Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S Review

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S Specifications

Lens Specifications
* Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area 
Lens TypePrime Lens
Focal Length24mm
Mount TypeNikon Z
FormatFull Frame / FX
Compatible Format(s)Full Frame / APS-C
Compatible with TeleconvertersNo
Maximum Reproduction Ratio0.15x
Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization)No
Aperture Information
Aperture RingNo
Maximim Aperturef/1.8
Minimum Aperturef/16
Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format)61°
Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format)84°
Optical Information
Lens Elements12
Lens Groups10
Diaphragm Blades9 (Rounded)
Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements1
Aspherical Elements4
Nano Crystal CoatYes
Super Integrated Coat (SIC)Yes
Focus Information
FocusAutofocus
Built-in Focus MotorYes
Stepper Motor (STM)Yes
Rear FocusingYes
Minimum Focus Distance0.25m
Electronic DiaphragmYes
Distance InformationYes
Filter Information
Filter Size72mm
Accepts Filter TypeScrew-on
Physical Characteristics
Weather / Dust SealingYes
Mount MaterialMetal
Dimensions78.0mm x 96.5mm
Weight450g
Other Information
Available in ColorsBlack
Supplied AccessoriesLC-72B Lens Cap (front cap), LF-N1 Lens Cap (rear cap), HB-88 Lens Hood, CL-C1 Lens Case

As you can see from the above lens specifications, the optical formula of the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S consists of 12 elements in 10 groups, 4 of which are aspherical and 1 is extra-low dispersion (ED) element. It has a fast STM stepping motor, a rounded 9-blade diaphragm, and the lens is weather-sealed. In comparison, the Nikon 24mm f/1.8G ED has a slightly different optical formula with 12 elements in 9 groups, 2 of which are aspherical and 2 are ED. It has a rounded 7-blade diaphragm, silent-wave motor and other than the rubber gasket on the mount, it is not weather-sealed.

The Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED is arguably more similar in optical design, with the same number of elements and groups, except with two aspherical and two ED lens elements. It also has a rounded 9-blade diaphragm and professional-grade build quality.

The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art is optically the most complex, thanks to its 15 elements in 11 groups, 2 of which are aspherical, and 7 of which are low-dispersion glass elements (3 FLD and 4 SLD). All this obviously comes with a big weight disadvantage – the lens weighs 665 grams, which makes it the heaviest lens in the group.

Here is a quick comparison summary of these lenses:

Lens FeatureNikon Z 24mm f/1.8 SNikon 24mm f/1.8GNikon 24mm f/1.4GSigma 24mm f/1.4 Art
Camera MountNikon ZNikon FNikon F5 Mounts
Elements / Groups12 / 1012 / 912 / 1015 / 11
Special Elements4 ASPH, 1 ED2 ASPH, 2 ED2 ASPH, 2 ED2 ASPH, 3 FLD, 4 SLD
CoatingNano, SICNano, SICNanoSML
Diaphragm9 (Rounded)7 (Rounded)9 (Rounded)9 (Rounded)
Filter Size72mm72mm77mm77mm
Weight450g355g620g665g
Price$999$749$1999$849

Considering the above, how does the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S stack up against these lenses in terms of sharpness performance? We answer this question on the lens comparisons page of this review.

Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S Image Sample #10
NIKON Z 7 + NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S @ 24mm, ISO 64, 1 sec, f/11.0

Here is the construction of the lens, courtesy of Nikon:
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S Lens Construction

On the next page of this review, we will take a close look at the lens sharpness and other optical characteristics of the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S.

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