Nikon Nikkor AI 28mm f/2 Lens
The Nikon 28mm f/2 is a 28mm f/2 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $118 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AI 28mm f/2 Lens
Used Nikon 28mm f/2 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 28mm f/2
Key Features — Nikon 28mm f/2
28mm f/2 Prime: A fast maximum aperture of f/2 is unusually bright for a 28mm wide-angle prime, offering strong light-gathering capability in low-light situations.
Nikon AI Coupling: The Automatic Maximum Aperture Indexing system allows compatible Nikon F-mount bodies to meter through the lens without additional adapters or workarounds.
Full-Frame Coverage: Projects an image circle large enough for full-frame sensors and 35mm film, with no vignetting on Nikon's full-frame bodies.
Nikon F Mount: Compatible with the broad range of Nikon F-mount DSLR bodies, as well as mirrorless systems via widely available F-mount adapters.
Manual Focus Design: Entirely manual focus operation with no electronic components, making it a durable and dependable choice for photographers comfortable with hands-on focusing.
Compact 290g Build: At 290g, the lens is light enough to carry all day without adding significant bulk to a camera kit.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 28mm f/2
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Landscape, Street, Architecture, Travel |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 28mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 28mm f/2
The Nikon Nikkor AI 28mm f/2 is a prime lens with a fixed 28mm focal length sitting in the wide-angle category. It is built for the Nikon F mount and designed to cover a full-frame image circle, making it usable on both full-frame and APS-C Nikon DSLR bodies. The maximum aperture of f/2 provides meaningful light-gathering ability for a wide-angle prime of this focal length.
Focusing is entirely manual — the lens has no autofocus system — which suits photographers who prefer deliberate, tactile control over focus. The lens weighs 290g, keeping it light for everyday carry, and features a 52mm filter thread that accommodates a wide range of commonly available filter accessories. With no image stabilization, the photographer relies on the f/2 aperture and their own technique when shooting in lower-light conditions.
The AI coupling system allows compatible Nikon bodies to meter through the lens, preserving a functional shooting experience on supported camera bodies.
Pros — Nikon 28mm f/2
- ✓Fast f/2 maximum aperture for a 28mm wide-angle prime provides strong light-gathering capability
- ✓Full-frame coverage ensures compatibility with full-frame Nikon F-mount bodies without vignetting
- ✓Nikon F mount offers broad compatibility across Nikon's DSLR camera lineup
Cons — Nikon 28mm f/2
- ✗No autofocus — manual focus only, which may slow down shooting in fast-moving situations
- ✗No image stabilization, so handheld shooting in low light relies entirely on the f/2 aperture and the shooter's technique
- ✗Fixed 28mm focal length offers no zoom flexibility, requiring physical repositioning to reframe
Videos — Nikon 28mm f/2
Why 28mm May Be The Only Prime Lens You Need — Matthew Arrington