Nikon AF NIKKOR 28mm f/1.4 D Autofocus Lens {72}

Nikon's legendary 28mm f/1.4 D: wide and fast in full-frame.

The AF NIKKOR 28mm f/1.4 D occupies a specific and position in Nikon's F-mount history. Released in 1994, it was one of the fastest wide-angle primes available for full-frame shooters, and the combination of 28mm framing with a f/1.4 maximum aperture still holds genuine utility for anyone who needs wide coverage in low light. The D-type designation means it transmits distance information to the camera body, which feeds into more accurate matrix metering and flash exposure calculations on compatible Nikon bodies.

At 28mm on FX, you get a field of view wide enough to work in tight spaces without the exaggeration of an ultra-wide, but still narrow enough to maintain subject presence in a frame. The 72mm filter thread is worth noting if you're building a filter system around it. Autofocus is handled by the camera body's internal motor, so performance will vary depending on which Nikon body you're running.

This lens earned its reputation among photographers who needed speed at wide angles before such options became common. Thirty years of production history and continued demand at resale say more about its optical character than spec sheets can.

Who It's For

Photojournalists and documentary shooters working in available light will put the f/1.4 aperture to immediate use in interiors, evening events, and low-light environments where flash isn't practical. Street photographers shooting full-frame Nikon F bodies benefit from the 28mm angle of view, which gives enough context without forcing them to back far from a subject. Wedding photographers covering reception candids in dim venues will find the light-gathering useful. Film photographers using F-mount SLRs get full compatibility, including the D-type distance data that sharpens flash metering on bodies like the F5 or F100.

Key Features

• 28mm focal length with f/1.4 maximum aperture
• D-type lens transmits distance data to camera body
• Autofocus driven by camera body internal motor
• 72mm filter thread
• Nikon F mount for FX-format bodies
• Fast wide-angle prime from 1994 production run

FAQ

What's the field of view on a 28mm f/1.4 on FX?

74 degrees. Wide enough to work in confined spaces without the distortion of an ultra-wide, but still tight enough to hold subject presence in the frame.

Does this lens autofocus?

Yes, but autofocus is body-driven through the camera's internal motor, so speed and reliability depend on which Nikon body you're pairing it with.

What does the D-type designation mean?

The lens transmits distance information to the camera body, which improves matrix metering accuracy and flash exposure calculations on compatible Nikon bodies.

What filter size does the 28mm f/1.4 D use?

72mm. Worth planning for if you're standardizing filters across a Nikon kit.

Why is this lens still sought after decades after release?

The combination of 28mm coverage and f/1.4 speed was genuinely rare when it shipped in 1994. It still delivers that fast wide-angle performance with proven optical character. Thirty years of market demand doesn't lie.

Is this lens compatible with full-frame Nikon bodies only?

Yes. The FX mount design and 28mm focal length are optimized for full-frame sensors.