Lens Lab
    Nikon Nikkor 25-50 mm f/ 4 Ai-S
    Nikon Nikkor 25-50 mm f/ 4 Ai-S

    Nikon Nikkor 25-50 mm f/ 4 Ai-S

    25–50mm · f/4

    Overview

    The Nikon Nikkor 25-50mm f/4 Ai-S is a manual-focus zoom from 1979, praised for its unique rendering with saturated, silky colors and a '3D look'. Optically, it is sharp at f/5.6-11 but suffers from distortion, field curvature, and light fall-off at wide angles. Build quality is excellent—all-metal with smooth focus. It suits landscape photographers who value character over convenience, but its weight and need for stopping down limit versatility.