The preferred glass of photojournalists and fine-art photographers alike, Nikon’s AI-S lenses dominated the 35mm SLR market in the 1970’s and 80’s. Their particular blend of technical excellence and soulful rendering separated Nikon primes from the competition then and provide a uniquely subtle and faithful option to cinematographers now.

These lenses are known for good contrast, strong color, modest flares, and gentle halation when shot wide open.

There are a few lenses that deserve a special mention.

The 15mm is an incredible hunk of glass, it’s rectilinear, sharp as a tack, but still retains all the character of the rest of the lenses. Something quite special.

The 58mm Nokt is also revered as it is still very sharp and full of character even wide open T1.3 – it’s a beautiful portrait lens.

They are also particularly beautiful when shot on 35mm film, as to be expected as this is what they were designed for.