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Nikon Nikkor AI-S Zero Optik

Nikon Nikkor AI-SZero Optik

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Nikon Nikkor AI-S 15mm T4.0
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 20mm T2.8
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 24mm T2.0
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 35mm T1.4
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 50mm T1.2
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 58mm T1.2
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 85mm T1.4
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 105mm T1.8
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 135mm T2.0
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 200mm

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Nikon Nikkor AI-SZero Optik

Prime - Spherical - Full Frame

product details

Nikon Nikkor AI-S primes are adapted from Nikon professional still photography lenses of the late 1970s and 1980s, considered to be among the highest-performing and most reliable SLR lenses ever produced. Rehoused by Zero Optik, they gain cine functionality while maintaining their distinct rendering, which balances crisp technical performance with subtle personality. Cinematographers use them in any situation that calls for ruggedness, portability, and classic Nikon rendering – a clean and fast look with no distracting imperfections. Focal lengths for this set are 15mm, 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 58mm, 85mm, 105mm, 135mm, and 200mm. Nikkor AI-S lenses are available to rent or sub-rent from Cine Visuals in full sets, partial sets, or as single lenses.

Focal Length
T-Stop
Type
Format
Front Diameter
Lens Mount
Metadata
Iris Blades
Image Circle

Era / Generation
Contrast & Tonal Character
Sharpness & Resolution
Focus Fall‑Off / Transition
Iris & Bokeh Quality
Flare & Highlight Behavior
Handling & Ergonomics
Build & Modifications
Cinematic Heritage & Credits

*Refer to Technical Specifications table. Not the same for all focal lengths.

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Technical Specs Table

T-Stop

Type

Format

Front Diameter

Lens Mount

Metadata

Close Focus (ft)

Close Focus (m)

Weight (lbs)

Weight (kg)

Length (in)

Length (mm)

Iris Blades

Image Circle

Front Filter

Rear Filter

Horizontal Angle of View (Full Frame)

Horizontal Angle of View (S35)

Focus Rotation

T4.0

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

114 mm

–

0.30 m

1.20 lbs

0.54 kg

–

T2.8

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

95 mm

–

10"

0.25 m

1.50 lbs

0.68 kg

–

T2.0

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

95 mm

–

0.30 m

1.80 lbs

0.82 kg

–

T1.4

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

95 mm

–

0.30 m

1.10 lbs

0.50 kg

–

T1.2

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

95 mm

–

11"

0.28 m

1.20 lbs

0.54 kg

–

T1.2

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

95 mm

–

1'1"

0.33 m

2.20 lbs

1.00 kg

–

T1.4

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

95 mm

–

2'10"

0.86 m

2.70 lbs

1.22 kg

–

T1.8

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

95 mm

–

2'6"

0.76 m

2.50 lbs

1.13 kg

–

T2.0

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

95 mm

–

1.22 m

2.10 lbs

0.95 kg

–

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

–

Nikon Nikkor AI-S Zero Optik

Image Fidelity & Focus

Nikkor AI-S primes are admired for their unique rendering and clean, high-contrast look compared to Canon FDs or Minolta Rokkors. They deliver strong sharpness in the center with natural edge roll-off, but with less micro contrast than most primes, which works well for skin tones. Contrast is gentle, but higher than that of most vintage glass, producing crisp images with a neutral or slightly cool tone. Falloff is smooth. Highlights tend to have a slight glow, and the faster lenses can deliver gentle halation, unique blooming effects and aberrations when shot wide-open.

Handling & Adaptability

Zero Optik’s rehousings provide cine-standard mechanics: PL mounts, robust housings, uniform gearing, and consistent fronts with a 95mm front diameter. While heavier than the originals, they are lightweight and compact compared to modern primes, making them versatile for handheld and Steadicam setups.

Flare & Bokeh

Flares are soft but expressive, and more restrained than Soviet or Canon glass. Bokeh is smooth and pleasing, with natural circular highlights, though not as creamy as vintage European glass.

Image Circle

Rehoused Nikon Nikkor AI-S primes cover full frame sensors.

Cinematic Heritage

Nikon introduced the AI-S series in 1977 as part of an evolution in professional still photography optics. Known for durability and optical excellence, these lenses became popular among photojournalists.