Nikon 15mm f/3.5 NIKKOR AI Manual Focus Lens {Rear Bayonet Filter}

Nikon 15mm f/3.5 AI NIKKOR: manual-focus ultra-wide built for F-mount.

At 15mm on a full-frame F-mount body, this lens pushes into genuine ultra-wide territory. The AI indexing means it communicates properly with AI-capable Nikon bodies, giving you metered exposure without adapters or workarounds. Manual focus is the whole game here, and for photographers who prefer to own that process, it is no limitation.

The rear bayonet filter mount is a practical design choice at this focal length, where front-element geometry often makes standard screw-in filters impractical. Stopping down from f/3.5 gives you the deep depth of field that architecture and landscape work depend on. This is glass with a specific purpose, and it does that job on any Nikon F-mount body that supports AI lenses.

Who It's For

Architecture and interior photographers get a focal length that handles tight spaces without requiring a stitch or a step back. Landscape shooters working with a manual-focus workflow will appreciate the AI indexing, which keeps in-camera metering functional on compatible Nikon bodies. Film photographers running Nikon F-mount cameras get a proven ultra-wide that fits the system natively. Street photographers who want a wide, fixed perspective and full manual control will find the 15mm focal length forces deliberate composition.

Key Features

• 15mm focal length for genuine ultra-wide coverage on F-mount
• f/3.5 maximum aperture
• AI indexing for metered exposure on compatible Nikon bodies
• Manual focus design
• Rear bayonet filter mount for optical simplicity

FAQ

Does this lens work with modern Nikon DSLRs?

Yes, as long as your body supports AI lenses. The AI indexing allows metered exposure on compatible F-mount bodies without adapters.

What's the advantage of a rear bayonet filter mount at 15mm?

Front-element geometry on ultra-wide lenses makes standard screw-in filters impractical or impossible. A rear mount keeps the optical path clean and simplifies filter changes.

Is manual focus a problem for wide-angle shooting?

No. At 15mm, depth of field is forgiving once you stop down even slightly, and manual focus gives you precise control over what's sharp.

Will this lens work on crop-sensor F-mount bodies?

Yes. 15mm on a crop body gives you a narrower angle of view than on full-frame, but the lens itself mounts and functions normally.

What aperture range does this lens cover?

The maximum aperture is f/3.5. The lens stops down from there, giving you progressive depth of field for landscape and architecture work.