Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G

By Jim Fisher

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G ($699.95 direct) is a relatively new lens in the company's full-frame FX lineup. Full-frame shooters can use the lens as a wide-angle option, with a classic field of view. Nikon APS-C owners can mount the lens to the camera and use it as a standard angle?the 28mm focal length perfectly matches the diagonal measurement of a DX sensor. When you consider its focal length, fast aperture, and impressive performance, you have a lens that walks away with our Editors' Choice award.

The optic itself is about the size of a small zoom, 3.2 by 2.9 inches (HD), but is very light for its size at 11.6 ounces. A hood is included, and the front element is fixed so using a 67mm circular polarizing filter is possible. Focus is fast and silent thanks to an internal motor. There's no vibration reduction built into the lens?it's not a feature that Nikon puts into wider angle lenses.

I used Imatest to check the sharpness and distortion characteristics of the 28mm when paired with the full-frame Nikon D600. Distortion is only one percent, which is basically irrelevant in field conditions. The lens is razor sharp, even at f/1.8. It hits 2,301 lines per picture height there, well in excess of the 1,800 lines required for a sharp photo. It gets sharper still as you stop down, topping out at 2,875 lines at f/8. The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2/25 ?is sharper, but it's also $1,000 more expensive and doesn't support autofocus.

The AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G is a lens that any Nikon user could benefit from having in their gear bag. On an FX body the wide-angle field of view is equally useful for landscapes, reportage, and event coverage. When paired with a DX body it turns into a fast normal lens?and because it's sharp wide open, it's ideal for use in low light. You can capture a sharp subject with a shallow depth of field. Because of its performance and value, it earns our Editors' Choice award.

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??? Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2/25
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