Today, Nikon announced the development of the roadmap’s 800mm f/6.3 prime as well as an unexpected 28-75mm f/2.8 Z-series zoom lens. Of the two, the 28-75mm f/2.8 is the big surprise and not exactly what it appears to be at first glance. Here’s what we know so far.
800mm f/6.3 S Development
Nikon has only had an 800mm lens on their roadmap for a couple of months, and we’re already getting new details about it. According to Nikon, the new supertelephoto prime will be an f/6.3 lens (a third of a stop slower than the F-mount 800mm f/5.6) and include a phase-fresnel lens for a lighter-weight design.
Unfortunately, Nikon has not released any other details about the lens’s specifications, so exactly how lightweight remains to be seen. The following photo of the lens does show the expected Function and Memory Set buttons, along with a latch near the mount that is most likely a drop-in filter slot.
I’m very excited to test this lens and learn more details about it. It’s going to be the flagship lens of the Z system for supertelephoto users and probably have almost all of Nikon’s bells and whistles. As with the F-mount 800mm f/5.6 FL, it is certain to be an expensive lens and very heavy (although hopefully less than the F-mount lens thanks to the PF element). And of course, the F-mount version is all but flawless optically, so we expect great things of the Z 800mm f/6.3 S.
You can be notified when the lens is available via this link to B&H.
28-75mm f/2.8 Announcement
The Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8 was also announced tonight, and it’s an unusual lens in a few ways. First, since Nikon already has a nearly flawless Z-series 24-70mm f/2.8 S – not to mention a host of other midrange zooms for sale or recently announced – it may seem to be a redundant new lens. Looking more closely, you may change your mind because of Nikon’s lower price for the new lens ($1200) and light weight (565 g / 1.25 pounds).
Then, looking very closely, you’ll notice that Nikon’s official lens diagram for the 28-75mm f/2.8…
Is suspiciously (AKA identically) like the lens diagram for the first version of the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, a Sony E-mount lens:
It’s not a Tamron lens that I’ve used before, so I’m hesitant to pass judgment on the quality of the upcoming Nikon lens. But while it’s widely considered an acceptable third-party lens by Sony users, it is hardly a renowned design, and not as good as the newer G2 version. So, I think it probably will be no surprise why the “new” Nikon design is a non-S-series lens. (I also guarantee that this lens will lead to some amusing arguments between Sony and Nikon fanboys.)
So, I wouldn’t say I’m super excited about this lens on its own, although I admit that it could be useful for photographers who want a less expensive, lighter f/2.8 zoom. Instead, what I’m very excited about is the implication here. Is Nikon partnering with Tamron? Is Tamron going to make more of their (surprisingly good) lineup of lenses native fits for the Z mount? Either would be a very interesting possibility.
Nikon has been loathe to allow third-party companies access to proprietary lens mount information in the past. But if we suddenly start getting some high-quality native Z lenses from Tamron, it could rapidly accelerate the appearance of missing Z lenses. I certainly wouldn’t complain if the Tamron 70-210mm f/4 became a Z-series reality. Same goes for some of Tamron’s other good glass like the 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 or 90mm f/2.8 Macro. These lenses would likely be budget options compared to Nikon’s existing high-end Z glass, but they’d still be great choices for a lot of users. And there’s no telling what future optics a Nikon-Tamron partnership could produce.
I should emphasize, Nikon and Tamron have made no public mention of the situation so far. It may be an odd one-off decision for this single lens and nothing else. But the possibilities are intriguing, and I look forward to hearing more information. Tamron historically wasn’t known as a high-end lens manufacturer, but they’ve really upped their game in recent years and are clearly capable of producing some great glass.
Here are the primary specifications of the 28-75mm f/2.8:
- Mount Type: Nikon Z Mount
- Focal Length: 28-75mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Aperture Blades: 9, rounded
- Filter Size: 67mm
- Lens Elements: 15
- Lens Groups: 12
- Special Elements: 3 aspherical, 1 ED glass, 1 Super ED glass
- Fluorine Coated Front Element: No
- Electronic Diaphragm: Yes
- Vibration Reduction: No
- Internal Focusing: Yes
- Control Rings: One (generally for manual focus)
- Function Buttons: No
- Focus Motor: Stepping motor
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.19 meters (0.62 feet)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.34× (1:2.9)
- Mount Material: Metal
- Weather/Dust Sealing: Yes
- Dimensions (Length × Diameter): 121 × 75 mm / 4.8 × 3.0 inches
- Weight: 565 g / 1.25 lbs
- MSRP: $1200
The Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is available for pre-order here at B&H for $1200.
Press Release
December 13, 2021
THE NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 IS THE AFFORDABLE GATEWAY TO FAST APERTURE AND FULL FRAME FIDELITY
Nikon Also Announces Development of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Super Telephoto Prime Lens
MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8, the latest lens to expand the impressive NIKKOR Z portfolio, putting the potential for boundless creativity and maximum versatility into the hands of enthusiasts. The NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is an affordable and appealing choice for those ready to step up to a full-frame medium zoom lens with the benefits of a constant f/2.8 aperture including gorgeous, softly blurred backgrounds and excellent low light capability.
“Since the beginning of this year, we have announced numerous NIKKOR Z lenses for all levels of creators, which have been commended for their unrivaled quality and edge-to-edge sharpness,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “Now we are continuing this winning streak by adding an extremely enticing option for enthusiasts in the rapidly growing full-frame market.”
The new NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is an attractive value for all types of photographers and creators, providing a lightweight lens with a versatile focal range and an f/2.8 constant aperture, all for an affordable price. Capable of everything from impressive portraits with a soft background blur to extremely detailed landscape photos, striking low-light ambience or a small-footprint video production, the 28-75mm f/2.8 covers it all. The fixed aperture of f/2.8 enables a pleasing depth of field with natural bokeh to emphasize the focus on the subject. The lightweight lens weighs only 1.2lbs (565g), making it incredibly easy to pack, carry casually or wield for an all-day event. When paired with a Nikon Z 5, the new 28-75mm f/2.8 creates a compelling combination as a carry-anywhere, cost-effective full-frame kit, or paired with the Z 6II to step up content creation to the next level.
The NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 offers many of the benefits of its highly acclaimed sibling, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. While both lenses are extremely versatile options and serve as staples in every photographer’s bag, the 28-75mm f/2.8 is approximately 30% lighter with a slimmer profile. The lens features a control ring for maximum customization, and excels in video creation due to minimal focus breathing and near-silent operation. The new 28-75mm f/2.8 also features a minimum focusing distance of only 0.19m (at 28mm), making it a great option for cuisine, table-scapes and intricate fashion.
Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8:
- The NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 delivers incredible sharpness and a bright f/2.8 aperture, affording the ability to shoot in low light or produce images with a natural and pleasing bokeh.
- The lens weighs only 1.2 lbs oz (565g), which is 8.4 oz lighter than the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. In addition to its portability, the lens is well-suited for gimbal use for content creation and video productions.
- The minimum focus distance of 0.62ft (0.19m) allows users to capture intricate details.
- By employing a stepping motor (STM) with superior response, the lens quickly focuses on moving subjects during still-shooting or video recording. The extremely quiet STM greatly reduces the level of lens drive and operational sounds during focusing and video recording.
- With the control ring, users can focus manually or change ISO sensitivity, aperture and exposure compensation in stills and video. The smooth rotation enables precise focus control. The knurling employed improves operation.
- The lens is sealed to prevent dust and water droplets from entry, enabling use in everyday circumstances without worry.* It also features effective antifouling coating for easy cleaning.
Development of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
Nikon is pleased to announce the development of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, a super-telephoto prime lens for full-frame (Nikon FX-format) Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is an S-Line lens, delivering powerful rendering with outstanding resolution while thoroughly reducing color bleeding. By adopting a PF (Phase Fresnel) lens that enables a compact and lightweight body, it is highly portable despite being a super-telephoto lens. With its high rendering performance and superb mobility, this lens will be an excellent choice for many types of photographers ranging from advanced amateurs to professionals.
Pricing and Availability
The NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 lens will be available in early 2022 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1199.95**. Additional information about the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S will be available at a later date. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including other NIKKOR Z lenses and the complete collection of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.
# # #
Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
* Perfect dustproof and waterproof performance is not guaranteed under all conditions.
CES® is a registered trademark of the Consumer Technology Association.
**SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Sorry if this is a newbie question, but can anyone comment why the Z 800mm is being designed as a 6.3 instead of a 5.6? Or will the z800mm/5.6 be a future iteration?
Just physics, the longer the lens the greater the distance between the front element and back of the lens, which means it limits how much light can reach the sensor. It can be done but at greater difficulty, engineering, etc. I think which makes it more expensive.
Thanks for the response. So since they made a 800 5.6 for the f mount, do we anticipate that Nikon will eventually make a 800 5.6 for the z mount, and perhaps this 800 6.3 is a lighter option for a different user.?
Always kind of odd to see big manufacturers doing re-badged lenses (these days even Leica is re-badging Sigma lenses). I suppose having the Nikon logo does give a bit more confidence re: autofocus/VR working properly with the lens-body communication. Too bad they didn’t rebadge the better G2 version.
As for me…the whole point of buying into the Z system is to get access to Nikon’s excellent glass. But I understand that there’s a market for a lower price point.
Leica picked already decades ago lenses from Sigma, Minolta, Schneider and Zeiss to “rebadge” them – nothing new. If you select the right ones – why not. More critical is a possible mark-up. Leica at least always claimed to select in closer tolerances (picked the best) which might be true or not.
Nikon should put more effort into dx z mount. Coupling a 12-28 with an 18-140 is ridiculous. Not having a D500 quality z mount on the way is even worse. Why don’t Nikon take aps-c as seriously as Olympus take (took) M4/3?
A z90, 10-24, 24-200 and 200-600 (plus macro and portrait primes) would be a comprehensive and affordable kit. New image enhancing software makes up for sensor size.
Nikon should take DX more seriously without a doubt. But at least they’re off to a better start than just releasing a million 18-XX lenses in a row. The 12-28mm could end up being a good three-lens kit with the 24-200mm and the 40mm f/2.
I’d be interested in a mirrorless D500 like camera using Z9 sensor tech if the price was right, for sure. As far as lenses I think what they have announced now is not bad. About the same as what F mount got, really, considering there were many many duplicates in F mount.
Yeah, I’m fairly happy with the glass we have now, but a D500 style body would be ideal. A 20-26MP stacked APSC sensor in a sturdy weather sealed body would be awesome. Obviously it would have to come a significant price difference from the Z9 though. Probably somewhere around 2k.
But if it is made by Tamron, Nikon would cannibalize its own lens. It would make more sense for lenses where there is less overlap, like the missing 70-200 f/4 or what I would like to see the 35-150!
Those would both be great lenses to see on the Z system. The 28-75mm probably got priority because, as a native Sony E lens designed for mirrorless, it may have been easier to adapt to Nikon Z.
Yes, waiting for a 70-200 F4 and seeing this announcement is frustrating.
I now wonder if we will see a “Nikon” 17-28 F2.8 soon.
I would probably prefer it over the 14-30 F4 for some amateur astro (just a few times a year).
The Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 is also a great lens for Milky Way photography (although a DSLR design rather than an existing Sony E lens). Either way, there is plenty of good Tamron glass out there that I’d love to see native for the Z mount!
I’d so want that 800, especially if it’s below 2kg’s. But I’m pretty certain it’ll be waaay out of my price range. If I sold my 500Pf and add couple K more, I still doubt I’d be able to get that. But if they really managed to make a hand holdable 800, that’s just aces for wildlife, especially birding. Oh please let it be affordable.
Given that the F-mount version weighs 4.6 kg and costs $16,000, I think it’s unfortunately unlikely that this new lens will live up to your hopes. Hopefully we know more before long!
The F-mount lens is not a PF design though. But to be fair – that will probably help with the weight more than it does with the price.
Only some amazing breakthrough technology and PURE MAGIC will allow any manufacturer out there to create a 800mm lens that would weigh “below 2kg’s”. It cannot be done pure and simple. Well it can but it will have an F11 aperture like Canons latest lens but that lens is not what I would call “birding lens” unless you are shooting birds in full daylight down at the equator around noon. And even that F11 lens is 1.3 kg’s. You need to refresh your physics knowledge.
Under 2kg will not be possible I think, but ~2.5 kg would be amazing and should be feasible. The F-mount 800mm is 4.6 kg with F5.6 and being quite an old lens – weights generally have come down already irrespective of PF.
Price will be the interesting question. Personally I hope for less than 7k$. I don’t think the lens will be individually assembled like the exotic primes, but rather follow a similar production process than the 500mm PF, which should reduce cost significantly. Secondly, I hope the lens will be part of Nikon’s offensive to gain back users they lost to Canon and Sony. The Z9 makes them competitive again when it comes to high-end mirrorless cameras, but I can’t see anyone considering switching systems because of it. However, when combined with a relatively lightweight and affordable 800mm lens, some Sony/Canon wildlife photographers may become tempted. The PF lenses are Nikon’s strongest differentiator in the wildlife field, so they better make smart use of it!
The rear of the lens looks a little different. The mount sector looks like the rear glass is slightly further away from the back of the lens. Is that to allow for the fact that the lens was original designed for a different (nameless) camera brand where the sensor is a couple of mm further away inside the body. If so, adding 2mm would effectively make the focussing point exactly the same. That would simplify production and benefit both companies.
An interesting development indeed.
Any extra room at the back would be simply for spacing purposes, as you’re describing. It wouldn’t affect the optical quality of the lens, just whether it’s capable of working on a Z camera in the first place. Either way, I’m now very much wondering where this will go next.
The rear only looks different in terms of another mount (Sony / Nikon Z), not the optical design. Interesting idea to team up with Tamron as they also deliver some glass to rebrand it “Pentax”. Finding myself arriving at L-mount I actually like the choice of various camera brands and lenses, I just dislike (a bit) Sigma’s newer strategy to save some weight, size and money by designing optics depending fully on software distortion correction. But which lens will stay more often at home, the 35/1.2 or the 35/2? Nikon also has some candidates for software based corrections.
I just think if a lens manufacturer decides to walk that path, the company should be responsible to deliver their necessary lens profile to each RAW-converter software company. Else I have a lens which I could not use t “it’s full potential” which goes for most of the new i-Lenses from Sigma.