Nikon 28mm f/2.8 AI-s

e6filmuser · Joined: 12 Nov 2010 Posts: 582 Location: Reading UK

I obtained a copy recently. My reasons for purchase included Ken Rockwell's praise of its performance and its close focusing ability. I have yet to shoot any images with it but I have tried the effect of extensions on its close-focusing. The following is based on my by-eye measurements with a tape measure. The lens was without a hood.

On the A7R:

The lens with no extension, at its closest focus, has a working distance of 4"/100mm. The FOV is 150mm wide.

With 12mm ext FOV is 57mm
With 20mm ext FOV is 40mm
With 32mm ext FOV is 28mm, WD ca 30mm

I don't see myself making much use of this but, in the unlikely event that I am out with wide angle lenses and little or no macro gear, there might be a fix.

caspert79 · Joined: 31 Oct 2010 Posts: 2927 Location: The Netherlands

Very nice lens indeed. And good for creative work because of the close focus.

memetph · Joined: 01 Dec 2013 Posts: 942 Location: Poland

This lens has a floating element in order to give a better quality according to the focusing distance .
As a consequence:
using extension tube for macro is not really a good idea if you want to take advantage of the lens qualities.
choosing a precise adapter for non Nikon cameras ( Fmount) is decisive. In your case, Nikon F to NEX adapter.

The WA and UWA with floating elements need a very precise adapter giving infinity when the lens shows infinity. I experience much difference in IQ with such lenses depending of the precision of the adapter.

e6filmuser · Joined: 12 Nov 2010 Posts: 582 Location: Reading UK

e6filmuser · Joined: 12 Nov 2010 Posts: 582 Location: Reading UK

Here are images from April 2019, unprocessed until today (my standard processing). Nothing special about the images. Unusually, I failed to not the apertures but I'm guessing at f8.

I'm not sure how much this contributes but it may be of interest.

Nikon 28mm f2.8 AIS on EM1, hand held.

NB. I was unable to upload the first image at my usual quality (PS 12) and had to downgrade it to PS 10.

caspert79 · Joined: 31 Oct 2010 Posts: 2927 Location: The Netherlands

Hard to judge the images to be honest, as they are downsized a lot.

I like this lens. I like it's ergonomics and close focusing ability. It's capable of sunstars as well and image quality is good.
BUT...IMO it's a bit overrated and too expensive, probably due to Rockwell's raving review. I've tested the lens against the SMC Pentax (k version) 28mm f/3.5 a couple of years ago, and the Pentax came out a bit better, both @ close focus (30cm) and infinity. Unfortunately I can't find the pcitures anymore, but the old post is here:
http://forum.mflenses.com/nikkor-28mm-f-2-8-ai-s-vs-pentax-k-28mm-f-3-5-t81623.html

If you don't need the speed, the Pentax is highly recommended.

e6filmuser · Joined: 12 Nov 2010 Posts: 582 Location: Reading UK

Re the cost. I was £199 but I had Nectar vouchers and paid only £86.

caspert79 · Joined: 31 Oct 2010 Posts: 2927 Location: The Netherlands

Doc Sharptail · Joined: 23 Nov 2020 Posts: 994 Location: Winnipeg Canada

I got into a bit of a snit over 28mm lenses a couple of years ago- mostly based on having, and then not using them.
Little experience at all with the above lenses. I did have the A/I 28mm f3.5, and it was quite a good lens, especially at near subject distances, with the least distortion I've seen in a 28. Might be worth a look if you don't need the extra stop wide open.

The Ash seed pods in your first frame show very good resolution on my monitor, and look more like f5.6 to me, just based on what I've seen with various 28's on quite similar subjects.

I'm currently with the non-SP Tamron adaptall-2 28mm f2.5, and it has become one of my favorite lenses for close focus work.

-D.S.

e6filmuser · Joined: 12 Nov 2010 Posts: 582 Location: Reading UK

gaeger · Expire: 2021-03-09

I have used the Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AIS, but also the 28mm f3.5 AIS, the 28mm f2.8 Series E, and a 28mm f2.8 K version that I got for $8 because there was a small coating mark. I have got fine images with all of them -- they are all capable lenses, and I don't think the f2.8 AIS close focus version is that much better to warrant its current exorbitant price (I got mine pretty cheaply, so I don't feel bad about owning one). Take them out and have fun!

caspert79 · Joined: 31 Oct 2010 Posts: 2927 Location: The Netherlands

@gaeger
Great images 👍

lumens pixel · Expire: 2021-06-25

Splendid.

visualopsins · Expire: 2025-04-11

Colleen Wagner and wooden boats... Smile

gaeger · Expire: 2021-03-09

Thanks, folks. That boat photo was with the f3.5. I really liked that lens but sold it once I bought the f2.8 version, which I still have along with the $8 K version, which is fantastic (the hiker in the snow on film is with that one). I have had a couple of the Series E 28mm lenses over the years. They were fine, too. When I was traveling to New York for work, I would take one of those and a zoom of some sort for the week. With a macro-focusing teleconverter, that Series E lens did great!

titrisol70 · Joined: 14 Dec 2021 Posts: 152 Location: State of Denial

I got mine years ago and it is one of the best 28mm around. Havent used it much since I dont have a Digital Nikon and only take the FE for a spin once a year

BrianSVP · Joined: 09 Jun 2023 Posts: 301 Location: Philadelphia

Not a lens I've used a ton myself, but based on the examples in this thread, it certainly seems to epitomize the classic Nikon look in its "muscular" rendering. High clarity, saturated color, sharp and contrasty, but not overly clinical.
Looks like it would be a real photojournalist's delight in decades past.