I currently own an AI version of the 28mm/f2 from 1978 that I bought s/hand 12 months ago. In the early 1990s I had a K-version (pre-AI) from 1974 that I converted to AI so it could be used on a Nikkormat FT-3. The AI and the AI-S versions are said to be optically identical.

This lens is one of the best Nikkors I've owned, and when a pal used it recently on a D700 (full-frame) my friend was astounded at the results.

I use this lens occasionally (sp?) on my D3100, where the DX format makes the lens a 42mm equivalent (28 +50%). The results have a certain "analogue warmth and richness" that digital-specific lenses sometimes lack.

I'm a big fan of this lens and recommend it for something extra in the quiver, if you can find a good one.

Mick

PB PM said:
The 28mm F2 AI-S has a different optical formula than the 28mm F2.8D, different max apertures. There is no 28mm F2D.

Whoops, just realized that.

Drab said:
The 28 AF-D is far inferior optically. It is the only wide angle prime playing that ballgame without Close Range Correction. This is one reason why it is cheaper than the 24 and 20.

Ah, I remember now, there's a couple threads about the 28mm AF-D. Some have said that it's not sharp wide open. Thanks for reminding me about that.

28mm AI-S if anything, or the 24mm 2.8.

The 28 AF-D is far inferior optically. It is the only wide angle prime playing that ballgame without Close Range Correction. This is one reason why it is cheaper than the 24 and 20.

The 28mm F2 AI-S has a different optical formula than the 28mm F2.8D, different max apertures. There is no 28mm F2D.

Hmm, I'd love to get the metal AI-S edition, but optically, is the AF-D the same?

Because it's half the price, new at around $275.

Squamish, for $375, like new that's a really good price. At B and H it's selling at over $500.

well, I do have a D7000, but I am ashamed to say I do not use the video on the camera, so even if I tried it my comments would not be worthwhile.

This is a lens I used with my F3, I still have the camera and use it for old times sake shooting black and white.

On the F3, ooooh I loved it, for still photography on the D7000, I do have other lenses that cover this focal length, so, now it is part of my collection of well loved lenses but not used much anymore.

best of luck with your video adventures with it.

NSXType-R said:
How much did you order it for?

I got it for $375. Copy is near perfect.

casperwb said:
Squamish

I have one, I shoot DX

important: I shoot DX

it gathers dust, well not dust because it is in a dry box.

that might be different if I shot FX

I bought for poorly lit situations where my 14-24 starts to fail me and also to get a shallow depth of field into my WA shots. Its going to be predominantly for my D700 but I am curious to see how well it performs on the D7000 for video. Primes tend to excel with video, so my guess is this one should be a good one.

Can't tell you about the f/2 as I use the f/2.8 version of this lens on FX. But I do use this one quite a lot.

Squamish

I have one, I shoot DX

important: I shoot DX

it gathers dust, well not dust because it is in a dry box.

that might be different if I shot FX

I kind of want a wide prime, I was thinking about getting one, before my macro lens purchase. How much did you order it for?

28mm on FX would just about be 18mm on DX, more than wide enough for most of my applications. However, some of the distortion in my kit lens really isn't doing it for me, so I'm not sure.

In any case, it would be used on the FM2, manual focusing in anything but bright light is terrible on the D40.

Anyone have one or ever use one?

I already ordered it, but Im still curious to hear anyone else's experiences.