Nikon 28mm f/2.8D AF Lens

Released back in 1994, the Nikon AF NIKKOR 28mm f/2.8D Lens is designed for the photographer who wants to carry only one wide angle lens, the 28mm f/2.8 AF Nikkor prime lens offers exceptional flexibility, from landscapes to star trails. 74° Picture coverage. Focus down to 9 inches. Close-Range Correction System ensures sharpness. Accepts 52mm filters. This is probably one of Nikons underappreciated lenses. For those looking for an affordable 28mm wide angle lens that is very sharp, this is it. It is well built (Made in Japan) with very good IQ.

The mount is metal, the AF is the "screw type" and the lens has an aperture ring so it is compatible with all past Nikon cameras, only no AF on Nikon D40, D60, D3000, D3100 D5000 or D5100.

The mechanical design of the lens is fairly similar to its cousin, the AF 24mm f/2.8D, so it shares some of its characteristics and the build quality is pretty good with an outer barrel made of polycarbonate combined with a metal mount. The small rubberized focus ring operates very smooth.

Typical for lenses with a linear extension system the whole inner tube moves during focusing which extends the lens (somewhat) when focusing towards closer focus distances. The lens has no internal AF motor and relies on a slotted drive screw operated by the camera. As a result AF operation will generate a moderate degree of noise.

Due to the very low weight of the optical system the AF speed is very fast. The front element does not rotate so using a polarizer is no problem.

The resolution is very good but otherwise the lens leaves something to be desired for a fix-focal. The lens exhibits relatively high barrel distortions, very high vignetting at f/2.8 and pronounced CAs'. Spherical aberrations (focus shifts when stopping down) and high field curvature on top does not make things any better. Compared to newer lenses this Nikkor seems to be a little dated but naturally it still remains a very good lens with a few bugs. There is some distortion when shooting wide open on an FX camera, however that is a common occurrence with most wide-angle lenses and nothing PhotoShop can't fix.

Not good on entry level Nikon cameras as there is no focus motor. See below

Sep 24, 2011

• AF - Nikkor's initial autofocus label, signifying that focus handled by a motor integral to the body of the camera.

• D- Distance. Denoted after the  f-number. It signifies the lens has the capacity to use Nikon's 3D Matrix Metering on camera bodies where it is supported.

• FX-format
The leading factor setting the Nikon FX apart from other sensors is the large size of the pixels, which allows for more light collection.

• SIC - Nikon Super Integrated Coating
Nikon uses an elite multilayer lens coating to augment the operation of its lens elements which also helps diminish ghosting and flare to minute levels. Nikon Super Integrated Coat also accomplishes several purposes,

Standard wide-angle lens for general photography
Exceptionally light - weighs only 7.4 oz
74° coverage lets you take candids, portraits and travel photographs

52mm lens cap, rear lens cap