Used Nikon AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5

Condition & contents

At a glance: 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 FX standard zoom with macro mode - early Nikon AF, screw-drive, full-frame coverage.

About this lens

The Nikon AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 is one of Nikon's early autofocus standard zooms, released in 1986 alongside the first F-mount AF bodies. Covers a useful wide-to-short-telephoto range on full-frame Nikon, with macro focusing mode at the long end.

Build & handling

Works with

• Nikon F-mount full-frame DSLRs with built-in AF motor (D750, D780, D810, D850, D6 and older pro bodies)
• Nikon F-mount APS-C DSLRs with AF motor (D500, D7x00 series)
• Nikon Z mirrorless via FTZ/FTZ II adapter - manual focus only
• Not autofocusing on entry-level Nikons (D3xxx / D5xxx) - no in-body AF motor

Best for

A characterful early-AF zoom covering the classic 28-85mm standard range on full-frame. Includes a macro focusing mode at the 85mm end, useful for occasional close-up work. Because it uses screw-drive AF, it requires a Nikon body with a built-in autofocus motor.

Frequently asked questions

Will it autofocus on entry-level Nikon DSLRs (D3xxx / D5xxx)?

No. This is a screw-drive AF lens and entry-level Nikon DSLRs don't have a built-in autofocus motor, so you'd be stuck with manual focus. For AF on those bodies you'd need an AF-S, AF-P or AF-I lens.

Does it do real macro?

It has a dedicated macro focusing mode at 85mm that enables close focusing down to about 0.27m. Not true 1:1 macro - roughly 1:4 reproduction - but useful for casual close-up work.

Does this lens have image stabilisation?

No — this lens does not have image stabilisation.