Nikon has just announced two new additions to the line-up of Z-mount lenses, the Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S and Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens. The much-anticipated Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S is the widest prime lens released for the system, while the Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is the second optically-stabilized lens after the recently-announced Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S.
Compared to its F-mount version, the Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S has a more complex optical formula comprised of 14 elements in 11 groups, including three ED and three aspherical elements for superb sharpness and clarity.
Speaking of sharpness, the MTF graphs for the Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S are stunning when compared to the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED, which is an excellent lens. Take a look at the below two charts that compare MTF performance of both lenses (see How to Read MTF Charts):
As you can see, the Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S is going to be much sharper in comparison to its Nikon F counterpart, and its contrast is going to be better as well. The new optical design is more uniform compared to its predecessor, and should provide superb corner sharpness, especially when stopped down a little.
The lens weights just 505 grams and features Nano Crystal Coat, a fast stepping motor, as well as a weather-sealed construction. It will retail for $1,049.95 and will be available in March of 2020.
The new Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 is the first “non-S” full-frame lens for Nikon’s mirrorless system. It is a lightweight, portable zoom lens with a versatile focal length range of 24-200mm, so it should be a great all-around choice for photography enthusiasts. The lens has 19 elements in 15 groups, with two ED and two aspherical lens elements.
The Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 is drip and dust resistant, and its Vibration Reduction is rated at 4.5 stops. While it does not have Nano Crystal Coat, the front lens element is protected with the new Arneo coating to reduce ghosting and flare. The lens will weigh a total of 570 grams and will retail for $899.95. This looks like a great addition to the Nikon Z line-up as well.
Official Press Release
Here is the official press-release from Nikon:
THE NIKKOR Z EXPANSION CONTINUES: NIKON ANNOUNCES TWO NEW Z MOUNT OPTICS WITH THE ADDITION OF THE VERSATILE NIKKOR Z 24-200MM f/4-6.3 VR AND WIDE-ANGLE NIKKOR Z 20MM f/1.8 S LENSES
Built on the Superior Optical Design of the Z Mount, Nikon’s Latest NIKKOR Z Lenses are Remarkable Tools for Capturing Travel, Landscapes and Adventure
MELVILLE, NY (February 11, 2020) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced two new full frame lenses to the rapidly expanding NIKKOR Z lineup. With the addition of the versatile, lightweight NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and the ultra-wide NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S, Nikon continues to demonstrate the superior optical capabilities of its NIKKOR Z lenses, made possible by the advanced technology of the revolutionary Z mount. The NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR boasts a broad 24-200mm zoom range with the power and versatility to make it a staple for travel and everyday photography. Meanwhile, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S expands the f/1.8 line of NIKKOR Z lenses, offering an extremely fast aperture and a vast field of view, ideal for enthusiasts and pros shooting landscapes, architecture or the night sky.
“With the launch of the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S, Nikon remains dedicated to rapidly expanding the lens options for Z users,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “Whether it be a wide angle with a fast aperture for capturing landscapes or night photography, or a reliable all-in-one lens for those who want to travel light, we continue to offer Nikon users the advanced optics necessary to enhance their content.”
NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR: Versatile Zoom, So Many Possibilities
The NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is an affordable and immensely versatile all-in-one full-frame 8.3x zoom lens offering an expansive wide-to-telephoto focal range with a portable design, making it an excellent option for Nikon Z shooters. With a lightweight 20-ounce design and drip and dust resistance, the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm is prepared for adventure while maintaining the high-end optical quality of a NIKKOR Z lens. Meanwhile, the lens’ high resolution, point-light clarity and minimal distortion deliver edge-to-edge sharpness throughout the entire focal range.Constructed of two aspherical lens elements, two ED glass lens elements and 1 aspherical ED glass element with Nikon’s ARNEO Coating, the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR minimizes distortion, color bleeding and flare to consistently achieve optical excellence. The lens reaches up to 300mm when paired with a DX-format camera body, or when used in DX crop mode, providing users with endless possibilities for capturing any type of content from magnificent landscapes to beautiful portraiture and fast-paced wildlife.
An ultra-flexible tool for video creators as well, the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR promises smooth subject tracking to keep sharp focus while zooming in video mode. The lens also adds 5 stops1 of built-in optical vibration reduction, yet also works in tandem with IBIS to deliver superb stabilization in the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7, offering every creator sharp and precise framing for seamless videomaking and stunning stills.
NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S: Expansive Views, Exceptional Details
Joining the S-line of high-performance NIKKOR Z lenses, the exceptionally sharp and versatile NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S ultra-wide lens was designed for those who want expansive imagery with increased detail, sharpness and shallow depth of field. The lens’ 20mm focal length combines a bright f/1.8 constant aperture and beautiful point-light reproduction for fantastic stars and cityscapes, making it ideal for astrophotography or capturing vast landscapes in challenging light.Built for worry-free durability, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens’ lightweight design is equipped with weather sealing to combat dust and moisture. The lens features 9 aperture blades, 3 ED lens elements and a Nano Crystal Coating, helping photographers to achieve top-notch image quality across the frame with consistency. Beyond its still photography prowess, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S offers multimedia creators a unique perspective, plus a stepping motor for fast and quiet AF and suppressed focus breathing, achieving truly cinematic video capture.
Pricing and Availability
The NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR will be available in April 2020 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95*, and the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S will be available March 2020 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1,049.95*. For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lenses and the full Nikon Z mount system, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
Pre-Order Links
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Dear Nasim
I do a lot landscape photography (usually at around f11) and recently invested in the 15-30mm f4 and 24-70mm f4 Z mount and I worry that this new 24-200mm Z mount will make the latter lens a bit redundant. My question would to do with image quality of the 24-200mm V the 24-70mm and why would I need my 24-70mm f4 which I use mainly at f11 if I can get a 24-200m f4-f6.3?
I think that is a very relevant question a lot of us will be asking Gurinder!
The image quality on these Z mount lenses is definitely making me question investing in more f mount lenses. But the Z mount lenses are also more expensive, generally look to be longer and are heavier than their f mount equivalents. I’m not entirely sure the image quality improvement is worth it to me. It’s not like the f mount lenses are sub par. E.g. Nikon Z6 with the Z mount 20mm f1.8 will weigh almost the same as my D750 with the F mount 20mm f1.8. I’ll have to rent a Z body beforehand. I’ll probably be waiting till the Z6ii comes out before I truly consider making the jump.
Slightly off topic
It would be nice if Nikon would design and sell a 1.4 or 2.0 Teleconverter (extender) for there Z Lens.
Patrick
Nikon brass acknowledged the need for Z-TC’s…really it’s just a matter of when.
I’m looking forward to your review of the Z 24-200. I’m hoping that you will see fit to compare it with the F mount AF-P 70-300 and the 70-200 f4.
Cheers!
You are the go-to site for photography reviews and tips for me. You are honest, forthright, unbiased, and studied. I have a Z7 and I have an old AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6G zoom that is certainly not giving great images to the 45MP sensor on the Z 7. I primarily shoot landscapes. I added the 14-30 F4 S to the 24-70 f4 S that came with the Z 7 and this lens will round things out well. I really did not want the heavy f2.8 Z zoom at $2,500 since I am a mountaineer, backpacker, and fly fisher and weight and size are an important consideration in my kit choices. Do you expect this new zoom to provide high quality images for the Z 7 45MP senor like the other Z lenses?
Thank you for your feedback Danil, I appreciate it.
I looked at the MTF of the new Z 24-200mm and compared it to the MTF of the 70-300mm lens, both regular and AF-P version. This one is definitely going to be sharper on the Z7.
To be honest, I am more excited about the Z 24-200mm lens than the Z 20mm f/1.8 S. I will be testing both of these lenses as soon as they come out, and will hopefully write about the sharpness of the 24-200mm after my first field use. I have been really hoping for Nikon to release a 70-200mm f/4, but this might be the way to go until that lens materializes!
I was much more impressed by the MTF of the 24-200 than that of the 20/1.8. Not that the 20/1.8 doesn’t look great, but the 24-200 looks groundbreaking for a superzoom!
Preston, I fully agree. I am very excited about the possibilities of the Z 24-200mm. This might be the lens to get until Nikon makes the 70-200mm f/4…
While the previous releases of S line equivalents were priced pretty much the same as their F mount counterparts, the 20mm/1.8 S line is priced 200 bucks more than the 20mm/1.8 F mount…Hmmmm
Now I am waiting for 14-24 S line and the tweaked out, ironed out kinks version of Z7 to move on to mirrorless…
Interesting. Last week I was complaining “not enough intersting lenses” and some of them not even available.
Now they just came out with two big gap-fillers: The 20 mm I prefer for reportage stuff, and for “purposeless snapshhoting” the 24-200 might just deliver enough range and quality. They seem to scream “we wanna be in your bag”.
What are your thoughts? Does anything speak against either lens?
Joachim, nothing speaks against either one of these lenses. If the Z 24-200mm is as good as it looks in MTF, I am definitely buying one!
Me too. Most likely both of them.
A minor correction: According to Nikon’s press release, the stabilization on the 24-200 lens is rated 5 stop, not 4.5.
Nikon’s press release narrative says 5 stops, but their specs sheet says 4.5!
Thanks, you are the only site I saw (so far) that actually posted a MTF chart comparing it to the previous F version. I’m curious how these new S line lenses stack up to previous versions and other lenses. Looks like is on to something with these new lens designs.
Thank you for your feedback. I have written a number of articles on the Z mount, comparing lenses to F mount lenses. Basically, Nikon is completely reworking the optics with the Z mount. These lenses are basically future-proof, and represent a new dimension in optical design.