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Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 · Nikon UK lens photograph

Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8
Photo 1 of 9

Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 · Nikon UK lens photograph

Nikon · NIKKOR

NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8

Released March 2023

A 23.5 mm-thick full-frame pancake prime with a metal mount, all-element focusing and a supplied hood that accepts 52 mm filters.

Mount
Nikon Z mount
Focal length
26 mm
Max aperture
f/2.8
Stabilisation
No
Weight
125 g

What reviewers say

Both praise its very small size, low weight and sharp central results, but note corner shading, audible autofocus and a substantial launch-price premium over the 28mm f/2.8. Amateur Photographer finds autofocus slow in dim light or large distance changes and considers the 28mm better value for most users. Camera Labs finds focus reliable and reasonably fast, though slower than the 28mm, with visible focus breathing. Its tests show weak full-frame corners and coma wide open, improving when stopped down. Both find the focusing noise problematic for video recorded with a nearby microphone. Camera Labs recommends it particularly when minimum size matters, while Amateur Photographer finds the size advantage difficult to justify at the launch price.

From amateurphotographer.com, cameralabs.com, cameralabs.com and cameralabs.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
26 mm
Maximum aperture
f/2.8
Minimum aperture
f/16
Optical construction
Eight elements in six groups
Special elements
Three aspherical elements
Aperture detail
f/2.8 maximum; f/16 minimum
Diaphragm
Seven rounded blades
Angle of view
FX 79°; DX 57°

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Nikon Z mount
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Nikon Z mount; FX and DX cameras; DX gives the angle of view of a 39 mm lens on full frame

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.2 m
Maximum magnification
0.19×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Stepping-motor autofocus, according to Nikon USA
Focus distance detail
All-element focusing system; minimum 0.2 m measured from focal plane. The inner barrel extends during close focusing
Magnification detail
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.19×
Stabilisation detail
No optical VR; compatible bodies can provide sensor-shift stabilisation
Video features
Camera Labs finds visible focus breathing; both Camera Labs and Amateur Photographer find audible focus-drive noise

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
52 mm
Maximum diameter
70 mm
Length
23.5 mm
Weight
125 g
Controls
Programmable focus/control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; focus mode selected through the camera
Filter detail
52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch, attach to the supplied HB-111 hood rather than directly to the lens
Weather resistance
Metal mount and dust- and drip-resistant design; Nikon does not guarantee resistance in every condition
Dimensions detail
Approximately 70 × 23.5 mm, distance to end of lens measured from camera lens mount flange
Weight detail
Approximately 125 g
Lens hood
HB-111 included; provides filter attachment and protects the front
In the box
LC-K108 front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-111 hood; CL-C4 case optional
Release detail
Nikon USA specifies early March 2023 availability; month precision retained

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Compact 23.5 mm length and 125 g weight
  • Metal mount and dust- and drip-resistant design
  • Supplied compact hood accepts 52 mm filters

Cons

  • No optical vibration reduction
  • Filters require the hood to be attached
  • No A/M switch or supplied case

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Nikon Z mount28 mmf/2.8No155 gJul 2021
Nikon Z mount24 mmf/1.8No450 gOct 2019
Nikon Z mount20 mmf/1.8No505 gMar 2020

Sources

  1. nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/lenses/mirrorless/nikkor-z-26mm-f2.8
  2. nikonusa.com/press-room/85mm-26mm
  3. amateurphotographer.com/review/nikon-nikkor-z-26mm-f-2-8-review
  4. cameralabs.com/nikon-z-26mm-f2-8-review
  5. cameralabs.com/nikon-z-26mm-f2-8-review/2
  6. cameralabs.com/nikon-z-26mm-f2-8-review/4

Photo: Nikon UK lens photograph

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