Nikon 20mm f2.8
My Favourite
I guess all photographers eventually find a lens that becomes a favourite with repeated use: I certainly have one and it's my Nikon 20mm f2.8D AF.
So what is it that's so special about this piece of glass that excites me so much? Well for a start the clarity is superb and the perspective interesting, so I'm always pleased with the results.
A few facts and figures:
Maximum aperture: f2.8
Minimum aperture: f22
Weight: 9.5 ounces
Minimum focus: 10 inches
Filter size: 62mm
In use I find this lens barely sticks out past the side-grip on my Fuji S2. Although it's an autofocus lens, I tend to focus manually most of the time. One word of caution, both front and rear elements are vulnerable so beware when handling. I almost always use a skylight filter to protect the lens front.
I very quickly found I came to rely on this lens, preferring it over the 24-70mm zoom I used to use for wide-angle work. Nowadays I wouldn't be without it and it's permanently in my bag.
The only real drawbacks are the limited depth of field scale and the small amount of barrel distortion you get with all wide-angle lenses. I can live with these.
The Nikon 20mm lens is not cheap to buy, but the quality is generally excellent making it worth the money in my opinion. If you're prepared to shop around (eBay) there are bargains to be found.
