Nikon 20mm f4 and f2.8 - your thoughts please

[Ian Rance]

<p>I just picked up a mint 20mm f2.8 Ai-s lens (manual focus) for 125 pounds. I already have the f4 version with which I am most pleased, and I was going to re-sell the f2.8 version for a small profit.</p>

<p>However, after reading up on Bjorn's site and others I am not sure if I am amaking a mistake. Is the 2.8 version better than the f4? One must go, but I don't want it to be the wrong one. I know that the CRC mechanism on the 2.8 verison is troublesome, but are there any other concerns? The f2.8 lens was purchaced new around 2005 if that makes a difference.</p>

<p>Your thoughts on both lenses welcomed. Which one should I part with?</p>

<p>Ian</p>

[Dieter Schaefer]

<blockquote>

<p>I am not sure if I am amaking a mistake.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Since you have both lenses at your disposal, why don't you put a camera behind them, go out and shoot something, then make your own judgement?</p>

[alex_lofquist]

<p>Even if the images are similar in quality (I don't know that they are), the f/2.8 will certainly give a brighter image in the viewfinder.</p>

[christiaan_phleger___honol]

<p>Arggh. Keep both. I have both (and the 3.5) and they are all so good its really hard to choose. The 2.8 has more flare, but 2.8 is actually nice at times. the f4 is so tiny, it takes up just a bit more space than the rear cap so its handy for a small light kit. Did you get the 135?</p>

[joe_a2]

<p>Ian.... I have twice decided to keep my f/4 over an f/2.8 that came along. Much like my 50mm 1.8D vs my 50mm 1.4D, I found the 20mm f/4 better than the 2.8 in the f/8-f/16 range where I shoot that focal length most. Don't just look at wide open when figuring this out for yourself. </p>

<p>But I have to agree with Dieter: load up a roll and go shoot them both. Fire off some on your dSLR, too. It's not like it you won't enjoy the "testing"! Make notes, since I doubt you'll be able to tell them apart from the slides. ;)</p>

[andrew_gale]

<p>Put them on a DSLR and do a test.<br>

Keep both unless you really need the money.</p>

<p>Personally, i would prefer the 2.8 for its faster speed and brighter finder, especially on a DSLR.</p>

[Ian Rance]

<p>Christiaan,</p>

<p>When I paid for the f2.8 version the other day I had just seen the price for a new one in Grays of Westminster - over 900 pounds! At 125 pounds I just could not leave it. Ah, the 135. I had it reserved and went to look at it again, but did find that it was needing a service as it was stiff to focus and this would add a fair bit to the cost. I really want it, but funds are a bit tight at the mo - that is why I am wanting to sell one of my 20's for a small profit - then if it is still there I can get that 135.</p>

<p>Joe and Dieter, I have run a roll through today, but there is a delay while I get processing (in another town) and I want to act fairly fast because of the 135mm lens I speak of above. Yes, a DSLR test would be nice on this occasion, but I do not own one.</p>

<p>Thanks for the info - all and any thoughts welcome. At this point I think the f4 version will be the one I am keeping though.</p>

<p>Ian</p>

[dave_petley2]

<p>hi i have the 20mm f4 i love it keep it I had the 2.8 did not like it I used the 20mm f4 on my D300 and D700 it is very sharp </p>

[Jim_Tardio]

<p>The current 28/2.8 is the better lens. The 20/4 and the 20/3.5 lack "CRC" (close-range-correction), which greatly aides in near-far compositions. I've owned them all.</p>

[glenjo]

<p>I have not had either of these lenses. I'd shot both for a while and see which does a better job.</p>

[Philip Freedman]

<p>My 20mm f4 Ais is nice and sharp but suffers badly from distortion so it is OK for street scenes of people but not so good for buildings.</p>

 

[roger hein]

<p>I've compared the 20/3.5 Ai-S to the 20/2.8 Ai-S on the D700. The 20/2.8 has the edge in overall sharpness - especially towards the edge of the full frame sensor.<br>

If you're considering a modern equivalent keep an eye out on the recently announced Voigtlander 20/3.5 Aspherical in Ai-S mount. Should be available in a few weeks for about 10% more than their current 40/58mm lenses.<br>

Roger...</p>

[roger hein]

<p>I've compared the 20/3.5 Ai-S to the 20/2.8 Ai-S on the D700. The 20/2.8 has the edge in overall sharpness - especially towards the edge of the full frame sensor.<br>

If you're considering a modern equivalent keep an eye out on the recently announced Voigtlander 20/3.5 Aspherical in Ai-S mount. Should be available in a few weeks for about 10% more than their current 40/58mm lenses.<br>

Roger...</p>