Fstoppers Reviews the Nikon AF-S 28mm f/1.8G Wide-Angle Prime Lens

As a former standard zoom lens user, I noticed that 28mm was one of my most preferred focal lengths according to the metadata in my image catalog. Seeing this choice that I've made subconsciously, as well as the obvious advantages of using primes, I finally decided to switch all my zoom lenses with primes. The Nikon AF-S 28mm f/1.8G was my final choice for a wide-angle prime. So far, it looks like I've made a good decision.

First Look

First of all, this is a lightweight and ultra fast lens with Nano Crystal Coating. Nikon has recently started to produce affordable prime lenses with Nano Crystal Coating, like the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED and Nikon 24mm f/1.8G ED. Nano Crystal Coating is a technology usually used on high-end lenses by Nikon which prevents reflections inside the glass elements, and as a result, it increases the clarity and sharpness on images while preventing the unwanted reflections, flares, and ghosting. Therefore it makes a lens better in quality.

Also, it’s just 330 grams in weight and it makes this lens easy to carry around, even with big full frame DSLR bodies. By the way, 28mm is the focal length that most of you are already familiar with it, as many smartphone cameras have this same focal length. So, before setting up your camera and tripod, you always have a chance to check your frame with your smartphone.

Another advantage of this lens is its relatively small filter thread size of 67mm. It has the same filter thread size as the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G, and if you own both lenses in your gear bag then you can use the same filters for both lenses.

Build Quality

It has a plastic barrel with a metal mount like many other lenses within the same price range. I cannot say it is a perfectly built robust lens, but at this price point, I was aware that I couldn't have expected the same build quality that high-end Nikkor lenses have. Also, I can clearly say that even some third-party lenses have better overall build quality. To be honest, if you handle your gear with care, then there is nothing to worry about. But in terms of being a top-notch brand, I'd have expected better from Nikon.

I couldn't see any information about weather-sealing features with this lens on Nikon's website, however at first sight, it looks like it is definitely not waterproof. As it is a prime lens with rear focusing elements, it doesn't have any rotating external elements, therefore it doesn't have the same risk to suck dust inside like zoom lenses do. I didn't have a chance to test this lens under drizzle, but in any circumstance, it is always better to keep your lens away from water. Also keeping little silica gel sachets in your lens pouch will help to prevent humidity and fungus.

Focusing

I had no problem with the focusing so far. It was fast enough and the results were accurate. However, even though it has a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), I found it a little noisy when focusing. Probably because of the thin plastic case which reduces noise isolation.

Sharpness

In a nutshell, it is definitely a sharp lens. Even on the edges and corners, I’ve barely noticed softness. And especially after using zoom lenses for a long time, this lens made me think that I have made the right choice in switching to prime lenses.

Flare and Chromatic Aberration

Actually, chromatic aberration or color fringing is not an issue for me, as most raw conversions can easily handle this with one click. The Nikon 28mm f/1.8G has chromatic aberration, like many other lenses, especially on the edges when used with wide apertures, but it is acceptable and easy to remove in postproduction. However, even though it has Nano Crystal Coating, I noticed a slight flare on some images when shooting against direct sunlight. Again, it is normal in those circumstances. On the other hand, when shooting a shiny night scene, or a scene with a reflected harsh sun light, I didn't notice any flare.

Barrel Distortion

As a result of being a wide-angle lens, it has some minor noticeable barrel distortion, but again, with lens correction adjustments, it is really easy to remove and achieve straight lines. Also with Photoshop’s newest straightening tool, it takes seconds to get both vertically and horizontally straightened images without spending minutes on custom lens correction.

What I Liked

• Affordable price at $696.95
• Sharpness
• Size and weight
• Premium Nikkor features like Silent Wave Motor, Nano Crystal Coat, and a Rear Focusing System
• Close focusing distance

What I Didn’t Like

• Plastic cheap built 
• Lack of ED 
• Noisy focus operation even it has SWM

Conclusion

The Nikon 28mm f/1.8G is an everyday carry-around lens that you can use for street, wedding, stock, and landscape photography. I wouldn’t recommend this for architectural photography like it is stated on Nikon’s website, because even though the barrel distortion is acceptable and easy to fix in post-processing, I would recommend tilt-shift lenses to get better images for architectural photography. Besides, Nikon DX format users would rather consider the Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G, which is 52.5mm in focal length (35mm equivalent) and more affordable with a price tag of $196.95. On the other hand, Nikon FX users should definitely have this lens in their bag. If you buy it from B&H, a Luminosque Circular Polarizer and UV Slim Pro filter kit is included for free in the total $696.96 price tag.  

Beyond any doubt, 28mm lenses are one of the most underrated lenses in wide-angle primes. Because they are not as wide as 20mm or 24mm lenses, users usually don’t prefer this focal length in order to have wider angle options. However, 28mm is a unique, sweet-spot focal length that would give you stunning results, and with the Nikon 28mm f/1.8G Nano, you can achieve good results in an affordable way.