Nikon Announces 14-24mm Zoom And 50mm Prime For Z System

Nikon today introduced two new NIKKOR Z lenses for its Z series mirrorless cameras, the NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S zoom and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S prime. These lenses are faster maximum aperture models that join the existing NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S in the lineup.

Though we love the retractable, travel-friendly size of the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S, the new NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is likely to be a very popular lens for landscape and astrophotography. Nikon states that the new lens is approximately 35 percent lighter than its F mount cousin, the AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED for Nikon DSLRs, a highly regarded lens. So while it is more to carry than the 14-30mm f/4, it’s still relatively compact for a pro-grade ƒ/2.8 wide zoom.

 The lens has a minimum focusing distance of just over 11 inches throughout the zoom range, great for wide compositions with prominent foreground objects. Another great feature of this lens is that Nikon was able to engineer a flatter front element for this lens compared to the F mount version, which allowed them to develop a clever lens hood with threads for a 112mm front filter. This hood is included along with a standard lens hood, plus caps to match each. There’s also a holder at the rear of the lens for gel filters.

The NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S rounds out the ƒ/2.8 “trinity” of lenses for Nikon Z alongside the excellent NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, that latter of which was expected last February but delayed and yet to be released at the time of this writing. The 14-24mm f/2.8 is expected in November.

Another big difference between the lens and the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is the price. It’s nearly twice the ƒ/4 at $2,399 versus $1,299.

Like the new zoom, the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S prime is a faster option for Nikon Z users who carry a standard prime. Nikon states that the 9-blade rounded aperture will produce beautiful bokeh effects. The lens is said to have a very precise, fast and quiet AF system with minimal focus breathing and exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness. It will be available in December for a list price of $2,099—$1,500 more than the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S at $599.

For additional details on these lenses, see the press release below.

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NIKKOR Z INNOVATION CONTINUES: NIKON INTRODUCES TWO ESSENTIAL NIKKOR Z LENSES EQUIPPED WITH INCREDIBLE OPTICS TO DELIVER UNRIVALED IMAGE QUALITY

The Ultra-Wide NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S and Powerful NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lenses Bring Groundbreaking Advancements in Optical Performance and Design to the Nikon Z Series

MELVILLE, NY (September 16, 2020) – Today, Nikon Inc. unveiled two exciting additions to the rapidly expanding NIKKOR Z lens lineup, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to the evolving Nikon Z series. These new full-frame S-Line¹ lenses showcase the superior optical performance and capabilities of the Nikon Z mount for photographers and creators. The ultra-wide angle NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is the world’s shortest² and lightest² full-frame f/2.8 zoom lens with a 14mm field of view, enabling a versatile range to capture expansive views including cityscapes, landscapes, astrophotography and more. Meanwhile, the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is the paramount fast-aperture prime lens engineered for optical excellence to help Z series users achieve unrivaled power, exceptional sharpness and show-stopping bokeh.

“This is an exciting time for Nikon lens technology as we lead the way in providing the most incredible optics available today,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The highly anticipated NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 and the powerful NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 lenses demonstrate the incredible innovation behind the Z series and the limitless possibilities of what our engineers are capable of achieving.”

NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S: Broaden Your Horizons with the Essential Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom Lens

The much anticipated NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is the shortest and lightest full-frame zoom lens of its kind, offering unique user benefits and incredible rendering capabilities across the wide zoom range. Joining the previously announced NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lenses, this lens completes the trinity of coveted fast aperture Z series zooms. The 14-24mm is a versatile lens that proves the optical superiority of the Nikon Z mount, producing excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, minimal distortion and exceptional photo and video capabilities for creators. The new optical design allows for a significantly shorter lens that is nearly 35 percent lighter than its predecessor, the popular AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8, making this lightweight lens ideal for a trek into the field. Meanwhile, its wide-angle zoom range offers video content creators a new option for capturing tack-sharp establishing shots, interiors or POV angles.

The NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens is engineered to deliver unrivaled optical excellence and maximum usability. This thoroughly modernized lens design features a nearly flat front lens element, which allows the attachment of a threaded filter to the included additional lens hood (HB-97). This design provides users the ability to attach a Neutral density (ND) filter, as well as the new Neutral Color NC Filter 112mm or Circular Polarizing Filter II 112mm³, while a rear filter holder also accepts a trimmable filter gel. With the option to easily use multiple filter types, users can capture epic landscapes with greater versatility and flexibility in more lighting conditions than ever before. An excellent choice for photographing stunning night-time views, the 14-24mm lens delivers amazing low-light performance with a constant f/2.8 aperture and stellar point light reproduction capabilities that suppress sagittal coma and flare for tack-sharp stars and city lights.

The NIKKOR Z 14-24mm combines a robust design and reliable performance with custom controls, including a customizable one-touch shortcut button, EL Display panel and custom control ring, making controls and settings convenient and accessible. The optical formula includes four ED lens elements, helping to control chromatic aberrations, and capture fine details, including colors and lines, with consistent accuracy – a true benefit to those shooting interiors and architecture. Additionally, flare, ghosting and coma are suppressed, even with harsh backlight, thanks to the lens’ Nano Crystal Coat (N) and anti-reflective ARNEO Coat, while its robust fluorine coating and extensive weather sealing allow Nikon Z series users to shoot confidently in rugged and unpredictable environments. As an added benefit to videographers, the lens also features an electro-magnetic diaphragm, to help maintain smooth exposures as light changes.

NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S: Immense Details. Exceptional Sharpness.

The new NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is Nikon’s fastest and most optically impressive AF prime lens yet, effortlessly balancing the combination of intense sharpness and dreamy bokeh. For pro-level creators that need powerful performance and versatility, the 50mm f/1.2 delivers a standard focal length with unrivaled sharpness, speed, and life-like clarity. With a bright f/1.2 aperture and premium S-Line engineering, the NIKKOR Z 50mm lens is the definitive and versatile prime for a range of photography styles including portraiture, street photography, landscapes, nightscapes and more.

The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens effortlessly achieves a soft and enchanting bokeh, with a circular background blur that is smooth and gradual when focusing for a natural “fall-off”. The bright f/1.2 aperture affords a dramatically shallow depth of field with beautiful subject isolation for stunning portraiture, while it also offers exceptional low-light performance. Maximizing the capabilities of Z series’ technology, the 50mm f/1.2 lens adopts stepping motors (STM) as well as a multi-focusing system⁴, enabling multiple lens elements to focus simultaneously for fast and precise autofocusing, even when shooting close-up or wide open. Furthermore, the lens’ ability to maintain stable exposure in changing lighting conditions, combined with its quiet operation and minimal focus breathing, establishes the lens as an appealing tool for video creators.

The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens tells a story of balance in design and functionality, seamlessly harmonizing intense resolution and velvety bokeh. The symmetrical optical design prevents light from being bent or distorted as it passes through the lens, meaning the purest, sharpest image reaches the camera sensor without any added distortion or aberration for true edge-to-edge sharpness. This innovative lens design also includes three aspherical elements to help virtually eliminate distortion, for superior resolution, point light reproduction and superb three-dimensional clarity. Designed for pro-level reliability, the NIKKOR Z 50mm is a superbly balanced lens constructed with robust weather sealing, a customizable control ring and shortcut button, as well as an EL Display panel to enhance workflow. Meanwhile, the lens is engineered with Nikon’s Nano Crystal and ARNEO Coating to minimize flare, ghosting and coma, allowing Z series users to confidently shoot in a variety of lighting scenarios, including harsh backlighting, to capture any scene with incredible sharpness and clarity.

Pricing and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens will be available in November 2020 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,399.95*, while the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens will be available in December 2020 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,099.95*. For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lenses and the full Nikon Z series, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

 *SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

1. The S-Line is a grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that demonstrate outstanding optical performance, adhering to a high standard of design principles and quality control.
2. Among interchangeable zoom lenses for full-frame (Nikon FX-format) digital cameras with interchangeable lenses with a focal range beginning at 14 mm or lower, and a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, available as of September 16, 2020. Statement based on Nikon research.
3. The Neutral Color NC Filter 112mm and Circular Polarizing Filter II 112mm are scheduled to be released soon
4. Multiple AF drive units work together to control the position of multiple focus lens groups with great precision for superior imaging performance regardless of shooting distance.

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