Nikon Releases Three Lenses for New Nikon Z

In conjunction with the release of its highly-anticipated mirrorless camera, Nikon also released new Nikkor lenses. Early adopters of Nikon’s new Z mount will have three lens options — the standard zoom Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, the wide-angle prime Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and the standard prime Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S.

Amid the hype around the Nikon Z, the lenses aren’t getting as much coverage. However, they are still impressive. As Nikon describes, “the NIKKOR Z lenses pursue a new dimension in optical performance, by taking advantage of the superior design flexibility made possible by the combination of the larger Z mount with its inner diameter of 55 mm, and a short flange focal distance of 16 mm.”

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S are part of Nikon’s new “S-Line.” According to Nikon, “These lenses realize a rendering performance that surpasses that of conventional f/4 standard zoom lenses and f/1.8 wide-angle or standard prime lenses.” Nikon is also currently developing the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct. The large aperture, standard 58 mm prime focal-length lens will purportedly be the fastest lens in Nikon’s history.

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Primary Features

• Standard focal-length range from wide-angle 24 mm to medium-telephoto 70 mm can effectively cover a wide variety of scenes and subjects with rendering performance that will change the perception of zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of f/4
• Optical design that suppresses variations in aberrations from shooting distances of close-up to infinity, demonstrating sharp resolution even in the peripheral areas of the frame from the maximum aperture, and fine point-image reproduction
• Achieved a minimum focus distance of just 0.3 m across the zoom range
• Adoption of an ED glass element, an aspherical ED lens element, and three aspherical lens elements
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghost and flare
• Has the size needed to deliver an extremely high standard of optical performance, yet provides outstanding portability; employs a retracting mechanism that can be set on/off without pressing a button and reduces total length for a compact lens that can easily be taken anywhere
• In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed
• Fluorine coat applied to front lens surface

NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Primary Features

• Sharp resolution even in the peripheral areas of the frame from the maximum aperture, provide effective suppression of sagittal coma flare that enables superb point-image reproduction when capturing point light sources in night landscapes, and the soft and natural bokeh characteristics expected of a fast (bright) lens
• Adoption of a new multi-focusing system achieves quiet, fast, and accurate AF control, as well as high image-forming performance at any focus distance
• Adoption of two ED glass elements, and three aspherical lens elements
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghost and flare
• In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed

NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Primary Features

• Thorough suppression of axial chromatic aberration ensures superior resolution with faithful reproduction of the fine textures in subjects, even from maximum aperture
• Sharp and clear rendering of details from the center of the frame to the peripheral edges, regardless of the shooting distance
• The soft and beautiful bokeh characteristics at any shooting distance possible only with a fast (bright) lens
• Adoption of two ED glass elements, and two aspherical lens elements
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghost and flare
• Adoption of a new, powerful stepping motor (STM) enables quiet and accurate AF control with both still-image and movie recording
• In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S and NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S will be available September 27, 2018 for the suggested retail prices (SRP) of $999.95 and $849.95, respectively. The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens will be available in late October for the SRP of $599.95.

Of course, you don’t need a new lens to use the new Nikon Z.  The Mount Adapter FTZ also allows Nikon DSLR photographers to continue using their NIKKOR F lenses with the new mirrorless camera system. The Mount Adapter FTZ will be available September 27, 2018 for $249.95 SRP.