Nikon just announced its seventh lens for the Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, the Z 24mm f/1.8 S. Although we already knew this lens would arrive in 2019 thanks to Nikon’s roadmap, today’s announcement sheds much more light on its features. The 24mm f/1.8 ships in October for an MSRP of $1000.
The first point a lot of photographers will notice is the Z 24mm f/1.8 S’s price. At $1000, this isn’t a cheap lens – in fact, it’s the most expensive prime in Nikon’s Z lineup to date (though the 58mm f/0.95 will soon own that title). By comparison, the F-mount 24mm f/1.8 AF-S retails for $750, though a current promotion has brought its price down to just $677. Does the new lens live up to its cost? We’ll find out soon when we test it later this year.
Other than that, here are the specifications for the 24mm f/1.8 S:
- Focal Length: 24mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Aperture Blades: 9 rounded
- Lens Construction: 12 elements, 10 groups
- Aspherical Elements: Four
- UD Glass Elements: One
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.25 meter (0.82 feet)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.15×
- Focusing Motor: STM (stepping motor)
- Internal Focusing: Yes
- Filter Thread: 72mm
- Weather Sealing: Yes
- Size (Diameter × Length): 78 × 97 mm (3.1 × 3.8 inches)
- Weight: 450 g (0.99 lb)
A few points stand out to me in this list of specifications.
To start, this is the fourth Nikon Z lens so far to cover the 24mm focal length. This is personally one of my favorite focal lengths for landscape photography, but it does strike me as an odd balance when there currently is not a single Z-mount lens that goes beyond 85mm. However, we should see the 70-200mm f/2.8 S later in 2019, and rumors suggest that one of Nikon’s TBA lenses for late 2020 is going to be a 70-200mm f/4 S.
Beyond that, you might notice the 24mm f/1.8 S’s weight and wonder how it compares to the F-mount version. The Z lens is heavier, but not drastically so – 450 grams versus 355 grams (0.99 vs 0.78 pounds). Especially in combination with the lightweight Z camera bodies, this lens will be a very good walk-around kit for travel and landscape photographers looking to lighten their pack. However, note that the kit 24-70mm f/4 S is not that much heavier at 500 grams (1.1 pounds).
Lastly, I want to point out that the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S has a whopping four aspherical elements. That’s a lot for a prime lens – more than any other Nikon Z prime so far, and tied with all three zooms. By comparison, the F-mount 24mm f/1.8G has two aspherical elements. Although it doesn’t automatically mean this lens’s image quality will be good, it certainly suggests a high degree of optical correction. Given the very impressive performance of Nikon’s Z lens lineup so far, I am very optimistic about the quality we will see when the 24mm f/1.8 S arrives to market.
Here is the 24mm f/1.8 S’s lens construction diagram and MTF chart:
You can pre-order the 24mm f/1.8 S here:
Nikon has released a number of sample images for this lens, which I’ve included below:
Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S Sample Photos
One wonders why the photographer for this shot used ISO 100 rather than the Z7’s base ISO 64, given plenty of shutter speed room to spare.
Same question!
Given the f/1.8 aperture, I’m guessing this shot was handheld (or leaning against a rail of some kind) – a testament to Nikon’s IBIS, which we’ve tested at Photography Life with sharp results (though not perfect) at 1 second shutter speed, given proper technique.
First Impressions Promotional Video
Press Release
Nikon Expands Its High-Performance S-Line With The New NIKKOR Z 24mm F/1.8 S – A Fast, Wide-Angle Prime Lens
The Versatile NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S Delivers Superior Optical Performance, Equipping Nikon Z Series Creators with an Incredibly Sharp, High-Resolution Lens to Explore Wide-Angle Perspectives
MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the fast, wide- angle NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S, the latest addition to the ever-expanding NIKKOR Z lineup of lenses. The 24mm f/1.8 S is optimized for capturing everything from cityscapes to environmental portraits and is built to take advantage of Nikon’s large Z-mount, delivering the ultimate combination of fast, bright and sharp performance in nearly all lighting conditions.“The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S continues our commitment to offering exciting prime lenses to Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 users, while also providing exceptional level of quality achieved by the S-Line of NIKKOR Z lenses,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The combination of wide-angle perspective and a fast f/1.8 aperture is optimal for all types of photography including landscapes, making the NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S a must-have lens to unleash the full potential of the Nikon Z series.”
The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S – A Storyteller’s Dream Lens:
The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S joins the S-Line of high-performance NIKKOR Z lenses, giving creators an essential focal length to add to their kit of fast prime Z-mount lenses. The lens takes advantage of the most advanced NIKKOR technologies to deliver optical superiority, exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh and high-resolution across the entire frame, even at maximum aperture.
The new NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S was designed for photographers and videographers looking to capture gorgeous wide-angle landscapes or vivid street photography, a travel adventure or a stunning starscape. For videographers and content creators, this popular focal length is a staple for production due to its natural perspective. Thanks to the advantages of the lens’ bright and fast f/1.8 maximum aperture along with the wider Z-mount, Nikon Z series users can capture exceptionally sharp images in dimly lit settings, with a lens that’s ideal for nighttime shooting and astrophotography.
The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S features 9 rounded aperture blades, allowing users to capture beautifully circular bokeh that adds a level of dimensionality to help capture compelling content. Users can confidently explore their creative potential in nearly any landscape thanks to the lens’ reliable dust and drip resistant design, ideal for tough weather conditions. The lens construction also consists of four Aspherical Lens Elements and one Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass element to combat aberration, while Nikon’s patented Nano Crystal Coat helps eliminate ghosting and flare. The 24mm f/1.8 S is further equipped with Nikon’s Multi-Focusing System, which uses two AF drives in tandem to deliver superior resolving power and achieve fast and accurate autofocus, even at minimum focus distance.
In addition to achieving the top-notch image quality that storytellers and content creators have come to expect from the S-Line of NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S is also optimized for video capture. As a popular cinematic focal length, the 24mm f/1.8 S will be a welcome addition to Z series shooters’ arsenals, boasting near-silent stepping motors for ultra-quiet performance, reduced focus breathing, a customizable control ring for smooth control of aperture and exposure compensation and the ability to take advantage of the in-camera 5-axis VR + eVR of the Nikon Z series cameras.
Price and Availability
The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S will be available in mid to late October 2019 at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $999.95. For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S and the full Nikon Z mount system, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo and video capture technologies; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enable visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products, as well as the revolutionary Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses, which achieve a new dimension in optical performance. In 2018, Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., announced the production of 110 million NIKKOR lenses, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo and Flickr.
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*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
I have 20 1.8g, but its performance is not that great for astro, has a lot of coma and some field curvature. But I like the wider field of view, and i LOVE the sunstars of the 20 1.8g. I am torn between keeping my 20 1.8g (and using it with the ftz adapter) and getting 14-30s (for some versatility and general landscaping and tiemlapsing) or wait until nikon releases 20 1.8s. I generally like using primes more. I got also ronin sc and it hits the back motor with the 20 1.8g, it doesnt have such issue with the native s mount lenses. (adding counterweights fixes this but i got a lighter gimbal on purpose so adding additional weight doesnt make that much sense to me. Either way, this 24 1.8s seems like a phenomenal lens.
Sacrificing image quality, is a cardinal sin! NEVER!
Any idea why the Z mount lens are so big and heavy? Is it because of the bigger diameter? Therefore bigger glas?
The stepping motor needs some extra guide rails, and there might be more metal involved in the whole design – thats’ a guess, regarding the added weight. At first glance. At second glance, on a Z body you can’t get away with only a F-mount lens, and the adapter adds another 130 grams – the Z lens soon becomes lighter without loosing weight. Sure, one only needs one adapter per body, not for each lens.
What’s no guess, is that you’re wrong in terms of big: While the Ø of both lenses is nearly identical: 77.5 mm (G) compare to 78 mm (S) and the G lens actually is 0.5 mm “thinner”, the lengths show more difference: 83 mm (G) and 97 mm (S). And the difference of the flange distances is 30.5 mm more for the G version, so 83 + 30.5 = 113.5 mm. No matter, if you take the Z camera and adapt the old G version, or if you take any Nikon DLSR and connect the G version there, the whole system of the F-mount will be longer.
“One wonders why the photographer for this shot used ISO 100 rather than the Z7’s base ISO 64, given plenty of shutter speed room to spare.”
Because image quality difference between ISO 64 ans ISO 100 is possible to distinguish only if you mathematically compare 2 images.
Don’t get snowed in on technical details where there is no need to. It’s a thing 15 years old kids do.
As a photography education website, I think it is reasonable for us to point out when an image we publish – especially when released by such a prominent entity as Nikon – was captured in a way that is inarguably inaccurate. Even if the difference in this case is only ISO 64 vs ISO 100.
I do not have DSLR and do not like to use FtZ adaptor either. I am disappointed that wider mount is not making f1.4 happen more frequently. May be Nikon is keeping F 1.4 for more expensive series of lens.
They’re definitely got to release a line of f/1.2 prime lenses, but it looks for now as though the S line is skipping over f/1.4.
Patiently waiting for the 20mm f/1.8Z and Photography Life’s astro testing with it…
/sips tea
Reid, I can’t wait to test that one for astro work! So, get your hopes up :)
When you guys test this lens, please compare it against Sigma 24mm F 1.4. Z-mount is wider but the aperture is still F 1.8. Initially I was planning to buy this lens but now I am considering Sigma 24mm F1.4 also. Your test will help in deciding.
Thanks
I once exchanged the Nikkor 24/1.4G against the Sigma. It is slightöy better in the center tahn the Nikkor, but I guess the new 24/1.8 S with all the “power of software correction” will be sharper at the edges while the distortions might be higher – and gone after correction.
I think, all comes down to whether you like to fiddle with an adapter or not. And that depends on whether you carry a DSLR as first or second body along with a Z-body. I’m not fully switched to mirrorless, and I always planned to get a 35 and an 85 and then wait until more interesting (and less redundant) focallengths will pop up. So far I also don’t see the arrival of big advantages of the bigger mount. But I do see the disadvantages of the shorter flange distance which are ugly red and green spots in shadow areas next to a front light source. Don’t see this happening in my DLSR pictures that often.
I do not have DSLR and do not like to use FtZ adaptor either. I am disappointed that wider mount is not making f1.4 happen more frequently. May be Nikon is keeping F 1.4 for more expensive series of lens.
There’s one 50/1.2 on the roadmap, but I’m thinking the same way like you. Big fuzz about big mount and the currently available lenses don’t even need half the Ø. Maybe the 14-24/2.8 S will show a bigger rear element, who knows.
Isn’t the new 85 1.8s, filter size 67 ? That makes 4 sizes.
Thanks Daniel, good catch! I’ve deleted that reference in the article.
Turns out when you search “nikon z 85 1.8 s filter size” in Google, a box of specifications for the 35mm f/1.8 S pops up, which says 62mm filter size. I should have noticed that last night but didn’t.
It’s too bad, because I thought Nikon was finally putting some thought into their filter thread sizes to simplify things for photographers!
Yeah, although all these lenses look similarly cut from the same tube and filled with glass, the spread of filter sizes is ridiculous. Also, I’m a bit disappointed because Nikon only in the 24-70/2.8 copied the added function ring from Canon.
But then… I’m afraid if they’d do it with every lens and both rings would have the same surface and resistance, I would complain about that, so never mind.
Agreed Joachim, as much as I like the optics of the Z lineup, Nikon made some handling decisions that leave me scratching my head. Even though I know that the Z system is IBIS-based, old habits keep me reaching for a switch on the side of the lens rather than clicking the direction pad and entering a menu. And the lack of a 62-72-82mm filter lineup is disappoimting given the similar constructions of these lenses already.
Larger and heavier than the F mount version. I hope it doesn’t have coma like the F mount version. I wonder when a 28 mm lens in the Z mount may come out.
I suspect that this lens will have better overall performance than the F-mount 24mm f/1.8G, which is already a very high performing lens. The Z series so far has been quite impressive in its image quality.
In terms of weight, I personally hope that some of Nikon’s future non-S lenses for the Z cameras will be pancake primes with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or f/4. This 24mm f/1.8 S isn’t unreasonably heavy, but there’s a lot of room to make something lighter if Nikon is willing to sacrifice the maximum aperture (or even a bit of image quality).
Weight: on a F-mount camera the old G-lens is lighter. On a Z you need the adapter and soon the new one is lighter.