Nikkor AF 28mm f/1.4 D - Review / Lab Test Report - Analysis
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C)
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Introduction
Analysis

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Distortion

The AF 28mm f/1.4D exhibits only a slight degree of barrel distortion (0.8%).

The chart above has a real-world size of about 120x80cm.

Vignetting

The AF 28mm f/1.4D is a full frame lens thus enjoying a sweet spot advantage on APS-C DSLRs. Despite its ultra-large aperture the vignetting is still moderate at f/1.4. From f/2 onwards the problem is basically negligible.

MTF (resolution)

Unfortunately the Nikkor showed a rather pronounced centering defect (this is a 100% center crop) which spoiled the MTF results quite a bit specifically at large aperture settings. Typical for such defects it helps to stop down and from f/2.8 onwards the results are very impressive with an extremely high center performance and very good borders. A fully valid sample should perform even better.

Please note that the MTF results are not directly comparable across the different systems!

Below is a simplified summary of the formal findings. The chart shows line widths per picture height (LW/PH) which can be taken as a measure for sharpness. If you want to know more about the MTF50 figures you may check out the corresponding Imatest Explanations

Chromatic Aberrations (CAs)

Chromatic aberrations (color shadows at harsh contrast transitions) are relatively well controlled for a wide-angle lens. At around 1px on the average the problem can be visible but it's usually no critical issue (and a correctable one anyway).

Verdict

Regarding the obvious centering defect it is difficult to find a verdict for the Nikkor AF 28mm f/1.4D. Assuming a valid sample the performance should be great when stopped down a little. Even in its less than perfect state the tested sample performed better than the AF 28mm f/2.8. CAs, vignetting and distortions are very well controlled for a lens in this class. The build quality is superb. It is a pity that the lens has been discontinued - more so because Nikon does not offer any replacement nor any other ultra-fast wide-angle fix-focal AF lens.

Optical Quality: not given at this stage    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:discontinued
      
   What does this mean ?

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