* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Nikon 28mm f/2.8 NIKKOR AIS Manual Focus Lens {52}
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$487.00
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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's classic 28mm prime, built for Nikon F shooters.
The NIKKOR 28mm f/2.8 AI-S is a fixed focal length lens on the Nikon F mount, covering a field of view that sits wide enough for environmental work without the distortion of an ultra-wide. At f/2.8, you get meaningful low-light capability in a compact, manual-focus package that forces deliberate shooting habits. The 52mm filter thread is a common size, which means polarizers and NDs you already own will likely fit.
AI-S designation matters if you're shooting on a Nikon body that reads mechanical aperture coupling. Fully manual operation means no autofocus motor to fail, no electronic contacts to corrode, and a focus ring that gives direct tactile feedback. For film shooters running an FM, FE, or F3 body, this lens was built exactly for that pairing. On modern digital Nikons with AI indexing, stop-down metering keeps the workflow intact. This is a lens that outlasts camera generations.
Who It's For
Film photographers shooting on classic Nikon bodies like the FM2 or F3 get native metering support and a focal length that works for street and documentary work. Street photographers benefit from the 28mm field of view, wide enough to include environmental context without requiring close proximity to subjects. Architecture and travel shooters who want a lightweight wide prime without zoom bulk will find the fixed focal length forces sharper compositional decisions. Videographers using adapted manual glass on mirrorless bodies can mount this via F-to-Z or F-to-Sony adapters for smooth, clickless manual iris control.
Key Features
- Fixed 28mm prime on Nikon F AI-S mount
- f/2.8 maximum aperture for low-light handheld work
- 52mm filter thread for common accessories
- Manual focus with direct tactile feedback
- No autofocus motor means no mechanical failure points
- Compact, durable design built for film-era reliability
FAQ
- Will this 28mm work on my modern Nikon DSLR or mirrorless camera?
- Yes, the AI-S mount is compatible with all Nikon F-mount DSLRs and mirrorless bodies via an FTZ adapter. You'll use stop-down metering on digital bodies, which means you'll need to manually stop the aperture down to read exposure through the viewfinder.
- What's the difference between AI-S and earlier Nikon manual focus lenses?
- AI-S lenses have an improved mechanical coupling that works with camera bodies equipped to read aperture electronically. On non-AI bodies, the lens will still function, but you lose that coupling. For film shooters, the distinction matters only if your body supports it; the optical performance is identical.
- Is 28mm considered wide angle?
- 28mm is wide, but not ultra-wide. It gives you roughly a 75-degree field of view on full-frame, wide enough for landscapes and environmental portraits without the barrel distortion you'd get from 14mm or 24mm.
- How compact is this lens compared to modern zooms?
- Manual focus primes from the film era tend to be significantly smaller than modern zooms. You'll pocket this easily on a travel body, and the weight penalty is minimal.
- Can I use my existing 52mm filters on this lens?
- Yes. The 52mm filter thread is standard across many lenses, so polarizers, neutral density filters, and UV filters you already own will fit directly.
- Does this lens have autofocus?
- No. This is fully manual focus with no autofocus motor. For some shooters, that's a feature-it removes a potential failure point and forces more deliberate composition.
- What film cameras is this lens optimized for?
- It pairs well with Nikon F-mount film bodies like the FM2, FE, F3, and FM3A. The AI-S coupling ensures proper metering integration on bodies that support it.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 28mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Nikon F (AI-S) |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
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 |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount Ai-S |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Max Focal Length | 28mm |
| Min Focal Length | 28mm |
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.
