The Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 AI-S is one of the most respected manual-focus Nikon wide lenses because it is sharp, compact, and unusually good up close. It is more than a landscape lens: it can handle documentary scenes, environmental details, travel, and near-close-up compositions with a strong sense of place.

Curiously enough, I initially bought it for video, to use on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro. I shot a music video back in 2022, almost entirely with Nikkor lenses, and on Super 35mm, the 28mm gave me a wider field of view than the 35mm f/2.

Today, this is one of my most-used lenses alongside the 50mm f/1.2. The 28mm and 50mm pairing has been my favourite two-lens combo for the past 10 years.

The Good:

• Excellent close focus for a vintage 28mm lens.

• Strong optical reputation, especially for the AI-S version.

• Compact and easy to carry.

• 28mm is wide without becoming too distorted.

• Still uses the practical 52mm Nikkor filter size.

• Works beautifully on Nikon film bodies and adapted digital setups.

• Nikkor AI/AI-S lenses are some of the easiest legacy lenses to adapt to modern cameras.

The Bad:

• AI and Series E versions are easy to confuse with the more desirable AI-S design.

• No electronic communication on modern adapted setups unless modified or adapted accordingly.

• Prices have been climbing slowly but steadily.

• f/2.8 is not especially fast for low light.

• Get it if you want one excellent manual Nikon wide-angle.

• Get it for landscapes, documentary work, travel, and close environmental details.

• Get it if close focus matters.

• Pass if you do not enjoy the 28mm focal length.