Nikon releases the NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 lens

 

Nikon delighted photographers with their latest addition to their massive NIKKOR Z lineup of affordable lenses with the new NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 ultra-wide zoom lens.  Nikon delivered again as the NIKKOR Z 17/28mm f/2.8 lens brings a blend of an ultra-wide-angle field of view but with a large, fixed aperture.  These dynamic specifications provide the ability to easily shoot stunning photography even in low light environments and beautifully focused bokeh all from one lens.

 
Sticking to their guns, Nikon continues to deliver mirrorless lenses to photographers and videographers affordable Z mount lenses.  The Z 17-28mm f2.8 lens maintains this concept combining zoom and super-fast aperture providing astounding versatility, even in full frame.

This is a lens that creators should pay attention to.  The constant f/2.8 aperture keeps things bright and is one of the main attractions to this new NIKKOR Z 17-28mm lens.  This gives you the speedy optics required to shoot in low light settings and bokeh’s shallow depth of field without sacrificing brightness.  In addition to adding brightness, the fixed wide aperture also can create a beautifully off focused background that surrounds and beautifully highlights your subject. 

The NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 lens simplifies capturing even the most difficult types of photographs with stunningly vivid detail, such as crowded areas, or backlit subjects in a wide-angle composition.  It is also designed to be compact and stay with you no matter what environment your photography takes you.

Design

Designed to go anywhere and created for versatility.  The NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 lens only weighs 450 grams (or 15.9 oz).  That’s about 30% lighter than the NIKKOR Z14-24mm f/2.8.  It also weighs less and is smaller than the NIKKOR z14-30mm f/4 lens. 

The new Z lens features a 67mm threaded mount for circular polarizers or natural density filters.  The compact element along with internal zooming means it is easy to store and carry anywhere while being perfect for gimbals because its balance and lens never varies.

Adventurers need not be concerned using the new NIKKOR lens in any type of physical environment as the entire lens is sealed to protect from all the elements, whether it be dust or water droplets.  It is also easy to wipe away any dirt, smudge, or fingerprints, because of the front component’s antifouling coating.  The new Z lens showcases a optical formula for a Super ED glass element to provide the best possible image quality when using any focal length.  Essentially, you will always be getting extremely sharply detailed images.

One very important component of the new NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 lens is that it utilizes a high-speed stepping motor or STM.  This allows autofocus to function at scorching rapid speeds working in synchronization with Nikon’s Z series cameras to obtain vital focusing on faces and eyes within your shots frame.  Additionally, the high-speed stepping motor (STM) is all about silent component movements.  This is ideal for videographers as it dramatically reduces the drive noise while minimizing focus breathing, plus the click-less control ring helps smooth exposure transitioning.  When you’re shooting video, you don’t want any noise from mechanical components whirling in the background audio of your video.

Bokeh

Getting up close and personal with your subject has never been easier.  Between the brightness of the fixed aperture and the smooth wide angled internal zoom, your bokeh photography will be impressive.  The NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 lens offers a unique versatility.  Its minimum focus distance is a miniscule 7.56 inches (or .19m), allowing you to get really close up to the subject and produce a beautifully crisp focused shot of your subject or product which is complimented by a nicely blurred background.

 

Review and Comparison

The NIKKOR Z 17-28mm Lens is a wise choice for all types of photography and videography alike.  This is a very versatile lens that combines power with functionality.  No matter what style of image or video you are going for, this lens will get the job done and do it very well.  Being compatible with all the Z series mirrorless cameras makes this a great lens to have if you’re looking to evolve your camera in time as it does cover a full frame image.  The ultra-wide lens let’s you get very impressive shots even when using a 17mm focal length which can take you a long way while working with a full frame sensor.  Even though it’s a ultra-wide angle lens, you can get into intimate proximity at 28mm for exaggerated close ups and action sequences in a beautiful way due to excellent sharpness and exposure.  The specifications for this new NIKKOR lens allow for consistent performance.  The fixed 9 blade aperture allows the separation of subject and background during zoomed bokeh shots, which highlight the subject in stunning fashion.  The minimum focusing distance lets you get unbelievably close to your subject or product without sacrificing any sharpness to your image or video.  Between its incredible performance, light weight, and compact size, the NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 will most likely be a top seller for Nikon.  This is a great lens.

Nikon’s newest NIKKOR Z lens shares the most likeness to the Tamron 17-28mm di iii RXD lens, which also features a constant aperture of f/2.8.  Both lenses have similar proprietary components that make them great.  Tamron’s di iii lens collection is popular, but it is for Sony’s E Mount full frame mirrorless cameras and the NIKKOR collection is for the Nikon Z series full frame mirrorless cameras.  The NIKKOR Z 17-28mm lens is 30 grams heavier than Tamron’s di iii RXD, mainly due to slightly stronger materials, and different mechanisms used.

Availability

The new NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 lens for Nikon’s Z series cameras should be available in the second half of October.  It will be offered in a couple different packages.

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Full Frame FX Lens for Z-Mount Mirrorless Cameras
  • Lens includes a LC-678 Front Lens Cap, LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap, HB-107 Lens Hood, CL-C1 Lens Case, and a Nikon USA Authorized Dealer Limited 1-Year Warranty.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Full Frame FX Lens for Z-Mount Mirrorless Cameras with Lexar 64GB Memory Card
  • Lens includes a Lexar Professional 1667x 64GB SDXC UHS-II Memory Card, LC-678 Front Lens Cap, LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap, HB-107 Lens Hood, CL-C1 Lens Case, and a Nikon USA Authorized Dealer Limited 1-Year Warranty.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Full Frame FX Lens for Z-Mount Mirrorless Cameras Bundle
  • Lens includes a LC-678 Front Lens Cap, LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap, HB-107 Lens Hood, CL-C1 Lens Case, and a Nikon USA Authorized Dealer Limited 1-Year Warranty.
  • Bundle Includes a Deco Gear Photo and Video Photography Backpack for Camera Lenses and Drones, a 61mm UV Polarizer and FLD Deluxe Filter Kit (set of 3, plus a carrying case), Corel Paint Shop Pro Software, Corel VideoStudio SE Software, Deco Photo All in one Photography Cleaning kit, Carry Case, Lens Blower, Lens Pen, Lens and Sensor Brush, Lens Tissue Paper, Camera and Sensor Cleaning Solution, and a 2 piece Microfiber Cleaning Cloth.