Sleeping Legacies: Nikkor AI/AI-S Cult Classics

Many new comers exploring Nikkor's vintage F-mount AI/AI-S lineup are usual presented with the same set of legendary lens, but its often worth considering the rest of the expansive Nikkor catalog. Whilst there are poor lenses in the historic Nikkor lineup, there are other lenses which are often overlooked by the mainstream and they exist with their own cult statuses.

Widely Regarded: Nikkor 20mm f/4 AI

The Nikkor 20mm f/4 AI (and its near identical predecessor, the K) was the optical successor to the very well regarded Nikkor-UD 20mm f/3.5 Auto. The K was produced from 1974 to 1977 and the AI released for a short period after til the start of 1978, at which point the Nikkor 20mm f/3.5 AI had been released. Both the f/4 AI and f/3.5 AI lenses had good reputations - with the f/4 AI lens' reputation enhanced by well respected nature photographer Galen Rowell's recommenation - but how good are they really?


^{Nikkor 20mm f/4 K with factory AI conversion aperture ring}