Nikon AF Nikkor 28-70mm 1:3.5-4.5D Review

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-70mm 1:3.5-4.5D is autofocus zoom lens for Nikon SLR cameras. They were equipped with a Nikon F100 film camera. Subsequently, this lens was replaced by a new one, with the best performance Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1: 3.5-4.5D.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-70mm 1:3.5-4.5D Specs

Focal length: 28-70mm
Max. aperture: f/3.5 — f/4.5
Weight (gr): 360 г
Length (mm): мм
Filter Ø (mm.): 52
Aperture blades: 9
Min. focus distance (m.): 0,4

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-70mm 1:3.5-4.5D Handling and Mechanics

The lens has a compact size. That's what it is comfortable. Especially if you install it on full-frame cameras. The lens is designed in the style of MKII Nikon lens versions.

View at position 70mm

On the barrel is placed the zoom ring, a width of about 1.4 cm. Closer to the front element is a manual focus ring, 1 cm wide.

The focus ring is rotated by 135 degrees. Focusing manually is more convenient than Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D.

But in general, the lens is still used for autofocus. Autofocus will work on cameras with a built-in focus motor on models D70 and D7000 and over and over. For younger models, autofocus will not work. Focus speed is average. On the Nikon D80, autofocus accuracy is not bad, but still, there are mistakes, not often.

When focusing, the front lens rotates, and the front part of the lens extends about 1.5 cm.

While zooming, the front element does not rotate but put forward. On the focal length of 28 mm, it looks 2 cm, at 50 mm and not peeking at 70 mm peeps 0.5 cm.

Also, the rear element moves when zooming.

View at 28mm, rear element closer to the camera sensor

Aperture when zooming varies nonlinearly. Here is a table:

Next to the manual aperture control ring is switch automatic to manual aperture control.

Manual aperture control mode can be useful for using the lens with the extension rings.

View on the Nikon D80

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-70mm 1:3.5-4.5D Example Photos

All photos were taken on Nikon D80. RAW export with no post-processing.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-70mm 1:3.5-4.5D Sharpness

A wide-open aperture lens has a normal sharpness at all focal lengths. Sharpness is about the same as the kit lens Nikkor 18-55 3.5-5.6. And if you compare with the Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D, the latter seemed to me sharply.

28mm f/ 3.5

70mm f/ 4.5

28mm f/ 5

28mm f/ 3.5

28mm f/ 3.5

28mm f/ 3.5

When covering the aperture, the sharpness becomes better.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-70mm 1:3.5-4.5D Character and Bokeh

The lens has a nice character, especially on the long end.

70mm f/ 4.5

70mm f/ 5

70mm f/ 6.3 MFD

34mm f/ 4

Sometimes you can catch bokeh with smooth circles. I liked this lens more than the kit Nikkor 18-55 3,5-5,6.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-70mm 1:3.5-4.5D Contrast and Color Rendering

The lens has good contrast. Good keep backlight and sidelight can be a bit worse than the modern kit lenses.

70 mm f/ 5

28mm f/ 3.5

38mm f/ 5.6

28mm f/ 6.3

52mm f/ 6.3

60mm f/ 4.5

Sometimes it is possible to catch flare.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-70mm 1:3.5-4.5D Distortion

The lens has a mild distortion.

At 28mm, there is barrel distortion.

28mm f/ 3.5

70mm f/ 4.5

28mm f/ 5.6

70mm f/ 4.5

Summary
Nikon AF Nikkor 28-70mm 1:3.5-4.5D is good autofocus old-school lens. Its aperture, which on the stop more than the modern kit lenses. It has good reliable handling and small size; it is like this for many photographers. Generally, a good substitute for the kit lens if you have a built-in motor in the camera. And also, it is an important feature that it will be using on a full-frame.