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Nikon Unveils the Light and Compact 28mm f/2.8 Z-Mount Lens

Side profile of the nikon 28mm f/2.8 lens

Nikon has announced the new Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 lens for its Z-mount. Designed for both crop-sensor APS-C and full-frame mirrorless cameras, the lens promises to be fast as well as small and compact.

The 28mm f/2.8 is designed to be small and compact. It has a total length of about 1.7-inches and weighs 5.46 ounces (155 grams) which makes it the smallest and lightest among the Nikkor Z prime lenses. Nikon says that it believes the lens to be ideal for detailed photos and videos of food, DIY crafts, and fashion as well as everyday snapshots, group portraits, landscapes, and cityscapes. Basically, the lens is small, wide, and fast, which also makes it nimble and versatile for a variety of use cases.

The Nikon 28mm f/2.8 attached to a Nikon Z5, top view

Nikon 28mm f/2.8 lens top view

The lens is constructed of nine elements in eight groups, two of which are aspherical elements. It features a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.2x, a close minimum focus distance of 0.63 feet (0.19 meters) and has a maximum angle of view of 53-degrees on DX-format cameras and 75-degrees on FX-format cameras. It has an aperture range of f/2.8 through f/16 through a seven-bladed diaphragm. The lens accepts screw-on filters via its 52mm front element, features internal focusing, and supports both auto and manual focus.

The Nikon 28mm f/2.8 lens attached to a camera and held by two hands

On autofocus, Nikon says that the 28mm f/2.8 lens uses a “multi-focusing system” that realizes natural rendering across the entire shooting range as well as allows for fast and accurate autofocus control. Nikon does not specifically note what kind of autofocus motor the lens uses, however. Nikon adds that the lens was made with video recording consideration in mind, and as such promises that it has extremely quiet operation, stable exposure, and effective focus breathing compensation.

A Nikon camera and lens held up to a woman's eye

The lens is dust and “drip” resistant and functions such as aperture and exposure compensation can be assigned to the control ring. Finally, Nikon notes that the lens differs cosmetically from the previously announced NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE lens in that it features a “modern” black finish.

Graphic showing the weather sealing points on the 28mm lens

Below are a few sample images taken with the lens, provided by Nikon:

Environmental portrait of a woman at a rocky beach

Portrait of a woman with a large sea shell held to her ear

Top down photo of a bouquet of yellow flowers

A hand holding up a coral colored scallop shell against a blue sky background

A portrait of a person laughing with the sun behind their hair

A portrait of a woman against a reflective background

The Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 lens is scheduled to be available in December for $300, however global supply chain issues likely mean that widespread availability can vary.


Author: David Crewe
Source: Petapixel

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