?
Yes, it frames like roughly a 42mm lens on DX.
Alternatives for Nikon F from other brands
All Nikon F lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
![Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] Macro](https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Tamron_SP_28-75mm_f2.8.jpg/500px-Tamron_SP_28-75mm_f2.8.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
