Lens Summary
Brand: Nikon
Also Known As: Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AIS
Lens Type: Prime Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Manual Focus
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Release Date: 1984-09-01
MSRP Price: $674.95
Made in: Japan
Infrared Rating: Good
Production Status: In Production
Nikon NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8 Ai-S Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| * Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area | |
| Lens Type | Prime Lens |
| Focal Length | 20mm |
| Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | FX, DX, FX in DX Crop Mode, 35mm Film |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | No |
| Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization) | No |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | Yes |
| Maximim Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 94° |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 12 |
| Lens Groups | 9 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Manual Focus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.85 ft |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 62mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | Yes |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | (Approx.) 2.6x1.7 in. (Diameter x Length) |
| Weight | (Approx.) 9.2 oz. (260.4g) |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
| Supplied Accessories | 62mm front lens cap, rear lens cap |
Sharp in the center, but corners are not that sharp until f/8. Best used at f/5.6 and above, but the full aperture is nevertheless useful, as it facilitates manual focussing.
Conspicuous wavy distortion; correction profiles are available (e.g. in Adobe Lightroom).
Sensitive to flare. If this is a problem, better use the older 20/3.5 UD or 20/3.5 AI.
A big plus of this lens is its small size and near “nifty fifty” look. Consequently, it does not attract attention and it is possible to shoot people off axis, which is very useful under certain circumstances (street shots…).
The AI version of this lens was made between 1977 and 1981 and I’ve used it ever since. On my D850, it’s sharp in the centre of the image, less so in the corners. As I’m not interested in corners, it’s one of my favourite lenses.
I’ve owned the first version of this lens for some 10+ years. Recently I got the new version with SIC on the lens elements. I like the newer version better. I’m not sure if this lens is as sharp on digital as it is on film cameras. On film, it’s very, very sharp. I like the focal length of this lens much more than using a 24mm. In my case, once you’ve used the 20mm it’s very hard to go back to the 24mm. Never was impressed with Nikon’s 24mm lenses. I do like their 28mm lenses however. The 20mm is a great lens with it’s ability to keep straight lines straight (rectilinear). Anyway, I’ve never regretted buying this focal length. Ever.