Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED Review
Nikon's line of f/1.4 prime lenses has a new addition, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED ($1,999.95). The premium wide-angle lens has a very bright aperture, top-end construction, and snappy autofocus. But you pay a lot for it, especially when compared with the $700 AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G, a compact lens that's only a half-stop dimmer. If you're set on an f/1.4 lens, also consider the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, which is a little bit wider, but deadly sharp in its own right and less than half the price of the 28mm f/1.4E ED.
Design
The 28mm ($1,796.95 at Amazon) is big for a prime lens, measuring 3.9 by 3.3 inches (HD). It tips the scales at 1.4 pounds and supports 77mm front filters. It's much larger than the 28mm f/1.8G, which is 3.2 by 2.9 inches, 11.6 ounces, and supports 67mm front filters. A reversible lens hood, front and rear caps, and a soft carrying case are included.
The lens carries a premium price, but is backed by Nikon's top-tier build quality. That means it's ...
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED is an ultra-wide aperture, wide-angle lens for Nikon SLRs. It can capture great-looking images, but is priced very high.
Bright f/1.4 maximum aperture; Extremely sharp when stopped down; Just a little distortion; Fluorine lens coating
Expensive; Strong vignette and soft edges at wide apertures; 11-inch close focus can be limiting