Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 Lens Review | Small, lightweight, affordable

The full frame compatible Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE Lens is one of the most affordable, small and lightweight autofocus lenses for Nikon Z mount available.

While 28mm is a desired focal length for street photographers, it can be used in many different genres. 

Attach it to a Nikon Z fc camera for instance (or any of Nikon’s APS-C bodies such as the Nikon Z 50 or Nikon Z 30), and you now have a 42mm equivalent focal length which is also great for street photography as well as environmental portraits.

Photographers with full-frame cameras, such as the Nikon Z 6II may want to lessen the bulk of their set-up and use this lens for travel or landscape photography as well. 

Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE Review Specs

 

• Focal Length – 28mm (Equivalent Focal Length on 35mm bodies: 42mm)
• Maximum Aperture – f/2.8 /  Minimum Aperture f/16
• Lens Format Coverage – Full-Frame
• Minimum Focus Distance – 7.6″ / 19.2 cm
• Maximum Magnification – 0.2x
• Optical Design – 9 Elements in 8 Groups 
• Diaphragm Blades – 7, Rounded
• Focus Type – Autofocus
• Image Stabilization – No
• Filter Size – 52 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) – 2.8 x 1.7″ / 71.5 x 43 mm
• Weight – 5.6 oz / 160 g

Build & Ergonomics

The Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE Lens is affectionately known among Nikon Z camera owners as a muffin lens.

This wide-angle prime lens (shown here in its special edition SE version with silver ring (also available in a modern look for less money) is a full frame lens but really hits its stride on Nikon DX cameras. 

The plastic lens mount may be a turn-off for some, but this is why this lens is so small and lightweight. So much so that there is no need for image stabilization within this lens.

The Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 is just fun to use, whether mounted on my full-frame camera or my Nikon Z fc.

There are no electronic control ring or lens function buttons like on the S line of Nikon Nikkor Z lenses, but this simplicity is part of the charm.

Focus Performance

I’m not a street photographer by any means, but I do know that quick autofocus is at times needed.

Of all of the Z-mount Nikon lenses that I own, this one may be the slowest, but it is still a fast-focusing lens. 

Manual focus is very smooth and focus peaking on mirrorless cameras makes this style easier than ever.

At f/2.8 light gathering, it’s not a fast prime compared to Nikon’s f/1.8 or f/1.2 lines, but it is respectable for low-light photography.

Image Quality

The out-of-focus areas from this lens are pleasing although you do need to be close to the minimum focusing distance for maximum bokeh.

It’s a wide-angle lens, so this is not its main strength anyway.

I find the sharpness to be excellent and the in-camera correction negates the minimal distortion that exists on this new lens.

I did not see any chromatic aberration from images from my full frame bodies like the Nikon Z9 nor the crop sensor Nikon Z fc.

Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE Lens Sample Images

Here are some sample images taken with the Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE Lens, using a Nikon Z fc and Nikon Z 9.

Alternatives

The only direct alternative for the Z lens mount in this focal length would be the Nikon 28mm f/1.4 E lens for f mount.

While that lens is outstanding and perfect for full-frame cameras and professional use, it will be substantially more in cost and weight and have to be mounted with the Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter.

The Nikkor Z 26mm f/2.8 lens is a pancake lens for Z mount with a somewhat wider focal length.

A few third-party wide-angle lenses with autofocus such as the Viltrox Mirrorless Z 23mm f/1.4 are available if you need a faster aperture.

Value for Money

At around $300, I consider the Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE lens an excellent value.

If the retro-looking silver lens ring is not your vibe, you can save approximately $30 by opting for the non-special edition version of this lens.

The Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 lens is the exact same lens in a more modern design.

The lens is an even better bargain when purchased as the kit lens along with the Nikon Z fc camera.

Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE Lens Review | Conclusion

I think the Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE Lens is a great lens for my casual photography and I will be keeping it around for that reason.

I have found that I really enjoy the 42mm field of view that this lens provides on a crop sensor camera.

If I feel like I want to lighten the load of my full-frame camera body set-up, this lens is there for me. I also love the retro look of this special edition version.

It’s a refreshingly fun way to lighten up your Nikon Z mirrorless camera, especially if you’re accustomed to shooting with something like the Nikon Z 70-200mm like I am!