Nikon Z 26mm f/2.8 lens review

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ความคิดเห็น • 116

  • @marleenvandam6931
    @marleenvandam6931 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    I have the lens in use since it hit the shelves on my z8: I could’nt be happier! I have most of the 1.8 lenses as well and they are sharper on the border but not too much of a difference! The AF is a bit noisier but for environmental and street it doesn’t bother me! Overall very satisfied with this little gem8Is it overpriced? Not for me , it feels high quality as are the photos it generates.The microcontrast on this lens is very good as well! I find it better that the Fuji pancake on my XT5!

    • @ArsenijeRadenovic
      @ArsenijeRadenovic ปีที่แล้ว

      Why did you choose this lens instead of 28mm?

  • @AllThankful
    @AllThankful 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    What wasn’t really discussed is the portability of the lens. I was working as a photojournalist around 2010, and my go to lenses were the 50 and 28 Ds because I could fit both (along with a body) into a Soviet-era gas mask bag (I was in Ukraine). The discreetness of the bag and the smaller size of the camera+lenses let me get into some crazy situations that I don’t think I could’ve with a larger kit. Many of my favorite photos come from this time, and looking through them, it’s clear I wouldn’t have gotten the shots, or even been in the situations to take them with a bigger camera. The Z7ii is a perfect size body (for the way I work) but the 35/50/1.8 S lenses take away any of the portability gained. I don’t yet have this lens, but it’s what I’ve been praying for from Nikon since the move to mirrorless.

    • @Ttjam1
      @Ttjam1 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      A compact 50 or 55mm would be nice. Or even 60mm - the images I see with the 40mm on crop Z cameras look really good.

    • @disadadi8958
      @disadadi8958 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      This review isn't about the form factor, but about the quality of the optics and focus motor primarily. There's no objective way to rate the form factor or size of the lens, people with different needs or wants have different priorities for the lens size, there's no universal truth to it. However, if the optics are bad it's universally true across all users. What if someone wants a lens with bad optics? None of my business.

    • @Ttjam1
      @Ttjam1 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@disadadi8958 well if anything lens size is more objective then image quality. You can’t put a (simple) number on sharpness or aberrations or out of focus rendering and people’s tolerances for those things vary widely.

  • @djchips
    @djchips ปีที่แล้ว +54

    Thanks for the review. I still can't believe this lens costs a whopping $500, Nikon is really laying the pancake tax on thick! And now with that image quality and old school AF motor, absolutely no way this thing is worth $500, just crazy. I'd really like to have a talk with the guys who designed it and priced it out, what en embarrassment.

    • @frtzkng
      @frtzkng ปีที่แล้ว +5

      The guys who designed it probably think the same you do about the guys who decided on the pricing

    • @arunca190
      @arunca190 ปีที่แล้ว

      It’s 100% niche and can’t fault them for that. Price for pickiness. If you are “smarter”, get the 28mm or zoom or both for that price😂 I lean towards thinking the 26mm is ridiculous but it does have its place and will bring in money for Nikon. But if I had a somewhat disposable income and cared a lot for the look and being somewhat conspicuous, I’d get it. However it’s loud so…

  • @TrueKyanite
    @TrueKyanite ปีที่แล้ว +19

    That dropping of the lens cap in the beginning of the video, got me rolling on the floor 😂😂

  • @AllTrackerz
    @AllTrackerz ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I'm looking forward to your Nikon Z DX 24mm F1.7 review !

  • @chromaticvisuelle
    @chromaticvisuelle ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Can't wait for the 24mm dx 1.7! Samples looks gorgeous!!

  • @iemboyshostel
    @iemboyshostel ปีที่แล้ว +81

    For $500 I expect it to perform better overall

    • @HenryPiffpaff
      @HenryPiffpaff ปีที่แล้ว +11

      For $500 I'd expect a very steep price drop once it hits the markets!

    • @iemboyshostel
      @iemboyshostel ปีที่แล้ว

      @@HenryPiffpaff Possible

    • @hendrickziegler8487
      @hendrickziegler8487 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Nikon being like: plastic fantastic 40mm + 28mm: 250$ seems like a good price ...heyy, we have decreased size and image quality! 500$ pls 🤗
      well... that price will come down eventually^^

  • @Lektrolind
    @Lektrolind ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Interesting results as I like the 26mm a lot. I used to own the 28mm but it didn't click at all for me. Even with its faults i feel that the 26mm is a more versatile lens.
    Biggest pros with the 26mm for me
    Weather sealing
    Close up image quality
    Smoothness of out of focus areas and bokeh
    Light sources on the 28mm had a certain glow/smearing I didn't enjoy.
    I mostly shoot when it's dark with these so it applies to f2.8

  • @dreikonig2785
    @dreikonig2785 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    The 28mm f2.8 is the much better choice.
    Thanks for the review.

    • @stefanwagener
      @stefanwagener ปีที่แล้ว +3

      For image quality yes, for pocketability no. Really pocketable get cameras only with pancake lenses. Muffin lenses are often too big. E.g. in a saddle or top tube bag for a road bike a muffin lens is a no-go ... a pancake lens is fantastic!

    • @dreikonig2785
      @dreikonig2785 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@stefanwagener You are right. Optical the 28mm is the better choice. In my opinion the size difference between the 28 and 26 is not that big. If size matters, the 26mm may be the better choise. If you want to pay the extra price for the small size. I mean it is near double the price of the 28.

    • @Johnlancaster
      @Johnlancaster ปีที่แล้ว

      If I’m going out riding a bike with a bike saddle I’m taking my iPhone 😂

  • @lucarondon
    @lucarondon ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I think this lens is particularly misunderstood on TH-cam. I have a z8 with 24-70 and 70-200 which I use often, but are a huge hassle to carry around. I take my camera everywhere, every single time I leave the house, and if I didn’t already have a compact manual focus m mount lens I would definitely be picking this up. Imo this lens is for people who shoot street most of the time but sometimes need to switch their lenses out for something else (and therefore cannot have a Leica or Fuji rangefinder), and for these people compactness and low weight are far more important than image quality in the corners.

    • @AllThankful
      @AllThankful 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      100% agreed. I often grab my X100 or even my Nikon 35Ti when leaving the house simply because they fit in every bag I have, flush against a few books, computer, whatever even with a case on. With my Z7ii + one of the 1.8 primes it feels like I’m shoving a soccer ball into my tote. This could be the lens that lets me really transition to using the Z7 as my daily camera (which is all I ever wanted).

    • @TheJoejoez
      @TheJoejoez 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Right, I use Zf with 26 and 40 mostly...corners not really important but the central sharpness is. My copy is pretty sharp. The 26mm is sharper than the 28mm wide open, not sure if there is some copy variation. Pretty much all the other reviews say this about the sharpness.

  • @RyanH0809
    @RyanH0809 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I commend Nikon for making such a small lens. I do love a pancake lens!
    But I would recommend people go Nikon's 28mm f. 2.8 and 40mm f2 instead. Both are still quite small, equal or better optically, and much cheaper. Used, I bought both for about the same price as this lens.

  • @jaredevans4257
    @jaredevans4257 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Thank you for reviewing this lens, Chris! Great video as usual. If you have the time, I'd love to see you put this head to head against the Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8

    • @LukesMushrooms
      @LukesMushrooms ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I wanted to write almost the same comment :) It's a great review and quite a nice lens too, but I believe the 28mm f2.8 is a better choice with significantly better value and a bit better image quality too.

  • @nikolasmokalis3425
    @nikolasmokalis3425 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    “I love pancake lenses!” while removing the cap in the most clumsy, unhinged way imaginable was a treat 😂

  • @meyerardila8155
    @meyerardila8155 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks you Christopher as always my main source of lens review

  • @scottgray4877
    @scottgray4877 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I had both the 40 and 28 f2 lenses, and sold both. I like primes. Those lenses were ok, and definitely cheap. For me they had a couple issues. First, they were small and light, but not small as i wanted. Second, i shoot in some sandy and windy places, and these lenses had no lens/camera sealing, fine sand in the camera is not good. Even though the lens is supposedly dust and splash resistant, that camera seal definitely isnt. The image quality was good, but not great, as well. I just ordered the 26f2 from B&H used for a bit over $400.00. If it performs even a little better, its smaller size and weather sealing will be worth the couple hundred dollar difference to me. None of these lenses will be anywhere near the 35 f1.8, but they have different uses. Nice review.

    • @chromaticvisuelle
      @chromaticvisuelle ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Why comparing s lines lenses with non s line? Totally different usage, the 40 & 28 are excellent for their prices.

    • @scottgray4877
      @scottgray4877 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@chromaticvisuelle i agree. I am hopeful that the 26mm performs well too.

    • @AcidicDelusion
      @AcidicDelusion ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@scottgray4877how did it perform ? I’m probably gonna get one this weekend

    • @scottgray4877
      @scottgray4877 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@AcidicDelusion it fit my needs perfectly. I think it’s image quality was better than the other two, especially in tough light. Its size is perfect for what i want it for. There is some focus noise but thats not an issue with me. For me, its a better value than the 28mm. You will not be disappointed.

  • @sbrensbeve2388
    @sbrensbeve2388 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It would be nice to see a behind the scenes of how you setup and film these videos, for example how far away you have to stand when shooting super telephoto lenses

  • @damienr9901
    @damienr9901 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for all your reviews 👍
    I hope you will test soon on 24 dx 1.7 😁

  • @ScottJWaldron
    @ScottJWaldron ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Interesting, I expected it to do better optically considering comments I've seen from users.
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    In my opinion,
    Z cameras will never be tiny given their mount diameter. I find it odd that Nikon didn't make one decent quality optic around this focal length and maximum aperture instead of splitting the difference with the 28mm f/2.8.
    I see the real appeal of Z with lenses like with the 28mm's design that has fully internal and quiet focusing yet it's still pretty compact. How much travel space is even saved when the pancake has its filter adapter on it anyways? Can't see how the difference would be significant enough in a bag to justify.
    The 28mm is good enough for what I do, but I would have liked to seen better optics and a metal mount on that lens instead. The trade-offs are strange to me especially with this optical performance. 🤷

  • @radoo86
    @radoo86 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love this lens, and I 100% agree with this review. Thank you !

  • @heartflame503
    @heartflame503 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice review as usual! .. Shame you did not test in DX Mode. would have liked to see how it performed on my Zfc.

  • @vlao
    @vlao ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hope that Canon’s pancake 28mm 2.8 review is coming soon too 🙏

  • @RussandLoz
    @RussandLoz ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The 28mm 2.8 would be a better choice at half the price. For ZFC use its good to see 1.8's or below coming through so less need for these 2.8's.

  • @ikicaq
    @ikicaq ปีที่แล้ว +3

    When will you review the Canon RF 28mm f2.8 pancake?

    • @EverythingCameFromNothing
      @EverythingCameFromNothing ปีที่แล้ว

      🤞

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  ปีที่แล้ว +6

      A review should appear in about 3-4 weeks. I'm working on it but there's a delay. Apparently it's great, though

  • @dominiclester3232
    @dominiclester3232 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Chris! This is sad...I’m a big fan so I know your reviews are accurate but this is also the hardest review I’ve read/watched. Everyone else rates this comfortably above the Z 28mm. Anyway, one small correction it’s £479 at Park Cameras and £484 at Wex. These are traditionally the highest priced shops I look at (in Greater London anyway).

    • @jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas
      @jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's the nature of pancake lenses. Very tiny and small in size but not perfect image quality in every way. It has always been this way with pancake lenses. For such a tiny small lens it performs very well in the most important image areas. You can't expect S-Line performance from it.

    • @dominiclester3232
      @dominiclester3232 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonasThanks. I have a couple of pancake lenses but other reviewers rated this lens much higher than the Z 28 and 40mm lenses, whereas Chris didn’t really...

  • @colbybundy6082
    @colbybundy6082 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Now it's time for a rangefinder-style FF from Nikon like the A7C

  • @comment_below
    @comment_below 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    which would you recommend for close-ups of somethings like food -the z 26mm or 28mm? from what im gathering the 28, while way better price, is pretty bad -not sharp etc.... or do you have another recommendation for wide angle close-ups? thanks!

  • @youaretube02
    @youaretube02 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Seems like a cool lens, but it’s a rather poor performance for this price. I can’t wait for your review of the new Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM which seems more reasonably priced.

  • @classicboy97
    @classicboy97 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    hmm at that price point i'd rather take a fully manual voigtlander for more interesting image quality!

    • @livejames9374
      @livejames9374 ปีที่แล้ว

      Same

    • @stephenabbott7259
      @stephenabbott7259 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The images in this video looked sensational to me. Voigtlander is heavy glass. This lens is for traveling.

  • @pilarpsp127
    @pilarpsp127 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When will you review RF 28mm f2.8 ?

  • @warrickcoe5576
    @warrickcoe5576 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great review thanks. This is fantastic for product photography standard 50mm to get the whole product, with the ability to macro shoot small details on the product. Great for wedding photographers or food photographers at a restaurant. The 105 is a far more serious macro, but lacks versatility. I just wish nikon had made this 60mm instead of 50.

  • @roberts2714
    @roberts2714 ปีที่แล้ว

    Would you please test the Nikon Z 24mm f1.7 DX lens? It promises to be a great little prime for their DX cameras.

  • @architecture.illustration
    @architecture.illustration ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Christopher. I have a request :) would you be able to test the Fujifilm XF 8mm please?

  • @jimmyhuang382
    @jimmyhuang382 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How about the rf 28 2.8

  • @DesoloZantas
    @DesoloZantas ปีที่แล้ว

    I wonder if it's possible to make a pancake zoom lens 🤔

    • @victorlim5077
      @victorlim5077 ปีที่แล้ว

      The Nikon DX 16-50mm VR. For crop only though.

  • @ramonarias1234
    @ramonarias1234 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hope you can test the 7-180 and the 24-200 from Z system

  • @Kunal0915
    @Kunal0915 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This lens at this price makes the Sony 24mm f2.8 G look attractive!

  • @tielmaster7879
    @tielmaster7879 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hope you do the dx 24 1.7

  • @HR-wd6cw
    @HR-wd6cw ปีที่แล้ว

    IDK. If this was a $309 lens like the others, I'd be inclined to get it but I'd almost get the 28mm (although not quite as as compact) for $200 less than this lens). I think the only thing going for this lens is the compactness, but beyond that, I don't personally see that there is much here worth spending money on. I'd almost say Nikon would have been better off doing a 35mm pancake or even a 24mm 2.8 or 3.5 pancake type lens.

  • @Petrolhead66
    @Petrolhead66 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Given the choice which lens would prefer to have, the 28mm or the 26mm?

    • @Petrolhead66
      @Petrolhead66 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      And if using the ZFc would the 24mm be better

  • @kjltube
    @kjltube ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I think people are expecting a lot from a lens challenged massively by size, and think the image quality from the examples was very nice actually, especially bokeh and contrast.

  • @ericthestone
    @ericthestone 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If you are using the lens hood with a filter with the 26mm, the compactness quickly disappeared. Just buy the 28mm f/2.8 to save you some bucks with similar size and image quality

  • @GungKrisna12
    @GungKrisna12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Maybe paired with Nikon Z30 or Zfc would be better

  • @rayrayg9
    @rayrayg9 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Compared to the 28mm, this 26mm is slightly worse in the corners. But in terms of close focus, the 26 blows the 28 out of the water, as the 26mm quality at 2.8 requires the 28mm to stop down all the way to 5.6 to match (at least using your tests as reference).
    I know this this a year old review but wanted to comment anyway.

  • @Kevon420
    @Kevon420 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This lens looks fantastic, I wish the wonderful 40mm f2 Z also had this nicer build quality. I love that lens but it is a bummer that it has a plastic mount and no gasket at the lens mount.

    • @chromaticvisuelle
      @chromaticvisuelle ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I took it under a snow storm and it was fine, the whole obsession with gasket and plastic mount on tiny lenses are a waste of time

  • @louiscyphre2555
    @louiscyphre2555 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    a dream if it were 1.8 at that size

  • @darthwolverine747
    @darthwolverine747 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It’s not a pancake, but the Viltrox 24mm f1.8 is much better value imo.

  • @jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas
    @jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas ปีที่แล้ว

    i think most people buy this lens for the tiny size which weights nothing and takes absolutely no space in any camera bag. It is especially a fun lens for the Nikon Zfc camera that doesn't have a big grip. This review fails to understand that those buyers don't have perfect image quality as primary choice in mind.

  • @dn3260
    @dn3260 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Lens

  • @chinmayeed
    @chinmayeed ปีที่แล้ว

    2nd ! Great video .. of PAN cake lens

  • @alchapel
    @alchapel ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Focus breathing ❌
    Zoom focusing ✅

  • @IliasKoureas
    @IliasKoureas ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Good lens but 150$ more than what its worth.

    • @IliasKoureas
      @IliasKoureas ปีที่แล้ว

      @mipmipmipmipmip Thats half the asking price haha

    • @livejames9374
      @livejames9374 ปีที่แล้ว

      @mipmipmipmipmipt’s good for the size. But I’d probably go with the 24-50

  • @artphototech
    @artphototech ปีที่แล้ว

    The link on your description takes me to another Nikon lens and not this one.

  • @SovietLensReviews
    @SovietLensReviews ปีที่แล้ว

    How on EARTH can Nikon justify almost $900 (AUD) for this plastic fantastic, with that sort of performance. Pancake or not, the lens is still wide thanks to how big the Z-Mount is, so I don't really buy that excuse. Either way, great review Chris.

  • @andrear9500
    @andrear9500 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Where does this lens shine? The price asked seams too much

    • @livejames9374
      @livejames9374 ปีที่แล้ว

      Size and weight lol

    • @andrear9500
      @andrear9500 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@livejames9374 i know, I just wanted to point that the price is high

  • @alwinbenjamin
    @alwinbenjamin ปีที่แล้ว

    ⚡️

  • @ramonarias1234
    @ramonarias1234 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Performance is not at the level of the price

  • @muttishelfer9122
    @muttishelfer9122 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Too expensive for the delivered quality.

  • @mick1967
    @mick1967 ปีที่แล้ว

    I do not understand what purpose this lens has especially with this price point. My first guess was that it has a very good IQ. But your test shows another result. I have the 28mm f/2.8 for half the price and the IQ is obviously no worse than this one.

    • @livejames9374
      @livejames9374 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This is a lot sharper in center. A bit sharper mid frame and a bit behind on edges.

    • @jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas
      @jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This lens will be fun on the Nikon Zfc camera.

  • @EST84x
    @EST84x ปีที่แล้ว

    Pity.

  • @WizardOfCheese
    @WizardOfCheese 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    it should be £300

  • @BasicObject
    @BasicObject ปีที่แล้ว

    E-mount needs more pancakes 😞

  • @Vendetta725
    @Vendetta725 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nope. I still prefer Viltrox 24mm f1.8 for much much less than that whopping $500 Nikon pricetag.

  • @parranoic
    @parranoic ปีที่แล้ว +2

    500, yeah, no

  • @hfvhf987
    @hfvhf987 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm sorry, forget the lens. Crystal Pepsi????

  • @PrimalShutter
    @PrimalShutter ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Overpriced for that amount of aberration

  • @MrSimonj1970
    @MrSimonj1970 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm a Nikon fanboy, but these plastic compact lenses are rubbish - I bought the 40mm f/2 and returned it as soon as I saw the wide-open performance. This is £200 more, so it should be a LOT better. Old 70s AIS lenses are WAY better than these, Nikon needs to make better cheap lenses - the S line are all superb though, TBF.

  • @domm6812
    @domm6812 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Getting real tired of Nikon assuming they can charge premium money for very average quality lenses. I think they'll find that this backfires in the medium term as competitors provide better products and people reach their frustration limit with Nikon's greed.

    • @jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas
      @jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Your comments are paid? S-Line of lenses are excellent at Nikon and better than F-Mount.

  • @victorlim5077
    @victorlim5077 ปีที่แล้ว

    Looks like Nikon should stick to Muffin lenses (like the 28mm 2.8) rather than pancakes. Too many compromises.

    • @jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas
      @jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's the nature of pancake lenses. Very tiny and small in size but not perfect image quality in every way. It has always been this way with pancake lenses.

  • @panmaew
    @panmaew ปีที่แล้ว

    A very "Meh" lens.

  • @trym2121
    @trym2121 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Bokeh is not smooth at all. That's a downer

  • @drs-Rigo-Reus
    @drs-Rigo-Reus 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    In short, this is a garbage lens. Then only the 40/2 remains, nothing to write home about…… it’s a dud this Zf

  • @pitikniianstreetvlog5308
    @pitikniianstreetvlog5308 ปีที่แล้ว

    what a bad lens

  • @PhilipBallGarry
    @PhilipBallGarry ปีที่แล้ว

    Not as good as the (much cheaper) 27mm f/2.8 Fuji certainly

    • @opalyankaBG
      @opalyankaBG ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's just $100 cheaper and covers a sensor that's just half the size of the Fuji lens. Also, normal focal length pancakes are easier to design.

  • @lorenzogattaldo3764
    @lorenzogattaldo3764 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    First!