The 40mm f2 is a no brainer when it comes to "value." I bought it a while back at $269 brand new and it way out performs it's price point. The z 24-120 f4 might cost $1099, but the quality and versatility for the price makes it another "value" lens, in my opinion. Fun topic. It's always entertaining to listen to other people's opinions on what "value" represents to them. Thanks for the video👍
The 24-120 for 1k is actually a great deal too tbh. It should be in many photographers bags, but everyone has a different opinion on what value means and my definition is slightly unconventional relative to everyone else. Which is a big reason I decided to make a video for best "value" over "budget" lenses :)
I’ve already seen the 24-120 go on sale for $899 more than once, and it’s fantastic value at that price. Also willing to bet this will become a kit lens moving forward (already with Z8)..
The Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S Lens is the perfect lens for all you parents out there - a single lens that does everything family-related in a compact package. Can have a whole day out with the kids and never need to change a lens, plus a spare hand to push bikes, wrangle the dog and drink coffee. On my Z6ii, it's basically the only lens I use.
If you don’t have a full frame Z camera the DX 28mm F1.7 is a great lens too! Only needing one hand on the camera since it has no zoom, with a toddler makes that makes it much easier to catch spontaneous moments and for my wife to use too instead of her iPhone
I totally agree with you on Z 28mm/2.8. 🙏 It’s one of the most underrated Z glasses. As using Z 28mm for a year, I felt it performs so much better than F mount 28mm lenses in terms of the contrast, sharpness, flare resistance, and CA. Although some of reviews claim that Z 28mm shows a lower resolution in MTF test, it isn’t true in real-world situation; Indeed, wide angle lens test should be penalized by focusing the small test paper at closer distance, which generally gives poor MTF LW/PH values over the others. Actually, Z 26mm can perform as good as S series even at close distance thanks to ‘all-elements-focusing’. However, this inevitably makes the AF noise, protruding barrel(can be concealed in the hood though), and twice expensive price over Z 28mm. In conclusion, Z 28mm/2.8 is a hidden jewel among the Z lenses, highly recommendable for all Z users!👍
In essence, it is internally the same 17-28mm f2.8 lens from Tamron in E-mount for my Sony cameras and it is superb . It has produced awesome images around the world for me since 2020. A bit less costly in E-mount at $799 USD, but its image quality and versatility is certainly worth the $996 USD price tag in Z-mount. I highly recommend this lens for Z camera owners. Cheers and best to you.
Have the 28, 40, 50, and 85 primes and they're all fantastic. Especially love the colors I'm getting mounted on the Z6ii. 14-30 f4 seems like a better choice than the 17-28 unless you're shooting astro.
The Nikon 28-75mm 2.8 lens is no slouch either. I just ordered the newly released 70-180mm 2.8 to complete the three lens system. This new lens can also use the 1.4x and 2x Z teleconverters. Your excellent video will help many Nikon mirrorless shooters.
I hope the new 70-180 works out for you. I was definitely contemplating getting one, but I think I'm going to go with the 70-200 eventually 👀. But you definitely won't go wrong with getting the 70-180 tho :)
Also going for the budget 2.8 trinity. I have a few 1.8 S prime lenses also when I need ultimate image quality. I'd rather have the 2.8 trinity than the Nikon F4 zooms though we had to use on F mount, (and over the z mount) I shoot a mix of landscape + events + portraits. The 2.8 Nikon versions are just too heavy and $$$. I am kind of surprised at the quality of the Tamron set, as I usually shunned 3rd party lenses but these are good, I just wasn't paying attention to them.
The 50mm f1.8 S is fantastic, just wish it was a bit smaller (like the older versions), but the image quality is outstanding. I'm intrigued by the 17-28 2.8 but I really like the S lenses (just not the price). My favourite lens currently is my 24-120 f4, which is an amazing all around lens, it's hardly off my Z6II.
The Z28mm 2.8 is only $276 on B&H site. Why would you buy used for $200 and lose the 2 year warranty? Same with the Z50mm...Nikon has some great sales from time to time. Great lens though....Thanks for sharing...
I don't even own this lens, but to me it's the 24-70 if you get it as a kit lens. It's way better than any kit lens should be. I didn't get it because I got a secondhand body on its own and then got the 24-120, but it's such a good lens when you compare to the mediocre kit lenses other brands offer.
Thanks for this review. My Z8 should be here this week and I ordered a "filler" 24-70 f4 lens to start with, plus I'll get the adapter to use my existing F mount lenses, of which I have a "few" for my existing D800 and D850. I was hoping for a decent prime lens, and while I have always been partial to a good 50mm, maybe a 28mm might be a good option after watching this.
Although it isn't a Z mount lens, my go-to lens for taking anywhere is the Tamron 18-400. It's a brilliant lens. I have the Z mount 2.8 70-200 which I use for sport, I just need a replacement for my Sigma 17-70.
Nice video and great information. I already have 28mm, and had 50mm before it got lost at UPS. Instead of replacing the 500m, I am thinking about mid-range prime like 85mm. The 135mm would be on my list, if it wasn't so expensive. Nice information.
I almost went with the 50 but went 85 and 35 instead. The 50 f1.4 wasn't great wide open so unless I find it for cheap I'll stick with latter. Hope you get your Z6iii soon!
85/35 is definitely a solid combo. It essentially achieves the same goal as the 50, but with a different personal preference. Also, the z6 iii is gonna be a sick camera, just patiently waiting for its release :)
Nikon Z cameras - even if you sometimes hear the opposite - have a large choice of optics including some old afs lenses perfectly usable with the f2z adaptor… but I don’t t completely agree with your choice. Ok for the 28 which is good, light and rather cheap. For the 50mm f1.8, it s quite expensive for a 50mm which are not so hard to build. I think the old afs 50mm 1.8g can be a good bargain on second market at around 150€… the size with the adaptor is comparable for less than one third of the price of this new one. If you want to be more versatile you can also find the excellent zoom Z 24-70 at around 400$ second hand because as it’s sold in some kit a lot of people re sell it and finally for 550$ (the price of this new 50mm z lens you have the Z zoom and the afs prime… who needs more :). Then for larger wide angle you propose the Tamron rebadged by Nikon 17-28 f2.8. I think that for 20% increase of price you have the 14-30 which beats yours at the 2 extremities of the range and honnestly who needs f2.8 on wide angle when these focals are used 90% of time between f5.6 and f11 ? Finally I would add for travel a lens that allows you to let it all time on the camera : the 24-200 is envied by Sony and canon because they don’t have a such quality for this extreme range in thief lines… so why not having it :).
I have the Z 50f1.8 and love it. Brilliant lens without question. As for "value," the Z 50 MC f2.8 macro is the better deal. You are getting a still pretty sharp 50mm, with the macro functionality, smaller and lighter, all for just a few more bucks. The Z 17-28 f2.8 is not a true internal zoom. That is incorrect. Its internal zoom-ish. It suffers a great deal of vignetting, which is not the end of the world. Its pretty sharp, but not the sharpest. Decently controlled coma. However, it's not wide enough. The extra 3mm on the wide end is kind of a big deal. For a few more bucks, the Z 14-30 f4 is the better value. I am not a fan of pancake lenses, but if I had to get into something along those lines the Z DX 12-28 PZ is hard to beat in terms of value.
I bought a 28mm 2.8 based on rave revues such as yours. Everything you said light compact cheap yes BUT very mediocre pics. It was to supplement my superb but heavy 24-120 f4 S lens but is just not good enough, Now saving my drachmas for a 35mm 1.8 S however hope to try before I buy.
I found this video looking for compact lenses for my Nikon Zf. Can you do a video on the best compact lenses for this camera. Especially for travel. Or if you can just recommend some, it’ll be much appreciated. Edit: just wanted to add that I already have the 40mm f2 lens. It’s actually the only lens I have for this mount. 😅
That's definitely how I feel with the 28mm, I wouldn't mind trying out the 40mm just for fun, but I just don't have a use for it at the moment. I've heard really good things about it tho :)
@@TheProjectPhotography Don't hestitate to try it if you have a chance :) The same with me & 28/2.8 :D I really find 40mm so useful because it serves me as something between 35mm and 50mm. That's my great everyday lens :)
The 40mm f2 is a no brainer when it comes to "value." I bought it a while back at $269 brand new and it way out performs it's price point. The z 24-120 f4 might cost $1099, but the quality and versatility for the price makes it another "value" lens, in my opinion.
Fun topic. It's always entertaining to listen to other people's opinions on what "value" represents to them.
Thanks for the video👍
The 24-120 for 1k is actually a great deal too tbh. It should be in many photographers bags, but everyone has a different opinion on what value means and my definition is slightly unconventional relative to everyone else. Which is a big reason I decided to make a video for best "value" over "budget" lenses :)
I’ve already seen the 24-120 go on sale for $899 more than once, and it’s fantastic value at that price. Also willing to bet this will become a kit lens moving forward (already with Z8)..
It’s the only lens that I really use at this point. My other lenses are just decoration most of the time lol
The Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S Lens is the perfect lens for all you parents out there - a single lens that does everything family-related in a compact package. Can have a whole day out with the kids and never need to change a lens, plus a spare hand to push bikes, wrangle the dog and drink coffee. On my Z6ii, it's basically the only lens I use.
Waiting for the tamron 35 150 f2.8
This is exactly the combination I want, and for the same reasons. ❤
I use it for pro work 95% of the time. Amazing lens. Much better than F mount version which I also used extensively.
If you don’t have a full frame Z camera the DX 28mm F1.7 is a great lens too!
Only needing one hand on the camera since it has no zoom, with a toddler makes that makes it much easier to catch spontaneous moments and for my wife to use too instead of her iPhone
Exactly my set up Kris. The quality is superb. See my comment above re 28mm 2,8. . Cheers from Australia.
I totally agree with you on Z 28mm/2.8. 🙏 It’s one of the most underrated Z glasses. As using Z 28mm for a year, I felt it performs so much better than F mount 28mm lenses in terms of the contrast, sharpness, flare resistance, and CA.
Although some of reviews claim that Z 28mm shows a lower resolution in MTF test, it isn’t true in real-world situation; Indeed, wide angle lens test should be penalized by focusing the small test paper at closer distance, which generally gives poor MTF LW/PH values over the others.
Actually, Z 26mm can perform as good as S series even at close distance thanks to ‘all-elements-focusing’. However, this inevitably makes the AF noise, protruding barrel(can be concealed in the hood though), and twice expensive price over Z 28mm.
In conclusion, Z 28mm/2.8 is a hidden jewel among the Z lenses, highly recommendable for all Z users!👍
The 26mm is a super interesting lens for me. Quite interesting considering the 28mm does very similar things.
we do nốt need 28mm f-2,8 WHEN you have 17-28mm f2.8 hihihihi
In essence, it is internally the same 17-28mm f2.8 lens from Tamron in E-mount for my Sony cameras and it is superb . It has produced awesome images around the world for me since 2020. A bit less costly in E-mount at $799 USD, but its image quality and versatility is certainly worth the $996 USD price tag in Z-mount. I highly recommend this lens for Z camera owners. Cheers and best to you.
Have the 28, 40, 50, and 85 primes and they're all fantastic. Especially love the colors I'm getting mounted on the Z6ii. 14-30 f4 seems like a better choice than the 17-28 unless you're shooting astro.
I have not seen a bad Z lens yet. Nikon is knocking it out of the park with the z glass.
Honestly I haven't either, every lens I've used has been absolutely stunning. Even the super cheap 50-250mm dx!
The Nikon 28-75mm 2.8 lens is no slouch either. I just ordered the newly released 70-180mm 2.8 to complete the three lens system. This new lens can also use the 1.4x and 2x Z teleconverters. Your excellent video will help many Nikon mirrorless shooters.
I hope the new 70-180 works out for you. I was definitely contemplating getting one, but I think I'm going to go with the 70-200 eventually 👀. But you definitely won't go wrong with getting the 70-180 tho :)
Also going for the budget 2.8 trinity. I have a few 1.8 S prime lenses also when I need ultimate image quality. I'd rather have the 2.8 trinity than the Nikon F4 zooms though we had to use on F mount, (and over the z mount) I shoot a mix of landscape + events + portraits. The 2.8 Nikon versions are just too heavy and $$$. I am kind of surprised at the quality of the Tamron set, as I usually shunned 3rd party lenses but these are good, I just wasn't paying attention to them.
The 50mm f1.8 S is fantastic, just wish it was a bit smaller (like the older versions), but the image quality is outstanding. I'm intrigued by the 17-28 2.8 but I really like the S lenses (just not the price). My favourite lens currently is my 24-120 f4, which is an amazing all around lens, it's hardly off my Z6II.
The Z28mm 2.8 is only $276 on B&H site. Why would you buy used for $200 and lose the 2 year warranty? Same with the Z50mm...Nikon has some great sales from time to time. Great lens though....Thanks for sharing...
I don't even own this lens, but to me it's the 24-70 if you get it as a kit lens. It's way better than any kit lens should be. I didn't get it because I got a secondhand body on its own and then got the 24-120, but it's such a good lens when you compare to the mediocre kit lenses other brands offer.
I bought my Z6 second hand. Then, I bought the 24-70 f/4. It lives on my camera, despite fact that own multiple other Nikon lenses. I love it.
Thanks for this review. My Z8 should be here this week and I ordered a "filler" 24-70 f4 lens to start with, plus I'll get the adapter to use my existing F mount lenses, of which I have a "few" for my existing D800 and D850. I was hoping for a decent prime lens, and while I have always been partial to a good 50mm, maybe a 28mm might be a good option after watching this.
Although it isn't a Z mount lens, my go-to lens for taking anywhere is the Tamron 18-400. It's a brilliant lens.
I have the Z mount 2.8 70-200 which I use for sport, I just need a replacement for my Sigma 17-70.
traver now only NEED sony RX 100 mark7 ok.....ít covered all situations from a to x ok....lén 18-200 mm f2.8
Nice video and great information. I already have 28mm, and had 50mm before it got lost at UPS. Instead of replacing the 500m, I am thinking about mid-range prime like 85mm. The 135mm would be on my list, if it wasn't so expensive. Nice information.
I almost went with the 50 but went 85 and 35 instead. The 50 f1.4 wasn't great wide open so unless I find it for cheap I'll stick with latter. Hope you get your Z6iii soon!
85/35 is definitely a solid combo. It essentially achieves the same goal as the 50, but with a different personal preference. Also, the z6 iii is gonna be a sick camera, just patiently waiting for its release :)
Best travel camera for me. A fun lens to use on it the adapted voigtlander 35 sony mount, my favourite combo
Nice list of value lenses. I would also add the 40 F/2 to the list.
I've heard a lot of great things about that lens, I haven't tried it out for myself yet
@@TheProjectPhotography I also have the 35 1.8 S which is my favorite Z lens but for travel and family, the 40F/2 is a great option.
Agreed. It’s surprisingly sharp.
Would the 17-28 overlap with the 28mm as they are both 2.8?
Nikon Z cameras - even if you sometimes hear the opposite - have a large choice of optics including some old afs lenses perfectly usable with the f2z adaptor… but I don’t t completely agree with your choice. Ok for the 28 which is good, light and rather cheap. For the 50mm f1.8, it s quite expensive for a 50mm which are not so hard to build. I think the old afs 50mm 1.8g can be a good bargain on second market at around 150€… the size with the adaptor is comparable for less than one third of the price of this new one. If you want to be more versatile you can also find the excellent zoom Z 24-70 at around 400$ second hand because as it’s sold in some kit a lot of people re sell it and finally for 550$ (the price of this new 50mm z lens you have the Z zoom and the afs prime… who needs more :). Then for larger wide angle you propose the Tamron rebadged by Nikon 17-28 f2.8. I think that for 20% increase of price you have the 14-30 which beats yours at the 2 extremities of the range and honnestly who needs f2.8 on wide angle when these focals are used 90% of time between f5.6 and f11 ? Finally I would add for travel a lens that allows you to let it all time on the camera : the 24-200 is envied by Sony and canon because they don’t have a such quality for this extreme range in thief lines… so why not having it :).
I have the Z 50f1.8 and love it. Brilliant lens without question. As for "value," the Z 50 MC f2.8 macro is the better deal. You are getting a still pretty sharp 50mm, with the macro functionality, smaller and lighter, all for just a few more bucks. The Z 17-28 f2.8 is not a true internal zoom. That is incorrect. Its internal zoom-ish. It suffers a great deal of vignetting, which is not the end of the world. Its pretty sharp, but not the sharpest. Decently controlled coma. However, it's not wide enough. The extra 3mm on the wide end is kind of a big deal. For a few more bucks, the Z 14-30 f4 is the better value. I am not a fan of pancake lenses, but if I had to get into something along those lines the Z DX 12-28 PZ is hard to beat in terms of value.
I bought a 28mm 2.8 based on rave revues such as yours. Everything you said light compact cheap yes BUT very mediocre pics. It was to supplement my superb but heavy 24-120 f4 S lens but is just not good enough, Now saving my drachmas for a 35mm 1.8 S however hope to try before I buy.
How would the 50mm do for action sports? Specifically, autofocus speed and subject tracking?
I found this video looking for compact lenses for my Nikon Zf. Can you do a video on the best compact lenses for this camera. Especially for travel. Or if you can just recommend some, it’ll be much appreciated.
Edit: just wanted to add that I already have the 40mm f2 lens. It’s actually the only lens I have for this mount. 😅
These are good lens on a budget, but if your don’t mind paying big money where prices don’t matter what would you put in your kit?
50 S f 1.8 is GREAT but you asked for 3 and the 50 would be in my top 5
Just because a Plastic Milk Bottle costs less than a $ doesnt make it a great lens ??
40/2 is also worth trying as the others wrote before :) Cheap and decent quality with unique image look - reminds me of the older D series for DSLRs.
That's definitely how I feel with the 28mm, I wouldn't mind trying out the 40mm just for fun, but I just don't have a use for it at the moment. I've heard really good things about it tho :)
@@TheProjectPhotography Don't hestitate to try it if you have a chance :) The same with me & 28/2.8 :D I really find 40mm so useful because it serves me as something between 35mm and 50mm. That's my great everyday lens :)
soft at F2 with Vinetting, not great lens to me
@@Ed-lz4jv So what you got?