{"id":58064,"date":"2024-07-14T06:27:26","date_gmt":"2024-07-14T05:27:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/?p=58064"},"modified":"2024-08-04T09:09:22","modified_gmt":"2024-08-04T08:09:22","slug":"review-nikon-z-nikkor-26mm-f-2-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-z-nikkor-26mm-f-2-8\/","title":{"rendered":"REVIEW: Nikon Z Nikkor 26mm f\/2.8"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Nikon<\/p>\n

Nikon Z 26mm 2.8 has an unconventional focal length that falls between two classic wide-angle focal lengths for candid street photography, 24mm and 28mm. It is remarkably compact, making it the smallest and lightest Z prime lens for full-frame cameras from Nikon. Not only is it one of the most compact Nikon Z lens ever, but also it currently holds the title of the world\u2019s slimmest mirrorless autofocus fullframe lens produced by any manufacturer. It can also be used on an APS-C camera as a prime standard lens, providing an equivalent focal length of approximately 40mm, my favorite standard focal length. While not part of Nikon\u2019s premium S-line lenses, it is well-regarded for its performance. Let\u2019s see how it performs!<\/p>\n

\"\"I tested this lens on a fullframe Nikon Z 7II (with its 46 Mp sensor) and on an APS-C Nikon Z fc (with its 21 Mp sensor).
\nHereafter, for ease of writing, I will use Nikon\u2019s designations “FX”\u00a0 for fullframe and “DX” for APS-C.
\n\"\"You watch see this review in video format on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sample Images<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Nikon
Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 26mm f\/2.8 | f\/16<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Nikon
Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 26mm f\/2.8 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Nikon
Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 26mm f\/2.8 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Nikon
Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 26mm f\/2.8 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Nikon
Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 26mm f\/2.8 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Nikon
Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 26mm f\/2.8 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Nikon
Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 26mm f\/2.8 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Nikon
Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 26mm f\/2.8 | f\/8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Nikon
Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 26mm f\/2.8 | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Nikon
Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 26mm f\/2.8 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most of the sample images in this review and many more can be found in higher resolution here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Specifications<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Focal Length<\/td>\n26mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Angle of View<\/td>\nFX format 79\u00b0,\u00a0 DX format: 57\u00b0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
# of Aperture Blades<\/td>\n7 (rounded)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Max Aperture<\/td>\nf\/2.8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Min Aperture<\/td>\nf\/16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Min Focus Distance<\/td>\n0.2 m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Filter Size<\/td>\n52 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lens Mount<\/td>\nNikon Z<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/td>\n125 g<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Size (D x L)<\/td>\n70 x 23.5 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Elements\/Group<\/td>\n8 \/ 6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\"Nikon
Nikon Z 26\/2.8 lens construction<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Buy new: B&H<\/a>, Amazon<\/a> for $397 (Affiliate links)<\/em>
\nBuy used: eBay<\/a> for $380 (Affiliate links)<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\"Nikon
Nikon Z 26\/2.8 on a Nikon Z fc<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Disclosure<\/span><\/h2>\n

I bought this lens with my own earned money.<\/p>\n

Handling<\/span><\/h2>\n

The first thing you notice with this 26mm lens is how small this lens is. Currently there is no other mirrorless fullframe AF lens this slim at only 23.5 mm. It can easily be put in most pockets, purses, or in an spare space in a camera bag. The lens is made mostly of plastic, although the mount plate is of metal. Additionally, there is a weather sealing gasket under the mount plate, which also is a positive feature not found on all Nikon non-S-line lenses. This lens does not have the high-end coatings that the S-Line lenses have though.<\/p>\n

\"Nikon
Nikon Z 26\/2.8 mounting plate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The lens has a basic control setup with a single ring that allows manual focus adjustment. Additionally, you can customize the ring to control aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO settings.<\/p>\n

The autofocus on this lens is accurate, although not as fast as\u00a0 other Z lenses. Additionally, it tends to be more audible compared to the other Z lenses. Moreover, It has an external focusing mechanism. As you focus closer, the center part of the lens barrel protrudes slightly. See the following picture.<\/p>\n