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Nikon Nikkor AI-S 20mm f/2.8 Lens

The Nikon 20mm f/2.8 is a 20mm f/2.8 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $329.46 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Nikon Nikkor AI-S 20mm f/2.8 Lens

Nikon Nikkor AI-S 20mm f/2.8 Lens

Used Nikon 20mm f/2.8 Listings on GearFocus

Nikon Nikkor AI-S 20mm f2.8 Lens
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 20mm f2.8 Lens

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$329.46

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Lens OverviewNikon 20mm f/2.8

The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 20mm f/2.8 is a manual focus prime lens built for Nikon F-mount cameras, covering a full-frame image circle. As a wide-angle prime with a 20mm focal length, it suits photographers drawn to expansive compositions in landscapes, architecture, and street photography. The f/2.8 maximum aperture provides a meaningful light-gathering advantage in lower-light situations, and gives shooters some control over depth of field at this focal length.

Being a prime lens, it encourages deliberate framing and tends to deliver consistent optical rendering across the frame. The AI-S designation means it integrates with Nikon's aperture-indexing system, making it compatible with a wide range of Nikon F-mount bodies spanning several decades. At 270 grams, this is a notably lightweight optic for its class, making it a practical choice for travel or extended handheld use where carrying weight is a real consideration.

It accepts 62mm front filters, a common and affordable thread size. Focus is entirely manual, which suits photographers who prefer direct, tactile control over their focusing. There is no image stabilization, so steady technique or adequate shutter speed management is required.

Overall, this is a capable, compact wide-angle prime for the Nikon F ecosystem.

Key FeaturesNikon 20mm f/2.8

20mm Wide-Angle Prime: A fixed 20mm focal length delivers a wide field of view well-suited to landscapes, architecture, and street photography.

f/2.8 Maximum Aperture: Relatively fast for a wide-angle prime, allowing usable performance in lower light and some degree of depth-of-field control.

Full-Frame Coverage: Projects an image circle covering full-frame sensors, making it compatible with the complete range of Nikon F-mount bodies.

Nikon AI-S F Mount: AI-S indexing ensures aperture coupling with a broad range of Nikon F-mount cameras spanning several decades of production.

Manual Focus Only: Fully manual focus operation gives photographers direct, tactile control over focusing with no automotor dependence.

270g Lightweight Build: At just 270 grams, this is a notably compact and light wide-angle prime, practical for travel or extended handheld use.

Lens SpecificationsNikon 20mm f/2.8

Nikon 20mm f/2.8 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesLandscape, Architecture, Travel, Street
Lens TypePrime
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length20mm
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Camera SystemDSLR
Lens MountNikon F
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread62mm

DescriptionNikon 20mm f/2.8

The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 20mm f/2.8 is a prime wide-angle lens mounted on the Nikon F mount, designed to cover a full-frame image circle. With a fixed 20mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens is built for photographers who want a compact, capable wide-angle option in their kit. Weighing just 270g, it is an exceptionally light optic that won't add significant burden during long days of shooting or travel.

The 62mm filter thread makes it straightforward to pair with standard polarizing, ND, or other filter accessories. Focus is manual only, with no autofocus system present, which suits those who value tactile precision over automated convenience. There is no image stabilization, so steady shooting technique remains important.

The AI-S designation ensures compatibility with Nikon's aperture-indexing system across a broad range of Nikon F-mount DSLR bodies. This is a no-frills, well-specified wide-angle prime for Nikon F shooters who prioritize portability and a fast-for-the-format maximum aperture.

ProsNikon 20mm f/2.8

  • Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture for a wide-angle prime, aiding in lower-light shooting situations
  • Lightweight at just 270g, making it highly portable for travel and everyday carry
  • Full-frame coverage means it works across the entire Nikon F-mount camera range

ConsNikon 20mm f/2.8

  • Fully manual focus only — no autofocus capability, which may slow shooting in fast-moving situations
  • No image stabilization, requiring careful technique to avoid camera shake
  • Fixed 20mm focal length offers no zoom flexibility, demanding more physical repositioning to reframe

ReviewsNikon 20mm f/2.8

VideosNikon 20mm f/2.8

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Resources & DownloadsNikon 20mm f/2.8

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked QuestionsNikon 20mm f/2.8

What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Nikon F mount. It is designed for DSLR cameras within the Nikon F-mount ecosystem and provides full-frame coverage.
Does this lens have autofocus?+
No, this lens is manual focus only. There is no autofocus motor, so focus must be set manually by the photographer using the focus ring.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The maximum aperture is f/2.8. This applies at the fixed 20mm focal length, as this is a prime lens with no zoom range.
What filter size does this lens take?+
The lens has a 62mm front filter thread. This is a common filter size, so compatible filters such as polarizers and ND filters are widely available.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 270 grams, making it a lightweight option in the wide-angle prime category and well-suited for travel or all-day shooting.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, this lens does not include image stabilization. Photographers should use appropriate shutter speeds or camera support to manage camera shake when shooting.

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