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Missing link: Nikon Z 28MM F/2.8 S

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Have you seen the new medium format Fujifilm GFX100RF?
It has a fixed 35mm F4 lens which is 28mm equivalent. I think it is interesting that they chose this field of view for what is essentially a landscape/travel camera.

I seem to be in a minority of one here but I think there is scope for a 28mm S as described ;)

André
 
ghostfox_1 said:
madecov said:
30 some odd years ago, 135mm f/2.8 was popular. I don't think anyone makes one now. There must be a reason.
Click to expand...
The 135 1.8 replaced it for nikon :)
Click to expand...
Of course. I'm just referencing the fact that there hasn't been a small light weight 135mm for a long time. I have a few . I also have the Viltrox 135mm. I also have a vintage 200mm f/3.5

There are 300 mm f/5.6 lenses from the 1970's and 1980's
 
I agree that Nikon needs (translation: I want) a 28mm with high optical quality, a category for which my copy of the Z 28/2.8 alas does not qualify. My copy of the 28/2.8 AiS is technically inferior to the Z 28 which I already don't like. So that's not a viable solution either.
-Keith B-
 
ADD9 said:
I use the 28/2.8 AIS on the FTZ. I love it. I would shoot some images, but I can't find it right now. That's what happens when you have over 100 lenses stashed in different places LOL
Click to expand...
It was a great lens in the film days, beautifully made.
The problem is that AI/AIS lenses wider than 50 mm suffer from soft corners on FF Z cameras.
Anything 50mm and longer works well. I use the Micro-Nikkor 3.5 55mm AI, the 2.8 100mm Series E and my favourite is the 1.8 50mm AIS (compact version) on a Kipon adapter.

André
 
pluton said:
I agree that Nikon needs (translation: I want) a 28mm with high optical quality, a category for which my copy of the Z 28/2.8 alas does not qualify. My copy of the 28/2.8 AiS is technically inferior to the Z 28 which I already don't like. So that's not a viable solution either.
-Keith B-
Click to expand...
I hear you. Just in case no Nikon S 28mm appears, I'm saving for this one - if they will make it in Z mount ;).


André
 
ADD9 said:
I use the 28/2.8 AIS on the FTZ. I love it. I would shoot some images, but I can't find it right now. That's what happens when you have over 100 lenses stashed in different places LOL
Click to expand...
I think it’s great as well tbh. I wouldn’t use it for portraits or landscapes because 28 isn’t great for that but street and travel is tremendous with it
 
Poldersnapper said:
Ok, make it a f3.5 - even lighter and smaller for the outdoor people like me ;).
Landscape photos are usually made at 5.6-11 so it would not be a problem.

André
Click to expand...
Other than the 85-S, I don't own primes because the Z zooms are so good compared to f-mount glass. The 20-S being the other prime I'd like to own. We could use some more prime options, but I think those are going to be from third parties (Voigtlander or Viltrox AIR/LAB,) as you are aware. Maybe give the 26f2.8 or even the 24-50 a try (sample of the later below) until something else comes along.

If you want S quality, the 24-70F4S is better than f-mount primes, the compacts, and IMO makes the size worth carrying compared to the S primes. You get a little wider, close focusing, and the 70 F4 provides decent subject isolation when the subject is close.

If you want lighter and smaller solution the Z50II with the 16f1.4DX Sigma might be the ticket.

83e05324602844b8afcfcb3ffbcb87bb.jpg

I split the difference between all of the options above and chose to adapt the Tamron 20-40f2.8 in e-mount with the Neewer ETZ adapter. I really hope Nikon considers brining it over as a "Tamrikon." I haven't done any specific testing. I tested the compacts against my other lenses because they seemed off.

Happy shooting!

--
SkyRunR
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
“The quickest way to make money at photography is to sell your camera.” – Anonymous
 
Poldersnapper said:
ghostfox_1 said:
Well, yes, it's not an S lens, so that checks out. They made the 28 for size/weight instead of IQ/build quality reasons (though apparently it also performs well enough).

I think a better 28 is probably down the list, given how it overlaps with so many lenses (various 2x-7x lenses, the 28 prime now, the 14-30, and almost the 14-24).
Click to expand...
Still, it is surprising (to me) that Nikon does not offer a proper 28mm since it was such a classic focal length in the film era.
Voigtlander does a number of them but I would rather have a Nikon S one with autofocus.

André
Click to expand...
I think that’s also party due to the constraints they had in designs and materials. Anything wider than 28 was almost a specialty lens until the 80’s and not of great performance. Slowly that went to 24, then 20 and beyond.

28 is one of my favourite focal lengths too seems like most companies now focus on 35/24 and 28 is an afterthought. Leica may be the only one that has multiple good options.
 
Why care about it being “well corrected” when Nikon Z cameras can apply ideal lens correction? Are you using Nikon lenses on other manufacturers’ camera bodies?
 
Poldersnapper said:
Aperture f2.8 to keep size and weight down, filter size 58mm.
About 65mm long and 320 grams in weight.
Just a proper high quality (landscape) lens like the famous 2.8 28mm AI/AIS
ones we had in the film days.
Will we ever see it?
Click to expand...
28/2.8 S - no.

28/1.8 S - probably.
 
Poldersnapper said:
ghostfox_1 said:
Well, yes, it's not an S lens, so that checks out. They made the 28 for size/weight instead of IQ/build quality reasons (though apparently it also performs well enough).

I think a better 28 is probably down the list, given how it overlaps with so many lenses (various 2x-7x lenses, the 28 prime now, the 14-30, and almost the 14-24).
Click to expand...
Still, it is surprising (to me) that Nikon does not offer a proper 28mm since it was such a classic focal length in the film era.
Voigtlander does a number of them but I would rather have a Nikon S one with autofocus.

André
Click to expand...
Nikon isn't building lenses like those from the film era. The new "S" lenses all incorporate lots of low dispersion glass to produce perfect images but it makes lenses huge, images more clinical. Your best option may be a late f mount 28.

The Z 28mm f2.8 uses high refractive index glass for a small lens with image "pop". It isn't inferior, it is a different type of lens.
 
Thomerik said:
LTheWafflePWN said:
Thomerik said:
Poldersnapper said:
Thomerik said:
Doubt they'll make this, it's too similar to the existing 28mm f/2.8.
Click to expand...
Hi, I have the 28mm 2.8 SE and while it's great at 5.6-8 it does not
have S build/image quality.

André
Click to expand...
Do you have any examples of Nikon producing 2 Z lenses with the exact same focal length and aperture? The closes would probably be the Tamrikon zooms, but even they have a different range from the S line f/2.8 zooms.
Click to expand...
I know you weren't asking me, but the closest example I can think of would be Nikon's F mount 50mm f/1.8 lenses.

Still to this day, you can buy a brand new 50mm f/1.8 AF-D (link)

And of course there is the newer 50mm f/1.8 AF-S version too (link)

I believe it could be entirely possible to have Nikon make another 28mm lens at the same aperture and continue to sell both the older 'inferior' 28mm pancake, and a newer "S Line" 28mm concurrently. Personally however, I think it would be far more likely that an "S Line" level 28mm would slot in closer to f/1.8 or maybe f/2.0 if we're drawing parallels to the film lens era.
Click to expand...
I asked for examples of identical FL+aperture "Z lenses". What they did a very long time ago doesn't apply anymore imo. I doubt they'll be making lenses with same FL and aperture as existing Z mount ones in the near future.

The lenses you metioned was released in 1978 and 2002, so 24 years between them.
Click to expand...
It's fine if we disagree, or if you think lenses that are quite literally for sale new at time of writing are too old.... but can you provide your sources for those dates? The older but still for sale new AF-D 50mm f/1.8 was released in 2002, while the newer and also still for sale AF-S 50mm f/1.8 was released in 2011.

I think the oldest Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 ever, an Ai lens, was made in '78 - but I did not bring that lens up, nor is it still for sale in new condition from Nikon at the moment (that I'm aware of anyway)
 
LTheWafflePWN said:
Thomerik said:
LTheWafflePWN said:
Thomerik said:
Poldersnapper said:
Thomerik said:
Doubt they'll make this, it's too similar to the existing 28mm f/2.8.
Click to expand...
Hi, I have the 28mm 2.8 SE and while it's great at 5.6-8 it does not
have S build/image quality.

André
Click to expand...
Do you have any examples of Nikon producing 2 Z lenses with the exact same focal length and aperture? The closes would probably be the Tamrikon zooms, but even they have a different range from the S line f/2.8 zooms.
Click to expand...
I know you weren't asking me, but the closest example I can think of would be Nikon's F mount 50mm f/1.8 lenses.

Still to this day, you can buy a brand new 50mm f/1.8 AF-D (link)

And of course there is the newer 50mm f/1.8 AF-S version too (link)

I believe it could be entirely possible to have Nikon make another 28mm lens at the same aperture and continue to sell both the older 'inferior' 28mm pancake, and a newer "S Line" 28mm concurrently. Personally however, I think it would be far more likely that an "S Line" level 28mm would slot in closer to f/1.8 or maybe f/2.0 if we're drawing parallels to the film lens era.
Click to expand...
I asked for examples of identical FL+aperture "Z lenses". What they did a very long time ago doesn't apply anymore imo. I doubt they'll be making lenses with same FL and aperture as existing Z mount ones in the near future.

The lenses you metioned was released in 1978 and 2002, so 24 years between them.
Click to expand...
It's fine if we disagree, or if you think lenses that are quite literally for sale new at time of writing are too old.... but can you provide your sources for those dates? The older but still for sale newAF-D 50mm f/1.8 was released in 2002, while the newer and also still for sale AF-S 50mm f/1.8 was released in 2011.

I think the oldest Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 ever, an Ai lens, was made in '78 - but I did not bring that lens up, nor is it still for sale in new condition from Nikon at the moment (that I'm aware of anyway)
Click to expand...
I got the date wrong. My point isn't that the lenses are too old, but that Nikons lineup strategy of releasing the same lens twice 15-25 years ago doesn't mean that much when discussing todays strategy. They did a lot of things differently back then for various reasons. 9 year time could make out a pretty big difference back then as technology advanced. Another 28mm 2.8 today would not be that much different. That's why I asked for examples of Z lenses. We're at a point where few lenses have serious flaws and really need the release of another version of it in the next few years.
 
Last edited:
Poldersnapper said:
Aperture f2.8 to keep size and weight down, filter size 58mm.
About 65mm long and 320 grams in weight.
Just a proper high quality (landscape) lens like the famous 2.8 28mm AI/AIS
ones we had in the film days.
Will we ever see it?

André
Click to expand...
What's wrong with the Z 28mm f2.8 we already have?

Even if you make a 28mm s prime limited at f/2.8, it would likely still be bigger. So why not just embrace the extra size and while you're at it, make it a faster (f/2 or faster) so you end up with two fairly different 28mm rather than two samey ones.
 
bluevellet said:
Poldersnapper said:
Aperture f2.8 to keep size and weight down, filter size 58mm.
About 65mm long and 320 grams in weight.
Just a proper high quality (landscape) lens like the famous 2.8 28mm AI/AIS
ones we had in the film days.
Will we ever see it?

André
Click to expand...
What's wrong with the Z 28mm f2.8 we already have?

Even if you make a 28mm s prime limited at f/2.8, it would likely still be bigger. So why not just embrace the extra size and while you're at it, make it a faster (f/2 or faster) so you end up with two fairly different 28mm rather than two samey ones.
Click to expand...
If they would make a compact Z 28mm f2.0 SE with better coating against bright light, overall more consistent sharpness, also close up, and a metal bayonet mount with a weather sealing gasket like the 26mm, I would order it today ;).

André
 
Mal Paso said:
Nikon isn't building lenses like those from the film era. The new "S" lenses all incorporate lots of low dispersion glass to produce perfect images but it makes lenses huge, images more clinical. Your best option may be a late f mount 28.

The Z 28mm f2.8 uses high refractive index glass for a small lens with image "pop". It isn't inferior, it is a different type of lens.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info and yes, the 2.8 28mm is quite decent at 5.6-8 for my use.
I use it with a rubber lens hood which works well against bright light without vignetting.
I have the 28mm SE with the Nikkor 1.8 50mm AIS (compact version, not to be confused with the cheaper Series E version) with the Z5 on my cycling trips.

André

My 'compact' cycling kit
My 'compact' cycling kit

Z5 and 1.8 50mm AIS at f8
Z5 and 1.8 50mm AIS at f8

Z5 and 28mm SE - stitch from 2 horizontal frames
Z5 and 28mm SE - stitch from 2 horizontal frames
 
Last edited:
Robinje said:
Why care about it being “well corrected” when Nikon Z cameras can apply ideal lens correction? Are you using Nikon lenses on other manufacturers’ camera bodies?
Click to expand...
I am not only referring to geometric distortion, but also correcting the various aberrations that affect lens performance.

What I am really getting at is a high performing lens. Despite software lens corrections, photographers can still get better results with better optics. There is a market for premium lenses.



Maybe Nikon will develop a premium 28mm. Maybe not.
 
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