Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AI-S Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by:

mohawk51
( Expert)

Review Date
June 28, 2005

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 1 of 4

Price Paid: $350.00 from Mail order

Summary:

I've had this lens for about 5 years now. It's a gem of a lens. It's amazing what you can bring in to focus with it. Just a few inches to infinity. That's why I bought it. For the publications I submit to, whether it's a cover shot or inside editorial, they have to be razor sharp. This lens makes sure that is done. It's a tough lens that can take abuse. I like the wider angle it produces more than the 24MM. Yes, you have to be careful with composition. Things can creep into the viewfinder with this vast angle. A little care can go a long way and you can produce some great images.

Strengths:

Extremely well built (metal, not plastic).

Weaknesses:

None

Customer Service:

None needed.

Would you like to Comment?
Join PhotographyReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Rating
Reviewed by:

rckjiang
( Casual)

Review Date
June 25, 2004

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Review 2 of 4

Price Paid: $800.00 from a shop in taiwan

Summary:

This is a great lens that offers great image quality in a small package.It is small and compact, and the amount of view is just great. The fact the the barrel distortion is off set by the strong construction of the lens. If you do get a chance to get your hands on one of these, do so

Strengths:

Sharp! Strong Build Compact size

Weaknesses:

- Annoying Barrel distortion, but not as much as some other lenses, - 62mm filters, meaning Ihave to get bigger filters from my collection of 52mm - lots of fall-off wide open, but is gone by f4

Similar Products Used:

Canon 17-40mm f4

Customer Service:

none needed so far

Would you like to Comment?
Join PhotographyReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Rating
Reviewed by:
(Casual)

Review Date
March 19, 2003

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 3 of 4

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:

I think technology is growing everyday. Thus, even I don't have comparison with AF version, I do think that ais's coating or elements quality may not or only equal to AF version. However, its metallic constriction must be better and tougher than AF plastic constrictions. That's the only reason why I like it so much. I bought it in secondhand market at HK$2600 which is reasonable, but a brand new Ais 20mm F2.8 cost at least $3300.

Strengths:

Compact and light in weight. Very good sharpness, distortion control and flare control. A little vignetting, but not a problem at all if compared with other 20mm lenses. Excellent constriction and perfect match with my manual nikon bodies.

Weaknesses:

Useless lens hood. Even a bit more expensive than AF version. No "D" function provided with using flashes.

Similar Products Used:

nikon AFS 17-35mm F2.8

Customer Service:

Nil

Would you like to Comment?
Join PhotographyReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Rating
Reviewed by: rsage
(Expert)

Review Date
December 13, 2002

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5,
1 votes

Review 4 of 4

Price Paid: $350.00 from Mike's Camera

Summary:

I purchased this lens in the mid 80's for about the same price as they are going for today. This is probably my favorite lens. Very sharp and contrasty. I'm not sure this manual lens is still in production since the AF version is so popular. Has a great solid feel and smooth focus. Watch for vignetting with filter and shade or double filters. 62mm filters.

Strengths:

Quality build. Sharp.

Weaknesses:

None.

Similar Products Used:

About a dozen other Nikkors.

Customer Service:

Never needed.

Would you like to Comment?
Join PhotographyReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.