Difference between Nikon wides, AIS versus AFD

I have checked around for Nikon wide angle prime lenses, 24mm to 35mm.

 

There is quite an overlap between the manual AIS and the AFD variety.

I am fully aware of their different properties, such as manual focus,

D or non D etc. What i am wondering is about their optical

differences, taking the two "duplicate" 24mm/f2.8, or the two 28/f2.8,

or both 35/f2 Nikkors as examples. Apparently there are more AIS wide

angle lenses still out there with f/1.4 and f/2 (and not in AFD) at B+H.

 

Any experience/differences between those three AIS lenses and their

AFD counterparts optically: flare, sharpness, color tinge, wide open ...?

 

The AFD ones usually come in at 60 to 120$ less than their AIS

brethren; they look different, different (less) weight, size, ... .

 

[i am aware that the AFDs sell more quickly, hence, maybe, the premium

AIS prices, but maybe the AIS just beat the socks off those AFDs, just

wondering?]

Frank: AIS lenses are more expensive new because their production cost is higher and demand is lower for them than for new AF models. On the used market, however, all three AIS lenses you mentioned are fairly inexpensive. You should be able to find them for less than 200 dollars each in decent condition. The optical formulas for the 28 f/2.8 and 35 f/2 are different from the AIS to AFD versions; Bjorn Rorslett considers the AIS 28 f/2.8 one of the best Nikkors around and he reports that the AF 35 f/2 is noticeably softer than its AIS predecessor. I don't think the formula for the 24 f/2.8 has changed at all. FYI, I had an AI 35 f/2 and I loved it, I sold it for my AIS 28 f/2. If you don't need autofocus or matrix metering I highly recommend Nikkor AIS lenses, be careful though, the manual focusing feel will spoil you and you won't be able to go back to autofocus.

I'm a relative newbie to Nikon SLR gear, and I can confirm this. Beware :-)

 

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>> If you don't need autofocus or matrix metering I highly recommend

Nikkor AIS lenses, be careful though, the manual focusing feel will spoil you and you won't be able to go back to autofocus.

The 24s have the same optical formula, but the AF-D lens is

more dent, shock, and temperature resistant.

 

The 28 AIS has a superior optical formula that is sharper and

focuses closer.

 

The 35 AF-D is lighter, closer focusing, flare resistant, has

none of the AIS ghosting, sharper, and more consistent from

sample to sample. For manual users, this lens works

brilliantly as well since it focuses very quickly and smoothly.

Of all six lenses, this one does the most and does it all very

well. If you throw in the 28 f/2 AIS, that's another story;

it has better correction of Coma and beats the 35 f/2 in every

other category except weight. If you could only have one wide

lens in the Nikkor line, the 28 f/2 would have to be it.

I'd also like to add my support to the 35/2 AF-D as it is a very nice optic, especially if you use a DX format SLR. Its only optical problem is the lack of corner sharpness at the widest apertures, but that only shows up on 24x36 mm format cameras between f/2 and f/4. By f/5.6 it's excellent. Of course, manual focus feel could be smoother but it does support metering with the D70 so ...

35/2 AF(D?) is known as a problem lens due to oil contaminating the diaphragm blades.

Oh well. Just put some epoxy in the holes that hold the springs for the aperture - no more oily apertures.

Stay away from the AF 35mm f2. If you want a 35mm, the f1.4 Ai(s) is the one to get. For my money, I'd look into the AF 28mm 1.4 (if you can find one!) or the MF 28mm 2.

I second Norman. The 35/1.4 is a gem.

<em>"Oh well. Just put some epoxy in the holes that hold

the springs for the aperture - no more oily apertures." --Ilkka

Nissila<br>

</em><br>

Might I recommend RED LocTite or 3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive

8001 (Part No. 051135-08001). Apply these with a tooth pick and

be careful. Although these are pretty permanent I think they will

be easier to remove if necessary.<br>

<br>

Try storing your lenses face down, bayonet up. That what a camera

repairman told me. Of course he stores his on their sides with

socks or something between them ;)<br>

<br>

Best,<br>

<br>

Dave Hartman.

I cannot believe that people would recommend lenses which cannot be used on the majority of the new cameras. This is like recommending to buy a new car without a catalyzer. I'm sure there is some place where you can drive it.

<I>Any experience/differences between those three AIS lenses and their AFD</I><P>

 

Some of the auto-focus lenses have limited depth of field scales compared to the same optical formula manual focus AIS version. Since using DOF scales for hyper and zone-focusing is a very important thing for me, and the fact that lenses used this way makes auto-focus moot, I prefer my 24mm and 20mm AIS lenses over the auto-focus models.<P>

 

In terms of the 35mm focal length, I replaced my 35mm f/2.0 AIS lens with the auto-focus version and found the improvement to be great in terms of both the sharpness and the close-focus range. All was not well however, and my lens came down with the dreaded aperture problem. I got the 35mm f/1.4 AIS lens that I always wanted, and never looked back. The 35mm f/2.0 AF lens was good enough that if it had not been rendered inoperative, it would still be my lens of choice in this focal length. I have no fear for my f/1.4 model, based on my history with real metal and glass AI / AIS lenses.

Ilkka I wouldn't let the oily aperture issue stop me either but its something Frank should be made aware of. My local camera store has had enough issues with it that they don't like to sell this particular lens used.

Ilkka, I cannot agree to "...This is like recommending to buy a new car without a catalyzer.....". A Nikon body without F-mount isnt a respected Nikonbody, so what kind of majority to you mean?^^

 

As mentioned above, its much easier to use a MF lense in terms of DOF, and thats the way wides are used mostly. The only AF wide I would like to own is 28mm/f 1,4, all other lenses AI or AIS are better from optics and much better to use.

The 35MM F1.4 AIS and the 24MM F2.8 AIS get my vote! Two superb lenses.