Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G review - A stellar performer
By David Newton - Friday, January 04, 2013 Lens Review| Introduction | Measurements | Comparisons | Conclusion |
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G vs Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D vs Carl Zeiss Distagon T 28mm f/2 ZF2 Nikon all mounted on a Nikon D3x
In the Nikon lens line-up, the two Nikkor lenses compared here offer very similar specifications with the exception of the maximum aperture. Comparing them side-by-side shows where the extra expense is justified in going for the Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G. Looking at the overall DxOMark scores on the D3x, the Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G is at the top with 29 while the Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D only manages 23. The Zeiss lens fits in the middle, scoring 25.
In terms of sharpness the 28mm f/1.8G manage 19P-Mpix and is at the top end of the table for wide-angle primes. The 28mm f/2.8D, with a score of 14P-Mpix is down at the lower range of the table (-however given the lower price point and simpler optical construction this is to be expected). The Zeiss with 16P-Mpix fits in the middle.
The distortion scores between the three lenses are very similar - sufficiently so that there would be no obvious difference in final image prints. In the lens shading, or vignetting, results however, there is an interesting switch between the Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D and the Zeiss, with the lower priced Nikkor scoring -1.8EV to the Zeiss’ -2EV. Both though are beaten by the Nikkor AF-S 28mm f/1.8G scoring -1.7EV and hence offering the most even light transmission across the image frame.
Looking at the Chromatic Aberration scores, again the familiar order is restored, with the 28mm f/1.8G scoring 10µm to the Zeiss’ 12µm and the 28mm f/2.8D’s 17µm. With these scores, all three will show some level of Chromatic Aberration, but it will be least intrusive on the Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G images. For CA measurements, a score of 5 is determined to be noticeable and corresponds to around 1pixel of CA around high contrast edges on most cameras, so with the 28mm f/1.8G you can expect up to 2pixels of CA around high contrast edges.
Overall, the Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G provides the best results of these three in all lens performance tests.
Comments
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Added by Gandalfsson |
June 05
Fine body choice
The D3x is certainly not discontinued, it is still the flagship for low iso = Landscapes and portraits for pro photographers, who need a solid body, much more solid than D800
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Added by Toshik |
January 08
Body choice
Why did you attach new lenses to already discontinued D3X instead of testing them with D800[E]?
The same is with canon. 5D Mark III may be used instead of rather old Mark II. Reply |
Further readings for the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G review - A stellar performer
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