Opinion: 28mm f/2 AI or f/2.8 AIS (0.2mfd)

[whatdoineed2do]

I've been looking for a 28mm for environmental portraiture for a while and have narrowed my search to the 28mm MF primes: f/2 AI/AIS or f/2.8 AIS (0.2MFD).

I would appreciate opinions from experienced users for any recommendation of either lens with the view that this will be used for reasonably close (think environmental portraiture/photojounalism) - med distances and probably wideopen to f/4, so infinity or extreme corner sharpness are less of a concern - this will be on a D800.

The f/2 has the extra stop but how does it compare to the f/2.8 AIS at f/2.8 and f/4?  Is there any noticable sample variations that I should be concerned?

I already have the 24-70 f/2.8G (old version) - how do the old timers stack up against this zoom?

Many thanks

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Either lens will do a good service for your designated purposes. I tend to recommend the 28/2 unless you specifically expect doing lots of close-ups. The reason being of course the faster lens can be opened up another stop compared to its sibling and sometimes that is exactly the medicine you need to get the shot.

Do be aware of the potential misalignment from knocks and bumps to the front part of these lenses. They both have CRC implemented in the front and that makes them more vulnerable to ill effects of rough handling.

[whatdoineed2do]

How would the MF lenses compare against the 24-70mm at the same length at f/2.8 and f/4?

The 28mm primes would be a nice substitute for the heavy zoom but only if the IQ is on par or better

[pluton]

Sample variation and, as Bjørn notes, undetected internal damage are possibilities to watch out for in any used lens.
My copy of the 28/2.8 Ais is amazingly sharp, center to edge, and fully useable at f/2.8.  Also features a fairly flat field of focus at wide open.
I haven't had the 28/2 since film, so I can't comment on it's sharpness on modern digital camera applications.
Based on my sample of the 24-70/2.8G (used one for a year), for 'sharpness' I'd pick the 28/2.8 Ais at f/2.8 vs. the 24-70/2.8G at f/2.8.
The 28/2 will show a bit more barrel distortion in the medium-close focus range than the 28/2.8 Ais.

[John Geerts]

The 28/2 is more versatile, as Bjørn states. The f/2 is definitely the advantage over the other and the zooms. On top of that, the 28/2 is very usable in the sun as it is pretty flare resistant. Both manual lenses are relatively easy to focus.

[rosko]

Both lenses are very good and sharp.

I prefer the f/2 AI although it is 120 gr heavier. Just subjective opinion.

An older version, the 28mm f/2 nikkor N auto (with AI kit conversion) is sharp too.

Francis.

[Bent Hjarbo]

Regarding the 28 f2.8 AiS I have one with a rattling noise, is that something that is easy to correct. It seems to make ok images however.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

A rattling noise might indicate the front CRC group has worked itself looser over time. If the problem gets worse, let a qualified repair technician have a look.

[Bent Hjarbo]

I was afraid, that was the problem, may consider the cost vs getting an other sample

[Bjørn Rørslett]

These lenses should be pretty easy to get fresh samples of, as they were produced and sold in large numbers.

[richardHaw]

I can confirm that the CRC of this lens can be a bit flimsy

as for the 28/2.8 Ai-S, my only complaint for that lens is that its flare resistance is a bit lacking in my opinion. the older non-Ai-S seems to be better in this regard.

no experience of the f/2, but it gains an extra stop which is useful.

[Bent Hjarbo]

I can confirm that the CRC of this lens can be a bit flimsy

as for the 28/2.8 Ai-S, my only complaint for that lens is that its flare resistance is a bit lacking in my opinion. the older non-Ai-S seems to be better in this regard.

no experience of the f/2, but it gains an extra stop which is useful.

Any  idea off how complicated it is to rectify the problem? Can it be done by only take the front of?

[richardHaw]

Any  idea off how complicated it is to rectify the problem? Can it be done by only take the front of?

Hello, Bent.
I am not sure. but I recall having a little bit of a hard time with this lens. It's not super difficult, you just need to pay more attention 

I have been meaning to write an article for this lens for a long time. it looks like I will write an this week for the Nikkormat EL so I will probably write one this coming February.

[Bent Hjarbo]

Hi Richard
Will look forward to it, I can easily wait, have other lenses

[Hugh_3170]

Richard, I am also looking forward to your Nikkormat EL article (even though I am more partial to its purely mechanical Nikkormat cousins).

(Off topic: I am also partial to Nena.  )