Nikkor AF 28mm f/1.4 D (FX) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (full format)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne 5.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/1.4
Exposure 1/8000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/2.0
Exposure 1/6400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/2.0
Exposure 1/4000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/3200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/2.0
Exposure 1/6400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/3200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/1.4
Exposure 1/8000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/2.0
Exposure 1/3200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/3.2
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/5000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/2.0
Exposure 1/8000s

Verdict

The Nikkor AF-D 28mm f/1.4 delivers very solid performance for an ultra-fast wide-angle lens, however it is not without flaws. Sharpness is very good in the image center and good at the borders and corners wide open already. Stopped down, the lens delivers excellent sharpness in the image center and very good values at the borders and corners. However, at large apertures the lens lacks contrast and shows a "glow" around contrast edges that's typical for many classic fast lenses.

As to be expected from such a fast lens, vignetting is very pronounced wide open, but reduces to much lower levels stopped down to f/2.8 and beyond. Distortion is only moderate and actually quite well controlled for a wide angle lens, whereas CAs are a bit on the high side, but can easily be corrected in post processing. The bokeh is a bit nervous, which is quite typical behaviour for a wide angle lens. However, modern lenses, like the Nikon AF-S 24/1.4 show some improvements especially in this regard.

Once targeted at professional users, the build quality is accordingly superb.

When it was current, the lens had no competition. Anyone wanting an ultra-fast wide angle AF lens had no choice but the AF-D 28/1.4 (or lower quality 3rd party options). Today there are more capable lenses like the AF-S 24/1.4 or the far more affordable (upcoming) AF-S 28/1.8. However, even though it may look a little outdated in direct comparison, it's still an iconic lens and certainly one to have fun with in the field.

Optical Quality:    
★★★★★
Mechanical Quality:
★★★★★
Price/Performance:
discontinued

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings


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