Nikon 20mm f/2.8 UW-Nikkor Lens
The Nikon 20mm f/2.8 is a 20mm f/2.8 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon 20mm f/2.8 UW-Nikkor Lens
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Lens Overview — Nikon 20mm f/2.8
Key Features — Nikon 20mm f/2.8
20mm Wide-Angle Prime: Fixed 20mm focal length provides broad coverage suited to capturing wide underwater scenes and large subjects at close range.
f/2.8 Maximum Aperture: Allows more light in low-ambient aquatic environments where natural light is limited and fast shutter speeds may be needed.
Underwater-Optimized Design: Purpose-built for Nikon's underwater camera systems, making it a specialized optic outside the scope of conventional above-water lenses.
Manual Focus Only: All focus is controlled by the photographer, a deliberate design suited to the methodical, precise demands of underwater shooting.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full-frame image circle, ensuring compatibility with full-frame Nikon F mount SLR bodies.
Nikon F Mount: Mounts to Nikon's long-running F mount system, compatible with a wide range of Nikon SLR and DSLR bodies.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 20mm f/2.8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Underwater, Adventure, Creative Effects |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 20mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | SLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Weight | 485g |
Description — Nikon 20mm f/2.8
The Nikon 20mm f/2.8 UW-Nikkor is a prime, manual focus wide-angle lens designed for use with Nikon's underwater camera systems. Built around the Nikon F mount and covering a full-frame image circle, this 20mm fixed focal length lens delivers a wide perspective suited to the spatial demands of underwater imaging. Its f/2.8 maximum aperture is a key asset in aquatic environments, where available light diminishes rapidly with depth.
Weighing 485g, the lens is a substantial component that underwater photographers will need to factor into their housing and buoyancy configurations. There is no image stabilization and no autofocus — both deliberate design choices reflecting the lens's specialized purpose. Focus is entirely manual, giving the photographer direct, tactile control over focus placement.
With no filter thread listed in the specifications, standard screw-on filter use is not supported. This is a purpose-built optic for a specific discipline, and its specifications reflect that focused design intent.
Pros — Nikon 20mm f/2.8
- ✓Wide-angle 20mm focal length provides broad coverage suited to underwater scenes
- ✓Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture allows more light in low-ambient aquatic environments
- ✓Full-frame lens format ensures compatibility with full-frame Nikon F mount SLR bodies
Cons — Nikon 20mm f/2.8
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability, which may limit versatility in fast-moving situations
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring steady technique or support
- ✗At 485g, the weight adds bulk to an already complex underwater housing setup
Videos — Nikon 20mm f/2.8
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