Nikon Nikkor AI-S 28mm f/2.8 Lens
The Nikon 28mm f/2.8 is a 28mm f/2.8 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $269.99 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 28mm f/2.8 Lens
Used Nikon 28mm f/2.8 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 28mm f/2.8
Key Features — Nikon 28mm f/2.8
28mm Wide-Angle Prime: Fixed 28mm focal length gives a natural wide perspective well-suited to landscapes, architecture, and environmental photography.
f/2.8 Maximum Aperture: Allows for reasonable light gathering in mixed and low-light conditions without the bulk of a faster lens.
AI-S Manual Focus: Nikon's AI-S indexing system provides smooth, precise manual focus with full mechanical control and no reliance on electronic motors.
Full-Frame Coverage: Covers the full 35mm image circle, making it compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Nikon F-mount bodies without vignetting.
Nikon F Mount: Fits a broad range of Nikon film and DSLR bodies, and is also adaptable to many mirrorless systems via third-party adapters.
Lightweight Build: At 250g, this lens adds minimal weight to a kit, making it a practical choice for travel and all-day shooting.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 28mm f/2.8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Landscape, Street, Travel, Architecture |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 28mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 28mm f/2.8
The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 28mm f/2.8 is a prime lens built for Nikon F-mount cameras, offering full-frame coverage at a fixed 28mm wide-angle focal length. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, it provides a capable light-gathering range for a wide-angle optic. The lens is strictly manual focus, putting complete control of focus in the photographer's hands — a deliberate, tactile experience that suits slower, more considered shooting styles.
At just 250g, it is a notably lightweight addition to any kit, reducing fatigue during longer shoots. The 52mm filter thread aligns with a common standard, keeping the cost of compatible filters accessible. No image stabilization is included, so steady technique or adequate shutter speeds are important when shooting handheld.
Designed for the DSLR camera system, this lens fits a broad range of Nikon F-mount bodies and delivers a classic wide-angle perspective well-suited to landscapes, architecture, and street work.
Pros — Nikon 28mm f/2.8
- ✓Lightweight at just 250g, making it an easy carry for extended shooting sessions
- ✓Full-frame coverage on Nikon F-mount bodies ensures no vignetting on larger sensors
- ✓28mm wide-angle focal length is well-suited to expansive compositions
Cons — Nikon 28mm f/2.8
- ✗No autofocus — not suitable for fast-moving subjects or photographers relying on AF
- ✗No image stabilization, which can be a limitation when shooting handheld in low light
- ✗Single fixed focal length offers no zoom flexibility
Videos — Nikon 28mm f/2.8
[Comparison] Nikon 28mm f/2.8 AiS (Late Version) vs. Voigtländer 28mm f/2.8 SLII-S — Thomas Eisl