Lens · zoom
Nikkor 25-50mm f/4 AI-S
Nikon · 1981-1985
Discontinued35mm
Constant f/4 aperture throughout range. Nikkor 25-50mm f/4 AI-S: 11 elements in 10 groups, 7 aperture blades, 0.6m minimum focus, 72mm filter thread, 600g.
- Focal length
- 25-50mm
- Max aperture
- f/4
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 11 / 10
Known for
- Landscape
- Travel
- Documentary
- General wide-to-standard
Considerations
- f/4 is slow
- Modest zoom range
- Heavy for a 2x zoom
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)4, level 4 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast4, level 4 of 5
Flare resistance4, level 4 of 5
CA control4, level 4 of 5
Vignetting control4, level 4 of 5
Distortion control3, level 3 of 5
Bokeh: Pleasant
Rendering: Sharp, consistent across range
Colour: Neutral
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Common issues
- Zoom creep on worn copies
- Focus ring wear
Buying guide
Check for zoom creep by pointing up and down - the barrel shouldn't move on its own. Focus and zoom should be smooth.
Specifications
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Focal Length | 25-50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 |
| Min Focus | 0.6m |
| Filter Size | 72mm |
| Weight | 600g |
Optical design
| Formula | other |
| Elements | 11 |
| Groups | 10 |
| Coating | NIC (Nikon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £200 - £350
- Mint
- ~£450
Indicative, no dated source.