* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Nikon 15mm f/5.6 NIKKOR AI Manual Focus Lens {Built-In Filter}
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Nikon 15mm f/5.6 AI: a rare extreme wide-angle manual prime.
At 15mm on a full-frame F-mount body, you get one of the widest rectilinear perspectives available in the Nikon manual-focus lineup. The fixed focal length demands compositional discipline, and the f/5.6 maximum aperture keeps the optical design manageable at this extreme angle of view. A built-in filter handles the front element geometry that would otherwise make standard screw-in filters impossible to mount.
The AI coupling mechanically indexes the aperture to the camera's metering system, meaning compatible Nikon bodies can meter accurately with this lens without any electronic components in the signal path. That mechanical simplicity is part of what makes AI-era glass hold up across decades. For photographers working with modern Nikon DSLRs that support AI indexing, this lens integrates cleanly into the metering workflow. Buying into a lens this specialized at a used price is the only way most shooters will ever own one.
Who It's For
Architecture and interior photographers working in tight spaces will find 15mm gives them coverage that few other primes can match on full-frame. Landscape shooters after foreground-to-sky drama with rectilinear lines intact have a strong reason to seek this focal length out. Film photographers using AI-era Nikon bodies get full metering integration through the mechanical AI coupling. Collectors and manual-focus enthusiasts drawn to specialized F-mount glass from this period will recognize how rarely this particular lens surfaces.
Key Features
- 15mm focal length delivers extreme wide-angle rectilinear perspective
- f/5.6 maximum aperture maintains optical simplicity at extreme angle of view
- Nikon F-mount AI coupling for mechanical metering indexing
- Manual focus with generous depth of field at 15mm
- Built-in filter eliminates screw-in mounting complications
- Fixed prime focal length enforces compositional discipline
FAQ
- Is this lens compatible with modern Nikon DSLRs?
- Yes, the AI coupling mechanically indexes the aperture to the camera's metering system on any Nikon F-mount body that supports AI indexing. No electronic components required - the metering path is purely mechanical.
- What makes the built-in filter necessary?
- At 15mm, the front element geometry is so extreme that standard screw-in filters won't mount properly. The built-in filter solves this without adding bulk or requiring exotic filter holders.
- How wide is 15mm on a full-frame body?
- 15mm on full-frame is extreme wide-angle territory - one of the widest rectilinear perspectives available in the Nikon manual-focus lineup. You'll capture an expansive field of view with minimal distortion.
- Why does the f/5.6 aperture matter for a 15mm lens?
- At this extreme angle of view, f/5.6 represents an optical design trade-off. Faster apertures would require much more complex glass to maintain rectilinear correction. f/5.6 keeps the optical path manageable while still delivering usable light for wide-angle work.
- Is manual focus difficult with this focal length?
- At 15mm, depth of field is generous even at f/5.6, so focus precision is forgiving. The wide perspective actually simplifies composition - you're thinking about subject placement and lines, not critical focus zones.
- Why is this lens considered rare?
- Extreme wide-angle manual primes at this focal length never sold in high volume. Most photographers opted for 14mm or wider designs, or moved to zooms. Finding a 15mm AI in used inventory is uncommon enough that pricing reflects its scarcity.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 15mm |
| Max Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Mount | Nikon F (AI) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount Ai |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Max Focal Length | 15mm |
| Min Focal Length | 15mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
