Additional Information on Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D wideangle lens

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Nikon AF-Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D wideangle lens Marketed 1994; Current model as at 2006 The AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D has the best compatibility among all available options in the AF 28mm wideangle lens group introduced thus far. It was released in 1994, two years after Nikon had just introduced the earlier upgrade, that was one reason why there are so few of the AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8N in the used equipment market. The new version enables 3D-Matrix metering first introduced with the Nikon F90X/N90s series models. Many versions of the AF-Nikkor introduced during first quarter of '90 were being also being updated with this distance information encoding chip. Good thing is, we finally witnessed some real effort by Nikon for this AF-D Nikkor 28mm wideangle lens as it has been thoroughly revamped from inside out. It was introduced as a new version in September*, 1994 rather as an update.

The most inviting factor for photographers on this 28mm wideangle lens is with its AF-D lens configuration - I guess others are secondary. Weighing just 210g, it is slightly heavier from the previous non-D version which weighs lighter at 195g. The weight gain seemingly has to do with the new 6 elements in 6 group internal optical design where more lens elements were being used. Further, the AF-D lens has a much improved physical built quality which reflects in its overall appearance. The manual focusing ring has a broader dimension as found in the earlier 2nd non-D update. Other minor improvements include the distance scale has the feet in colored. The minimum aperture lock has changed to a slide switch design as well as Nikon has maintained three depth of field scales for f/11, f/16 and f/22. Personally, I'd rather see additional scales such as a mid aperture of f/5.6 or f/4.0 being added (or replace one of them) which may even make this section more useful for photographers.

MIG-21 Credit: Image courtesy of Peter Pipelias, whose online PORTFOLIO can be accessed at PBase. Image copyright © 2006. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.

* Added note:- I don't intend to spice up a minor issue here. But it has puzzled me for for some time. In a lens product catalogue distributed in March, 1994; the lens data section mentioned the AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D has an old optical formula of 5 elements in 5 groups design. I have managed to get another copy published in July, 1994 as well as another sales guide of 1996/7 it has still stated with same description. All the concerned lens shared an identical physical appearance and looked exactly the same with later version with a revised 6 elements in 5 groups design.

The earlier AF-D stated it weighs 195g but new AF-D with 6E/6G weighs 205g. So, which is which ? If it ever these are existed, the AF-D 28mm f/2.8 may has two versions then. It couldn't be a publication error that ran for a few years in a row right ? IF you have an Instruction manual, check the spec sheet and see if which version you have. If your AF-D lens has a 5E/5G, then the suspicion may has some basis then.

The version of AF-D 28mm shown in Roland Vink's S/N site. He concludes there is only ONE version of the AF-D 28mm f/2.8D exists. May be you can find out this and update me or him.

Key Features:- 0. Enables Nikon 3D matrix metering for ambient and flash photography 1. Reasonably fast maximum aperture for many lighting condition 2. Improved exterior cosmetic and lens handling 3. Revised optical design with a new 6/ lens elements/groups formula 4. wideangle lens with a good picture angle of 74° ; 53° for digital DX sensor SLRs 5. Close-Range Correction (CRC) element, close focuses down to just 0.25m, offering a magnification ratio of 1/5.6 * Confusion of availability between versions. Prefer to refer the current versiion as NONE. - Credit KLMA 6. Employs a non-rotating front filter ring, polarizer usable *** 7. Lightweight and compact. Ideal for all round general photography 8. Native Ai-S lens spec. Workable with most Ai Nikon / Digital SLRs 9. Takes popular 52mm filter accessories 10. Cheapest 28mm prime in the AF-Nikkor family

Inside a cafe... Credit: Image courtesy of Wes Kawachi, from Hawaii, whose online PORTFOLIO can be accessed at PBase. Image copyright © 2006. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.

Depends from model to models, Nikon 3D Matrix Meters enables 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash photography as well. The picture angle of the AF-D 28mm wideangle lens corresponds with most flash units Nikon offers and has this picture angle of 28mm wideangle lens covered . This provides even illumination for flash photography and you may take advantage from it. In terms of compatibility, this AF-D 28mm wideangle lens can be used with virtually all Nikon SLRs that has Ai-spec as well as all Nikon Digital SLR models in their respective performances for metering as well as exposure control. However, it is less functional on a DX format sensor D-SLR camera as the picture angle magnifies the primary 74° as an approx. 53° in a DX Format sensor Digital SLRs (28mm x 1.5 = 42mm 35mm equiv.). Overall, it performs its best at normal distance but there is an underlying photographic possibilities where you can also explore with close-up photography. The minimum marked distance scales is 0.25m (1 ft ) and delivers an impressive 1:3.9 magnification ratio. Nikon has incorporated Close Range Correction system in the lens design to ensures its outstanding optical performance even be extended to its closest focusing range. Lastly, due to its late release, the AF-D Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D wideangle lens has enjoyed an extra benefit of being treating with Nikon's Super Integrated lens Coating (SIC); the improved SIC which reputedly enhances performance of a Nikkor lens by reducing ghosting and maintain overall uniform color balance that characterizes Nikkor lenses. Due to nature of an wideangle lens has wider field of view; this is one functional part of Nikon technology for their products.

Is this autofocus Nikkor wideangle lens a worthy buy ? Errr ....with so many available options of AF Nikkor wide-tele zoom lenses around in the market today; you may think I am silly to encourage anyone of your to get one for yourself. Not quite. Recently, I did a search via Ebay, it is interesting to note that used AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8N has a few Buy-It-Now prices that ranging from USD110.00 to USD160.00 (AF-D adds another 100.00 -150.00, it ranges). While a comparing AF Zoom Nikkor 28-70mm f/3.5~4.5D ranges from USD100.00 ~ 150.00; while the AF-S Zoom Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED has a calling price of around USD1,000-00. So, may I ask where the hell you can find a Nikkor wide-tele zoom lens with a f/2.8 maximum aperture that sells at USD120.00 ? Some of you may think the AF Zoom Nikkor 28-70mm f/3.5~4.5D is a better buy as it has a more versatile zoom but its dim starting aperture (as well as larger, heavier in size and weight in comparison).

If you are looking forward to acquire a compact, lightweight 28mm wideangle lens for traveling in the lightest possible package; this lens fits the purpose. But if you have already owned a version in the AF Nikkor 28mm wideangle lens group, you don't actually need to get an upgrade. Unless all your current Nikon gears are digital-based, or using a Nikon that has 3D Matrix Metering embedded and yet intend to go for a prime 28mm wideangle for personal use, this AF-D 28mm version could justify a consideration as it extends its potential further through camera's technology at the other end. Well, for those who think they always had erroneous exposure in their photography and concluding the lack of 3D Matrix Metering is the cause - then you may have a long years ahead to suffer with your cash reserve. Nikon should be happy to hear this.

Credit: Image(s) courtesy of 'Shutterblade team' where I downloaded them from their Ebay Store. All image(s) appeared herein are Copyright © 2005. All rights reserved.

Specifications

Focal length: 28mm; Maximum aperture: f/2.8D
Lens construction: 6 elements in 6 groups; with close range correction; IF, floating lens element design
Picture angle: 74° (53° for DX Format sensor Digital SLRs: Lens coating: Nikon SIC

Distance scale: Graduated in meters and feet from 0.25m (0.85 ft ) to infinity (OO) Magnification ratio:- Maximum 1/5.6@0.25m Distance information: Output into camera body Aperture scale: f/2.8 to f/22 on both standard and aperture-direct readout scales Diaphragm: Fully automatic Number of Diaphragm blades used: 7 <<<--- Nikon published MTF for this lens.

Exposure measurement: Via full-aperture method; distance info auto relay to camera body meter and exposure circuitry
Mount: Nikon bayonet mount; External front filter attachment frame: non-rotating
Depth of Filed Scales: yes. f/11, f/16 and f/22.
Infra-index: Yes. Filter attachment size: 52mm
Dimensions: Approx. 65mm dia. x 44.5mm
Weight: Approx. 205g

Standard Accessories (Supplied)	Optional Accessories
Snap-On front lens cap	Flexible lens pouch No. 61
Rear lens cap LF-1	Hard lens case CL-30S, 34A, CP-8
Bayonet-type filters (L37C, A2, B2, 056)	Teleconverter TC-201, TC-l4 A
Filter case CA-2	Lens hood HN-2/HB-2
AF-3; AF-4	AF-3 usable. (0); AF-4: Usable. (1): Indicates maximum number of usable hoods (HN-36 for AF-3/HN-37 for AF-4).

(see Nikon Teleconverter section for more info on applicable Nikon tele-extender) NOTE: Production Serial Numbers believed to have started from 400001 for this AF Nikkor wideangle lense; 400001 < 407521 - 467833 > Roland Vinks's data sheet -

Credit: Image courtesy of Laura Kornylak ® <shutterblade@comcast.net> from shutterblade*com where the Company has a website on its own. Image copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.

Minimum Aperture Lock For programmed auto or when during shutter-priority auto shooting, use the minimum aperture lock lever to jock the lens aperture at f/22. 1. Set the lens to its minimum aperture (f/22). 2. Slide lock lever in the direction of the aperture ring and so the white dot on the lever aligns with the orange dot. 3. To release the lock, slide lever in reverse direction.

Important: 1) Be careful not to spoil or damage the CPU contacts. 2) Do not attach the following accessories to the lens, as they may damage the CPU contacts of the lens. 3) Auto Extension Ring PK-1, Auto Extension Ring PK-11*, K1 Ring, Auto Ring BR 4 ** Use PK-11A instead. ** Use BR-6 instead; *** Polarizer II with HN-2 lens hood:- Usable, but slight vignetting may occur at macro setting with the dedicated Lens Hood HN-2.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the lens aperture ring has not been set to the minimum aperture, the viewfinder and control panel on top of the camera will show a "Fee" blinking , and the shutter release will be disabled. This does not apply in the case of type G lenses, which do not have an aperture ring. Use this setting when you want to adjust aperture using the lens aperture ring. Note that aperture for type G lenses is always set using the command dials.

| NEXT | 2/3 One of the fastest lens speed in wideangle lens for 35mm SLR photography AF-Nikkor 28mm f/2.8s | AF-Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D | AF-Nikkor 28mm f/1.4D Version History: | RF Nikkor-W 2.8cm 1:3.5 | MF Nikon 2.8 cm f/3.5 Nikkor-H | MF Nikkor 28mm f/2.0 Auto | MF Nikkor 28mm f/2.0 non-Ai | MF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 non-Ai | MF Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 non-Ai | MF Nikkor 28mm f/2.0 Ai | MF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 Ai | MF Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 Ai | MF Nikkor 28mm f/2.0 Ai-S | MF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 Ai-S | MF Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 Ai-S | MF PC-Nikkor f/3.5 / F/4.0 | UW-Nikkor 28mm f/4.0 | Relative: Canon equivalent of the Autofocus EF 28mm f/1.8 USM & EF 28mm f/2.8 wideangle lens

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Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

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