Nikon Introduces New Z Lenses for APS-C Cameras
In the latest issue of “CAPA” magazine, photographer Junichi Date explores the new additions to Nikon’s line of Z lenses for APS-C cameras. Until now, Nikon only offered three Z lenses for DX (APS-C) cameras: the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, the NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR, and the NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR. However, the latest releases, the NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 and the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR, have expanded the options for photographers using APS-C cameras like the Z fc and Z 30.
The NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR lens boasts a compact design and versatile zoom range. With a maximum aperture of f/3.5, it captures stunning images with a small bokeh area in the background, creating a natural and soft rendering effect. Its minimum shooting distance of 19 cm allows for impressive close-up shots without sacrificing quality. Priced at 53,900 yen, this lens is a great addition to any photographer’s toolkit.
On the other hand, the NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 lens offers a wide-angle perspective and a large aperture, making it ideal for capturing landscapes and street photography. While its resolution may not be exceptionally high, it still delivers excellent image quality and sharpness, even at the edges. Its rear bokeh is smooth and natural, adding a pleasing depth to photographs.
One standout feature of both lenses is the in-lens image stabilization function, allowing photographers to shoot crisp and blur-free images, even in low-light conditions or at slow shutter speeds. The lenses also minimize ghosting and flare when shooting in challenging lighting situations, ensuring clear and vibrant photos.
Overall, Nikon’s new Z lenses for APS-C cameras provide photographers with more options and creative capabilities. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, these lenses deliver exceptional image quality and versatility. For a more in-depth look at these lenses and live-action examples, be sure to check out the September 2023 issue of “CAPA” magazine.
Paradise lens Junichi Date “CAPA” September 2023 issue Another shot[Rhan 2]Nikon Z fc + NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 (left), NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR (right)
Until now, the only Z lenses for DX (APS-C) have been the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, the NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR, and the NIKKOR Z DX 18 Only three were -140mm f /3.5-6.3 VR”. The long-focus large aperture “NIKKOR Z DX DX 24mm f/1.7” and wide-angle zoom “NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5” are added here. -5.6 PZ VR” here, and the appeal of “ Z fc grade” and “Z 30” has increased significantly. This time, I will review the imaging power of these two Z lenses for APS-C.
“Lens Paradise” is a popular series from “CAPA” where photographer Junichi Date uses and reviews various lenses. In this article, we will present other shots and impressions that could not be included in the September 2023 issue of “Lens Paradise”.
table of contents
NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 live-action check NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR live-action check
NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
spec
[マウント] Nikon Z mount[最大径×長さ]About φ72 × 63.5mm[重さ]About 205g[レンズ構成]11 groups of 12 pieces[最短撮影距離]0.19m (total zoom range)[最大撮影倍率]0.21 times[絞り羽根枚数]7 sheets[フィルター径]φ67mm
Reference price53,900 yen (tax included)
A small bokeh area in the background is a natural rendering
Sunflower fields in Akeno, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. As I could see Mt. Yatsugatake, I narrowed down the aperture enough to avoid fogging, and the sunflowers in the front row were crisp and sharp. The background is slightly out of depth of field, but the bokeh is very soft and natural.
Nikon Z fc NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Aperture Priority Auto F10 1/320 second ISO100 WB: Fair weather 12mm (18mm equivalent) Area Partial expansion
It’s not surprisingly high, but you can get a nice resolution
The shortest shooting distance is 19 cm over the entire zoom range. This picture was taken on the telephoto end, and although the aperture is wide open, there is no color bleeding or color change in the water droplets. The resolution and contrast are not too high, and the rendering does not deteriorate at the edges. It’s not surprisingly high resolution, but it’s a neat picture that you can see with peace of mind even at the pixel size.
Nikon Z 30 NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Aperture priority auto F5.6 1/320 second ISO320 WB: Natural light auto area 28mm (42mm equivalent) Partial expansion
Rear bokeh is very natural and smooth
I photographed a rudbeckia planted in a flower bed along the promenade near my home by focusing on the flower buds in the foreground at the far end of the telephoto. Because it is semi-standard equivalent to 42mm, the perspective is not strong and the shape of the flower is not distorted. The plane of focus is crisp and sharp down to the details, and the background fog is very smooth and natural.
Nikon Z 30 NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Auto priority aperture F5.6 1/500 sec +0.3 correction ISO320 WB: Natural light auto area 28mm (42mm equivalent) partial zoom
Equipped with an in-lens image stabilization function that allows you to shoot night scenes without blur
A handheld shot of the building behind the main shrine of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, famous for its matching wind chimes. The APS-C Z does not have an in-body image stabilization function, but this lens is equipped with VR, so even with a slow shutter speed of 1/3 second, it is possible to shoot without blur.
Nikon Z fc NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Aperture priority auto F3.8 1/3 sec +0.7 correction ISO800 WB: Auto 0 13mm area (19mm equivalent) Partial expansion
Even with the sun in the screen, the ghost is barely visible
As I walked around the neighborhood, I noticed that the sun was setting, so I took a photo of the sun tied to a utility pole. I tried stopping if/13 in hopes of extending the barriers, but it seems that stopping down to if/16 or higher is required. Ghosts are barely noticeable when shooting with the sun in the frame, but be careful when the sun is just outside the angle of view.
Nikon Z fc NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Aperture priority auto F13 1/500 sec +0.7 correction ISO100 WB: Fair weather 12mm area (18mm equivalent) Partial expansion
See the September 2023 issue of “CAPA” for live action examples and detailed explanations not presented in this article.
* Reference prices are mass retailer prices at the time of publication of the article.
Nikon Z fc + NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 (left), NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR (right) Nikon Z fc NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Aperture Priority Auto F10 1/320 sec ISO100 WB: Fair weather 12 mm area (18 mm equivalent) Partial zoom Nikon Z 30 NIKKOR Z DX 12-28 mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Aperture priority auto F5.6 1/320 sec ISO320 WB : Natural light auto 28 mm area (42mm equivalent) Partial zoom Nikon Z 30 NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Aperture-priority auto F5.6 1/500 sec +0.3 correction ISO320 WB: natural light auto 28mm area (42mm equivalent) Partial magnification Nikon Z fc NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Auto priority aperture F3.8 1/3 sec +0.7 correction ISO800 WB: Auto 0 13mm area (19mm equivalent) Magnification partial Nikon Z fc NIKKOR Z DX 12- 28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Priority Aperture Auto F13 1/500s +0.7 correction ISO100 WB: Fair weather Area 12mm (18mm equivalent) Partial expansion Read more
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