alex_c Posted November 12, 2004 Share Posted November 12, 2004 Can someone please tell me something about this lens? Also, I am very confused what are the differences between D, AIS and whichever else version of the same lens there might be. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leslie_cheung Posted November 12, 2004 Share Posted November 12, 2004 Though it gets more complicated all D lenses are AF. Non ai, ai and ais lenses are manual focus. DX are for digital nikons, G lenseshave no aperture ring. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael R Freeman Posted November 12, 2004 Share Posted November 12, 2004 In the case of this lens (the 28mm f/2.8) the optics are different in each version. The AIS has CRC (close range correction for improved close focusing performance), 8 elements in 8 groups, and is widely recognized to be Nikon's best 28mm (perhaps a toss up with the 28/2). The 1st and 2nd autofocus versions (AF and AFn) are 5 elements in 5 groups, do not have CRC, and apparently are much poorer performers than the AIS. The current AF-D is 6 elements in 6 groups, does not have CRC, and is said to be much improved over the AF and AFn, but still not in the same league as the AIS. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael R Freeman Posted November 12, 2004 Share Posted November 12, 2004 <a href="http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html#28">http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html#28</a><br>(with thanks to Roland Vink) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex_c Posted November 12, 2004 Author Share Posted November 12, 2004 Thank you very much. I found one on eBay and it says NIKON 28MM f2.8 AF AIS LENS so I don't quite get it: is it AF or it's AIS?! As you can see, I am just a total beginner who's trying to make some sense while learning... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael R Freeman Posted November 12, 2004 Share Posted November 12, 2004 Alex - post the item number (or email it to me) and I will tell you what you are looking at. BTW - all AF lenses are also AIS, which isn't important to you, and only serves to confuse the matter even more. :-) Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewirealpha Posted November 12, 2004 Share Posted November 12, 2004 Just for the sake of information: AIS means "auto-indexing, shutter". AI (auto-indexing) means that the meter on the camera body automatically lines up to the aperture ring without any intervention from the user. The "S" in AIS means the camera a little dip milled into the lens mount that communicates focal length to the camera which helps the computer determine how to bias shutter-speed. I think that latter technology only applied to 2 cameras. The Nikon F4 and FA. Not sure about that though. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebogaerts Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 The AIS pin that the FA uses in program mode (to find out whether the lens is below or above 135mm's in focal length, and that is only used in Program mode) is useless on the F4 because the F4 can only do program mode (P or P-HI) with AF (or chipped) lenses, and in that case the information in the chip overrides whatever mechanically-sent information the camera recieves. AIS manual glass only makes a difference on 4 bodies. The FA, the FG, the N2000 and I also believe the N2020 (although I am not sure about the 2020). AI and manual AIS lenses are the "equal" as far as functionality on the F4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markp Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 Do note that the AF-D version of the 28mm f2.8 lens uses a different optical formula than the non-D version. If you are specifically looking for an AF lens, most everyone I know who has used both (including myself) tends to argue pretty strongly that the optical performance of the D version is superior. I'd recommend holding out until you can find a 28mm f2.8D AF lens - they're plentiful and cheap on the auction sites and online classifieds. Perhaps not quite as cheap as the non-D version, but well worth the small price difference, IMO. Cheers, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex_c Posted November 13, 2004 Author Share Posted November 13, 2004 Thank you all! Michael, item # is 3852249770 Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael R Freeman Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 Boy, is that one lousy auction photo! <P> Alex - that is the 1st AF version with the narrow hard plastic manual focus ring (like this one: <a href="http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/af2828.jpg"><u>http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/af2828.jpg</u></a>). <P> I suggest you pass on this one and look for an AF-D version with better optics and better manual focus characteristics. Look for one that has "1:2.8D" inside the filter ring, like this one: <a href="http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/afd2828.jpg"><u>http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/afd2828.jpg</u></a><p> Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex_c Posted November 13, 2004 Author Share Posted November 13, 2004 Thank you, Mike. I thought so too, it was not only a lousy auction photo but the guy didn't know to tell me anything more about the lens. I asked how old, year of manufacturing etc. and he doesn't know anything so i'll pass for sure. I got interested in the lens though. Thank for the most helpful tips, links etc. What a great bunch of people here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank uhlig Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 Try looking for a 2.0 28mm AIS, and you will find a wonderful lens; go to Rorslett's site (via google) and read up on Nikon lenses. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olivier_reichenbach Posted November 14, 2004 Share Posted November 14, 2004 For the record, this is what a 28/f2 AI would look like. There may not be the "rabbit ears', which are used on older non-AI bodies like the Nikkormat. You can tell the AI function by the second ring of aperture numbers (closer to the mount) which will show in a little window on AI bodies. Great lens.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now