The Nikon Z-mount trinity is comprised of three professional-level lenses: Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, and Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S. Sometimes referred to as the “holy trinity”, this group of lenses covers a wide focal length range of 14-200mm, and it is meant to serve as a complete kit for most photography needs. In this article, we will take a quick look at these mirrorless lenses and explore their performance potential when compared to the Nikon F mount, as well as other mirrorless systems on the market.
Nikon has always had a vast selection of top-notch lenses for its F-mount. With the birth of the Z-mount, the company had to push as many lenses as possible in a relatively short period of time. Designing lenses from scratch from a brand new mount is not easy, and yet we can see that Nikon engineers put their best efforts into making every Z-mount lens shine. While at launch Nikon concentrated on slower and lighter lenses for the mirrorless mount (mainly slower f/1.8 prime and f/4 zoom lenses), we knew that a pro-grade f/2.8 trinity kit was on its way, thanks to Nikon’s Z lens roadmap.
This past couple of weeks, I have been working hard on testing many samples of the Z lens trinity, as well as a few other recently-released zoom lenses. I am happy to report that my lab testing has been completed, and I will soon be embarking on a photography journey to do a much more thorough field test of these lenses. Without further ado, let’s take a look at what I have been able to discover about these lenses so far.
Please note that I am not going to provide comparisons to other Z-mount lenses in this article, as that would make it way too long of a read, but you can quickly jump to the referenced reviews on our lens reviews page and compare charts side-by-side.
Table of Contents
Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Performance
Having tested the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S lens when it was launched, I loved that lens so much that I immediately bought one for my needs. It was light, and its performance was outstanding for its price, providing tremendous value.
With the launch of the Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S I knew that Nikon engineers would take ultra-wide-angle performance to the next level. And this is certainly the case with this lens. Just take a look at its MTF performance at different focal lengths:
To say that these numbers are impressive would be an understatement. If you compare these charts to the Z 14-30mm f/4 S, you will see that the f/2.8 version is significantly sharper at every aperture, especially outside the center frame.
The performance of the lens continues to impress at longer focal lengths. From 14 to 18mm, the sharpness performance actually increases in the center frame, at a slight cost of corner performance. Still, it is almost as sharp as the 14-30mm f/4 S in the corners wide open, and when stopped down to f/5.6, the difference is night and day.
Those who own the Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S (which is another excellent lens, by the way) might be wondering how it compares to the Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S. As you can see from the above chart, the Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S actually managed to beat the lighter prime at the f/4-5.6 range in the center frame. However, the prime is still a bit sharper in the corners when stopped down, which is expected. Still, seeing a zoom lens perform almost on the level of a prime lens is very impressive!
The Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 starts to shift its performance towards the center at 24mm, and as you can see from the above chart, the center sharpness figures are simply exceptional. If we compare these numbers to those of the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S, you can see a similar pattern as with the Z 20mm f/1.8 S, where the Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is stunning in the center, beating the prime hands down in center sharpness. However, the corners are the weak point at 24mm on the zoom, where it tends to be inferior.
I wondered if the Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S simply has more field curvature at longer focal lengths, so I tried to focus in the extreme corners to see if I could derive better numbers. That was certainly not the case, as it turned out that the lens suffers from minimal field curvature when compared to other similar lenses, including the older F-mount Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED. Speaking of which, I am not even going to bother comparing these charts to those of Nikon’s F-mount lenses, because the Z-mount versions mop the floor with them.
The focusing distance, however, does seem to impact corner performance. I tried to take a sample shot of a landscape at infinity at 24mm, and the corners looked very sharp to me, even in the extreme edges. More field testing needs to be done, however, which is why I will be saving the rest of my thoughts in the upcoming Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S review. For now, I am just going to say that the Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is the best ultra-wide-angle zoom lens I have ever tested.
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Performance
If you have already seen my Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S review, you already know that I am a huge fan of this lens. Designing a 24-70mm zoom lens with good edge-to-edge performance is very difficult.
Having tested so many different 24-70mm zooms in the past, I have always been impressed by Nikon’s F-mount versions of this lens – they seemed to offer the most consistent performance. The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S takes it to the next level, demonstrating exceptionally good overall sharpness.
Similar to the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S starts out very strong already at 24mm with excellent center, mid-frame, and corner sharpness.
As you zoom in towards 35mm, the performance remains excellent, with the best overall sharpness achieved by f/5.6.
At 50mm, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S takes a hit at f/2.8, but stopping it down a little brings it right back. Once again, the lens shines at the f/4-f/5.6 range.
Lastly, we see a very similar pattern on the long end with this lens, where the corners seem to take a hit. However, that’s expected, given that basically all other 24-70mm zooms typically do worse towards 70mm.
I am going to save my commentary in regards to the above numbers since I have already done that in my detailed Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S review. In short, once again, this is the best 24-70mm zoom I have ever tested.
Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S Performance
I patiently waited for many months before I was able to finally obtain the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S. Nikon had many problems with the release of this lens. First, it had production issues that delayed the lens, then other events including COVID-19 made it challenging to bring the lens to the US market.
Was it worth the wait? Heck yes! Just take a look at these charts for yourself:
When I first took a sample shot at 70mm with this lens, I was stunned – I had never previously seen a 70-200mm lens this sharp wide open. My lab tests confirmed my thoughts. As you can see, the lens is a stunner at every aperture, even in the extreme corners.
The lens continues to perform at the same level at 105mm, showing absolutely amazing results. And at f/5.6, it is even better in the corners.
Once again, the consistency of sharpness is what makes the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S stunning. As you can see, center and mid-frame sharpness stay at the same level, although the extreme corners do get a bit weaker in comparison.
As expected, the lens gets a little weaker at 200mm. Center sharpness stays very high at f/2.8, but at the expense of weaker corner performance.
If you are wondering how this lens compares to the F-mount 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, just take a look at the lens comparisons page of my Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR review. If the latest F-mount version set new bars for the optical performance of 70-200mm lenses, the Z-mount takes that to the new levels. It is consistently sharper at every focal length, every aperture compared to anything Nikon has done in the past. Heck, I would dare to say that this is the best 70-200mm lens on the market, period. And I can say that after my experience shooting with many other 70-200mm lenses, including the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS.
Summary
As you can see from this article, Nikon has done one hell of a job with its pro-grade zooms for the Z mount. Nikon’s trinity is complete, and it is more impressive than it has ever been. And not just optically! In the case of the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, the mere fact that one can use screw-on filters with this lens, while also shedding 1/3 of the weight from their camera bag when compared to its predecessor, makes it an instant buy for many landscape and architecture photographers. The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is also sharper, lighter, and smaller than its predecessor, which is another huge win for the Z mount. While it would have been great to be able to get the same weight and space savings with the 70-200mm f/2.8 S, it would clearly compromise the optical potential of the lens. Nikon wanted to deliver its best 70-200mm f/2.8 ever, and it has certainly managed to do so…
Charts are one thing – important as they ae, the real test is “what can I do with this lens/camera/whatever.
I’ve seen comparative shots taken with the D850 and the F-mount 70-200, against identical shots taken simultaneously with the Z7 and the Z-mount 70-200. There were roughly 50 for each – paired – twinned! And there’s not question about it – everything Nikon has been claiming for its Z-mount shone through.
Of course given the superb quality of the D850 and its version of the 70-200, the difference wasn’t huge. But you could sense it without any enlargement and see it quite easily as you started enlarging the images.
I’m nearing 80 and it would be foolishness for me to jump ship, dump the gear I have, and spend north of USD20 grand replacing all my current gear, to switch if for Z-mount.
But for the next generation, and for pros etc, I can’t really see it as a “question”.
Thank you, Nasim… you have the best photography content on the web. I’m transitioning back to Nikon after having a fling for a few years with the Pentax K-1. My first purchase will be the Z7II + the 70-200 S. This article was very timely for me!
What was wrong with the K-1? Same sensor at the Z7II.
No, the K-1 has the same sensor as the D800/D810…. 36mp
Only people that like to compare charts or those that like pixelpeeping photo’s at 100% that are taken under controlled circumstances will care about the marginal differences in sharpness between modern lenses. You could even ask whether sharper is better, nowadays, I would prefer to talk about “character”. Even the 24-200mm lens is more than good enough for gallerysize prints. Speed and bokeh is something else of course.
The differences are not always small though. For example, the wide open performance of a lot of the Z lenses is much better than their F counterparts, like the 50mm f/1.8G vs 50mm f/1.8 S. So, a chart is actually useful to know that and is much less tedious compared to having to look at test shots which might have too much variation between photographers to be useful. And charts are also useful for corner and edge performance on some wider lenses, the differences between some lenses can be very significant.
I don’t think you have to pixel peep to see some of these differences. Especially wide open.
I hear you on character. I have recently bought a half dozen professional grade AIS lenses for their character to use either on a Z 6ii or Z 7ii or both. But there are times when I want killer sharpness.
These AIS lenses are wonderfull, I agree, I love them. All the new Z lenses are sharper than what we were so happy about a few years ago. In general sharpness is no issue anymore. Wide open there might be a marginal difference between them but only if you shoot on tripod (mirror up) under ideal and controlled circumstances. Wide open most of the picture is blurry anyway (unless you photograph a brick wall or a test chart). Also must your post processing be perfect and you have to watch on a high quality monitor at 100% in the corners. If ultimate sharpness is what you want I can recommend Topaz Labs sharpen AI. With their AI they do an amazing job if you want that tad of extra sharpness (and you save a lot of money). As said speed and bokeh is an other story, for this I use primes.
PS, I wrote mirror up (I am of the old school) but I mean the correct settings to avoid shuttershock of course.
Interestingly, when I first opened images from any of my Z lenses, but in particular the 24-70 f2.8S zoom, I noticed the difference straight away *without* the need to pixel peep. The 24-70 f2.8S on my Z7 compared to my 24-70 f2.8E VR on my D850 was immediately evident without pixel peeping. There is just no comparison wide open, the S lens is just way sharper. I would not like to use the F mount 24-70 wide open, but I can use the S mount without issue. Added to this the extremely low CA, low distortion, sharp at every aperture, sharp at every focal length, sharp at every camera to subject distance and sharp edge to edge and it all makes for a way better experience. Even the so-called kit lens, the 24-70 f4S the difference was apparent.
I think every photographer has their own “Trinity” of lenses for event shooting. My choices are the 16-35mm f/4, 50mm f/1.4, 70-200 f/2.8E lenses. Between 35mm and 70mm the “fast 50” gives me the right focal length for wider portraits plus it’s low light capability. No need to tote those heavy 14-24mm and 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses around all day. 30 years shooting ENG taught me that weight is my enemy standing on my feet for 8-10 hours. The “short version” of all these lenses? The wonderful 24-120mm f/4. My newest favorite.
I have an aging Nikon D750 with a good collection of Nikon lenses. I am considering jumping ship to acquire the Z7 camera and a suitable lens for my needs. The mirrorless cameras are certainly lighter and will come in handy rather than lug a hefty camera and lenses. As always I congratulate Nasim for his excellent site. Keep it up Nasim and kudos to your excellent work!
Probably a great set of expensive lenses but I opted for the 14-24mm f4 and the newish 24-200mm which have proved absolute amazing at a fraction of the cost and weight. The latter is particularly useful as it’s become my go-to landscape lens. Have learnt from experience that you don’t always need the f2.8 versions but I’m sure other will disagree with me.
Excellent reviews!
Wow, that 70-200 is sharpest in the centre when wide-open at all focal lenghts! Essentially, it’s a 70-200 F2, stopped down! Time to test a 200mm F2 to see if it’s still The King?
Thank you Nasim. I enjoyed your enthusiasm. I personally was floored by the Z 70-200mm.
I totally agree with your assessment for three Z pro zooms. Those 3 lenses have set the bar so high and I wonder just how Nikom can improve their F mount lens moving forward? Their 70-200mm FL ED VR was the only lens to my memory that had special coating elements to it? I had my 14-24mm F for ages and it was a legendary piece of glass spanning over 15 years and there was only 1 revision of that lens, being the VR. Obviously, now it is a pale comparison to the new Z 14-24mm, which I had an opportunity to try and yes, this new incarnation is truly amazing! Honestly you don’t need the Z 20mm f1.8. These so called trinity lenses are really a bunch of primes squeezed together. I aim to get these three in my bag and I’m done. Perhaps I may add the in-coming 105mm Macro later and possibly the 50mm f1.2. Nikon has got it right on their mirrorless planning, not rushing into things. Already both the Z6II and the Z7II are two superb products. I can imagine just how the eventual Z8 or Z9 will look like? My only hope in Nikon is that if they begin producing their own native filters across all filter treads? Wouldn’t that be great!