Considering the legendary history of Nikon’s lens production, it’s no surprise that they’ve been busy expanding their relatively new NIKKOR Z system quite rapidly, both in breadth and—as in the case of this announcement—depth. Neither new lens occupies a completely unique focal length, but both offer an unprecedented level of quality. If you’re passionate about perfection, you’ve got easy picks for your pics.
NIKKOR Z 14–24mm f/2.8 S
Completing the celebrated ” pro’s f/2.8 trinity” for the Z system (along with the NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S and the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S), the NIKKOR Z 14–24mm f/2.8 S packs an unbelievable level of clarity and resolving power into the shortest and lightest frame of any f/2.8 ultrawide-angle zoom lens. If the NIKKOR Z 14–30mm f/4 S won’t quite cut it for you, this is one for which you’ve been waiting.
This one promises to be just as much a hit for someone who tends to shoot landscapes, environmental portraits, and cityscapes as it will for someone who leans toward architecture and interiors. Astrophotography enthusiasts should take note as well: reports from photographers who got to use this lens ahead of the announcement are particularly positive about a lack of coma distortion, and weather-resistant construction means you can take it with you wherever you need it to go to wait for that perfect shot.
Nikon will also be releasing new NC and CPL filters to fit the 112mm thread (NC pictured in use above). The NIKKOR Z 14–24mm f/2.8 S will be arriving by the end of the year, but you can click here or visit your local Mike’s Camera to pre-order now.
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
Do you find the aperture of the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S to be a bit too narrow, but can’t justify using the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct for your purposes? The sweet spot has arrived.
Like the NIKKOR Z 14–24mm f/2.8 S, this lens is weather-resistant and carefully tuned to please the most demanding perfectionist. Nikon even goes so far as to call it the “sharpest, fastest 50mm lens” that they have ever made. Reports from the photographers lucky enough to play around with a preview copy of this lens indicate “virtually zero” distortion, glare, or aberration. Despite a vast f/1.2 aperture, they reported zero light falloff at the edges. On top of the quality of the glass, the dual stepping motors driving the auto-focus mechanism provide “breakthrough” performance.
Studio, street, portrait, and wedding photographers are bound to feel a bit of a tug toward this one. You can pre-order your own today at this link or at any of our locations, and you can expect it before the end of the year.