This is still a great lens, especially considering the price point at which it is aimed at. The differences in sharpness in the corners is simply a case of splitting hairs. I suspect 99% of photographers could not care less about the slightly weaker corners for sharpness! Photography is so so much more about image corner sharpness.
If you don't have the 24-70/4S, it's an easy recommend. If you do have the 24-70/4S, it's a fair point to ask what the 28/2.8 brings to the table since it doesn't seem to perform any better. Sharpness is just one aspect, but if it really has nothing on the kit zoom (rendering quality, macro performance, contrast, distortion, whatever) then it's only advantage is size/handling.
Im sure Nikon could make the corners sharper or the max aperture bigger while keeping the same length, if they charged considerably more. My personal feeling is that the lens' performance is perfectly adequate for its size/weight given the price. The F4 zoom is a real option I suppose, definitely a better lens on paper, but for what this little lens is good for that option is big/heavy IMO. If Im in a situation where I need significant edge/corner sharpness, then I'll just pay the penalty and cart out something like the 24/1.8S or even better the 20/1.8S which is one of the sharpest wide angles made for any system. That said, I'm a little sad there isnt a more premium 28mm option. A 28/2.0 non-S that doesnt quite have to live up to the 1.8S lenses' size would be killer. There are so few non-S lenses, and IMO the 26mm was kind of a miss. At current though Im happy to work with the 28/40 for an awful lot of situations and then bring a bigger lens if I have a specific need for it. Both cheap primes offer good center performance, way more than good enough for travel/documenting daily life kind of stuff.
Thanks for watching the video and for the thoughtful comment. I agree the performance of the two muffins is very usable in many circumstances. I think we all have different priorities and tolerances and it’s great to have a variety of choices. Thanks again.
I know its 7 months old now but on the z cameras you can set the camera to where holding back button focus and turning the ring goes straight into manual mode without having to dive into the menu
Hey Ash, thanks for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment. I mention what I called manual focus override which is what you’re describing. It works well on a bunch (all?) Z bodies. I use the shutter button to focus but it does the same as your BBF. I guess it’d be nice to not have to press the focus button to manual focus, but it’s not a big deal. Thanks again for the thoughtful post.
Excellent video. Gets right to the heart of the issues which need to be considered when contemplating buying this lens. I am looking to expand my kit, but I have 3 Nikon zoom lenses which cover the range from 14mm to 400mm. The 1-stop difference between f4 and f2.8 is not a good tradeoff for loss in image quality. I had been considering both this lens, and the 40mm f2, and as a result of your videos decided not to spend my money on either of them. If I am going to stick prime lens in the middle of my available zoom range, I want it to be blazingly sharp and fast.
Hey Alan, thanks for taking the time to comment and for the kind feedback. I’d guessing you have the 14-30, 24-120 (or 24-70) and 100-400? There’s definitely a trade off in size and speed between the zooms and the muffins but with the 24-70 in particular, I find the flexibility of the zoom more appealing than the smaller size of the 28mm and its one stop advantage. The 40mm does give you a couple of stops which is very useful in low light but the close up wide open performance is not good. That said, it’s nice Nikon has given us a number of options at different price points. Thanks again.
Hey Intrinsic, thanks very much for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment. I would say the lens is less compelling than most but it generally adequate if unspectacular. I haven’t checked out the Viltrox 28mm f1.8 but I bought the Viltrox 20mm f2.8 which is very compelling for the money. Thanks again.
yes. if you not like me. getting z35/1.8s then get z28/2.8. z35/1.8 IQ so good it makes z28 look soft lol. 3 weeks ownership and sold it after i got ai 28/2.8 for my nikon fm2n and fg
Thanks for checking out the video. The 28mm f2.8 is decently sharp but its not as sharp or consistently sharp across apertures and across the frame as the S primes. But for the price differential, I think that would be unreasonable. Thanks again.
I'd love to know where you can buy a secondhand 24-70mm f/4 "which can be had secondhand for not much more than the retail price of the 28mm". I bought the 28mm f/2.8 today for $279.00, and it seems that the 24-70 is more like $450 secondhand.
Hey Duncan, thanks for checking out the video. The price of the 24-70 f/4 has fluctuated a bit. I picked mine up after the 24-120 f/4 was released and the values of the 24-70 f/4 were pretty depressed. I picked mine up for around $365. I see them on currently on MPB going for $414 currently so they’re not quite as price competitive though I think it’s still a great lens for the money.
As someone has already mentioned you can't really get a 24-70 f/4 S for the price of the 28mm f/2.8 S, used or otherwise. I'm currently seeing a difference of $200 for used from reputable dealers. I have the 14-30 S. I have the 24-70 S. I love them both but even though they are small for what they are, they are often too big for casual carry. And my 70-200 f/2.8 certainly is. So how do you go super small and super light? Well, Nikon gives you those options with the 40 f/2, the 28 f/2.8 and the 26 f/2.8 (which unlike the other two is not cheap at all). I don't think it is practical to compare them with fast high end expensive primes. I don't even think it is practical to compare them to fast cheap Chinese primes. None of these are small and light. And I think that is the take home story here. Anyone expecting sub $300, small, lightweight primes to perform in the same way as large expensive primes is not being realistic. Small and light can be an extremely important aspects of a lens and that is going to come at a cost. Especially when you add 'cheap' to that formula. The adage about tripods comes to mind: Cheap. Light. Strong. You get to pick two of those. I already have the 40mm f2. I have no delusions about it. I have three S level lenses to compare it to. But I find it to be one of my favorite lenses. Likewise, at the next opportunity I will pick up a used 28 f2.8. I expect similar utility from it. These lenses turn a Z7 nearly into a compact camera. THAT is their magic.
@@jonneave I just saw that Viltrox has a full frame autofocus 40mm f/2.5 for Nikon Z mount. It may have been out for a while, I don't know. I haven't seen any reviews. It is a tiny bit larger and heavier. Not quite as fast but only $158! If it is no worse than the Nikkor it would be a compelling buy over the 40mm f/2. Thanks for your patience with us argumentative viewers. ;-)
Hey George, that’s not a lens I have used but it looks interesting for the price. I did pick up the V 20mm f2.8 for the Z mount as I didn’t want to splurge on a 14-30 at this point. For $158 the 20mm f2.8 is a pretty tidy lens. Great to have choices! And no worries about the back and forth! I learn something every time! Thanks again for taking the time to leave comments.
Hi, that’s not a lens I’ve ever used. It looks a great compromise in terms of maximum aperture, size and cost. I’d imagine the image quality isn’t quite as good as the Nikon 24-70 f2.8 or f4 but I’d guess it will be acceptable for most folks. Thanks for checking out the video.
I’m scared to trust any of these reviews, I found the 40mm horrendous! Horrible sharpness! Weird rendering and colors. I got the 35mm 1.8 and it was day and night difference. I have not seen your 40mm review though but most praised the lens.
Hey Serafin, thanks for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment. I think most reviewers don’t have the lens very long before they publish their reviews or people use the lens in a limited number of use cases and may be very happy with how it performs in those use cases. Check out my review of the 40mm f2 as I think I echo some of your opinions on the lens as well as being able to see how people might appreciate the lens in certain situations. Thanks again.
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This is still a great lens, especially considering the price point at which it is aimed at. The differences in sharpness in the corners is simply a case of splitting hairs. I suspect 99% of photographers could not care less about the slightly weaker corners for sharpness! Photography is so so much more about image corner sharpness.
Thanks for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment. At its sale price it’s certainly a nice lens for the money.
If you don't have the 24-70/4S, it's an easy recommend. If you do have the 24-70/4S, it's a fair point to ask what the 28/2.8 brings to the table since it doesn't seem to perform any better. Sharpness is just one aspect, but if it really has nothing on the kit zoom (rendering quality, macro performance, contrast, distortion, whatever) then it's only advantage is size/handling.
Im sure Nikon could make the corners sharper or the max aperture bigger while keeping the same length, if they charged considerably more. My personal feeling is that the lens' performance is perfectly adequate for its size/weight given the price. The F4 zoom is a real option I suppose, definitely a better lens on paper, but for what this little lens is good for that option is big/heavy IMO. If Im in a situation where I need significant edge/corner sharpness, then I'll just pay the penalty and cart out something like the 24/1.8S or even better the 20/1.8S which is one of the sharpest wide angles made for any system. That said, I'm a little sad there isnt a more premium 28mm option. A 28/2.0 non-S that doesnt quite have to live up to the 1.8S lenses' size would be killer. There are so few non-S lenses, and IMO the 26mm was kind of a miss. At current though Im happy to work with the 28/40 for an awful lot of situations and then bring a bigger lens if I have a specific need for it. Both cheap primes offer good center performance, way more than good enough for travel/documenting daily life kind of stuff.
Thanks for watching the video and for the thoughtful comment. I agree the performance of the two muffins is very usable in many circumstances. I think we all have different priorities and tolerances and it’s great to have a variety of choices. Thanks again.
I know its 7 months old now but on the z cameras you can set the camera to where holding back button focus and turning the ring goes straight into manual mode without having to dive into the menu
Hey Ash, thanks for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment. I mention what I called manual focus override which is what you’re describing. It works well on a bunch (all?) Z bodies. I use the shutter button to focus but it does the same as your BBF. I guess it’d be nice to not have to press the focus button to manual focus, but it’s not a big deal. Thanks again for the thoughtful post.
Your videos are great! Using them a lot to help me decide on purchasing. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!
Thanks for checking out the video and the very kind comments!
Recommendations if this lens is good for night sky and lowlights situations
Thank you for the thorough review! What was the camera and lens, with which you filmed this video? The quality is amazing!!
Thanks Herbert! The camera was the Z8 with the 24-120. It’s a very news lens. Thanks again for taking the time to watch the video and commenting.
@ Amazing quality!!
@ thanks! Blame the camera rather than me!
Excellent review. It is transparent and honest. Thank you.
Hey Martin, many thanks for the kind comment!
Excellent video. Gets right to the heart of the issues which need to be considered when contemplating buying this lens. I am looking to expand my kit, but I have 3 Nikon zoom lenses which cover the range from 14mm to 400mm. The 1-stop difference between f4 and f2.8 is not a good tradeoff for loss in image quality. I had been considering both this lens, and the 40mm f2, and as a result of your videos decided not to spend my money on either of them. If I am going to stick prime lens in the middle of my available zoom range, I want it to be blazingly sharp and fast.
Hey Alan, thanks for taking the time to comment and for the kind feedback. I’d guessing you have the 14-30, 24-120 (or 24-70) and 100-400? There’s definitely a trade off in size and speed between the zooms and the muffins but with the 24-70 in particular, I find the flexibility of the zoom more appealing than the smaller size of the 28mm and its one stop advantage. The 40mm does give you a couple of stops which is very useful in low light but the close up wide open performance is not good. That said, it’s nice Nikon has given us a number of options at different price points. Thanks again.
Had this lens. Thought it was junk and sold it. Bought the Viltrox 28mm 1.8, and love it.
Hey Intrinsic, thanks very much for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment. I would say the lens is less compelling than most but it generally adequate if unspectacular. I haven’t checked out the Viltrox 28mm f1.8 but I bought the Viltrox 20mm f2.8 which is very compelling for the money. Thanks again.
If you use back button focus then the lack of a manual focus button isn’t a problem.
That’s very helpful. I don’t use it myself but the lack of a manual focus switch is moot for BBF shooters. Thanks for checking out the video.
Thanks for these informative reviews. Skipping the hype and citing the shortcomings in a direct manner.
Thanks Furkan! I appreciate the feedback and I’m glad it’s helpful. Thanks for checking out the video!
Fun and informative video! Thank you!
Hey Stevie, thanks for checking out the video! You are my number 1 viewer!
yes. if you not like me. getting z35/1.8s then get z28/2.8. z35/1.8 IQ so good it makes z28 look soft lol. 3 weeks ownership and sold it after i got ai 28/2.8 for my nikon fm2n and fg
Thanks for checking out the video. The 28mm f2.8 is decently sharp but its not as sharp or consistently sharp across apertures and across the frame as the S primes. But for the price differential, I think that would be unreasonable. Thanks again.
I'd love to know where you can buy a secondhand 24-70mm f/4 "which can be had secondhand for not much more than the retail price of the 28mm". I bought the 28mm f/2.8 today for $279.00, and it seems that the 24-70 is more like $450 secondhand.
Hey Duncan, thanks for checking out the video. The price of the 24-70 f/4 has fluctuated a bit. I picked mine up after the 24-120 f/4 was released and the values of the 24-70 f/4 were pretty depressed. I picked mine up for around $365. I see them on currently on MPB going for $414 currently so they’re not quite as price competitive though I think it’s still a great lens for the money.
And by the way, enjoy your new lens!
And since both are readily available used, a fairer comparison would bs the 2x more a 24-70/4S costs over a used 28/2.8.
Thanks very much for your review
Thanks for watching the video and for the kind comment!
This is the lens I keep on my camera most of the time but have 24-120 ready when needed.
Thanks for checking out the video. Which body do you primarily use?
@@jonneave Z7ii
That’s a nice compact set-up. The Z6 and Z7s are great small cameras. Enjoy!
Great, straight to the point review! 🤗
Many thanks Michael! I appreciate the feedback!
As someone has already mentioned you can't really get a 24-70 f/4 S for the price of the 28mm f/2.8 S, used or otherwise. I'm currently seeing a difference of $200 for used from reputable dealers.
I have the 14-30 S. I have the 24-70 S. I love them both but even though they are small for what they are, they are often too big for casual carry. And my 70-200 f/2.8 certainly is.
So how do you go super small and super light? Well, Nikon gives you those options with the 40 f/2, the 28 f/2.8 and the 26 f/2.8 (which unlike the other two is not cheap at all).
I don't think it is practical to compare them with fast high end expensive primes. I don't even think it is practical to compare them to fast cheap Chinese primes. None of these are small and light.
And I think that is the take home story here. Anyone expecting sub $300, small, lightweight primes to perform in the same way as large expensive primes is not being realistic.
Small and light can be an extremely important aspects of a lens and that is going to come at a cost. Especially when you add 'cheap' to that formula.
The adage about tripods comes to mind: Cheap. Light. Strong. You get to pick two of those.
I already have the 40mm f2. I have no delusions about it. I have three S level lenses to compare it to. But I find it to be one of my favorite lenses.
Likewise, at the next opportunity I will pick up a used 28 f2.8. I expect similar utility from it. These lenses turn a Z7 nearly into a compact camera. THAT is their magic.
Thanks for your perspective. It’s adds to the discourse.
@@jonneave I just saw that Viltrox has a full frame autofocus 40mm f/2.5 for Nikon Z mount. It may have been out for a while, I don't know. I haven't seen any reviews. It is a tiny bit larger and heavier. Not quite as fast but only $158! If it is no worse than the Nikkor it would be a compelling buy over the 40mm f/2.
Thanks for your patience with us argumentative viewers. ;-)
Hey George, that’s not a lens I have used but it looks interesting for the price. I did pick up the V 20mm f2.8 for the Z mount as I didn’t want to splurge on a 14-30 at this point. For $158 the 20mm f2.8 is a pretty tidy lens. Great to have choices!
And no worries about the back and forth! I learn something every time! Thanks again for taking the time to leave comments.
pls commend about z28-75/2.8,thank you
Hi, that’s not a lens I’ve ever used. It looks a great compromise in terms of maximum aperture, size and cost. I’d imagine the image quality isn’t quite as good as the Nikon 24-70 f2.8 or f4 but I’d guess it will be acceptable for most folks. Thanks for checking out the video.
good video
Thanks Wil - and thanks for checking out the video!
I’m scared to trust any of these reviews, I found the 40mm horrendous! Horrible sharpness! Weird rendering and colors. I got the 35mm 1.8 and it was day and night difference. I have not seen your 40mm review though but most praised the lens.
Hey Serafin, thanks for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment. I think most reviewers don’t have the lens very long before they publish their reviews or people use the lens in a limited number of use cases and may be very happy with how it performs in those use cases. Check out my review of the 40mm f2 as I think I echo some of your opinions on the lens as well as being able to see how people might appreciate the lens in certain situations. Thanks again.