Nikon Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 AI Manual Focus Lens

A good wide-angle lens has a way of making you notice more of what's happening around you, and the Nikon Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 is a lovely example.

With its classic Nikon styling, compact design and fully manual controls, this is a lens made for photographers who enjoy taking their time and being part of the process.

The 28mm focal length gives you a wider view than a traditional 50mm lens, making it particularly useful when you want to capture more of a scene without stepping too far back.

Think busy streets, interesting buildings, landscapes, travel photographs and everyday moments where the surroundings are just as important as the subject.

It's wide enough to give your photographs a sense of space, but not so wide that everything starts to feel exaggerated.

The f/2.8 maximum aperture makes it a practical choice for daylight photography and a variety of everyday situations. And because it's a prime lens, there's no zoom to think about. You simply move around, find your composition and take the photograph.

Focusing is entirely manual, with a traditional focusing ring and engraved distance markings that make it easy to get a feel for how the lens works.

It's a particularly enjoyable way to photograph on film, where slowing down and paying attention to the frame is part of the experience.

Originally designed for Nikon's 35mm SLR cameras, this Nikkor also offers an interesting option for photographers wanting to experiment with classic Nikon glass on a compatible digital camera.

A versatile little wide-angle lens with plenty of character and a refreshingly straightforward approach to photography.

Best for

• Street photography

• Travel photography

• Landscapes

• Architecture

• Everyday photography

• Environmental portraits

• Learning manual focus

• Building a classic Nikon film kit

• Experimenting with vintage lenses on digital cameras

What to expect

The Nikon Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 gives you a wider field of view than a standard 50mm lens, making it easier to include more of your surroundings in each photograph.

On a 35mm film or full-frame camera, the 28mm focal length is well suited to street scenes, landscapes, interiors and travel photography.

Its f/2.8 maximum aperture is useful for general photography, particularly in daylight and reasonably bright conditions.

As with many older wide-angle lenses, stopping down can improve sharpness across the frame, particularly towards the edges.

Focusing is entirely manual, and the aperture is adjusted using the physical ring on the lens.

On Nikon DX-format digital cameras, the field of view is approximately equivalent to 42mm on full frame.

Compatibility varies between Nikon camera models. Some digital cameras may require manual exposure settings or may not support metering with this lens.

Developing

This lens can be used for film photography when mounted on a compatible film camera.

The developing process depends on the film used rather than the lens.

For example, 35mm colour negative film is generally processed using C-41 chemistry, while black and white and slide films require their respective processes.

When used on a compatible digital camera, no film developing is required.