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Home → Reviews → Cameras and Lenses → Nikon 28mm f/1.8G Review

Nikon 28mm f/1.8G Review

By Nasim Mansurov 53 Comments
Last Updated On August 11, 2020

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Table of Contents

  • Overview and Specifications
  • Optical Features
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  • Summary
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  • Reader Comments
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53 Comments
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David Weightman
David Weightman
December 9, 2020 5:48 am

As a long time Nikon shooter (now Sony) I can honestly say I miss a real pro 28mm lens for the Sony system. There’s a 28mm f2 but in my opinion, it just doesn’t cut it as a pro lens. My ideal set up for the kind of wedding photography I do would be a 28mm and 50mm (with an 85mm and 24-70mm as backup). Sony, are you listening!?

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Nikos
Nikos
May 22, 2020 10:11 pm

How about the noise of focuse while on video? is that like 50mm f1.8G or 24-70E or better?

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Martin
Martin
July 6, 2015 7:50 pm

Hello impressive analysis, you have pictures of Nikon D750 Nikon 28mm 1.8G + much you would agracederia

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Vitaliy Karpenko
Vitaliy Karpenko
October 28, 2014 1:00 pm

Hello again Nasim,

I started reading alot of reviews on different Nikon lenses on your website and i like this website, I own a Nikon D5200 because i like the flip out screen. Anyways i will rent a Nikon 28mm f1.8 lens this weekend and will try it out with my camera, hopefully this lens will be the one i will buy as a prime for myself, currently i have the basic kit lens 18-55 f3.5 right, but since the camera is cropped sensor i want a prime lens with the smallest mm’s like the 28mm f1.8 for example even though it’s for FX modle cams, it will bring the lens out to about 42mm on DX modle cams, right. There is the 24mm f1.4g i believe but its way to much money for myself since its just a hobby and im not a pro. So i will try the 28mm and will let you konw soon. Thanks for the cool website its now saved in my favs.

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Albert
Albert
July 14, 2014 1:30 am

Your experience with this lens is quite different from mine. First, I have after reading this and other reviews; tried to see the focus shift; and my lens at least, does not exhibit this characteristic. Second, I think the bokeh is exceptional, and best compared to almost all other 28mm ranged lens. The lens is sharp and contrasty and while I have a few issues with the “plasticy” feel of the lens; my back however, thanks me for buying a light lens. The focus could be a bit faster especially for a wide angle; but using it on my D600, Switching between FX and DX mode allows me to basically have a 28mm F1.8 OR a 42mm F1.8. So often times, I just take this lens and that it; and leave my 50mm at home as it does double duty. Much MUCH sharper than the 35mm F2 that I sold for this; as well as the old 28mm F2.8. So I’m happy with the lens overall and would highly recommend it. On the D600, except for shooting a brick wall, I’ve not noticed the “donut shaped curvature” to be an actual photographic issue in any of my photos.

Thanks for the great review, keep it up!

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Dominic
Dominic
January 30, 2014 11:53 pm

Hi Nasim,

I’ve already owned the 35 1.4g and is looking at getting the 28mm for covering wider shots during wedding receptions as well as for traveling , do you think it will be redundant with my 35mm? Or should I get the Nikon 24mm 2.8d instead?

Thanks

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Rubén
Rubén
December 31, 2013 11:21 am

Dear Nasim,

Thank you for your review! It was a great help to my decision

I have bought a 28 1,8G and I have experimented a very extrange focus shift issue depending on light kind

My sample works perfectly with incandescent or warm light. But with day light or cold fluorescent, it needs a front focus correction of +5 in my D600 and with very cold light (winter morning with clouds) even more (+10)

Have you observed such kind of behaviour in your test lens? For my is really extrange and I do not know if I need to send it to service

Sorry for my english!

Rubén

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Chris Wesselman
Chris Wesselman
October 6, 2013 4:24 pm

Hi Nasim,

Thanks for this great review. I’m thinking about getting the 28 1.8 for my upcoming D610. One thing I’ve noticed with my D7000: with the 85 1.8 lens, Lightroom’s lens correction is minor (just slightly brighter); however, on the 35 1.8 DX lens, there is a significant correction. Is Adobe trying to correct for what you’ve discovered? Does this mean the 85 1.8 is much less effected? I’m curious how much the correction for the 28 1.8 might be?

Thanks a lot!

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Steve
Steve
June 24, 2013 8:22 am

Great review Nasim!

Is there anything we could do to take care the focus-shift problem? That’s keep bugging me from getting this lens.

Thanks

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Nasim Mansurov
Nasim Mansurov
Author
Reply to  Steve
June 24, 2013 11:32 pm

Steve, yes, of course – just stop down the lens a little and focus shift will pretty much disappear! If you want to completely get rid of it, stop down to f/5.6-f/8 range…

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Steve
Steve
Reply to  Nasim Mansurov
August 10, 2013 7:06 am

Hi again Nasim

Finally I manage to get one of this lens. Good copy. Sharp, great color and no focus shift.

After using this lens for a while, I keep asking myself. What is the purpose of this lens (28mm)? this lens is not wide enough (for me) for landscape and distortion is pronounce for portrait. I bought this lens basicly for accompany of my 50mm and was intended to use this for traveling and family photo (event).

Could you give me insight the purpose of this lens? I have a plan to send back this lense and take 24-120 vr or 24-70 nano but im afraid those lens dont have similar image quality with this lens.

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Hassan
Hassan
December 15, 2012 1:45 am

Dear Nasim,
I want a wide angle for my D700 mostly for capturing my kids in dim lightening … I have the 50 1.8G but the problem with the 50 is when I use it wide open one of my kids will be in focus and the other will not be so that’s why I decided to get a wide angle because of its greater depth of field. So dear which would you recommend for my situation the 28 1.8G or the 24 1.4G and price doesn’t matter …

Would be grateful for your help …
Hassan …

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